48 hours after new govt,is the wind of #Change blowing across federal and states yet?

In what appears to be a clear departure from the past, President Muhammadu Buhari has kept Nigerians guessing with respect to the appointment of key positions like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the media and his publicity team.
Unlike his predecessors and most state governors, Buhari had yet to announce the names and designations of those he has picked to perform these and other functions on Saturday.

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The various statements issued from the Office of the President at the Presidential Villa on Saturday were signed by Mr. Garba Shehu, the erstwhile Director of Media and Publicity of the now defunct All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council.
Shehu told one of our correspondents on Saturday that the presidential campaign media team had continued to work for Buhari pending the official appointment of his spokespersons. “It is the same campaign team,” he said.
When probed on whether Buhari would be addressing the country soon to declare his next course of action, he said the President had said all he had to say in his inaugural ceremony and gala speeches.
Buhari, who succeeded Goodluck Jonathan, was sworn in as President on Friday.
Buhari had in a recent interview with a national daily revealed that he would depart from the norm in his approach to putting together his team.
Specifically, he said, “I am going to quote myself because I heard in one of the interviews that I said the type of people I am supposed to appoint like the cabinet and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Service Chiefs, will be different.
“Definitely my approach is going to be different from what we had under the PDP where governors nominated ministers.
“I have been around long enough to know the people that I can approach for things like that. Deliberately, we will look for competent people, dedicated and experienced to head ministries.”
While reacting to a list of ministers and advisers being circulated on the Internet, Buhari said at the time he had not written anything on paper for anybody to see.
However, there were news reports that governors submitted lists of their nominees for appointment into Buhari’s cabinet.
Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha who is also the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum was reported to have confirmed to journalists that he submitted a list of three persons.
There have also been reports listing former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, his former Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi as some of those to be appointed as ministers.
Another report had named the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina as the possible choice as Special Adviser on Media.
Leaders of the party, the All Progressives Congress, were also not willing to comment on the President’s actions, noting that Buhari had transited from being the President-elect to President.
An APC leader who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “You will agree with me that things have changed. Buhari is now the President and what you are asking me to comment on is not a party matter any longer. It is his prerogative as President to make an announcement when he chooses.”
A member of the Buhari campaign team, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, also said, “Muhammadu Buhari is not a man you can push. I am sure he will make an announcement soon. He is a man who is prepared to hit the ground running, just exercise a little bit of patience.”
Also speaking on the issue, another member of the team, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin said, “What I think we need to do is to allow the new President – it is not that his mind is not made up on who he wants.
“It is a big decision to pick a person out of the whole pack to speak for him and present him for who he is and what he is.
“To be able to make an announcement of who is going to be Chief of Staff, National Security Adviser and so on, I think it will not be long. Allow him a few hours, may be a day or two, we will all have a clearer idea.”
In his inaugural speech, the President warned political forces or anyone who thought he would be answerable to him in the next four years, saying he belonged to nobody. “Having just a few minutes ago sworn on the Holy Book, I intend to keep my oath and serve as President to all Nigerians. I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,” he said.
He allayed the fears by some suspected past corrupt leaders who might view Buhari’s presidency as coming to victimise them.
The President reassured such persons that their fears were unfounded, adding that he had opted to put the past behind him.
He said, “A few people have privately voiced their fears that on coming back to office, I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue.”
Meanwhile, most of the newly elected and re-elected state governors who were sworn in on Friday have yet to begin work, SUNDAY PUNCH has learnt.
While some of them have appointed few aides to work with, others have yet to do so. It was also learnt that lobbyists have begun moves for cabinet appointments.
In Kwara State, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who is now in his second term, had shortly after his inauguration, appointed three new officials and reappointed three former government appointees.
The new appointees are Head of Service, Zarah Umar; Chief of Staff, Babatunde Abdulwahab; Senior Special Assistant, Government House, Ibrahim Adeyemi; and Special Assistant Domestic, Segun Abifari.
The reappointed officials are Isiaka Gold, who was reappointed as Secretary to the State Government; Dr. Muyideen Akorede as Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity; and Abdulwahab Oba, Chief Press Secretary.
The governor, who listed several capital projects to be executed during his second term, urged residents of the state to tighten their belts as the government would embark on more Internally Generated Revenue-driven and cost-saving measures.
The new governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade, who succeeded Liyel Imoke, was still ruling the state from his private residence within the State Housing Estate in Calabar as of Saturday.
It was, however, observed that there was a flurry of activities at the official residence of the governor.
Imoke did not return to the lodge after the 2012 rerun of the governorship election in the state.
But Ayade is expected to move into his official residence on Monday, a Government House source told one of our correspondents.
Although there was no change or renewal of government in Osun State on Friday, SUNDAY PUNCH observed that most of the commissioners and special advisers of the dissolved Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s former cabinet were still found around the Government House.
The ministries in the state are being managed by permanent secretaries since the governor’s second inauguration on November 27, 2014. Our correspondents observed that contractors working on several projects in the state are no longer on site.
Moreover, expectations have heightened in Plateau State, barely 48 hours after Governor Simon Lalong assumed office. As of Saturday, the new governor had yet to make appointments into key offices, especially his principal aides.
A leader of the APC in Plateau, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed to SUNDAY PUNCH that some party members were unsettled due to disagreement over key appointments.
Former Director of Press and Publicity, Lalong/Tyoden Campaign Organisation, Mr. Festus Fuanter, however, said there was no cause for worry as the governor wanted to consult widely and ensure that all interests were taken care of.
He noted that things would begin to take shape, “in the next few days.”
In Oyo State, where Governor Abiola Ajimobi was re-elected to become the first two-term governor in the state, intense lobbying has started since the governor announced that his new cabinet would be smaller and based on performance.
Ajimobi had dissolved his cabinet on the eve of his inauguration.
A source said some of the commissioners and aides, who failed to canvass enough votes for Ajimobi in their wards and Local Government Areas, had been calling the Chairman of the APC in Oyo State, Mr. Akin Oke, to speak to the governor on their behalf.
Ajimobi had vacated the State House for his Oluyole home in Ibadan before the election and he is expected to move back to his official residence soon.
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has moved to the Government House, it was learnt. The official residence is now wearing a now look, while offices within the premises now have the official portrait of the governor.
It was also observed that the governor’s lodge, presidential lodge, as well as the offices of the governor and his deputy where the flags of the Peoples Democratic Party were hoisted had been replaced with that of the APC.
In Imo State, re-elected Governor Rochas Okorocha has launched a new pattern to reap in IGR for the state.
The governor, who had abolished any form of levy in his first term in office, had instructed the Environment Transformation Committee to enforce collection of levies.
Okorocha, in his maiden press briefing on the second lap of his administration, urged the people of Imo to prepare for sacrifices, noting that it was not going to be business as usual.
As of the time of filing this report on Saturday evening, the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has yet to announce any appointment into his new government.
Our correspondent gathered that the new governor is still consulting, and will name his appointees soon.
Feelers in the state chapter of the PDP indicated that former Governor Sullivan Chime and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, are likely to make key inputs in the composition of the incoming state executive council, as well as other appointments.
A source in the PDP said a picture of the new administration would emerge within the week.
The new Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, upon his assumption of office, has said he would streamline government operations in the state to reduce the cost of governance.
The governor, who met with the body of permanent secretaries in the state public service on Saturday, said although new offices would be created, efforts would also be made to attract more investments to the state.
The governor said he would be residing at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, adding that he would be available at his desk from 8am daily.
Ambode said he expected all public servants to also be at their desks by 8am.
“The state civil service will drive the change and the continuity which we intend to put in place in the next four years,” he said.
Copyright PUNCH

Inside details of President Muhammadu Buhari's swearing-in

Nigeria's change of government just ended in Abuja a moment ago with drama and glimpses of what Nigeria's future under the new rule holds. The swearing in of Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo as the president and vice president of the federal republic of Nigeria respectively. President Buhari is also the commader-in-chief of the country's armed forces.

