2019: APC grills Mama Taraba over pro-Atiku comments

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The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, on Thursday met with the National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressive Congress, APC in a bid to clarify her recent controversial statement concerning who she would support in the 2019 presidential election.

The minister caused a stir recently when she said she would support the presidential bid of former vice president Atiku Abubakar in 2019 even if her principal, President Muhammadu Buhari decided to run. She referred to Mr. Abubakar as her political godfather. She had further touched some nerves when she said that President Buhari had not indicated that he would re-contest.

In a follow-up interaction with reporters a few days later, she said she was not scared of losing her job over her statements adding that President Buhari would not be swayed by her traducers seeking sanctions against her.

The Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his Ogun State counterpart, Ibikunle Amosun, tackled her days later saying that she (minister) had never believed in the Buhari ideology.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mrs. Alhassan was invited by the leadership of the party to defend her controversial statements on Thursday.

The minister, who arrived at the APC National Secretariat at about 2 p.m. entered into a closed-door session with the party chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, and members of the NWC. The meeting lasted until 4 p.m.

Emerging afterwards, she told waiting journalist that she could not speak on what transpired at the meeting because ”that is what the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi is there for.”

“I can’t make any statement when the party spokesperson is here with me. I am not the party spokesperson.”

Mr. Abdullahi after the minister left confirmed that the minister was at the secretariat to respond to issues relating ”to a series of controversial comments she made about the 2019 presidential election.”

The party spokesperson said the party refrained from making any public comments until they heard her position directly.

Mr. Abdullahi said while the party was not concerned about her decision on who to support for the presidency in 2019, ”she exhibited indiscretion in her mode of communicating her intention.”

Mr. Bolaji also gave some insight into what transpired at the meeting.

“Since the issue of the comment she made came up, the party has not said anything regardless of what individuals might have told you because we are a party that recognises the right of her members to express their opinions. We also had an opportunity to discuss with the minister to understand what she said and in what context she said so before we know how to respond.”

“So, when she came, we asked her to explain to us what truly transpired and in what context she said what she said and she did offer explanations. Now, having offered her explanations, we acknowledged that as a member of this party, she is entitled to her opinion and she is entitled to her choice.

“However, as a senior member of this party, her statements represent an act of indiscretion because with the kind of position she occupies even within the party, she is a party leader in her own right, what she said was not what she was supposed to say at the time that she said it.”

The party spokesman said Mrs. Alhassan did not exercise ”greater judgment than she did” and ”proper timing” for her comments adding that the minister however apologised.

The party spokesperson said there was no controversy as the person the minister supported in her comments (Mr. Abubakar) is a party member.

When asked a question whether the minister was advised to resign her appointment, Mr. Abdullahi said that was not discussed.

“No. That did not come up. What we just said was that we understand the context in which she said what she said, but it was an act of indiscretion for someone occupying the position she is occupying in the party to make that kind of statement.

“If this was 2018 and the people have filed their applications to say they are contesting and she now comes out and says she is supporting this person; how can that be an issue? But we are still in 2017.

“We are still far away. Atiku (Abubakar) has not said he is contesting. He has not collected any form. He has not announced to anybody that he is contesting. So, that is what we mean by the timing. It is not that she had no right to say what she had said.”

Mr. Abdullahi, however, avoided any comments regarding the recent comments made by Mr. Abubakar

Mr. Atiku, it would be recalled had also initiated a debate when he criticised the APC-led administration for sidelining him in the nation’s affairs even when he contributed to its success in the 2015 polls. The former president is believed to have contributed funds towards the success of Mr. Buhari in the said polls.

The APC National Vice Chairman, North-west, Inuwa Abdulkadir, had chided the former vice president a few days later warning him and others to stop “misleading statements aimed at causing division within the party.”

