APC Writes AGF Over Attempt To Perpetuate Electoral Fraud In Akwa Ibom State

The Attorney General of the Federation

Federal Ministry of Justice
FCT, Abuja.

Sir,
Attempt to Perpetuate Electoral Fraud in Akwa Ibom State

We want to place on record and bring to your attention the very obvious and noticeable attempt by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, in collusion with agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Akwa Ibom State Government to perpetuate electoral fraud by destroying electoral materials needed to substantiate the election petitions of candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

We observe with deep regrets that since Mr. Mike Igini superintended over the worst general elections ever conducted in Akwa Ibom State, that was fraught with manifest irregularities and wide spread electoral infractions, the REC is now unveiling a grand scheme to thwart and create a chaotic environment to pave way for the pervasion of justice.

We have been reliably informed that the REC is now intimidating electoral officers who participated in the just concluded general elections in the State, particularly, Collation Officers, Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), handing over their phone numbers to hired assassins and PDP killer squad to forcefully coerce them to concoct and fabricate false reports of violence, ballot paper snatching, all in a bid to justify the clandestine activities of Mr. Mike Igini days after the purported declaration of results, seeing that unit results will expressly show that candidates of the All Progressives Congress clearly won the elections by the votes directly delivered at the polling units across the state.

This latest action by the leadership of INEC in Akwa Ibom State has vindicated our stand expressed in various foras before the general elections that Mr. Mike Igini is a biased umpire, heavily compromised by the Akwa Ibom State Government to truncate the smooth conduct of a free and fair elections. We therefore reiterate in unambiguous terms, that INEC under Mr. Mike Igini cannot guarantee credibility and the ethos of fair play as demonstrated with this plot hatched to frustrate the electoral process.

Consequent to these, we hereby demand as follows:

1. The immediate relocation of the elections tribunal to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to forestall breakdown of law and order that this show of impunity might incite if not forestalled.

2. That we reiterate our call for the immediate redeployment of Mr. Mike Igini to pave way for a level-playing field for all parties that partook in the elections.

3. that any report that originates from any electoral officer in Akwa Ibom State remains an afterthought and should be completely disregarded forthwith.

4. That we call on security agencies to provide adequate security to all ad-hoc staffs of INEC in the state and properly investigate and bring to book, thugs paid by the PDP to intimidate or coerce non-yielding election officials.

5. We urge international agencies to pay particular interest to the continuing efforts of Mr. Mike Igini to perpetuate electoral fraud in Akwa Ibom State.

We have taken time to chronicle the unfolding complicity of Mr. Mike Igini in collaboration with the State Government and PDP to rob our party of our impending victory at the tribunal.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.

Obong Ini Okopido
APC State Chairman

cc:

HE The President
Federal Republic of Nigeria

The National Security Adviser

National Chairman
All Progressives Congress

The Chairman
Independent National Electoral Commission

The Inspector General of Police

DG, Department of State Security Service

DG, National Intelligence Agency

40 Years of G-Class: Weststar Celebrates the Iconic Off-Roader in Nigeria

The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only the passenger car model series with the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs to bear the three-pointed star – this is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name. The G-Class celebrates a landmark as it turns 40 this year.

What began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz is now a story peppered with superlatives and significant milestones. The first concept to be developed was already different. The team designed a vehicle which impressed with superior off-road capability, while at the same time appealing to customers as a full-featured and safe vehicle suitable for recreational purposes. All-wheel drive and 100-percent differential locks have also been part of the "G" since that time, as has the robust ladder-type frame.

At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance range from of 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with a short or long wheelbase. In 1989 the vehicles of the model series 463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan base and emphasized its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion. And since 1993 the vehicle was labeled with an official name; the G-Class.