In a colourful ceremony, former President Goodluck Jonathan, looking more subdued than before, performed his final official duties as he handed over the instruments of office to the oncoming administration. Conspicuously absent is former First Lady Patience Jonathan.

Shortly afterwards, vice president Yemi Osinbajo, resplendent in a white flowing agbada robe, accompanied by his wife, also decked in a white traditional Yoruba costume of iro erapper and buba blouse with white headtie, held aloft a copy of the Holy Bible and took his oath of office as administered by Mohammed Adoke, the chief justice if the federation, himself attired in the ceremonial red robe. After this ceremony, he signed the form attesting to this action.

To electrified shouts of "Sai Buhari, Sai Baba!!" from the ecstatic crowd, President Buhari then calmly strutted in measured gait towards the podium where he accepted a copy of the Holy Qu'ran and swore to discharge his duties without fear or favour, constitutionally, as the country's president and commander-in-chief of Nigeria's armed forces and customarily, signed the attestation form. Then, he received the symbolic instruments of office which were initially handed over by Jonathan moments earlier to the chief justice during the ceremony.

To "Allah Ki aye" songs by King Wasiu Marshall, a noted fuji musician and danced to by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Benin among other watchers, Buhari was discreetly accompanied by his three personal bodyguards or shadows comprising two officers from the elite Brigade if Guards within the Nigerian army and one from the navy, the new president proceeded to the podium where he made his inaugural address. Characteristically direct, blunt and short, President Buhari recognised his wife in the salutation to applause. This a departure from frequent reports portraying him as sternly disapproving of such display of affection. Their body language during the ceremony discountenanced the idea. Throughout the event, First Lady Aisha Buhari sat with her upper body tilted towards President Buhari; she and her husband had their hands relaxedly placed on the armrest between them.

In the address, President Buhari lauded his predecessor for his magnanimity in conceding victory promply after the last polls. "That act made Nigerians worldwide proud, " President Buhari said. He also the social and traditional media while enjoining them to be patriotic while discharging their duties. Instructively, patriotism featured prominently in the infamous Decree 4 used to arrest journalists during his military rule before he turned to a born-again democrat.

In the speech also, he promised to work with allies to attain regional, continental and global aims especially, in freeing the abducted Chibok girls and stamping out Boko Haram from the country. He also promised to do his best to improve the country's infrastructure, reduce unemployment, improve power supply, health, education, environment especially in adherence to climate change global best practices.

Though the speech was not flowery, the two most profound quotes in the speech was "I will not prosecute anyone. The past is past". This statement is of immense relief to the powerful business and political elite which has held Nigeria to ransom through various shady deals. This grhitherto opposed his emergence and thrown its weight behind Jonathan for fear of reprisals in a Buhari government.

"I belong to everyone. I belong to no one," his second quote, is very declarative. Buhari is known, infact notorious, for being his own person who is very independent and not susceptible to anyone's control or influence. During his presidential campaign, he ran a bid that was basically broke because he refused to receive huge donations from wealthy groups and individuals including two billionaires who walked up to him and offered him a billion naira each. He stoutly declined because he said he does not want to be beholden to anyone. Naturally, such donors would want a level of patronage in return which he would likely be strongly disinclined towards. After the campaign, reports are rife that Buhari totally shunned all efforts by powerbrokers within the All Progressives' Congress (APC) to submit names of government appointees to him. He declined efforts by a governor to do so with him on the premise that since he does not appoint his state commissioners for him, the governor cannot decide who his ministers too should be. This led to recent media reports that APC would discontinue the common practice of allowing governors to submit ministerial nominees to the president. Recently, he reportedly flew to London without informing members of the party's leadership apparently in a bid to stave off pressure in a further symptom of his desire for individuality. The party was not apprised of Buhari's meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain during the visit until afterwards. It is even unsure if Buhari divulged the entire details of the meeting held only between him and the PM. A source close to No. 10 Downing Street told Mega Mode Media exclusively that the meeting was held to secure Cameron's support for his administration particularly in terms of his personal security. It is yet unclear if this is indicative of Buhari's awareness that he will soon lose support from his present circle of influence due to his recent isolationism from the party. In any case, the second quote, spoken forcefully and with a definitive pause during the inaugural address, strongly reveals the frontline principle with which he would run his government regardless of incurring anyone's displeasure.

Subsequently, there was a colourful parade attended to by the new president.
As the event wounded down, President Buhari entered the glass enclosure comprising foreign dignitaries and heads of governments for interactions. This groups consists if heads if states from Saudi Arabia, South Africa, other ECOWAS and AU states including the foreign diplomatic corps.

From the Eagle Square, the inaugural ceremony train moves to Aso Villa where an inaugural dinner cum state banquet will be held later tonight.

Tomorrow, the CHANGE administration begins fully...

