2019 Elections: PDP Forms Coalition With Over 30 Political Parties

Akinola Ajibola / 5 hours ago

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday formed a coalition with 38 other political parties in the country.

The parties announced when they met at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital, that they would operate under the Coalition of United Political Party (CUPP).

The announcement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the leaders of the parties, in their bid to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 elections.

Part of the agreement of the MoU was to mobilise support for consensus candidates at the centre, states, and the Legislative arm of government.

Leaders of political parties who attended the meeting include that of  Social Democratic Party of Nigeria (SDP), National Conscience Party (NCP), Labour Party, and a host of other registered parties.

PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Former Senate President David Mark, and R-APC Chairman Buba Galadima, were present at the meeting.

Some aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who broke out of the ruling party to form the Reformed APC, including the lawmaker representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye, were also present.

A photo combo of Secondus, Atiku, Galadima, and Melaye created by Channels Television on July 9, 2018.

With the new development, all parties involved will retain their identities but work together to wrest power from the APC in 2019.

Shortly before the MoU was signed, Mr Secondus gave a welcome speech.

Read the full speech below;

I welcome you all to this historic occasion that is going to be a watershed in the political evolution of our great country.

I liken what is happening here today to many landmark events in our political development as a nation starting from the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates that became Nigeria in 1914.

Other such landmark days in our country includes the day the colonial masters transited political power to Nigerians on October 1, 1960, after a tortuous struggle by our forefathers.

That historic day 14th January 1970 when the 30 months brutal civil war in Nigeria ended with the no victor, no vanquished understanding declared by the then Head of state General Yakubu Gowon.

Today is also like that day on October 1, 1979, when the military handed over power to a civilian administration

In a day like this, we cannot forget the struggle that led to the elimination of Abacha regime on June 8, 1998, the struggle and sacrifice that culminated in the May 29th, 1999 final return to democracy in our land.

Another landmark day in our polity that we must remember in a day like this is the first ever successful transfer of power from civilian to civilian administration that happened with the PDP surrendering power to APC on May 29th, 2015.

I have taken us this memory lane for us to properly appreciate the import of what we are gathered here to do today to help rescue our nation that is presently going through hardship with endless killings and blood flow in a country that is not at war with any nation.

We have all witnessed all forms of intimidation aimed at suffocating democracy in our land, frame-ups, arrests and total breakdown of law and order in some areas like Zamfara State where a governor had to relinquish his Chief Security Officer status.

Just last week the APC conquest regime came up with an Executive Order which all political watchers, including civil society groups, liken to Decree2 of the military era.

We know why they are doing this on the eve of a general election because they know the people have turned their back on them, but they want to retain power at all cost including cowing us down.

But we cannot be cowed, if our heroes past had been cowed down in these historic events I just highlighted above, we would not have democracy or a nation today.

We must stand up for the rule of law to prevail or posterity would judge us harshly.

Our leaders were fearless and united, and they rescued this country from draconian regimes in the past.

By what we are doing today, fear has taken flight and spirit of God has taken over, we must stand up to defend our people.

I, therefore, call on all of us to be strong, steadfast and courageous; let’s chase out APC in our lives and form a national government that will bring succour to our people.

Let us be firm in our decisions anticipating that our enemies will come up with all form of intrigues and strategies to rig election, but we call on the international community to watch happenings in our polity with an eagle eye to save democracy in our country.

In conclusion, my dear people, lovers of democracy, the report I got last night shows that Nigerians are still being killed in Plateau and some other states. I urge us to stand up for a minute silence for the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in these senseless killings.

Let’s collectively say Buhari! Nigeria lives matter, stop the killings now.

Thanks and God bless.

Prince Uche Secondus.

Visit website

2019 Elections: PDP Forms Coalition With Over 30 Political Parties

Akinola Ajibola / 5 hours ago

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday formed a coalition with 38 other political parties in the country.

The parties announced when they met at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital, that they would operate under the Coalition of United Political Party (CUPP).

The announcement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the leaders of the parties, in their bid to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 elections.

Part of the agreement of the MoU was to mobilise support for consensus candidates at the centre, states, and the Legislative arm of government.

