The Presidency has denied that President Muhammadu Buhari ever promised the nation to make his assets public if elected .

According to the special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina in an interview with  Kayode Ogundamisi ,Adesina said the All Progressives Congress not the President promised to declare his assets publicly if elected.He said

“You need to get his words right, go and check all that the president said during the campaign, in no place would you see it attributed to him as a person,”
“But then there is a document by his party, the All Progressives Congress, saying he would declare publicly, so we need to set that right, it’s a declaration by his party.
“Now what does the law require?
The law requires public officers to declare their assets; he has done that. But his party has a document that says he would do it publicly.“There is a procedure for that, and the procedure is that you first declare, code of conduct (bureau) would verify and after that, if you want to make it public, the onus lies on you to say release. The procedure has to be followed.He has declared, and it is deposited with the code of conduct bureau and they need to verify. Let’s come to that time when code of conduct would say we have completed verification.”

During the 2015 electioneering campaign, President Buhari is quoted to have openly promised to declare his assets publicly within the first 100 days of his administration.

“I believe if Nigeria does not kill corruption; corruption will kill Nigeria. I pledge to: Publicly declare my assets and liabilities and encourage my political appointees to also publicly declare their assets and liabilities,”

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (File Photo)

Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola has finally come out to address claims that he spent N78 million tax-payers’ money for the upgrade of his personal website.
The former Governor in a new statement didn't deny that  N78 million was spent on the upgrade of the website, but that the upgrade included “other services” which included getting a mobile application among other things.

In the statement, Fashola also addressed allegations that he had fathered children out of wedlock and his involvement in the National Assembly crisis.

Read after the cut:
Read the full statement below:

“When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty.”

This statement of profound wisdom informed my silence in the wake of manipulated and unsubstantiated allegations of wrongdoing recently being levelled against me. They started a few weeks to the end of my tenure, and have continued till date. They range from allegations of extra marital paternity of children, to mundane and phantom conspiracy in the National Assembly, a debt profile for Lagos State and lately a website upgrade contract of N78 million, which is being distorted.

In so far as the allegations of paternity are concerned, they are wicked and false. I have no biological children other than my two children. Of course, I adopted three children who became orphaned as a result of the tragic DANA Airplane crash of 2012 and the adoption followed due process.

Those who do not care whether they hurt innocent children or invade the privacy of other citizens in their mindless rage against me will have their rewards served upon them in the fullness of time. As far as my alleged involvement in the National Assembly elections are concerned, they remain only the products of the imagination of those who made the allegations.

I was out of the country at the material time and returned only in the early hours of that morning to Abuja, and from there proceeded to Lagos. As far as debts of Lagos State are concerned, the fact is that Lagos had always had debts. Her population is growing and for a long time she has run deficit budgets to cater to the needs of that growing population.

All the debts contracted in my time were approved by the Parliament in the annual budgets, some have been paid back and the financial status was healthy and stable when I left. The outlook for the state and her rating by Fitch was long-term foreign and local currency IDRs at ‘BB-‘, short-term IDR at ‘B’ and national long-term rating at ‘AA+(nga)’.

When we all pause to reflect and think ,we will realise that there are a sizable number of companies who are running business, who have no responsibility for Security, Public Health, Public Education and other responsibilities of Government, who borrow more than Lagos State Government, whether collectively or individually. As far as the website contract is concerned, yes there was a contract. It went through procurement and was approved by the Government agency authorised to do so.

One of the services was an “upgrade” quoted for N12.5 million but awarded for N12 million. There were other services that were new; like a handover countdown clock, mobile Apps for Google, for IOS and ipad, for Microsoft, and for Research in Motion (Blackberry), which the existing website did not have, as well as the annual maintenance cost for managing the website.

It was for all these services that the contract was issued for N78 million, which the Lagos State procurement agency gave a No Objection based on the advice of the Ministry of Science and Technology, who are the Government adviser on ICT matters. In publishing this Contract award which was the Government tradition under my watch, the procurement agency’s website summarised it as “upgrade” only without detailing the other services and this has been distorted by the agents of hate as their suspected “smoking gun”.