Abuja pulses with excitement for Buhari's historic inauguration today

Global attention shifts to the world’s most populous black nation on the planet, Nigeria, where the country’s fifth democratically elected president, Muhammadu Buhari, will be inaugurated today.
Contrary to speculations, indications emerged on Thursday that the outgoing President, Goodluck Jonathan, will attend the historic occasion which would mark the first time a sitting president would hand over power to a victorious challenger.
The event expected to be witnessed by many world leaders will take place at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the nation’s hilly capital city.
As of the last count, no fewer than 20 world leaders have flown into the country in readiness to attend the ceremony.
Activities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, peaked on Thursday as Presidents and representatives from many countries landed at the facility and were subsequently driven to their various hotels.
The PUNCH learnt that Jonathan, whose administration had earlier expressed the wish to hand over power to Buhari a day before the May 29 official date, has decided to attend the event in demonstration of his sportsmanship.
It was gathered that the outgoing President would fly the flagship of the presidential fleet codenamed “Nigerian Air Force 001” or “Eagle One” in an official capacity as President for the last time today.
After the inauguration, the aircraft will fly Jonathan to the Port Harcourt Airport, Rivers State, from where he is expected to be flown in a helicopter to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, en route a homeward journey in a convoy of cars to Otuoke, his hometown.
Speculations were rife that Jonathan might shun the inauguration ceremony owing to the acrimony that greeted the election.
But a top Presidency official, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that Jonathan would attend the event.
He said if Jonathan failed to attend the event, he might end up portraying himself as a bad loser despite the fact that he conceded defeat to Buhari shortly after the election.
The official, however, expressed the hope that the leaders of the All Progressives Congress would prevail on their supporters not to do anything to humiliate the outgoing President at the event.
The official said, “Immediately after the inauguration, the outgoing President will travel to his state on Air Force 001 for the last time.
“As a former President, any of the smaller aircraft in the presidential fleet can be made available to him on request, but not the 001. The only reason why he can fly that aircraft again is either if he becomes the President again or if he is to accompany a sitting President on a trip.”
Jonathan out, Buhari in
Jonathan is leaving office after a five-year stint as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Jonathan, who became the President in May 2010 following the death of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, finished the one year remaining in his former boss’ administration and went ahead to contest the 2011 presidential election which he won.
He contested the March 28 presidential election but his re-election bid was thwarted by Nigerians who chose Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.
Jonathan and his handlers believe that as he is bowing out of office, he is leaving a legacy that is unparalleled in the nation’s history.
The government’s programmes were centered on what he called Agenda for National Transformation.
His administration prided itself as having succeeded in the areas of electoral reform, revamping of the railway system, remodelling of airports, privatisation of power sector, agriculture, and rule of law, among others.
Critics of Jonathan are, however, of the opinion that his administration aided corruption and impunity.
This has fuelled the calls on Buhari to probe the outgoing administration, especially the oil sector, where the allegation of missing funds was rife.
Buhari will be taking his Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office today before Nigerians and friends of the nation with a burden to run his government differently in accordance with his party’s “change” mantra.
10 world leaders arrive for inauguration
It was learnt that before 5pm on Thursday, the aircraft of over 10 African countries had touched down at the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Our correspondent gathered that the two recently inaugurated lounges for pilots and international protocol officers located close to the international wing of the airport, were beehives of activities as some guests were received at the new facilities.
Officials at the NAIA stated that the Presidents of the different nations were sighted at the presidential wing of the airport while countries, whose Heads of State could not show up, sent representatives.
The flags of the visiting countries were displayed on the airplanes.
“Some of the countries whose Presidents or representatives are now in Nigeria include Mali, Sudan, South Africa, Namibia, Chad, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Senegal, the Gambia and Guinea,” an official of NAIA said.
The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, was sighted at the airport, according to our source, who added that the advance teams of France and the United States were on the ground as of the time of filing this report.
The official stated that the flight of the US government was scheduled to land around 3am on Friday.
Our source said, “Other countries whose Presidents or representatives also arrived Abuja airport on Thursday included Togo, Angola, Lesotho, France, Ghana, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. More are still coming, going by the manifest that we have.”
Obama sends Kerry, Olajuwon
The United States President Barrack Obama has detailed the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, including basketball icon and Olympic Gold medallist, Hakeem Olajuwon, to the inauguration. Other members of the delegation are the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, and the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Department of State, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Also in the delegation are Commander, U.S. Africa Command, General David Rodriguez, and the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council, Grant Harris.
Court dismisses bid to stop Buhari’s inauguration
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed an application seeking to stop the inauguration.
A non-governmental organisation, Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative, had on Tuesday filed a suit as well as an ex parte application seeking an interim injunction restraining the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, from inaugurating Buhari on Friday.
The application was adjourned till Thursday for hearing following the failure of the representative of the plaintiff or its lawyer, Mr. Philip Ekpo, to show up in court on Wednesday when the application was initially fixed for hearing.
After hearing the plaintiff’s lawyer on Thursday, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, dismissed the application for lacking in merit.
He held that the urgency which the application was predicated on was self-induced because the election in which Buhari emerged as president had held about two months before the suit was filed.
Justice Ahmed held, “The presidential election in which the 1st defendant (Buhari) emerged winner took place on March 28, 2015; today is May 28. It is now two months the election took place. Now, I sincerely ask, how can a court grant an interim injunction on the issue?”
“Where was the plaintiff/applicant before and after the election? Is it that the applicant did not know about the presidential election of March 28 or what?
“The inauguration of the 1st defendant will be held tomorrow (Friday) and the applicant is talking about urgency.
“This motion ex parte is a clear case of self induced urgency. Therefore this application is devoid of merit and accordingly dismissed.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the suit till June 24.
Buhari’s counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had earlier asked the court to hear the application but the request was rejected.
The court agreed with the plaintiff’s lawyer’s submission that Order 26 rule 9 of the Federal High Court forbade him from being heard in such an application filed as an ex parte.
Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, are the 1st to the 3rd respondents in the suit respectively.
The plaintiff is seeking an order restraining the CJN from inaugurating in the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, May 29.
The suit also seeks an order nullifying the Certificate of Return issued to Buhari by INEC.
The plaintiff hinged the suit on the allegation that Buhari did not qualify to contest the presidential election on the grounds that he gave a false information about his academic qualification to INEC.
Between January and February 2015 there were about 10 cases instituted by various plaintiffs challenging Buhari’s eligibility to stand for the polls on the grounds of his academic qualification controversy. But after he won, the cases were withdrawn.
In the fresh suit filed by its lawyer, Mr. Philip Ekpo, the group alleged that Buhari did not meet the qualification enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act to stand for the March 28, 2015 presidential election.
The plaintiff is seeking an order of interim injunction restraining the CJN “or any person acting in his capacity” from swearing in Buhari as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015 or any other date thereof pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.
Police assure of security
The Nigeria Police Force has assured Nigerians and foreign dignitaries of adequate security for the inauguration.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, in a telephone interview on Thursday, explained that the police had deployed an anti-bomb squad as well as thousands of riot and conventional policemen nationwide.
According to him, operatives had been dispatched to various strategic parts of Abuja, including vulnerable areas, hotels and shopping plazas to ensure a hitch-free transition.
He said, “Our men are on the ground nationwide to ensure a successful inauguration programme in Abuja and the states. The different squads and units have been deployed and we want to assure Nigerians and our international guests that adequate manpower has been deployed and the security of everyone is guaranteed.”
When asked to give the number of personnel that would be on duty for the inauguration, Ojukwu declined, saying he could not do that for strategic security reason.
“I can’t give you the number of personnel that we have deployed, but I can tell you that adequate manpower had been deployed nationwide to protect lives and property and to ensure a smooth inauguration ceremony,” the spokesman stated.
NSCDC deploys 55,000 operatives
In a related development, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps said it had deployed 5,000 officials in the Federal Capital Territory and 50,000 others across the states.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Okeh, told our correspondent that sniffer dogs and surveillance vehicles would be on duty throughout the period of the inauguration.
He said, “We are deploying 55,000 personnel nationwide as well as sniffer dogs and other units. Five thousand operatives would be on duty in the FCT while the rest would work in the states in collaboration with our sister agencies.”
Abuja hotels
Meanwhile, the major hotels in Abuja have been playing host to foreign dignitaries and diplomats who are billed to attend the inauguration.
Foreign visitors including journalists from different countries were seen checking into the Transcorp Hilton and Sheraton hotels on Thursday.
As part of measures to make the visitors comfortable, the Transcorp hotel had reserved two lifts for VIPs.
Respect rule of law, Mark tells Buhari
Senate President, David Mark, on Thursday, urged the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to adhere strictly to the rule of law and respect human rights while discharging his constitutional responsibilities.
He specifically appealed to him to “do the needful for citizens and anchor his actions on adherence to rule of law, respect for human rights, freedom of expression, equity and justice.”
The senate president said he anticipated an egalitarian society under the new government where all citizens would be safe and protected to live and carry out their legitimate duties without fear of molestation or harassment in any part of Nigeria.
Mark, who stated this in his goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day celebration, also said, “All hands must be on deck as everyone plays his or her role to ensure that our democracy endures.”
Copyright PUNCH