The G-Class models used for the "Popemobile" are famous around the world. The off-road Mercedes-Benz 230 G painted in “mother of pearl” with a transparent special body accompanied Pope John Paul II on numerous journeys from 1980.
The 25th anniversary of the G-Class was marked by the arrival of a very special model on the market, honed by Mercedes-AMG; the G 55 AMG Kompressor. Its eight-cylinder power unit (350 kW/476 hp, 700 Nm of torque) gave the robust off-roader an unprecedented level of performance and demonstrated the tremendous potential of the G-Class.
The G 500 4x4² of 2015 added not only a luxurious interior to the equation, but also a ground clearance of 45 centimetres and impressive on-road performance. Since 2015, the “designo manufaktur” range has been providing customers with the option to take a G-Class and make it their own individual "G" – with exclusive equipment variants that are perfectly coordinated with each other.

Thanks to the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the iconic G-Class reinvented itself once more in 2017. With its superlative V12 engine (fuel consumption, combined: 17.0 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 397 g/km), portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive appointments in the rear compartment, this very special all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to 99 units, meets the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards of their vehicle. Arguably the most exclusive form of open-air driving pleasure.

The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz – a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching (combined fuel consumption: 12.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 289 g/km). Equipped with a range of off-road features including all-terrain tires mounted on black 16-inch rims and a sturdy roof rack, the anniversary vehicle embarked on new adventures last year. G-Class fans around the world determined the vehicle specification by voting for their favourite equipment and appointments on the official G‑Class Facebook page.

The new G-Class has been hailed as the “biggest transformation” in the G’s 40 years-old history, as it raises the bar higher in all relevant areas while maintaining familiar and popular features from its design icon. The new G-Class performs even better off-road, while on the road it is significantly more agile, dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor. This new model gives the “G” a befitting persona to marking its landmark age. At Weststar, authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, we acknowledge this landmark occasion with a sense of pride as the G-Class continues to make history not just across the globe but also here in Nigeria. The new G-Class is currently available in authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships across Nigeria, courtesy of Weststar Associates Limited.

Ecobank Storms Mushin With EcobankPay Zone

Ecobank Nigeria in its avowed commitment to deepen financial inclusion has launched an Ecobankpay zone at the Amu market, Mushin Lagos. 

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan who launched the digital payment zone explained that the EcobankPay zones in various market clusters across the country are to facilitate easy, secure and convenient transactions in the market place, adding that it will boost business activities in the country.

Mr. Akinwuntan said customers and non-customers of the bank who patronize the market will now have quick access to the bank’s digital payment offerings, stressing that it would remove the trauma associated with delays in paying for goods in the market.  

According to him, EcobankPay’s unique offering is that anyone from any bank in Nigeria can pay with MasterPass, mVISA, and mCASH with any phone by scanning QR code or using USSD. “If the person that wishes to buy goods is coming from a bank that has MVisa and wishes to pay, the same QR Code would accept MVisa payment and vice versa. That creates interoperability and convenience for the merchants. The QR Code is much cheaper than having a point of sale (PoS).” he noted.

“Traders can now enjoy more possibilities to grow their business as they can also sell to customers with EcobankPay in 32 countries in Africa. EcobankPay is free to set up as the shop owner only needs his/her QR code and phone for notifications to start receiving quick and easy payments. 

EcobankPay, a special merchant QR Code product of the Pan African Bank, enables customers to make seamless payment for goods and services across the three major payment platforms without the use of plastic cards.”

For the merchants, the beauty of the EcobankPay is in the cost of setting up, as the shop owner simply prints the QR Code on a paper and can stick it anywhere and do not run any risks.

It would be recalled that EcobankPay Zone was first launched in Alaba International market in February this year.

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Afterschool Entertainment Sign New Artistes.......

Two new artists have been signed under Afterschool Entertainment record label based in Ogba Ikeja

, Lagos, Nigeria.

This was made know In a press conference held at the label office on Wednesday, 

The CEO of the recording outfit, Prince Adelegan Olubummo know as Toff Prince in the entertainment circle disclosed to journalists that the two new artists were selected after a rigorous exercise. 