Leaders of political parties who attended the meeting include that of  Social Democratic Party of Nigeria (SDP), National Conscience Party (NCP), Labour Party, and a host of other registered parties.

PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Former Senate President David Mark, and R-APC Chairman Buba Galadima, were present at the meeting.

Some aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who broke out of the ruling party to form the Reformed APC, including the lawmaker representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye, were also present.

A photo combo of Secondus, Atiku, Galadima, and Melaye created by Channels Television on July 9, 2018.

With the new development, all parties involved will retain their identities but work together to wrest power from the APC in 2019.

Shortly before the MoU was signed, Mr Secondus gave a welcome speech.

Read the full speech below;

I welcome you all to this historic occasion that is going to be a watershed in the political evolution of our great country.

I liken what is happening here today to many landmark events in our political development as a nation starting from the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates that became Nigeria in 1914.

Other such landmark days in our country includes the day the colonial masters transited political power to Nigerians on October 1, 1960, after a tortuous struggle by our forefathers.

That historic day 14th January 1970 when the 30 months brutal civil war in Nigeria ended with the no victor, no vanquished understanding declared by the then Head of state General Yakubu Gowon.

Today is also like that day on October 1, 1979, when the military handed over power to a civilian administration

In a day like this, we cannot forget the struggle that led to the elimination of Abacha regime on June 8, 1998, the struggle and sacrifice that culminated in the May 29th, 1999 final return to democracy in our land.

Another landmark day in our polity that we must remember in a day like this is the first ever successful transfer of power from civilian to civilian administration that happened with the PDP surrendering power to APC on May 29th, 2015.

I have taken us this memory lane for us to properly appreciate the import of what we are gathered here to do today to help rescue our nation that is presently going through hardship with endless killings and blood flow in a country that is not at war with any nation.

We have all witnessed all forms of intimidation aimed at suffocating democracy in our land, frame-ups, arrests and total breakdown of law and order in some areas like Zamfara State where a governor had to relinquish his Chief Security Officer status.

Just last week the APC conquest regime came up with an Executive Order which all political watchers, including civil society groups, liken to Decree2 of the military era.

We know why they are doing this on the eve of a general election because they know the people have turned their back on them, but they want to retain power at all cost including cowing us down.

But we cannot be cowed, if our heroes past had been cowed down in these historic events I just highlighted above, we would not have democracy or a nation today.

We must stand up for the rule of law to prevail or posterity would judge us harshly.

Our leaders were fearless and united, and they rescued this country from draconian regimes in the past.

By what we are doing today, fear has taken flight and spirit of God has taken over, we must stand up to defend our people.

I, therefore, call on all of us to be strong, steadfast and courageous; let’s chase out APC in our lives and form a national government that will bring succour to our people.

Let us be firm in our decisions anticipating that our enemies will come up with all form of intrigues and strategies to rig election, but we call on the international community to watch happenings in our polity with an eagle eye to save democracy in our country.

In conclusion, my dear people, lovers of democracy, the report I got last night shows that Nigerians are still being killed in Plateau and some other states. I urge us to stand up for a minute silence for the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in these senseless killings.

Let’s collectively say Buhari! Nigeria lives matter, stop the killings now.

Thanks and God bless.

Prince Uche Secondus.

Visit website

Lagos(LSACA) to conduct household AIDS Survey

Isidi Monica

A cross section of participants at the event

The Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS (LSACA) has combarked on her plan of conducting the first Lagos AIDS Survey (LAGAIS) so as to provide database on the prevalence of AIDS and lighten up the burden of the disease on individuals and communities in the State.

The survey will be private household study which includes children.

Healthcare workers and LSACA staff would be visiting participants to collect blood samples to test for HIV/AIDS in various communities.

Mrs Olubunmi Ilawole, Health Educator, Lagos State Ministry of Health, disclosed this at an interactive session organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs for the Community Development Committee (CDC), Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other stakeholders across the State held at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausain Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

She said with rapid population of Lagos, the survey was to create more awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS and provide opportunity for participant to know the status so that appropriate measures could be taken to live a healthy and productive life in the society.