KashamuGate: NDLEA blinks first, moves out from Senator-elect's home

 After its six-day siege at the Lekki Phase 1 residence of Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu, the personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), this night pulled out completely.
 Thisday reports that their withdrawal came a day after the agency had flouted a court directive ordering them to vacate Kashamu's residence.
 In a statement signed by the media aide of the embattled senator-elect, Austin Oniyokor, he said Kashamu would address the media, Nigerians and the whole world on his ordeal after his medical check-up.
 The statement said, "After six long nightmarish days and nights that the agents of the NDLEA laid siege to the Lagos residence of senator-elect, Prince Buruji Kashamu, despite valid and subsisting court orders directing them to vacate the place, we are pleased to announce that they have left the facility.
 "They left at exactly 7:45pm. But this was after the agency displayed a high level of brigandage and lawlessness that is only fit for a failed state.
 "However, we thank the Almighty God for His infinite mercies. He is the one who thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.
 "We also salute the judiciary for once again rising to the occasion and proving yet that it is truly the last hope of the common man and the oppressed.
 "We are grateful that the judiciary has again affirmed Prince Buruji Kashamu’s innocence of the charges against him, thus turning for good what was meant for evil.
 "Our appreciation also goes to the media, civil society groups, student bodies and all well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers, support and solidarity during the period."

Read:How Chelsea FC celebrated Premiership win again today

Jose Mourinho believes Saturday’s game against Thailand All-Stars will provide the perfect opportunity for Chelsea supporters in the region to celebrate our Barclays Premier League title triumph.
The Portuguese, speaking alongside John Terry and pictured with our Thailand All-Stars counterparts at a press conference in Bangkok, is delighted to be bringing his side to Thailand as champions.
‘The last time we came here we didn’t come as champions and it’s important for our fans in Thailand, we know we have a big fanbase here,’ said  Mourinho.
‘For them it’s not just a match, it’s the occasion to celebrate the Premier League title with us. After a long season it’s not an easy option to travel so far, but it became an easy option because we really wanted to come and enjoy it with our fans. It will be a good experience for the Thai players to play against us.’
The Blues secured the title with three games to spare this time around but, looking ahead to next season,  Mourinho expects a tougher test.
‘It’s very difficult to win back-to-back titles,’ said the Portuguese. ‘We know all the big clubs – Liverpool, Tottenham, Man United, Man City and Arsenal - are not happy and they will try to react, so obviously we need to be better next season than we were this season.
‘The league is so competitive so we need to start with the same motivation and desire as we did at the beginning of this season. At the same time we also have to try to do better in the Champions League. This season we went out without losing a single match, but obviously we are going to try to do better in European football.’
Mourinho went on to explain to the local journalists, who had given him and Terry a round of applause on their arrival, why he is so happy in his work at present.
‘I have a very good situation for myself, I like the club and players I work with,’ said the Chelsea manager.
‘I don’t need to motivate them because they motivate each other. I can try to give them a push but they also push me. We win together and lose together.
‘At this moment everybody is happy at the club. I’m happy with the players and I believe the players are happy with me. The fans are happy with all of us, so after the end of an amazing team Chelsea had for a decade, we start building a new team for the next decade, and this season was the beginning of that with one cup and the Premier League.
‘Me and John are very privileged because we belong to both teams and both generations.’

JT-arrival-Bangkok-2015

Terry meanwhile is delighted to return to the Thai capital for the third time since 2011, but for the first time as a reigning Premier League champion.
‘It’s great to be back here. We’ve had some great times here and for the fans to see us first-hand as champions, it’s great for them and great for us,’ said the 34-year-old. ‘We’re looking forward to the game and we’re here to win it.
‘We’re here to win the game, we take great pride in that, and we’re up against some of the best players in their league. Hopefully it will be a good game.
‘We’ve got a lot of big stars here who have competed in the league. We’ve come here to impress. It’s an opportunity for the fans to see us live at the game, and hopefully we can put on a good show. We’re pleased after becoming champions but we have two games left and hope to impress the fans.’
The captain promised the Blues will be determined to end the season with victories both in Bangkok and Sydney, but recognised also the quality of the opposition, the Thai All-Stars consisting of the best players in the national league here.
‘Coming here you realise how good they are, how fit they are, the energy and ability is excellent,’ Terry said. ‘It’s going to be a very tough game against the All-Star team, with the best players in the league and it’s a good chance for us to play against the best players here.’
Finally, Terry also thanked match sponsors Singha, our official partner, for their help in organising the game.
‘We’d like to say a big “thank you” to Singha, who are our family and a part of Chelsea Football Club. We’ve enjoyed great success together.
Cfc.com

Change is already in the air as Adesina wins AfDB seat

Nigeria's credibility got an immense boost among the comity of nations today just as the country is on the cusp of an administration change tomorrow.

The outgoing minister of agriculture, Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has been elected as the helmsman at the African Development Bank.

Though the position was keenly contested, Adesina garnered enough support and votes from Nigeria's friends on the continent to get the coveted position.

President-elect Muhammadu Buhari who will be sworn in tomorrow, at a juncture, gave massive support to Adesina's ambition and this has positively rubbed off on the minister.
Change has indeed arrived.

Court decides new twist in #KashamuGate

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday restrained security agencies in Nigeria from arresting and transporting the Senator-elect for Ogun East Senatorial District, Mr. Buruji Kashamu, to the United States to stand trial on drug-trafficking offences.
 Justice Okon Abang, in a judgement on Wednesday, declared as illegal, the arrest and extradition of Kashamu in relation to drug-trafficking allegations from which he had been exonerated by two British courts.
 Abang granted Kashamu’s prayer that having earlier obtained a judgment in Nigeria in January 2014 barring his arrest and extradition and the judgment having not been set aside, he could not be arrested and extradited.
 The judge awarded a cost in the sum of N20,000 against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Security Adviser to the President, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The Punch

Man offers 50 cows, more livestock, for Malia Obama's hand in marriage

A Kenyan lawyer has offered US president Barack Obama 50 cows and other assorted livestock in exchange for his 16-year-old first daughter Malia’s hand in marriage, AFP quotes a report.
Felix Kiprono said he was willing to pay 50 cows, 70 sheep and 30 goats in order to fulfil his dream of marrying the first daughter.
“I got interested in her in 2008,” Kiprono said, in an interview with The Nairobian newspaper.
At that time President Obama was running for office for the first time and Malia was a 10-year-old.
“As a matter of fact, I haven’t dated anyone since and promise to be faithful to her. I have shared this with my family and they are willing to help me raise the bride price,” he said.
Kiprono said he intended to put his offer of marriage to Obama and hopes the president will bring his daughter with him when he makes his first presidential visit to Kenya, the country where his father was born, in July.
Obama‘s Kenyan grandmother, who is in her early 90s, still lives in Kogelo, in western Kenya, home to a number of the president’s relatives.
“I am currently drafting a letter to Obama asking him to please have Malia accompany him for this trip. I hope the embassy will pass the letter to him,” he said.
Kiprono dismissed the notion he might be a gold-digger.
“People might say I am after the family’s money, which is not the case. My love is real,” he insisted.
The young lawyer, whose age was not revealed, said he had already planned his proposal, which would be made on a hill near his rural village, and the wedding at which champagne would be shunned in favour of a traditional sour milk called “mursik”.
Kiprono said that as a couple he and the young Obama would lead “a simple life”.
“I will teach Malia how to milk a cow, cook ugali (maize porridge) and prepare mursik like any other Kalenjin woman,” he said

