Dark Lagos

Nigeria does not need Buhari in 2019, …he will kill Nigeria, says Fayose.

Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose, has said Nigeria does not need President Muhammadu Buhari as her leader in 2019, noting that Monday’s declaration of reelection bid by the President is an ambition that is dead on arrival. The governor also noted that if Buhari is reelected, he would kill the country. Fayose, who spoke to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Monday on the President’s intention, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said if Buhari was unable to read the handwriting on the wall and know when to call it quit, Nigerians would show him the exit door in 2019 by voting him out of office. Fayose opined that Buhari was not only too old to lead the country well, he had bungled the opportunity given him by his woeful performance. “That ambition is dead on arrival. We don’t want grandpa as president anymore. Nigeria does not deserve a Buhari as president in 2019. Buhari is old and tired. When people don’t know when to take their leave and say bye, Nigerians will show them the exit door. ” He has done more harm to this country. His ambition is a means by which Nigerians will tell him good riddance to bad rubbish when they boot him out of office. He is an easy candidate to defeat in the poll for he has failed woefully. “He has failed in all fronts. He has failed in his so-called fight against corruption, he has failed in the economic front. He has not done well in term of security.

I will henceforth under go medical check ups in Bayelsa , says former Nigerian president – OBJ

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, over the weekend said, the huge investments by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State at ensuring quality healthcare delivery would soon turn the state into a medical tourism hub in the country. A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, says Chief Obasanjo, who stated this during a command performance in his honour at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, said he would henceforth visit the state regularly to have his medical check-ups. Obasanjo had during his three-Day visit to Bayelsa commissioned several legacy projects, including the World-Class Diagnostic Centre, Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre in Yenagoa and the Aquaculture Village in Igbogene. He also interacted with students of the flagship free Model Boarding School, Ijaw National Academy, Kaima as well as enrolling in the state Health Insurance Scheme, there by becoming an honorary enrollees of the scheme. The former President, noted with satisfaction, the level of development that has transformed the state, especially in the area of education, health, infrastructure, tourism among others, stressing that, he would testify what he has seen to the world. According to him, Governor Dickson’s placement of education at the top of his administration’s agenda, is a means to eradicate poverty, curb insecurity and create jobs for the teeming youths in the state, and called on investors within and outside the country to take advantage of the prevailing security, peace and stability in the state. Chief Obasanjo lauded Governor Dickson for recognising and honouring past and serving leaders of the state for their immense contributions to the development and growth of the state. The former President described Dickson as an emerging statesman and a Transformational leader stressing that anybody who wanted to see transformation should come to Dickson’s Bayelsa. Obasanjo thanked Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, political and traditional leaders, stakeholders as well women and youths in the state for their support and encouragement which has enabled the succeed so far. In his remarks, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Governor Dickson’s policies, programmes and projects, which have led to the unprecedented level of development in all sectors of the state. He also used the occasion to call on Bayelsans to continue to support the governor to consolidate on his achievements in the remaining two years of his tenure, stressing that, Bayelsa State is one of the safest, secure and stable states in the country for investments. The former President Jonathan thanked Governor Dickson for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, citing the collaboration of the government and the Azikel Group, as a sign of greater things to come for the State. On his part, Governor Dickson thanked both former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan for their exemplary lifestyles and roles in the country and in the state, and called on leaders at all levels to collaborate with the government to ensure the attainment of a well secured, stable and progressive State. Governor Dickson, who lamented the over-dependence on government’s resources, pointed out that, Dr. Azibapu Eruani’s Azikel Refinery has sent a powerful message to the investing public that Bayelsa is hub for investment in the country.

Breaking: FIFA threatens to boot Spain out of World Cup.