For those who are familiar with mobile Applications, they will know that users either pay for them online or download them for free. What is usual is that applications for service are usually provided to users free, but somebody bears the cost. Since these applications were to be made available to the public for free access and to assist Government communication, we decided to pay for them. The entire documents are with the Lagos State Government and are available for those who seek the truth.

For the record, since 2008, long before the Freedom of Information Act was ever passed, we had put out all our contracts on the State website because I believe people deserve to know. It is regrettable that a “summary” of the contract has been deliberately distorted to misinform the public. This particular website came into being as a result of the decision I made to make my telephone number public for the several thousands of people seeking to reach me daily.

The website that is now under attack helped me to do my job and to respond to citizens, and the contract was issued to run till my last day of office. It stands logic upside down for to “fraudulently” award a contract and then have it published on a website. To date, there have been 27.666 million hits on this website, with 1,844 videos, 34,381 photographs, 2,531 Press Releases and 595 Speeches, among other items of public communication.

I have chosen to make this personal response because as the head of government at the time of the transaction, the buck as they say stops on my desk and also because of the many calls, text messages and mails coming from many people seeking clarification and to prevent fiction from being mistaken for truth. I expect that there may be more distorted allegations without evidence, for reasons that remain in the realm of speculation, because, I have been informed reliably that large amounts of money are being paid to some of these agents to bear false witness.

I cannot conclude without responding to the crusade of CACOL and their ilk, seeking my prosecution on allegations that have no proof and writing “pre-emptive” letters to the Presidency. In case they are unaware, I am not looking for a job. I expect them to know that allegations of wrong doing are not resolved without evidence, neither are they resolved in press conferences.

I have served my state, and by extension, my country for Twelve and half years and I did so with my heart. I am taking the rest that I believe I have earned. For those who still wish to remain in the mud, they should look in the mirror. For those who wish to throw mud at me, they should look at their own hands. As for me, I have moved on. My job is done.

Well said and addressed, but as for the Paternity disclaimer, all I can say is HMMMMMM. 

The River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the last governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi for alleged corrupt practices since he has publicly announced his zero tolerance for corruption.

This comes on the heels of a petition addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, detailing several cases of corruption and under-hand dealings.

Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Samuel Nwanosike, who spoke with newsmen said President Buhari must leave no sacred cow in his clampdown on looters of the country’s resources as Amaechi has a lot to answer for as proceeds from transactions during his tenure could not be traced.

Nwanosike said:

“Since the President of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, has told the world that he is a man with zero tolerance for corruption, we, the people of Rivers, are asking that there should be no sacred cow. We are saying that corruption in Rivers State should be investigated and justice should be done.
“As we speak to you, we cannot trace the proceeds that emanated from all the government’s transactions that that took place in Rivers State.
“Can you imagine that between December 1 and 8, 2014, with one address – 25 Trans-Amadi Road, Port Harcourt, over N21bn of Rivers funds were transferred? We are asking, where did these funds go?”

The All Progressive Congress presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, pictured with Governor Fashola on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the annual Lagos state thanksgiving service in Alausa, Ikeja Lagos. (Photo Provided by StateCraft)

Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to consider the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), for appointment.
CACOL Executive Chairman, Debo Adeniran, told The Punch that Fashola’s administration must be probed to prove he is clean.
Adeniran recalled that following disclosure of may dilapidated schools in the state, Socio-Economic Right Accountability Project used the Freedom of Information Act to know how the Fashola government spent a $200m World Bank education funds.
The state government refused to disclose, on the claim that the FOI Act did not apply to state governments.

Continuing, Adeniran said CACOL investigation showed that the 1.36km Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, which was reportedly built for N25bn, cost only N6bn.

He said he had written a series of petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to probe the various projects of the Fashola government in the face of the over N500bn debt left behind by the government.

He said he was shocked to find out that the commission had continued to ignore all the petitions despite the fact that Fashsola no longer enjoyed immunity, having left office over 60 days ago.