PDP fumes over new revelations from APC, Osinbajo

 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has upbraided vice president-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, accusing him of misrepresenting facts regarding the nation’s economy, particularly the correct status of the nation’s government debt stock.
It stated that it was a further attempt by the in-coming All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to discredit the PDP.
The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, monday criticised Osinbajo for failing to be bold and honest enough to also inform the nation that the bulk of the $63.7 billion debt was incurred by APC states.
“It is indeed unfortunate that the vice president-elect who has the details of the debt stock chose to be economical with the truth and to mislead Nigerians just to discredit the current PDP-led administration and rationalise APC’s unpreparedness for governance.
“Osinbajo is aware that the $63.7 billion is made up of external and domestic debts belonging not only to the federal government but to federal and state governments accumulating since the 1960s, yet he deliberately misrepresented the facts to give the unsuspecting public the impression that the amount was exclusively incurred by the current federal government.
“Perhaps the vice president-elect avoided the details so as not to expose the fact that the APC-controlled Lagos State has both the highest external debt stock of $1,169, billion as well as the highest domestic debt stock of N278, 867 billion.
“Furthermore, we find it unacceptable and unstatesmanly for the vice president-elect to attempt to mislead Nigerians into believing that the total federal debt component was accumulated under the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration, when it is on record that a greater chunk of the amount was inherited,” the statement said.
The party said it was also on record that part of the contemporary borrowing from the domestic bond market was occasioned by the global economic and financial crisis as well as the downturn in crude oil revenue, which adversely affected other economies of the world.
Berating the in-coming administration for dwelling on excuses and reneging on campaign promises, the PDP wondered if the APC and the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, did not know about the economic challenges caused by the dwindling oil revenues before making their bogus promises to Nigerians.
“The APC must fulfill its promises for which Nigerians voted for it. Were they not aware of the debt stock and the dwindling oil revenues before making their huge promises to the people? Were the promises only intended as carrots to mislead the people and deceitfully win their votes after which they are dumped?.” The PDP queried.
The party said the in-coming administration should stop contriving excuses and understand that Nigerians expect nothing short of the fulfillment of its campaign promises in its four years rule, especially given that the solid foundation for wealth creation has already been laid by the PDP, which also remained truthful and honest in making promises to the people during the campaigns.
The PDP said: “Come June ending, the APC must be ready to commence in a very transparent manner, the payment of monthly N5,000 to 25 million poor Nigerians from across the country, monthly allowances for discharged but yet to be employed youth corps members as well as commence delivery of free meals to school children among other promises.
Thisday

Oil marketers held Nigeria to ransom for weeks over what?

 It has emerged that the nationwide fuel shortage engineered by oil marketers was done to pressurise the outgoing administration led by President Goodluck Jonathan to pay them an additional N200 billion comprising outstanding claims and foreign exchange rate differential, even though the claims had not been verified and may have been spurious.
Investigations by THISDAY have shown that contrary to the position by the oil marketers that they have been unable obtain new facilities from the banks to import petroleum products, the marketers were bent on getting the current administration to pay their claims before the end of its tenure because they were uncertain that the new administration led by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari would pay them on time.
Sources in the presidency disclosed that the marketers decided to hold the nation to ransom in order to get their claims paid promptly by the outgoing administration without consideration for other sectors of the economy that need funding by government.
One source explained that the urgency in their demands was triggered by the fear that Buhari would insist on verifying their claims before paying them a farthing and subsequently stumble on the fact that some of their claims are spurious.
“As you know, despite the best efforts of government, some of the claims by marketers are spurious. But in order to keep the fraud under check, several audits are undertaken to confirm that the products the marketers claim they have imported is what has been discharged at the depots and sold to Nigerians,” the presidency source explained.
He revealed that what some marketers do to beat the system is to discharge fuel at the depot, wait for PPPRA to verify the quantity they have discharged and then backload it into their vessels, and go and resell the fuel on the high seas.
“Then they make subsidy claims for petroleum products that were not actually discharged or sold in the country and make money from both ends.
“Now to eliminate such sharp practices, further verification is carried out by independent auditors after the one by PPPRA before their claims can be paid.
“However, this takes time and is the real reason the government takes its time before paying marketers,” he added.
The presidency sources also explained that the foreign exchange rate differential and interest rate charges was another issue which the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had insisted must be verified by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before further payments could be made to the oil marketers.
“A committee headed by the CBN was set up to verify the so-called foreign exchange rate differential, but the marketers kicked by reneging on their promise to end the fuel shortage.
“So these are the real issues; the entire fuel crisis was a ploy to put pressure on the Jonathan administration to pay them before the end of its tenure. But Okonjo-Iweala refused, insisting that all subsidy claims and the foreign exchange rate differential must be verified before further payments could be made.
“She also argued that if this administration is unable to verify their claims before May 29, the next administration will continue with the process because government is a continuum. But the oil marketers tried to sabotage this by making fuel unavailable, hoping that this would force the finance ministry to pay,” the source said.
To allay the concerns of marketers over payment by the incoming administration, the presidency source further revealed that minister has written a letter to the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association (DAPPMA) acknowledging that the government owes them some N291 billion as at May 2015, of which N160.5 billion is the foreign exchange differential.
But the same letter states that a committee comprising the CBN, PPPRA and the finance ministry is verifying the claim on the foreign exchange differential and payment can only be made by the federal government if the amount is verified, the source explained.
“If it is not verified, it will not be paid by the new government,” he said.
Thisday

UK Trip: Buhari rattles APC bigwigs, as he scolds incoming First Lady

 Major-General Muhammadu Buhari’s unannounced trip to the United Kingdom last week has caused disquiet among several bigwigs in his All Progressives Congress (APC) as it is the first clear signal that the President- Elect is a man of independent thinking determined to govern the Buhari way.
Sources informed THISDAY that not only did the President-Elect choose not to inform the party’s leadership of his intending trip, he travelled to the UK with  only 2 Personal Assistants, Seriki Abba and a Mr Tunde . He was received at the door of the aircraft by High Commissioner Sarki Tafida and rode in the embassy official car to his usual central London holiday flat booked by his brother having rejected the hotel booked by the High Commission.
His friend and backer of several decades, Mamman Daura was already waiting for him at the flat and they both drove in company of Seriki Abba to No 10 Downing Street to meet with British Prime Minister, David Cameron where they discussed issues ranging from security to  corruption and the immigrant crises facing Europe. Unlike his Chatham House visit with several APC bid wigs, this was done without their knowledge and the President Elect clearly needed his Buhari time.
 But once APC chieftains got wind of Buhari's departure, quite a few of them comprising the party’s National Leader, Bola Tinubu and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi scurried off to the UK in hot pursuit of Buhari.
Indeed, Amaechi was so eager to meet with Buhari in the UK, he elected to fly in the Economy cabin of Lufthansa Airways since his last minute booking could not get him a First or Business Class seat.
Buhari, who has now elected to stay on in the UK till tomorrow night before returning within 24 hours of his inauguration as Nigeria’s next president, is said to be giving his party leaders sleepless nights.
 Sources say they are rather concerned that Buhari’s penchant for keeping issues close to his chest and relying more on his old friends and backers from the North could alienate other critical members of the party who worked hard for his victory at the polls.