Ilawole, however, called on community and traditional leaders to inform and encourage every households and individuals to cooperate and participate during the survey and collection of blood samples in communities.

“Doing so will establish their knowledge about HIV and provide them with the opportunity to know their status, so that appropriate measures can be taken to take good care of them and their families’’ she said.

The representative of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, SP Bangajiya Charles said that the police were doing their best in fighting crimes and criminal activities in the various communities in the State, but appealed to the residents to help the law enforcement agents to tackle and fight hoodlums so as to have a safety society.

“We will continue to serve you, we will continue to do our best and ensure that Lagos State is the best and safest State and if you see something, say something’’.

He, however, implored everyone to collaborate with the police by giving vital information that would help the operation of the police in their respective communities, adding that “working together with us will help us track down all forms of criminalities because the people know the hoodlums more.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications, Mr.Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the interactive session with the CDAs and CDCs was provide avenue for stakeholders to know that the present administration was prompt in planning, committed and proactive, saying that the reason was to energized the community leaders to be more aware of every of State`s programmes.

Lagos(LSACA) to conduct household AIDS Survey

Isidi Monica

A cross section of participants at the event

The Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS (LSACA) has combarked on her plan of conducting the first Lagos AIDS Survey (LAGAIS) so as to provide database on the prevalence of AIDS and lighten up the burden of the disease on individuals and communities in the State.

The survey will be private household study which includes children.

Healthcare workers and LSACA staff would be visiting participants to collect blood samples to test for HIV/AIDS in various communities.

Mrs Olubunmi Ilawole, Health Educator, Lagos State Ministry of Health, disclosed this at an interactive session organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs for the Community Development Committee (CDC), Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other stakeholders across the State held at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausain Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

She said with rapid population of Lagos, the survey was to create more awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS and provide opportunity for participant to know the status so that appropriate measures could be taken to live a healthy and productive life in the society.

Ilawole, however, called on community and traditional leaders to inform and encourage every households and individuals to cooperate and participate during the survey and collection of blood samples in communities.

“Doing so will establish their knowledge about HIV and provide them with the opportunity to know their status, so that appropriate measures can be taken to take good care of them and their families’’ she said.

The representative of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, SP Bangajiya Charles said that the police were doing their best in fighting crimes and criminal activities in the various communities in the State, but appealed to the residents to help the law enforcement agents to tackle and fight hoodlums so as to have a safety society.

“We will continue to serve you, we will continue to do our best and ensure that Lagos State is the best and safest State and if you see something, say something’’.

He, however, implored everyone to collaborate with the police by giving vital information that would help the operation of the police in their respective communities, adding that “working together with us will help us track down all forms of criminalities because the people know the hoodlums more.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications, Mr.Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the interactive session with the CDAs and CDCs was provide avenue for stakeholders to know that the present administration was prompt in planning, committed and proactive, saying that the reason was to energized the community leaders to be more aware of every of State`s programmes.

My wife hates my mother with a passion

Morning Teaser: ''

Isaac Dachen / 2 hours ago

"Dear Pulse,

My name is Emdy, a 38-year-old man. I got married two years ago due to pressure from my family, especially my mother who wanted her only son to settle down and become a responsible man.

I had dated Joan for over three years at that time and seemed the perfect choice for me, going by the fact that my mother and two sisters loved her and had started calling her their wife right from the first day I introduced her to them.

I lost my father when I was in my first year at the university and being the only male child, my mother transferred the affection she had for my father to me and did everything possible to make me comfortable.

My mother went out of her way to provide for me, even selling her things to pay my school fees. She denied herself so many good things of life just to see me through life.

After my sisters got married and let the house, my mother put the pressure on me and said I must get married so that my wife would take care of her in her old age. She kept at it, even went for deliverance services on my behalf.

I kept assuring her that I would get married at the right time when I found the right woman. I always prayed for God to give me a woman who would love my mother and take very good care of her, so when Joan showed the signs fo such a woman, I did not hesitate in asking her to marry.

But how was I to know that she was just doing all those things to impress me and get me to marry her? Joan changed immediately after we got married. My mother had been living with me when we got married but suddenly, Joan changed towards her, often starving her and maltreating her in my absence.