While unveiling the artists who just came back from Dubai after two weeks of familiarizing tour said the artists were expected to drop hits back to back that will shake and change the country's music industry. 

Toff Prince also said that arrangements are already in pipeline for the artistes to commence the tour of six cities of Nigeria and also Accra in Ghana before proceeding on a European tour. He said

#SheVentures – 4 Reasons Every Nigerian Business Woman Should Seriously Consider This New Proposition

Reports show that women make up 49% of Nigeria’s adult population. However, only about 42% of them have access to formal financial services. Moreover, 42.7% of Nigerian women are business owners out of which only an estimated 2% have access to capital and loans to grow their businesses. It is also reported that around 7 million businesses will be set-up by Nigerian women in the year 2021 with the potential to create 8.9 million jobsand unlock billions in revenue for the country.

On Thursday March 07, 2019 at an impressive ceremony in Lagos, leading Nigerian financial institution First City Monument Bank (FCMB)unveiled #SheVentures, its brand-new proposition to support the growth of businesses owned or managed by women. The event, which was part of the Bank’s activities to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme “Balance for Better” provided the right opportunity to highlight how FCMB is helping women close the gaps in the world of business.

If you are a woman who runs a business in Nigeria, here are 4 reasons you should seriously consider FCMB’s #SheVentures proposition:

1. Mentorship– through a network of qualified mentors carefully selected by FCMB, #SheVentures offers Nigerian businesswomen access to guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling

for a successful career.

2. Capacity building and training – The Bank has also partnered with consultants in various fields of business to provide key professional services at discounted rates to its women in business customers. Not forgetting exclusive business training events which FCMB either directly organizes or in partnership with other leading organizations.

3. Access to loans at zero (yes, zero!) or competitive interest rates – through its flagship zero percent loan product, FCMB offers short-term loans to female customers who need quick access to funds. At the #SheVentures launch event alone, about 40 female SMEs were awarded loans of between N500,000 to N5,000,000 at zero percent interest. In addition, there are other loans such as the FCMB BOI Gender Loan, which comes at 15% interest.

4. Supporting women in business is of strategic importance to FCMB – at the launch of #SheVentures, Mr. Adam Nuru, said the Bank strongly believes in the power of entrepreneurship. He added that the contribution of women to economic development cannot be understated, as over 30% of businesses owned globally are either female owned or managed. On her part, FCMB’s Executive Director, Business Development, Mrs. Bukola Smith, said ‘’the #SheVentures proposition is as much a statement of substance as it is one of intent.

We are passionate about supporting women in business. The #SheVentures offerings are tailored to offer sustainable benefits to women-owned SMEs and support them to increase their productivity and contributions in the areas of job and wealth creation, poverty reduction, empowerment and the overall development of Nigeria.”    

So, now you know – FCMB is providing the right support to help the Nigerian businesswoman thrive in all #SheVentures to do! For more information about #SheVentures, please click https://on.fcmb.com/SheVentures-10.

Shareholders Laud Transcorp Plc’s Outstanding Results

Shareholders of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) have commended the Board and Management of the company for their remarkable achievements demonstrated in the company’s record-setting financial performance in 2018. 

Speaking at the company’s 13th Annual General Meeting, which was held at the iconic Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Friday, March 15, 2019, the shareholders lauded Transcorp for remarkably exceeding its financial performance in previous years while positively impacting the lives of its stakeholders across the country. 

Transcorp’s results for the financial year ended December 31, 2018, showed that the Group’s revenue hit an impressive N104.16bn translating into a 30% revenue growth compared to the preceding year’s results. Profit Before Tax closed the year at N22.40bn; a significant leap compared to the Profit Before Tax of N12.31bn recorded in 2017. 

While addressing the shareholders at the meeting, Valentine Ozigbo, The President/CEO of Transcorp stated that “the group's performance for the year ended 2018 is the result of an unflinching commitment to deliver superior value to our wide clientele base." 