The First Lady is off Limits
Once a photograph of Oando Plc’s head honcho, Wale Tinubu and the incoming First Lady Mrs. Aisha Buhari sitting next to each other onboard a helicopter on the way to the Oshiomhole wedding went viral, her husband Muhammadu Buhari could not help but show his displeasure.
Buhari, an austere disciplinarian and devout Muslim, THISDAY gathered, summoned his wife and read the riot act to her on her public comportment, especially as she prepares to mount the saddle as first lady, a post he never really wanted under his administration.
 Once Tinubu learnt that he had rubbed Buhari off the wrong way by allowing the photograph to find its way to the social media, he was also said to have run to those close to the retired army general to plead for Buhari’s pardon.
It is uncertain if Tinubu, who is one of several Nigerians - along with his partner Mofe Boyo - who are said to be eying the post of Petroleum Minister under the incoming administration, has made any headway with the ambition as indications are the Buhari intends to keep the Petroleum Ministry within the Presidency

Jonathan makes final decision on his BoT chairmanship candidature

President Goodluck Jonathan monday night rejected the position of the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the  meeting held at the Banquet Hall,  Presidential Villa, the board’s secretary, Senator Wali Jibrin, said Jonathan declined the offer.
According to him, the board appointed a former Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello, in acting capacity for a period two or three months.
Jibrin noted that  at the end of the period, a substantive chairmen would be elected for the board and the party itself following the resignation of Alhaji Adamu Muazu.
Bello, who was also a former acting national chairman of the party,  was said to be the only nomination made at the meeting.
 He later told journalists that his preoccupation would be to reposition the party in a manner that it would remain the largest in Africa.
Thisday

Must Read: NLC charges FG over fuel cabal

 The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the federal government of allowing certain people it described as a cruel cabal, hold the nation to ransom by their attempt to arm twist the government into parting with billions of dollars in the name of fuel subsidy.
 The congress noted that the demands for the billions “which it has not earned” has brought activities in the country to halt.
In a statement issued ymonday and signed by its National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the NLC called on President Goodluck Jonathan to take firm and decisive actions by calling to order all those that have brought the crises on Nigeria, particularly following constant reminders that he is still in charge of running the country.
The implicit message in such a definitive action will show that no one – business men and women and their collaborators, in and out of government – is strong enough to hold the entire people of Nigeria and its government to ransom,” the statement read.
 The congress also called on President Jonathan to quickly investigate those behind the current crises and hand them over to the incoming administration for further investigation and prosecution.
“Secondly, the outgoing administration should blacklist all those private sector companies involved in the massive blackmail of Nigerians and ensure that their licenses are revoked as a punitive measure to serve as deterrent to operators that it doesn’t pay to blackmail and hold a nation to ransom,” it added.
The NLC noted that the ongoing scarcity has again raised pertinent questions:” what happened to our old habit of maintaining “a strategic national reserve”? Two, is the action of the players in the petroleum sector a subtle plot to force the hands of the incoming administration to forcibly deregulate the petroleum sector, and compound the hardship of Nigerians through the increase in the prices of petroleum products?”
“As organised labour, we maintain our position that government has absolutely no excuse not to ensure that our four refineries with combined capacity to refine 450,000 barrels per day to function and operate to full capacity,” it added.
It however called on Nigerians to persevere in the face of the ongoing scarcity, and avoid any action that can affect a smooth transition on Democracy day.
It expressed hope that the incoming administration, with the experience of the President-elect in the petroleum industry, will help usher in an era of patriotic and nationalist orientation, and will tighten all the areas of leakages and fraudulent practices which had deprived the country of billions of dollars in earnings into the federation account.
“Should our optimism of a new era for our country in the oil sector become unrealisable, we shall follow in the footsteps of our forebears, and defend the interest of Nigerian workers and the Nigerian masses as a whole,” the congress warned.
Thisday

Kashamu: Fresh drama in court over detention, extradition

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Monday failed to bring the senator-elect for Ogun-East senatorial district, Mr. Buruji Kashamu, before a Federal High Court, Lagos, for extradition hearing despite a declaration by the agency that he would be produced in court.
The agency, whose operatives had laid siege to Kashamu’s residence in Lagos since Saturday, said on Sunday that it had received a formal extradition request on Kashamu from the United States government and was coming to court to secure an extradition order on Monday.
Though Kashamu’s lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), had come to court early in anticipation of the NDLEA’s declaration, the agency, however, failed to bring Kashamu to court.
Izinyon’s colleague, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, who later came to court and appeared in chambers before Justice Ibrahim Buba with a fresh application, said the NDLEA failed to produce a warrant of arrest it claimed to have secured.
Though Oluyede moved his ex parte application in chambers and did not oblige journalists any copy of it, our correspondent gathered that it was an application to restrain the NDLEA from further laying siege to Kashamu’s house.
It was learnt that Buba, however, refused to make the order but asked Oluyede to put the respondents on notice.
Oluyede, who later addressed journalists, said Buba had ordered the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), and the Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, to appear in court on Tuesday to explain why they should not be jailed for contempt of court.
Oluyede, who accused Adoke and Giade of illegality, challenged them to produce the US extradition request for Kashamu.
He said Kashamu and himself were ready on Monday and had waited in vain till 12pm for the NDLEA to produce the warrant of arrest and bring it to court, following which he had to come to court himself with a fresh application.
There was no indication that NDLEA had filed any application before the court and the NDLEA’s case against Kashamu was not listed for hearing on Monday before any judge.
But the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju, in a statement on Monday afternoon, said the agency could not bring Kashamu to court because he failed to turn himself over to the operatives in his house.
Ofoyeju said, “Senator-elect Buruji Kashamu has failed to appear in court from his house where he is being closely monitored by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
“The agency is working hard to ensure that he submits himself to the due process of the law. His house remained cordoned off by anti-narcotic officers pending his appearance in court.”
But Oluyede claimed that an operative of the NDLEA came to the court registry late Monday afternoon to secure a provisional warrant of arrest.
According to Oluyede, the move was a confirmation that the NDLEA had no extradition request for Kashamu from the US, adding that the move was also a confirmation of Kashamu’s alarm that the NDLEA was doing the bidding of his political enemies.
The lawyer alleged that the embattled senator-elect’s enemies planned to abduct and forcibly take him to the US.
Oluyede said he was told by the leader of the NDLEA operatives manning Kashamu’s house that they were acting under the instruction of Giade, whom he said was only given an oral instruction by Adoke to arrest Kashamu.
The lawyer, in his fresh application, is seeking an order “directing the respondents to immediately release the applicant unconditionally, within two hours of making this order, from any arrest, detention or other restraint whatsoever that the respondents might have instigated or effected upon him.”
Meanwhile, the premises of the Lagos Division of the Federal High on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, was on Monday flooded with the loyalists of Kashamu – in anticipation of his appearance in court.
The loyalists bore placards with inscriptions such as, “We want Kashamu here in Nigeria,” “Don’t steal our joy from us,” “Don’t take Kashamu away from his people.” “Kashamu is not a drug baron.” “‘US, mind your business,” “We want due process of law,” “Obj, leave Kashamu alone,” among others.
A former state secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, who spoke on behalf of the peaceful protesters in court, Yemi Akinwonmi, described the move to extradite Kashamu as “a reckless display of power.”
Akinwonmi, who challenged the NDLEA to present the extradition request it claimed to have received from the US, insisted that the extradition plot against Kashamu was purely political, adding also that the NDLEA had not secured any warrant to arrest Kashamu.
Copyright PUNCH