The governing body of world football (FIFA) confirmed on Friday that it has written to the Spanish federation (RFEF) warning they could be suspended form the 2018 World Cup because of political interference. Earlier in the day Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Spain had received “no such letter from FIFA.” The issue centres on the RFEF presidency. Angel Maria Villar, who was also a senior FIFA and UEFA official, resigned after being arrested in July on suspicion of embezzling funds. Villar was replaced, on an interim basis, by Juan Luis Larrea, another long-time football administrator. Even though he is only a stand-in, Larrea has made clear he wants to see out Villar’s term, which was due to end in 2020. The Spanish National Sports Agency (CSD) has objected and that prompted FIFA’s warning, reported on Friday by the daily El Pais. “We can confirm that FIFA recently sent a letter to the Spanish FA (RFEF) expressing its concern at the current situation in the association and reiterating that, under the FIFA Statutes, all member associations must manage their affairs independently and ensure that there is no interference by third parties in internal matters,” said a FIFA statement. “FIFA is in contact with the RFEF, and a joint FIFA-UEFA delegation will be sent to Madrid shortly to monitor and assess the situation in the association,” the statement continued. The RFEF and the Spanish government insisted on Friday that Spain would go to the World Cup in Russia. “I just can’t see that scenario,” Rajoy said at a press conference in Brussels. “I am absolutely convinced Spain will go to the World Cup, and will win.” Rajoy said Spain’s sports minister had told him the Spanish authorities had “received no official communication from FIFA but only a letter from a member of FIFA requesting a meeting.” He said his government’s attitude was “exemplary.” Villar was re-elected for an eighth term as president last May. He had run the RFEF for 29 years until his arrest on suspicion of creating a network of corruption in Spanish football. Last month, Luis Rubiales, the former head of the players’ union and an ally of Villar’s put forward a motion of censure against Larrea with the objective of becoming president himself. That motion is scheduled for a vote on January 16. At the same time, the Spanish cabinet, acting on requests from the CSD, demanded fresh RFEF elections because of irregularities in the vote last May. FIFA sees this as external political interference.

Kenya election: Last-minute court bid to block poll.

Kenya's Supreme Court is to hold a last-minute hearing to decide whether the re-run of the presidential election can go ahead. The court will hear an urgent petition by human rights activists arguing Kenya is not ready for the vote. The election is due to take place on Thursday. The Supreme Court in September took the unprecedented decision to annul the presidential election and demand a re-run. Chief Justice David Maraga said the 8 August election had not been "conducted in accordance with the constitution" and declared it "invalid, null and void". Key moment for African democracy The brave judge who made Kenyan history Full election coverage This was the first time in Africa that an opposition court challenge against a presidential election had succeeded. President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is seeking a second term, has said the ballot must go ahead. However, the main opposition candidate Raila Odinga is boycotting the vote. He told the BBC's Newsday programme on Tuesday that it was a "sham" election "which will not represent the will of the people". Mr Odinga says nothing has changed since the original poll and has called for "massive" demonstrations on election day. On Monday, 20 Western diplomats said "growing insecurity", including inflammatory rhetoric and attacks on the election commission, made it more difficult to hold a legitimate poll. Last week a senior official at the electoral commission fled to the US, telling the BBC she had received death threats. Amid the growing tension, the bodyguard of Kenya's deputy chief justice was shot and wounded on Tuesday, police say. They said the motive was not clear. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the last-minute petition, which questions whether the electoral commission and its chairman will be able to conduct a free and fair election on Thursday. It is asking for an entirely new election which could extend the process by months.

Ezego's house abadoned after his death years ago..

Nigeria billionaire Ezego’s N500m mansion, cars abandoned years after his mysterious death Since billionaire Victor Okafor aka ‘King of Money’ (Ezego) died mysteriously in December 1999 an accident while returning home for Christmas and to celebrate his birthday, things have allegedly not remained the same. One would think lots of property-hijacking and fights amongst relatives would have taken place after the billionaire's death in Ihiala town, Anambra state. But this is not so, according to reports. The N500m mansion belonging to the late billionaire is said to be abandoned over his connection with the dreaded Okija shrine. PMNews reports that the mansion which houses lots of golden chairs and tables, expensive fabrics, rugs, electronics, electrical appliances, abandoned vehicles and others worth millions of naira is said to have remained untouched since the billionaire's death Even with the high rate of robbery in the area where the mansion is situated, no robber seem to be interested in touching the building or the amenities it houses, even without security men in sight. All for the fear of being dealt with by the deity which is assumed to have killed the billionaire owner. Reports are that since the 'king of money' died years ago, members of the immediate family including his wife and children have not returned to the mansion. The will ‘Ezego’ had prepared was not read because the lawyer who prepared the will one Barrister Barnabas Igwe was brutally murdered with his wife.

Obasanjo and Goodluck ask Buhari to settle with Nnamdi Kanu.