Elaborating further, he said, “Our hospitality business recorded a 26% increase in revenue year-on-year as the Transcorp Hilton Abuja saw an increase in occupancy following the release of the newly upgraded rooms after the US$100m upgrade of the hotel. Our power business also achieved a 31% increase in revenue year-on-year; a testament to an operating environment characterized for the most part, by stability in gas supply, foreign exchange rates, and the payment assurance programme of the federal government. These and our focused efficiency measures across the Group resulted in a 23% reduction in operating costs, ensured that our Profit Before Tax soared by 82 % year-on-year." 

The National President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr. Faruk Umar, reiterated praises from other shareholders and applauded the management of Transcorp for keeping their promise to deliver superior returns to shareholders. "We are over N22bn (PBT) and we are sure this trend will continue." 

He also thanked Transcorp for consistently emerging as the first company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to host its AGM, which he described as a mark of strong corporate governance.

The Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, used the occasion of the Annual General Meeting to congratulate the President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari for his re-election ‎and urged him to prioritize the power sector. He also spoke on the importance of creating an enabling environment for domestic investors to succeed, emphasizing that the steady supply of power will boost businesses and make the economy more competitive. 

“Transcorp Plc remains committed to the purpose for which it was founded, which is to improve lives and transform Nigeria. ” He said.

he Tony Elumelu Foundation to Announce Selected Entrepreneurs for 2019 Programme on March 22, 2019

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading African philanthropy committed to empowering African entrepreneurs, will announce the selected applicants for the 2019 cohort of the Foundation’s flagship Entrepreneurship Programme on March 22, 2019. The event, which marks the 5th round of the Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme, will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Every year, the Tony Elumelu Foundation opens its application portal to African entrepreneurs, with businesses of less than three years old. Through its $100million Entrepreneurship Programme, the Foundation empowers 1,000 entrepreneurs annually, who receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, access to mentors, a 12-week training programme and opportunities to promote their businesses to a global audience. All applicants receive access to TEFConnect, Africa’s digital entrepreneurial hub, which provides access to networks, training, further capital sources and business opportunities.

As a means of cascading its proven entrepreneurial tool kit to the huge numbers of applicants, the Foundation launched in 2018, TEFConnect, the digital networking platform for African entrepreneurs. The platform, which has currently over 400,000 users, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to network, receive training and forge business partnerships to scale their businesses beyond physical borders.

In the five years since the Foundation launched its Entrepreneurship Programme, it has empowered 4,000 African entrepreneurs directly and an additional 470 entrepreneurs supported by the Foundation’s partners. The Foundation recently appointed Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu as CEO effective from April 1. Mrs. Ugochukwu succeeds Parminder Vir, OBE, who will continue to lend her experience and expertise as a member of the Foundation’s Advisory Board.

The incoming CEO, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, emphasised the importance of partnership in reaching additional entrepreneurs beyond the Foundation’s annual commitment of 1,000 entrepreneurs.

“Each year we see a significant uplift in applicants. Our execution partner, Accenture Development Partnerships, are currently reviewing and finalising the applications. Over 215,000 African entrepreneurs applied from across 54 African countries, up from 151,000 applications last year, with an increase in female representation from 62,000 in 2018 to 90,000 in 2019. These rising figures demonstrate the burning desire of the African entrepreneur to develop our continent, and we must urgently convert this passion into viable businesses to develop our continent.

Our Programme has developed a robust mechanism for directing capital effectively and efficiently, to those who can deploy it in local communities with the greatest impact. We are looking forward to working with partners to collaborate with us, to scale the platform and process we have created. Empowering African entrepreneurs must be a shared responsibility to create economic prosperity for all”, she said.