Stay away from Nigeria - NANS tells Pres. Jacob Zuma of S'Africa

The National Association of Nigerian Students has advised South African President, Jacob Zuma, to stay away from the inauguration of the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.
The organisation also threatened to storm the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, should Zuma step into the country’s airport.
According to the association, Zuma should keep off as his visit will be an insult to the sensibility of Nigerians over his alleged poor handling of the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other migrant foreigners in South Africa.
A statement by NANS President, Tijani Usman, noted that Zuma’s inability to “apologise to Nigerians like he did to Mozambique”, despite the sacrifices the country made for South Africa, was unfortunate.
He said, “We wish to advise the South African President (Jacob Zuma) to rather stay at home and address burning issues, rather than embarking on a visit that is the least desirable.
“The South African President’s failure to apologise to Nigeria for the losses the country and our citizens incurred during the xenophobic attacks on foreigners leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. There is therefore, no point felicitating with a people who clearly do not matter much to you. President Zuma’s visit will only amount to pretence.”
NANS further restated its earlier position that it will henceforth not hesitate to clamp down on South African investments in the country should any incident of xenophobic attacks recur.
Copyright PUNCH

Senate Presidency: APC Youth Forum says what about Lawan?

The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the election of a Senate President has taken a turn for the worse as some members of the party Saturday rejected the alleged adoption Senator Ahmed Lawan as consensus candidate.
A statement signed by APC Youth Forum PRO, Olu Onemola said Lawan who is from the North-east cannot be adopted as party’s consensus candidate after the national working committee (NWC) of the party zoned the Senate Presidency to the North-central where Senator Bukola Saraki comes from.
According to the group, “We are happy to see that 35 Senators-elect immediately rejected the alleged adoption of Lawan as the party’s consensus candidate. The business of electing the President of the Senate is vested in the hands of the lawmakers. So, for our party to continue to shine, we must be transparent in all our dealings.”
The group also frowned on the news of Senator George Akume stepping down  for Lawan to contest as Deputy Senate President, saying that it was an attempt to scuttle the primary that is meant to happen after seeing that Saraki has a large lead over Lawan and Akume.
“The issue of National Assembly leadership is beyond personal interest. It is about competence and leadership skills. Senator Bukola Saraki has the ability to stabilise the legislative institution, working with the executive and judicial arm of government to achieve the expected goals”.
Of the 59 senators-elect of the APC, the group said 35 endorsed the candidature of Saraki, because he is seen as the most competent person among the contenders.
However, if no consensus is reached by the party, it will be an open contest upon the inauguration of the senate in the first week of June and Saraki or Lawan needs a minimum of 55 votes to win, which is a simple majority of 109 senators.
Thisday