On Friday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo asked President Muhammadu Buhari to meet Kanu to resolve the crisis while former President Goodluck Jonathan called for a Council of State meeting to discuss the South-East development. Presidency replies Obasanjo, Jonathan The Presidency, yesterday, said the advice from Obasanjo and Jonathan was just the opinion of the two former leaders. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said, as former Presidents, they had the right to their opinions. He told  Sunday  Vanguard  on phone, “It is just an opinion. They have the right to their opinion. They are former Presidents, it is their opinion.” Umahi, the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, during his press conference, yesterday, said IPoB activities in Abia had gone out of control of Kanu.

Governor Umahi says "Biafra had lost its mandate.

Governor Umahi says "Biafra had lost its mandate. •Attacks in Delta, Sokoto foiled South-East governors, yesterday, justified the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), saying the action was to douse tension and end loss of lives in the region. South-East govs currently emergency meeting with army over IPOB, Of Python Dance. The Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, Governor David Umahi, said the prescription had achieved its desired result. Umahi, who addressed journalists in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, with some security chiefs in attendance, claimed IPoB had lost its mandate by causing tension and killings in the South-East. The group fought back, last night, condemning its prescription. It described itself as a peaceful organisation. Meanwhile, the foremost Igbo body, Ohanaze, rose yesterday, from its meeting, insisting that IPOB is not a terrorist organisation. The governor spoke on a day four persons were said to have been killed after assailants suspected to be IPoB members attacked a settlement in Asaba, Delta State capital. In Sokoto, miscreants attacked traders, mostly Igbo, along Old Market Road, Ahmadu Bello Way and Emir Yahaya, forcing them to close shop. Solders were immediately deployed to stop the attack. Tension had risen sharply in the South-East after soldiers on Operation Python Dance II clashed with members of IPoB in Umuahia, Abia State capital, last Sunday. There have been conflicting accounts of the showdown in which several people were said to have been injured. The incident caused Abia State government to imposed curfew in the state while the Igbo influential group, Ohanaeze, called for the withdrawal of the Operation Python Dance II from the South-East. Umuahia is the home town of the IPoB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is on trial for leading the secessionist bid for Biafra.

A little boy dies as riot caught owerri market people today.

Owerri-Market Riot. ( An Owelle mis-patch) An innocent child dies in Owerri as the Governor decides to relocate the market position. The little boy was told to have been looking for the mother, who was a victim of the insurgency, on the long- run was caught by a stray bullet and is stated to be dead.. The little guy is not the only one said to be recorded dead, about 3 more other persons were as our reporter told us earlier today". The riot started earlier today before the Saturday sanitation. His excellency has already publicised the vacation plan of the market to the new site at ubommiri area in Owerri so as to re-build and maintain the municipal of Owerri which is the Amajieke lane, Douglas market, Eke-Ukwu Owerri and mbaise long, but the residents refused which led to the forceful demolition and later riot that led to death of some individuals... It was recorded from NTA yesterday night that the excellency gave the market people today as the last day but, the reverse became to case

Eucharia Anunobi has lost her only son arising from a terrible sickness.

Nollywood actress and preacher, Eucharia Anunobi, has lost her only child, Raymond Ekwu, to complications arising from sickle cell anaemia. He died at 15. The deceased Raymond, who was the only child from the union between the actress and her former husband, died on Tuesday, according to information. The news of his death was posted by Adekeye E. Adekeye implored Nigerians to pray for the woman who must be devastated with the death of her only child by now. He prayed for her to find strength in this tough time as he asked God to comfort her. Nollywood actress said " my son has gone to join the heavens in peace, and will join her at the appointed time with the Lord".

Gays stoned to death at taraba state on friday.

Three gays were stoned to death at Taraba state as the engaged in threesome last week Friday... see pictures Threesome goes sour. A moment of silence for this three young men who met their untimely death in the hands of homophobes, last week in Taraba State.Says a Facebook user

I resume work as the president- Buhari issues letter of resumption to NASS.