In a letter addressed to the President titled, ‘Don’t elevate Fashola,’ CACOL noted :

“Mr. President, we are constrained at this point in time to bring to your attention our critical reaction to the unbridled speculation making the rounds for some time now, from the members of the public as well as the media, as to the fact that the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, is being considered by the presidency for higher national responsibility.
“Feelers have it that his name is prominent on the list of the president’s nominees for key offices in your administration.
“It is gratifying that you have promised at various fora that your appointments would be purely based on merit and that tested technocrats, with impeccable records, would be given their rightful places in your administration, as a way of ensuring good governance to the people of Nigeria.
“It is against this background that our organisation is appealing to you to please take the pains to dig deep into Mr. Babatunde Fashola’s record of performance as well as that of financial propriety on the part of his government while in office”.

Just In: President Buhari Sacks All Group Executive Directors Of The NNPC

Barely 24 hours after the appoint of Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu as the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, all Group Executive Directors (GEDs) of the corporation have been sacked with immediate effect.

The GEDs fired were appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in March 2014. They are: Mr. Ian Udoh leading Refining and Petrochemicals, Mr. Adebayo Ibirogba leading the Engineering and Technical team, Dr. David Ige leading Gas and Power, Dr. Attahir Yusuf leading Business Development; Dr. Dan Efebo leading Corporate Services, Mr. Bernard Otti in charge of Finance and Accounts, Ms. Aisha Abdurrahman leading Commerce and Investments, and Mr. Joseph Dawha leading Exploration and Production.

Word out also is that the new  GMD Kachikwu intends to reduce the number of GEDs from nine to four.

We were misunderstood..We are not preparing to indict anyone-Buhari

Nigeria’s president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday said his transition committee was not formed to indict the Federal Government led by President Goodluck Jonathan and his ministers.
Buhari said this while receiving Interim Report from the 19-man Transition Committee under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Ahmed Joda in Abuja.
According to him, the government’s committee, headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo, had yet to furnish the committee with any information.
PM News reports that,Buhari expressed disappointment that the incoming government was misunderstood.

“The incoming government was misunderstood. It is not that we are preparing for indictment. What we are trying to get is a starting point, where we are exactly going to start from.We have seen the debt profile and the performance of the economy.The question is what can we do about it especially the urgent ones like social security, lack of fuel in the country and fraud. The list is endless.
“I thank you for what you have done and I hope that the subsequent submission by the government will make your job easier and more efficient and tell us where to begin from.”

Jonathan averted evil by conceding defeat-Fashola

Outgoing governor of Lagos State Raji Fashola (SAN)in an interview with select media houses gave his opinion on president Jonathan conceding defeat .

I won’t join the debate because it is a raging debate; some say he is now a statesman, some say he is now a hero, others say he is not a hero as he did what he was expected to do. I will just say that first you must understand what we have become. All of us are looking at an election. Do we normally, as a people, accept that we have been defeated? Let us ask ourselves that question. Let me animate it a little: can you remember how many times in football that we lost – we can’t qualify – and some people will still be saying ‘no, if somebody beats somebody by 20-0, we will qualify?’
And they will continue to raise hope where, clearly, hope is gone. Logic says to you ‘this is over.’ That is us. We don’t accept that it is over. It can be a positive energy somewhere else, to fight to the last. But in that context, I think we should acknowledge what President Jonathan did as the right thing. If you lose, you should concede that you have lost.
I won’t join the debate on whether he is a hero or a statesman, people will have their views. But was that the right thing to do? Yes. And I hope that from there we can pick an example. Was it courageous? I would think so in the circumstance that I have created. He had to go and tell a party that wanted to rule for 60 years that we have lost and I have accepted it. There is a saying that while it seems ordinary to praise people for doing what is right or what is good, we must understand that it is not just for doing what is right or good that they got the praise or acknowledgement. It is because they avoided evil. And the kind of evil we could have seen is unfolding in Burundi now. The question is to ask the many ifs; ‘what if he (Jonathan) had said,' no?’ That is my final word.

 What are the things you are going to miss the most when you leave office?