Speaking on the Entrepreneurship Programme, Osato Noah, West Africa Lead, Accenture Development Partnerships, said:

“We have worked with the Tony Elumelu Foundation since the inception of the Entrepreneurship Programme. In 2015, the first round of the Programme saw us review 20,000 applications for the Foundation and this year we reviewed over 215,000 applications. The sheer diversity and speed at which applications have scaled in the last four years have been incredible. We commend the Tony Elumelu Foundation for their commitment to the transparency of the programme, and Accenture is proud to partner in the delivery of this Pan-African project.”

The Selection Announcement will also feature a Nigerian TEF Alumni Meet up, as well as an interactive dialogue with TEF Founder, Tony O. Elumelu, CON.

Akpabio Begins Move To Reclaim Mandate At Election Tribunal

High Court in Abuja, which sought to challenge his Senate re-election loss, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the February 23rd Senatorial election, Godswill Akpabio, and his party, have approached the Election Tribunal, sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to kick-start the legal processes, that would lead to the validation of his victory at the poll.

Akpabio is seeking to upturn the victory of Mr Christopher Ekpenyong and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), based on perceived electoral irregularities which characterised the said election.

The former Senate Minority Leader, had while the election was ongoing, besieged the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging cases of infractions and deliberate violations of the electoral law and guidelines during the senatorial election.

In the said election, INEC had in collaboration with some PDP chieftains in the senatorial district, wrongfully declared Mr. Ekpeyong and his party, the PDP, winner of the poll, having scored 118,215 as against Akpabio’s 83,158.

However, incontrovertible result sheets from Akwa Ibom INEC office showed different figures that had Akpabio securing 138,256 votes as against Ekpeyong’s 123,843.

Dissatisfied with the conduct and outcome of the election, the former governor of Akwa Ibom and his party vowed to approach the election petition tribunal to ventilate their grievances as well as reclaim their stolen mandate.

APC's Essien Udim Says "We Will Retrieve Our Mandate At Tribunal

The Leaders and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Essien Udim Local Government Area have described the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 9th March 2019 election as a pyrrhic victory which will overturn in their favour at the election tribunal.

The APC chieftains stated this on Thursday during a press conference held at NUJ Press Centre, Uyo.

In his address on behalf of the party, a Chieftain of APC, Arc Ubok-utom Nya noted that the 9th March 2019 election will go down in history as ” the biggest, most elaborate fraud executed by the Akwa Ibom State Government.”

They alleged that election malpractice was carried out by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel in collusion with Akwa Ibom State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and superintended over by Mr. Mike Igini, the Resident Electoral Commissioner whom they insisted has been compromised.

The party noted that Akwa Ibom people, foreign and domestic observers will be interested to witness how Akwa Ibom State Government and INEC will defend what they described as electoral heist and day light robbery at the tribunal.

The APC reported that recently one of INEC trucks conveying ballot papers earlier voted in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were being transported to a location near INEC office in Uyo for destruction and subsequent replacement with ballot papers fraudulently thumb printed in attempt which they said is to cover tracks against inspection by the tribunal panelists.

They said that in the process, one of the vehicles got involved in an accident in Abak spilling and exposing the thousands of the ballots voted by Akwa Ibom people in favour of the APC.

The APC added ” The truck driver on interrogation confessed that that was the sixth trip that day shuttling to different PDP stalwart houses in different locations in the state to convey APC voted ballot papers for destruction.

” The occupants of the ill-fated truck have confessed to the brazen robbery perpetrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the supervision of Mr. Mike Igini. The accidented truck with some of the contents is still parked at the Police Station in Abak. We have it on good authority that spirited attempts are being made by the PDP administration in Akwa Ibom State in collusion with INEC to destroy the evidence of the electoral fraud.”

The party insisted that unlike reports making the round that chieftains of the APC in Essien Udim especially Senator Gods will Akpabio had perpetuated electoral malpractice and violence, chieftains of the PDP were the real culprits.