Buhari has transmitted resumption letter to NASS. President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted a letter of resumption to the National Assembly, intimating the law makers of his return from medical vacation in London, an official has confirmed. Alhaji Suleman Kawu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, House of Representatives, announced this on Monday, during an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja. Kawu said that the President, in compliance with section 145 of the 1999 constitution as amended, had fulfilled the constitutional responsibility by writing to intimate the House of his resumption, with effect from Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. According to him, even though the National Assembly is on recess, there is a robust administrative machinery in place that would ensure that the President’s letter is properly attended to. “The most important issue is that the President has transmitted the letter in a prompt and timely fashion,’’ Kawu said. Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Israel Famurewa (Osun-APC), has advocated that the President be allowed some time to rest. “I believe Mr President still needs some time to rest, considering the fact that he is just coming back from the hospital; the Vice President should still do most of the work. “The President is on seat and should be able to give direction as to where and how to go,’’ Famurewa said. While appreciating God for Buhari’s safe return, the lawmaker said that God answered the prayers of Nigerians while the President was away. “Going by the series of rumour that dominated everywhere about his health status, we thank God that at least he came back alive. “We missed him as a person, but we had an Acting President who held forth and did credibly well. “The President is back; I believe things will now be faster than while he was away,” he said. The lawmaker commended the President for emphasising unity in his Monday broadcast, saying that such thrust had  punctured any thought of dividing Nigeria. “Those agitating for division don’t know what war is all about; if they had witnessed the civil war, they will not be clamouring for something that can result to war. “The strength of this nation lies on its unity and oneness; that is our greatest asset. We must hold on to it because it can catapult us to any level we want to go,’’ Famurewa said.

what hapoens to Nigerians killed Ghana? House committee asks FG.

House Committee seeks FG’s intervention on alleged killing of 5 Nigerians in Ghana The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora on Monday told the Federal Government to intervene urgently in the alleged killing of five Nigerians in Ghana. The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Rita Orji, made the call at a news conference in Abuja. The lawmaker, who did not provide the identities of the five Nigerians or the circumstances that led to their killing, said that the incident occurred in Sowutoum, Ghana on Aug. 17. Orji expressed worry that issues that concerned Nigerians with nationals of their host countries were often left to degenerate to the point of claiming lives. The committee chairman remarked that such incidents were frequent because the laws binding African countries together had often been segregated when Nigerians were involved. She urged the Federal Government to insist on full autopsy report on any Nigerian killed extra-judicially outside the country to check unsubstantiated frequent claims of drug involvement by the Nigerians. Orji appealed for proper funding of the “Stay Home and Build Project,” initiated with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations. She noted that the project was meant to help unemployed Nigerians in the Diaspora to learn trades and return home to establish their businesses. The lawmaker advised unemployed Nigerians in the Diaspora to return home, instead of being subjected to inhumane treatments. On Aug. 16, a Nigerian resident in South Africa, Mr Uchenna Elor, was similarly killed by the South African police, bringing the number of Nigerians killed in that country within the past two years to 117. Many Nigerians in the Diaspora have often been at the receiving end of harsh treatments by their host communities, leading to the deaths of some of the Nigerians.  

RELIGION AND POLITICS IN NIGERIA- A great mistake which can not be easily shapen. A britain fault.

RELIGION AND POLITICS IN NIGERIA- A great mistake which can not be easily shapen. A britain fault. edited by ALEX .C.O. The two themes can hardly be separated as a component of a society. The religious practice of a given society has it as one of its main sources of the constitution, which governs the political behaviour of the society. If critically saying, the politics must go in line with the provisions of the religious norms. Now, in the case of Nigeria, what becomes her fate as she has more than one religious practice which is part of her political crisis and instability? The problem of church and state has to do with institutions and the spheres of actions that are appropriate for each. Here, the concept of separation is valid as Kenneth Cauthen notes: Citizens who belong to religious groups are also members of the circular society which the dual association generates complications. It can be noted above, that what Cauthen said is an undoubted truth. Religion has greater influence in the behavior of individuals, these individuals also influence the politics of the society. The basic principle of the separation of religion and politics is widely misunderstood and misinterpreted, if one examines its root in Islam and governance. The idea of separation of religion and the state is significantly different among christians and christian nations among their musleum counterpart. It has been a long standing issue right from the history of the world, even in creation. A spritually minded individual will trace the war among the two religious group in Nigeria to the eras of Abraham and his sons. Historians and philosophers will lay the blames of political instability of Nigeria to the rough amalgamation done or carried out by the Britains in 1914. These two religious groups can never stay in peace in a cycled entity like Nigeria. Check the differences in beliefs, norms, values, cultures. The Christians have a diverse understanding of religion so to the musleum, whereas, these religious groups come together to make a united entity with different constitutional beliefs. That is why the issue of politics and religion and its impact in Nigeria has been a long standing issue. The impact of religion on politics in Nigeria, where roughly half the population is musleum and other half christian, has been an important part of academic discourse and commentaries. Kalu .O. stated that "religion is woven into the fabrics of politics and provides the compelling touchstone of legitimacy or the love of the ruler by the ruled. Considering the secularism and the multi-ethnic composition of Nigerian state, the undeniable link between religion and politics has been a catalyst for political crisis, instability and intra-ethnic and religious tension. Alex Jude opined that "the issues of catalysts in Nigerian politics arose from the link in politics and religion in Nigeria. And can be traceable to the blind inter-mingling and togetherness of Christians and muslems by the Britain". He went further saying that "the Britain out of selfish desire mingled and tagged these societies one so as to gain what has always been their motive- the economic desire and the labour force". Toyin Falola's violence in Nigeria reveals the central role that religion plays in the ethnic nationalism and violence that has confronted Nigeria since the 1980's. Indeed, major cases of violence in the 1980's and 1990's including the Maitatsine riot in Kano which claimed thousands of lives have a direct link to the mjor division in Nigeria. The worst of such incident in the city of Kaduna in 2000 resulted in the massacre of thousands of people. If I may say, Politics in Nigeria is bestowed on the shoulders of religion. And for there to be a peaceful co-existence, each of these groups should be given a considerate territory.