Singer Sampha Wins Britain’s Mercury Prize

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London musician Sampha was awarded Britain’s Mercury Prize on Thursday for his debut album, “Process”, beating out competition from singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

“I feel like I’m dreaming. This is incredible,” Sampha said as he collected his prize at the Apollo venue in west London.

“I’d like to dedicate this award to my parents, you know they came over from Sierra Leone and they just wanted to give us the best upbringing possible,” he added, picking up the award from British actor Idris Elba.

Sampha beat nominees including fellow singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, breakthrough grime star Stormzy, and former winners The xx.

The Mercury Prize showcases a range of music genres by celebrating the best album by a British or Irish artist each year, picking a winner from a shortlist of 12.

“Sampha is an exceptional singer-songwriter — compelling, yearning and inspirational,” organisers said when the shortlist was announced.

His debut album was described by NME music magazine as a “finely crafted and devastating take on the loss of his mother to cancer” when it was released in February.

After collecting the award, Sampha played his piano track “(Nobody Knows Me) Like The Piano”, later saying it was an “overwhelming” performance during which he was overcome by happiness and the sense of loss woven into the lyrics.

Despite being the musician’s debut album, Sampha has already been involved in high-profile collaborations including with hip-hop star Drake.

As well as an instant boost to album sales, the winner also picks up £25,000 ($33,500, 28,000 euros) in prize money.

Each year the winner is chosen by a 12-strong judging panel, which this year included musicians Jamie Cullum and Marcus Mumford.

The 2016 Mercury Prize went to grime hip-hop artist Skepta, for his album “Konnichiwa” in recognition of a resurgent homegrown genre.

The inaugural prize in 1992 was awarded to Primal Scream, for their album “Screamadelica”.

Plateau Govt Meets With Igbo/Hausa Communities

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A few hours after announcing an indefinite curfew in Jos the Plateau State capital, the governor Simon Lalong has met with the leaders of the Hausa and Igbo communities to further allay any fears of the breakdown of law and order in the state.

The Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Dambazau is also in attendance at the meeting.

The Plateau State Government on Thursday placed the state capital, Jos under an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew, due to tension between members of the Hausa and Igbo communities in the city.

This follows as tension built up in the city after rumours made the rounds that members of the Hausa community were set to the attack Igbos in retaliation to reported attacks on a Hausa community in Rivers.

As a result, there was confusion around the city centre with traders hurriedly closing their shops and residents rushing back home.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle Samuel, the sudden buildup of tension” in Jos to “the conduct of some disgruntled elements, who have decided to throw the metropolis into confusion on account of their negative reaction to the agitations of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East”.

“Consequently, the governor has directed an immediate imposition of curfew from dusk to dawn (6pm – 6am) within the Greater Jos-Bukuru Metropolis, until further notice,” the statement read in part.

“The deployment of security personnel to all flash points within the metropolis has also been directed to ensure compliance with the curfew order and to avert any further breach of law and order.”

The governor assured all citizens of their safety and asked them to go about their activities without fear.

Operation Python Dance II: Army Insists Troops Will Not Be Withdrawn

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The Nigerian Army has insisted that it is not withdrawing troops deployed to the South-East for Operation Python Dance II.

A statement from the Army authorities asked members of the public to disregard what it describes as mere rumours.

The Army Spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman in a statement reacted to the announcement by the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu that troops will gradually be withdrawn from the streets of Abia State.

The governor made the announcement on Thursday during a media briefing on the security situation in the state.

He said the security situation in the state in the past few days has become of great concern to both the government and the citizenry.

Governor Ikpeazu condemned the reported attacks on police stations and military posts in Aba and Umuahia, warning that the state government would no longer tolerate such incident.

He also asked members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to desist from spreading what he called “false rumors” capable of throwing Abia State into disorder.

General Usman said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Abia State governor in his speech stated that ‘there will be a gradual withdrawal of soldiers on the streets of Aba and Umuahia from tomorrow’.

“This should not be misconstrued as withdrawing of troops earmarked for exercise Egwu Eke II”.