They mentioned those involved to include, one Anthony Luke (alias Aluko), an aide of Governor Udom Emmanuel, Barrister Imowo Okpokpo, a PDP stalwart, Prince Ukpong Akpabio (Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Akwa Ibom State), Chief Michael Afangideh, Mr. SunyiekekereInokon (Deputy State Chairman, PDP, Akwa Ibom State), Solomon Inokon, Engr. Oliver Ebong, Elder Raphael Isobara (Chairman, Essien Udim) and Barr. Esse Umoh, (PDP House of Assembly candidate).

APC added ” Together with a gang of thugs, they snatched Okon Ward materials at gun point and kidnapped the INEC staff with materials. Surprisingly, they turned up at the collation centre at INEC office in Essien Udim with results from Okon Ward all in favour of their party, the PDP.

“It was when the collation officer insisted on collating the forged result that the APC agent raised an alarm and phoned Senator Akpabio and other APC leaders.

Senator Akpabio immediately went to the Electoral Officer to lodge a written complaint against the collation of Okon Ward. The abducted INEC staff and Corps members confessed to the rigging before the Electoral Officer in charge of Essien Udim Local Government Area.

” At the Electoral Officer’s office, Senator Akpabio spoke to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini through the telephone of the Electoral Officer to lodge the same complaint and thereafter left the premises.

When the results were collated and announced, Senator Akpabio was no where near the INEC office. So how come these so-called Elders could fabricate lies from the pit of hell in an attempt to malign the good name of Senator Godswill Akpabio, their own illustrious son?

” It is instructive that Senator Akpabio never had any soldier attached to him. Throughout the election, he visited only his polling unit and INEC office to lodge a complaint.

It is on record that the Divisional Police Officer of Essien Udim Local Government Area arrested some PDP stalwarts at the collation centre for intimidating and harassing Corps members and electoral officials and attempting to change Unit results in favour of the PDP that lost woefully in the entire Local Government.”

The All Progressives Congress Elders and stakeholders while condemning Senator Bassey Albert over his petition against Senator Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the Senate called on him to withdraw it and apologize to Akpabio insisting that Akpabio is innocent.

They added ” We must commend Senator Akpabio for his peaceful disposition and insistence on following the due process of the law. APC members should remain calm and law abiding while pursuing their legitimate claims at the courts. Finally, we advise these carrion feeders never to gloat over this stolen mandate. Their so-called gubernatorial victory can only be pyrrhic. Very soon those attempting to denigrate their benefactor shall soon see that Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians have no regards for ingrates.”

Fighting Corruption: Lessons From Kano and Ibadan; By Wole Arisekola

Ibadan and Kano are not just the largest cities in Nigeria, they are the most politically advanced cities in Africa’s most populous nation.
You may call them any name that pleases you but the truth is that they are more advanced in politics than any city in Nigeria.
When it is time to retire their political leaders, they dont play ethnic or tribal cards. See how they permanently retired two in-laws in politics.

When Governor Umar Ganduje and his in-law, Abiola Ajimobi lost their states, it was not because they performed poorly compared to Udom Emmanuel, the so called “Governor do Nothing” of Akwa Ibom State, Ben Ayade of Cross River or Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia who have been re-elected for a second term in their respective states.

Ajimobi and Ganduje didn’t lose because the people of Ibadan and their brothers in Kano love the Peoples Democratic Party more than they love the All Progressives Congress; their electoral woes went beyond love for parties.

The dollar saga and lack of respect for elders played major roles in what befell them at the polls.
Ajimobi’s ‘Consituted Authority’ video and the viral video in which Governor Ganduje was seen collecting bribe from a certain contractor generated unfavourable responses before the election.

Neither of them was able to explain exactly what led to the actions that were caught on tape to the people of their states.
The good people of Oyo and Kano States took offence at the obbsessive tendencies of their governors.
Though the governors seemed to have become immune to criticisms, the people made up their minds that they would not allow either of them to continue to serve them as their leaders .