Whenever mom told me about what Joan was doing, the way she spoke and insulted her, I would calm her down, telling her to give my wife time to adjust to the fact that she is now a married woman.

I would talk to my wife in private, telling her to accord my mother the respect she deserved. But the thing got to a point when my wife would refuse to cook and whenever I queried her, she would say my mother should also ook since she is my first wife.

I thought she was joking initially but when she insisted that my mother must leave my house and go back to her husband's home, I had to take another look at the whole situation.

Since I did not want any quarrel between them, I spoke to my older sisters as we all agreed that mom should interchange visits and rotate among all, something we thought would not cause any friction.

But since my mother left, my wife has refused to allow her to come to our house. Even when we had our baby, Joan refused to allow my mother to come and visit us. The most annoying thing is that her mother and other family members have unfettered access to our house.

When I insisted that my mother must come and stay with us for a while, my wife had the guts to tell me that she was told by a prophet that my mother is a witch and would cause a lot of distress in our lives.

That was when I decided that I had had enough and I told her so. I have given her an ultimatum: it is either she accepts my mother or the marriage would be over. No woman can ever take the place of my mother as long as she is still alive.

Emdy."

Dear readers, on Morning Teaser today, do you think Emdy has taken the right step? Should he back his wife or support his mother?

Visit website

Eight accused of being ‘ vampires ‘

Agency Reporter / 1 hour ago

Police on Friday confirmed that eight people accused of being vampires were killed by angry mob in Malawi.

Police Spokesperson Ramsey Mushani told dpa on Friday that the killings, which took place in Malawi’s south, are based on the belief that vampires dressed in black enter the homes of sleeping residents to suck their blood.

Mushani said the latest killing occurred on Thursday in the southern city of Blantyre when a group of angry residents accused an epileptic man of being a vampire and then killed him,

The spokesperson said thirty-one people have been arrested on charges of murder, assault and arson due to the mob killings.

UN and the U.S. embassy in Malawi issued warnings to foreigners visiting southern Malawi.

Myths and superstitions are deeply entrenched in the nation of 17 million people where almost 40 per cent of adults are illiterate, according to the UN.

NAN reports that no fewer tan 100 riot officers were drafted into the region in response to the killings, but terrified armed mobs continued hunting for ‘vampires’ on the streets and set-up road blocks.

Nigeria to receive $22 billion in foreign remittances in 2017 – World Bank

Isidi Monica 

As reflected by the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief, Nigeria is expected to receive $22 billion via foreign remittances.

This was revealed on Tuesday through a statement on the bank’s website.

Remittances to low and middle-income countries are on course to recovery in 2017 after two consecutive years of decline, the bank has said.

According to the statement, “the Bank estimates that officially recorded remittances to developing countries are expected to grow by 4.8 per cent to $450 billion for 2017. Global remittances, which include flows to high-income countries, are projected to grow by 3.9 per cent to $596 billion.

“Among major remittance recipients, India retains its top spot, with remittances expected to total $65 billion this year, followed by China – $63 billion, the Philippines – $33 billion, Mexico – a record $31 billion, and Nigeria – $22 billion.”

The bank projected remittances to Sub-Saharan countries to grow by 10 per cent in 2017.

“Buoyed by improved economic activity in high-income OECD countries, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa are projected to grow by a robust 10 per cent to $38 billion this year.

“The region’s major remittance receiving countries, Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana, are all set for growth. The region is also host to a number of countries where remittances account for a significant share of GDP, including Liberia (26 per cent), Comoros (21 per cent), and the Gambia (20 per cent). Remittances will grow by a moderate 3.8 per cent to $39 billion in 2018.

“In keeping with an improving global economy, remittances to low- and middle-income countries are expected to grow modestly by 3.5 per cent in 2018, to $466 billion. Global remittances will grow by 3.4 per cent to $616 billion in 2018,” the statement said.

It further showed that the global average cost of sending cash at $200 remained stagnant at 7.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2017

“This was significantly higher than the Sustainable Development Goal, SDG target of 3 per cent. Sub-Saharan Africa, with an average cost of 9.1 per cent, remains the highest-cost region,” the brief showed.

Source: Visit website