I cannot think of missing anything. This is a public trust; it has a beginning and an end. And it finishes when it is finished. My life did not change when I took this job; not in any way that I know. My food has not changed; my clothing has not changed. Perhaps, the only thing I had to do more was travel, and now I will travel less. This is not something to miss; this is something to say that you have done your bit, get off the stage and let the next manager take over. 

 Does it mean you are going to be relieved after leaving?

I will not use the word relief. I will just be done.

 Are you leaving a fulfilled man?

Yes, to the extent that I was able to deliver substantially on everything I promised, and more. I have done my bit. You must contextualise fulfilment with the nature of the undertaking. It is an undertaking that never ends; it is a job that never finishes. The question is ‘did you add value?’ Yes. ‘Did you make an effort?’ Yes.

Culled from Punch

Photos of Buhari at his farm this morning

 President-elect Buhari visited his Farm in Daura,Kastina state this morning.He was accompanied by Governor of Ogun state Ibikunle Amosun & Abbah Kyari.

Man reportedly rides Donkey to Abuja for Buhari(Photo)

According to reports on social media,this man has decided to ride to Abuja on a donkey for Buhari's inauguration.Lol I don't want to believe this..

Fayose hails Mu’azu for resigning as PDP chairman

Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose has commended Mu’azu over his resignation as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.Fayose who had earlier accused the chairman of working against the PDP by having secret meetings with APC leader Tinubu told Channels

“I want to say that he has done well by accepting to ‘toe the path of honour’.Our call for his resignation was in line with proper practice all over the world.When a leader leads his own people to an election in a manner that the PDP was led, then it is honourable for him to depart peacefully and he has done it, though late, but still welcoming,”

“The PDP is not in a stable state because we fell and for anyone to fall, you need time to get your ass together.Overtime, things will fall in place.
“Adamu Muazu’s departure is normal. It is not out of place, the party will get over this period and we will pick the pieces and move on,” the Ekiti State Governor Stressed.

Fani Kayode's membership status must be investigated-PDP NWC

Fani Kayode is being investigated by the The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party over his membership with the party.In a letter to the state chairman in Osun state ,they are questioning the membership of Femi Fani-Kayode who is the Director, Media and Publicity, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation.

This is based on accusation by Fani-Kayode that some members of the committee worked for the opposition party, All Progressives Congress during the last election.According to them his statements were not in line with the party's constitution..

In a letter signed by Prof Wale Oladipo, the national secretary of the PDP, the committee questioned Fani-Kayode’s status and called for an investigation.

“The NWC at its meeting held on Wednesday, 20th May, 2015 reviewed the press war mounted against it by Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode and therefore request:

1. To investigate the membership status of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode”

“2. If he is a registered and financial member, proper disciplinary actions should be meted against him through the Ward for engaging in acts contrary to Section 58 (1) (b) of the Party Constitution

 3. If not a member, you are to reprimand him as an usurper

. 4. Furthermore, all actions taken should be communicated to the National Working Committee,” the statement read.

Why I'm fighting the Elite-Ben-Murray-Bruce

Media mogul and senator-elect, Ben Murray Bruce has reveled why he is fighting the elite.In an interview with Vanguard, he said

“I am fighting against the elite. Definitely, I am fighting them. When they drink that champagne that can educate a child, they should know that I am fighting them. You don’t fly a first class in government while in your private life, you fly economy. I am totally against their lifestyles.“We need to enact laws that favour the masses. The biggest problem in Nigeria today is that our consumption is on the high while production is low. Our leaders in APC, PDP, Labour, APGA and others are all guilty of one thing, which is consuming the resources of the majority of Nigerians.Imagine a situation where governors fly private jets, commissioners drive a twenty million naira car. Commissioners flying first class, living like kings while the state cannot pay salary of its workers. If a commissioner can have three or four policemen around him, who is policing the poor where they are being raped, maimed, robbed and killed?The question is what do we have for the masses? There are one hundred million people living on two dollars a day, in some places, the unemployment rate is 80 0r 90% and then you have governors living a champagne life. Small wonders in some places, thieves steal N50, N200, fishing nets and destroy the lives of the people”.