While you’re celebrating in Uyo, Calabar and Umuahia over the re-election of governors who have done worse things in their states than taking bribes from contractors, the people of Ibadan and Kano have demonstrated in this election how we can stop corruption in Nigeria.

Ibadan and Kano have shown us all how to hold our leaders accountable. They have shown that power truly belongs to the people.

Those who call Ibadan people illitrates and Kano voters almajiris are senseless. Underestimate the voters at your peril.
Illitrate and almajiri voters who voted out Ajimobi and Ganduje because of corruption are 200 times better than the so called educated illitrates in the South South and South East who vote for and celebrate corrupt politicians regardless of their level of education.

We need to copy Ibadan and Kano voters if we are serious about moving Nigeria forward.

I am an Ibadan man and very proud to be.

Wole Arisekola To Seyi Makinde:"This is a Well Deserved Victory To You and Oyo People

PRESIDENT of the Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria, (AMPON) and publisher of a renowned Ireland-based journal, Wole Arisekola, has congratulated the Governor-elect of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and his running mate, Engineer Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, on their resounding victory at the polls on Saturday. Seyi Makinde was declared winner and returned elected by the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the State, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, having polled a total of 515,621 votes to defeat his closest challenger and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, who polled 357,982 votes.

In the congratulatory message, Arisekola said the feat was a reward for the vigorous campaigns embarked upon by the People’s Democratic Party candidate and his running mate across the length and breadth of the State. *”I hereby congratulate the Oyo State Governor-Elect, Engr. Seyi Makinde and his deputy, Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, on their well-deserved victory. Let me also thank all the people of Oyo State and Ibadan in particular for keeping faith with the PDP,”* he said.

The publisher of _The Street Journal_, Wole Arisekola, also admonished the Governor-elect, in his congratulatory message to immediately hit the ground running, because he is part of the system, he lives in a state, and he sure knows the pains and the worries of the people living in the state.

Speaking further, he asked the Governor-elect to uproot the political thugs and their masters from the system by arresting the people involved immediately he is sworn into office and put them behind bars where they belong, to avoid future occurrence of their onslaught. The state is like the parent of the citizens, and now that he is the custodian of the state, he should begin to see himself as the parent of the Oyo State’s citizens and inhabitants, so the onus lies on him to guide and guard them properly.

Arisekola, an Ibadan-based entrepreneur and media mogul, in his message, also extended words of compassion and solidarity to the APC adding that the party in the state has learned its lesson and can still bounce back to reclaim the state’s number one position in subsequent governorship elections.

He thus urged them to be gallant losers and take the defeat in good faith by going back to the drawing board to re-strategize for a future political contest in the state.

Mercedes-Benz sells more than 150,000 cars in February

Mercedes-Benz sold 152,690 vehicles worldwide in February (-6.7%).

• In Germany, the best February unit sales of the past ten years were achieved with 23,119 Mercedes-Benz cars sold (+7.3%).
• The new B-Class was launched in Europe on February 16 and posted a sales increase of more than 16% last month in this region.
• In the first two months of the year, Mercedes-Benz sold 333,229 units (-6.7%).
• “We assume that the ongoing model changes will result in significant sales impetus in the coming months. At Mercedes-Benz, we continue to see strong demand worldwide for our current and new models,” stated Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales.

Stuttgart – In the first two months of this year, Mercedes-Benz delivered 333,229 cars worldwide (-6.7%). In February, 152,690 vehicles with the three-pointed star were sold worldwide (-6.7%). The model changes in the highest-volume segments SUVs and compact cars had an impact on sales in all regions also last month. The worldwide decrease in unit sales compared with the same month of last year is largely due to the discontinuation of the predecessor models of the CLA and the GLE. Meanwhile, the new B-Class had a positive effect on sales in Europe. B-Class deliveries increased more than 16% in Europe in the month of market launch and in Germany even more than 40%. Since the beginning of the year, Mercedes-Benz has maintained its market leadership in the premium segment in markets including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Denmark, South Korea, Australia, the United States, Canada and South Africa.