He emphasized that the exercise will commence today (Friday) as scheduled, and commanders have been instructed to ensure that all hands are on deck to ensure that the exercise is carried to its logical conclusion.

While asking members of the public in the affected areas to go about their lawful business, the Army spokesman warns that no individual or group will be allowed to jeopardise the conduct of the field training exercise.

He added that troops have been instructed to conduct themselves in a professional manner, and any act of indiscipline by military personnel will be decisively dealt with.

IPOB/Army Clash: Traders Close Shops In Kaduna Over Rumoured Attacks

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There appears to be some tension building up in Kaduna State as most Igbo traders have closed their shops following rumours of a planned attack by hoodlums.

This follows rumours that some youths are planning to launch an attack against Igbo’s and their investment due to the crisis in Abia and Rivers States between IPOB and soldiers.

The police and the Kaduna State government have however beefed up security in the state capital and environs in order to avert any breakdown of law and order.

The State Commissioner of Police who monitored the security situation in the metropolis, assures Igbos and other residents of adequate protection while appealing to them to go about their normal activities without fear.

Muller considering Bayern exit

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Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller claims he was close to joining Manchester United at one stage and has now opened the door to a potential exit from the Bundesliga giants.

Muller, 27, has been an integral part of Bayern since graduating from the club's academy in 2009 and has featured 400 times for the first team in various midfield and forward roles.

The 2014 World Cup winner, who's known for his incredible technical ability and tireless running, was once subject to a €100million bid from the Red Devils during Louis van Gaal's tenure but the Germany international pledged his loyalty to Die Roten.

However, after seeing his influence within the starting XI diminish under manager Carlo Ancelotti, the forward, who's scored 161 goals and registered 133 assists for the club, is considering his options.

"There was a stage when the subject arose two years ago when I considered it, but then the club immediately backed me and I was told I belong here," he told Kicker. 

"I didn't have to think about it a great deal after Bayern said we are counting on you and that you are an important man for us.

"Of course, it's possible," he added in reference to leaving. "When my time is up, it's up. Schweinsteiger was here for over 10 years and now he's been gone for over two years and another player is here instead.

"It will be exactly the same with me. If I drop dead tomorrow, there will be a funeral, yet on Friday, 11 players will still be out on the pitch. That's life.

"At the moment, I don't think it's going to happen because I am very happy here. However, I'm not saying that somewhere different in the world definitely wouldn't be my thing either.

"If life takes you somewhere else then I would make myself at home there as well. I would follow the same principle as here, enjoying as many good things as possible every day."

Allardyce rules out Palace return

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The former Bolton and West Ham boss saved the Eagles from relegation last season after taking over from Alan Pardew.

He, however, left the club at the end of the season, and said he would be taking a break from the game. 

With Palace dismissing De Boer after just 77 days in charge, they are on the lookout for a new boss, with Roy Hodgson said to be in the frame.

Allardyce said on Monday Night Football: "To make it clear for everybody and to stop the speculation, I spoke to Steve (Parish) late this afternoon and said I wouldn't be ready to come back.

"I made a decision and I wouldn't feel comfortable taking any position as a football manager because I'm enjoying my life at the moment and enjoying watching everyone else deal with the pressures of the Premier League.

"There's certainly huge pressure - more pressure than ever - in the Premier League as we've seen by Frank going so early."

He added: "He didn't offer me the job but asked me what my thoughts were.

"It was a clever question and I told him what I was thinking and that if they were to offer me the job, at this moment in time I wouldn't want to go back.

"I want to wish Palace all the best and I'm obviously very sad after all the hard work that went into last season to rescue the team and achieve 41 points.

"It was a great end to a very difficult start to my tenure at Palace but we finally came through with flying colours. For me, one of the best 10 to 12 days I had was when we beat Chelsea away, Liverpool away and Arsenal at home.

"Without those victories we would have got relegated and I'm glad we secured safety."