ALEXIS JUDE: After 104 days on medical vacation…Finally, Buhari returns ON AUGUST 20, 2017

ALEXIS JUDE: After 104 days on medical vacation…Finally, Buhari returns ON AUGUST 20, 2017

Grace Mugabe fails to appear at leaders summit in SA

A "red alert" was set up at the border to stop Mrs Mugabe fleeing South Africa The wife of the Zimbabwean leader, Robert Mugabe, has failed to appear at the start of a regional leaders summit in South Africa. Grace Mugabe, 52, is claiming diplomatic immunity after she was accused of assaulting a model last week. She had been due to take part in the first ladies' programme at the summit. The authorities say she remains in South Africa and her request for immunity is under consideration. Police want to interview Mrs Mugabe about an alleged assault at a hotel in Johannesburg. She is accused of hitting a 20-year-old woman over the head with an extension cord. Police expected her to turn herself in on Tuesday, but she failed to show up. They set up a "red alert" at the country's borders to try to ensure she does not flee the country. Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said: "We, in terms of South African police, [have] already put tabs on the borders in relation to her leaving the country, so there is no question about that. "So tabs have been put, a red alert has been put, so she is not somebody who has been running away." Diplomatic immunity South African Airways, which is owned by the South African government, says its flight from Zimbabwe's capital to Johannesburg was unable to take off as scheduled on Saturday morning. The airline says Zimbabwean authorities are demanding a "foreign operators permit" to allow them to operate in Zimbabwe, despite the fact the route has operated for more than 20 years without one. The restrictions come as South Africa's government considers whether to grant diplomatic immunity to Mrs Mugabe. The first lady's whereabouts are not known but she is believed to still be in South Africa. Mrs Mugabe has not commented on the allegation.

After 104 days on medical vacation…Finally, Buhari returns ON AUGUST 20, 2017

Goodwill messages pour in from Nigerians By Abayomi Adeshida, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Levinus Nwabughiogu, and Omeiza Ajayi After 104 days on medical vacation in the United Kingdom, UK, President  Muhammadu Buhari, at exactly 4:48 yesterday afternoon, stepped down from the plane that brought him back, at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. President Muhammadu Buhari on arrival received by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. AUG 19 2017. The plane, Nigeria Air Force 001, touched ground some 13 minutes earlier. The door of the presidential jet, with the coat of arms and the presidential seal inscribed boldly on it, was flung open at exactly 4:40. Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the National Assembly leadership have sent goodwill messages to the President  as he recovers. The goodwill of the National Assembly was contained in separate messages from the Office of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara. By the same token, the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress, APC; the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, as well as leaders of Our Mumu Don Do Movement, which has been agitating for the President to resume or resign, also expressed delight at the President’s return. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said Buhari’s return is a fulfilment of hope. Arrival It was a moment filled with anxiety, excitement and curiosity all rolled into one, as the airport stood still for the much anticipated appearance of Buhari. Perhaps, for whatever reason, it took almost eight minutes before an obviously anxious crowd – which included but was not limited to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, Service Chiefs as well as ministers of the federal republic – waiting at the foot of the plane stairway, could set their eyes on the President.