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We are delighted that the new B-Class has had such a positive impact on Mercedes-Benz unit sales so soon after the market launch in Europe. At the Geneva International Motor Show, we presented the latest generation of our top-selling SUV, the GLC, which will ensure further enthusiasm among our customers this year,” stated Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “We assume that the ongoing model changes will result in significant sales impetus in the coming months. At Mercedes-Benz, we continue to see strong demand worldwide for our current and new models.”

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold a total of 63,560 vehicles in February (-0.1%). The model change of the GLE and the discontinuation of the previous model had an impact on sales in various European markets. In Germany, the core market, 23,119 cars with the three-pointed star were delivered, representing an increase of 7.3%. This was the best February in the past ten years for unit sales in Germany. In the domestic market of Mercedes-Benz, the sales growth was driven in particular by the new A-Class, the new B-Class, and the new C-Class Saloon and Estate. In February, Mercedes-Benz was also able to increase its total unit sales in markets including France, Belgium, Russia, the Netherlands and Poland.

In the Asia-Pacific region, 59,253 cars were delivered to customers by Mercedes-Benz in February (-9.8%). In China, where sales are traditionally weaker in the month of the Chinese new year, 40,733 customer decided in favour of a car with the star (-5.4%). Sales in January and February totalled 112,430 units, more than ever before in the first two months of a year in China (+0.9%).

In the NAFTA region, Mercedes-Benz posted total unit sales of 25,757 cars delivered last month (-14.0%). In the core market, the United States, a total of 21,660 customers were delighted to receive their new automobile with the star (-12.5%). The model changes also had an impact in the USA, with a double-digit drop in unit sales of the GLE for example. Sales of the new C-Class Saloon increased at a double-digit rate in the USA in February.

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by model

Sales of Mercedes- Benz compact cars in the first two months of 2019 were slightly above the prior-year level: More than 81,700 customers were delighted to receive their new A- or B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake or GLA in January and February (-4.6%). Meanwhile, the model change for the compact cars continues. The new A-Class recorded sales growth worldwide for the sixth month in succession (+20.8%). Following the market launch of the new B-Class in Europe on February 16, the new model achieved double-digit growth in deliveries in Europe, especially in Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Spain.

Sales of the new C-Class Saloon and Estate models have reached a new high with approximately 66,500 cars delivered in the first two months of this year (+4.9%). Sales of the new C-Class Estate in particular increased worldwide in February (+15.8%). Last month, every fifth vehicle sold worldwide by Mercedes-Benz was a C-Class Saloon or Estate.

Of the Mercedes-Benz dream cars, approximately 11,000 Coupés, Cabriolets and Roadsters were delivered to customers worldwide in February (-3.0%), including the popular CLS Coupé. In the first two months of the year, every fourth dream car with the star sold worldwide was a CLS Coupé.

smart

In February, 7,854 cars of the smart brand were sold (-6.1%). Sales in Germany of the two- and four-door urban microcars reached a new record with an increase of more than 11% in the first two months of the year. The smart models were popular also in France, Portugal and Switzerland in February, with double-digit sales growth in each of those markets.

Overview of Mercedes-Benz Cars unit sales

	February 2019	Change in %	Year to February 2019	Change in %
Mercedes-Benz	152,690	-6.7	333,229	-6.7
smart	7,854	-6.1	16,151	-8.2
Mercedes-Benz Cars	160,544	-6.6	349,380	-6.7
Mercedes-Benz unit sales in the regions/markets
Europe	63,560	-0.1	121,523	-5.7
- thereof Germany	23,119	+7.3	42,415	-2.4
Asia-Pacific	59,253	-9.8	152,487	-4.8
- thereof China	40,733	-5.4	112,430	+0.9
NAFTA	25,757	-14.0	51,825	-12.7
- thereof USA	21,660	-12.5	44,167	-11.8