ALEXIS JUDE: ALVAN COMMUINTY EXPERIENCES STRIKE DANGER AS THE P...

ALEXIS JUDE: ALVAN COMMUINTY EXPERIENCES STRIKE DANGER AS THE P...: 4th August 2017. BY Alex Jude. The entire community of Alvan ikoku federal college of education, owerri, embarks on a week warning strike, ...

ALVAN COMMUINTY EXPERIENCES STRIKE DANGER AS THE PROVOST OF THE COLLEGE REFUSE TO RETIRE.

4th August 2017. BY Alex Jude. The entire community of Alvan ikoku federal college of education, owerri, embarks on a week warning strike, which started on Wednesday 3rd, as some groups of the community agitate for the retirement and handover power and authority of the provost of the institution to another person. Information was gotten that the provost of the institution- prof.mrs Blessing Ijioma had for over many years completed her terms in the office but has refuse to vacant for change of power and administration. Nevertheless some group of lecturers have gone for the issue and ask her to resign for some other appointed person to continue. on the contrary the woman ( prof. mrs ijioma) from Mbaise has acclaimed that she was privileged and honored by the ministry of Education to complete another 10 months in office after the last time extra months given to her. The institution and its lay members have taken on their own a serious warning strike for her to resign and leave office before the expiration of this strike which will be on Wednesday 9th of August 2017.

Buhari ti return back to Nigeria next week. sen.Bruce says

Buhari might return next week, senators to hold high-powered meeting with him - Though no specific date has been officially given for President Muhammadu Buhari’s return, there are speculations that he may be back to the country by next week - Senator Ben Murray-Bruce gave hints that there may be a possible high powered meeting between the Senate and Buhari when he returns to the country - According to him, they need to speak with the president about all the issues plaguing the nation. The Senator representing Bayelsa East, Ben Murray-Bruce, has hinted that President Muhammadu Buhari might be returning to the country anytime next week. Recall that Buhari left the country on May 7 for a follow-up on his medical consultations in London. He has been away for close to three months and Yemi Osinbajo has been playing the role of acting president. In an interview with Vanguard on Friday, August 4, Senator Bruce hinted that there might likely be a high-powered meeting between the Senate and Buhari upon his return. Bruce said he would ask the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, that they sit down with Buhari and discuss all the issues affecting the country and he hopes his request will be granted. The senator said the issues they would discuss with the president would be all encompassing. He lamented about the hardship in the country saying Nigeria had not really made any kind of progress in the last two years. Bruce said: “Nigeria has not really made any progress in the last 2 years. I think we are in big trouble right now. When the President gets back, we would need to sit down with him and have a conversation. There is no point having a conversation with anybody who is not a president. “I am thinking the Senate. We will have a conversation. A bipartisan team will go and meet with Mr. President and have a conversation with him. Not APC senators meeting the president but the Senate meeting him and have a conversation on the future of Nigeria. That’s what I am gonna propose. That we sit down with him and discuss the issues. He’s the president and you can’t change that and I respect constitutional authority. He is the President of Nigeria and we will sit down with him and discuss the problems facing the country. In 2019 when there is another president, that will be another issue. But right now, he is the president and we need to sit down with him and discuss the issues. I understand he will be here next week.” Speaking about the educational sector, he said previous administrations did a lousy job, wondering why they have not changed the educational policy set up by the colonial masters. He said Nigeria’s educational policy is 1942 policy. On the agitations in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, he said the zone was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. He said the region was underdeveloped and there was need for an urgent dialogue between the agitators and the federal government. He said a lot of people, including past administrations are to blame for the underdevelopment and a programme needs to be put in place to develop the region. Buhari has been away on medical leave in London for nearly three months and no specific date has been given for his return. The presidency has continued to assure Nigerians that Buhari is doing fine and recovering fast though they have refused to disclose the nature of his illness. Some governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party paid him a visit recently in London. On Friday, August 4, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby visited President Buhari. Archbishop Welby was reportedly happy to see the president and said he was delighted to see the rapid recovery President Buhari has made from his health challenges