Must Read: Check out the fuel scarcity situation nationwide

e fuel scarcity situation in the country has taken a turn for the worse as reports on Saturday indicate.
Investigations by our correspondents all over the country showed that most filling stations in the land are not selling Premium Motor Spirit also known as petrol.
This, SUNDAY PUNCH learnt, escalated the already dire situation, forcing motorists and other consumers to the black market.
Investigations also showed that the pump price of the product in the few filling stations who had it ranged from N120 to as high as N400 per litre.
The high price of the product, according to our correspondents, has caused a hike in transport fare with the increase as high as 300 per cent in some places. Many commuters who were caught unawares by the development were seen trekking long distances to their destinations while others were forced to return home.
Most filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory have shut down following the non-availability of the commodity.
The few stations that were dispensing the product had long queues of vehicles with desperate motorists besieging their gates with the hope of getting fuel to pursue their economic and social activities.
However, black marketers were not short of supply as they chased after vehicles along the road selling fuel at N200 per litre to those who could afford it.
Some stations sold fuel at N140 per litre, but few motorists patronised them, preferring to stay in the queue for hours to buy at the official N87 per litre.
Checks showed that most filling stations in the satellite towns including Kubwa, Zuba, Nyanya, Kuje and others sold fuel for N140 per litre.
In Osun State, the situation became worse on Saturday with virtually all filling stations in Osogbo, the state capital remaining shut .
Our correspondent observed that the few filling stations which sold the product on Friday sold it for N150 per litre.
The fuel scarcity forced some residents of Osogbo and other towns including Ede to stay indoors except for those who had very important things to do.
A commercial bus driver, who identified himself as Taye, told our correspondent that the increment in the fare had forced commuters to resort to trekking.
He said, “We just pray that the situation will become normal next week. We are really suffering. There are no commuters on the road; it seems everybody is indoor.”
In Ondo State, a litre of petrol was sold for between N130 and 150 on Saturday. Some filling stations sold the product in Akure, the state capital, while some filling stations were closed.
The fuel scarcity has also forced commercial motorcyclists in the state to increase their fare and thus making many residents to complain.
The situation is not different in Benue where the product is currently sold for between N130 and N150 in Makurdi, the state capital, and major towns of Gboko, Kastina-Ala and Otukpo even as it is hard to come by.
In Taraba State, the situation was largely the same. The product which was sold for between N150 and N160.
In Rivers State, motorists faced a tough time as the commodity remained scarce within Port Harcourt, the state capital. Long queues were noticed in many filling stations that sold fuel. This was between N120 and N140.
In Calabar, petroleum depots were virtually dry. This put so much hardship on motorists and commuters as the price of a litre of petrol went up to between N150 and N250 at independent filing stations and the black market.
Filing stations owned by major marketers did not sell fuel. It was gathered that the major marketers are making brisk businesses by selling their products at the depots to independent marketers at a higher price.
Transport fare had also rose to more than 100 per cent within the Calabar metropolis.
The only NNPC Mega Station along the Murtala Mohammed Highway that was selling fuel had long queue stretching over three kilometres.
A motorist, Mr. Ben Amajo, who said he had spent more than five hours queuing up at the NNPC Mega Station, said he was completely fed up with the situation in the country.
Most of the active filling stations in Enugu State were selling petrol between N140 and N150, while the commodity sold mostly at the cost of N125 and N130 per litre in Abia and Ebonyi states.
The situation was the same in Imo and Anambra states.
Apparently, as a result of the cost of the commodity, there was no queue in most of the filling stations.
However, several filling stations had no fuel.
But there were long queues at the NNPC filling stations, which sold at the official N87 per litre fuel whenever they had the product.
In Jos, Plateau State, most of the independent marketers, though displayed pump prices ranging from N140 to N150, sold above that. Black marketers also had a field day as a four-litre jerry can went for between N800 and N900.
The situation was not different in Bauchi and Lafia where roadside sale of petrol had a big boom. Long queues were still noticeable in most major marketers, especially NNPC mega stations.
The fuel scarcity in Owerri was fierce. Filling stations fixed their pump price at 130 per litre. Most filling stations in the communities our correspondent visited sold the commodity for N140.
The development hampered economic activities in the state.
Motorists in Edo and Delta states were full of tales at the weekend.
Checks by our correspondent on Saturday showed that while most of the major filling stations on the busy Akpakpava and Sapele road in Benin, did not sell the product, some private fuel stations around Oluku sold at the price of N130 per litre.
Black marketers, who had taken advantage of scarcity, sold 10 litres of the product for N1450 and N1500, depending on the bargaining ability of the buyer.
The situation was also not different in major parts of Delta where the non-availability of the product resulted in an increase in the cost of public transport in major cities.
Petrol was sold for between N260 and N300 per litre in Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi State. Most motorists in the two states relied on road side hawkers of petrol as most filling stations either did not have the product for sale or were selling to hawkers at a higher rate.
Mr. Mohammed Shehu, a resident of Mabera in Sokoto town, told SUNDAY PUNCH via telephone that motorists had always been at the mercy of hawkers of the products.
Petrol stations in Akwa Ibom State sold fuel between N140 to N150 per litre.
There were queues at few filling stations that sold the products at N130, those that could not risk the queues had to get the product at higher rates of N140 and N150 from other filling stations.
The trend affected vehicular movement.
Some residents of Nasarawa and Adamawa states on Saturday expressed displeasure over the endless fuel scarcity across the nation as pump prices rose to N160 per litre on Saturday.
The situation was a little different at both NNPC mega station in Nasarawa and Adamawa states, that sold fuel for N100 per litre.
In Niger state, the majority of petrol stations sold for N130 per litre. Our correspondent who went round Minna confirmed that it was only the NNPC that was selling for N87 per litre.
It was observed also that a lot of fuel stations were closed as a result of high price and a lot of people queued up for hours to get fuel.
One of the commuters, Isah Mohammed, who spoke to our correspondent said he had been at NNPC patrol station since 5.30am and it didn’t get to his turn.
In Kaduna the situation was the same, other petrol stations were selling for N130 per litre except NNPC.
However, there were no queues.
Most of the filling stations visited in Katsina metropolis had fuel, but while some sold at between the above said price, others along the outskirt sold above the price.
In Bayelsa a litre of petrol was sold for between N140 and N200.
The NNPC mega filling stations in the Yenagoa metropolis were selling the products at the regulated price of N87 per litre but the queues were extremely long.
The situation was not different in Kwara and Kogi states.
Investigations by our correspondent in Ilorin on Saturday showed petrol was sold for N150.
Also in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, a litre of petrol was sold for N120 but between N170 and N200 in the hinterlands.
The high cost of fuel had also increased transport fare between 50 and 70 per cent in Kwara and Kogi states.
Motorists and passengers in Ogun State also bought the product at a high cost. From Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro to the capital city of Abeokuta, the situation was the same.
Filling stations in the state, mostly owned by independent marketers, dispensed a litre of fuel between N150 and N300.
Transportation fares had increased by over 100 per cent on both intra-city and inter-state routes.
In Yobe and Borno states, petrol sold for N130 at filling stations.
In Bauchi and Gombe, it was for either N145 or N150 at very few filling stations, with resultant long queues. Many motorists were left with the option of buying at black market at the price of N200.
Major businesses in these states are beginning to close shop due to the scarcity of fuel and diesel.
On Saturday, one of Nigeria’s telecommunications firms, said the scarcity of diesel was jeopardising its operations. It said, “The management of MTN states that the current diesel scarcity in most parts of Nigeria is posing a significant threat to quality of service and the ability to optimally operate the network.
According to the Corporate Services Executive, Akinwale Goodluck “Most of our base stations and switches are powered round-the-clock by Diesel generators and the current fuel shortage has drastically reduced the availability of diesel supply to key locations.”
“MTN’s available reserves of diesel are running low and the company must source for a significant quantity of diesel in the very near future to prevent a shut down of services across Nigeria. If diesel supplies are not received within the next 24 hours the network will be seriously degraded and customers will feel the impact.
“MTN is working with all stakeholders to ensure services remain. MTN sincerely apologises for any outages and inconvenience that may occur and seeks the understanding of customers at this time.”
Copyright PUNCH

Search for new Nigerian Senate President creates fresh twists

An attempt by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to elect a consensus candidate for the leadership of the Senate at a retreat organised for Senators-elect in Abuja was frustrated on Saturday as two factions emerged from the camp, endorsing two separate candidates.
The party leadership had planned to conduct a primary election for the 59 senators elected on the ticket of the party in order to produce a consensus candidate that would emerge as the next Senate President during the inauguration of the eighth National Assembly in June.
However, few hours into the retreat, a group, which identified itself as Senate Unity Forum, walked out of the event and addressed a news conference where they declared that they had resolved to support the joint ticket of Senators Ahmad Lawan and George Akume for the Senate top posts.
They circulated a resolution signed by Lawan (Yobe North), Akume (Benue North West) and the group’s spokesperson, Senator Barnabas Gemade, (Benue North East) wherein the senators-elect explained that their decision was in the best interest of the party and Nigeria.
The group, which did not disclose its membership strength said, “We, the Senate Unity Forum comprising senators-elect from various states and various zones of Nigeria, have met, held extensive discussions and resolved to support Senator Ahmad Lawan as Senate President and Senator George Akume, as the Deputy Senate President of the eighth Senate.”
But some hours later, no fewer than 24 senators-elect, under the aegis of, “The Like-minds,”   filed out of the retreat and announced that 35 members of the group had adopted Saraki (Kwara Central) as their next Senate President.
They also said each of the 35 members of the group, had signed a document which indicated their commitment to Saraki and had followed it up by jointly signing a letter, which they would present to the National Chairman of the party, Mr. John Odigie-Oyegun.
The Senators, in their resolution, read by Dino Melaye (Kogi West) noted: “Senators of ‘The Like-minds’ are here today at the retreat organised by our dear party, All Progressive Congress, which is meant to equip and empower senators-elect of the eighth Assembly to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
“We commend the leadership of our party for this timely and well-focused exercise. The issue of National Assembly leadership is about integrity, competence, discipline and leadership skills and not about fixing of candidates just for mere horse-trading.
“Our stand is about electing a senator who eventually becomes the chairman of National Assembly and relates with the executive on behalf of Nigerians, fellow senators and the National Assembly as an institution.
“Furthermore, the leadership of National Assembly is about the senator that has the wherewithal to stabilise the legislative institution, working with the executive and judicial arm of government to be effective and perform to their optimal capacity.
“In addition, we are aware of the fact that all senators from the North Central zone have taken a firm position that they are only interested in the office of the Senate President which has been earlier zoned by the National Working Committee of our party to the zone.
“We are also aware that North Central senators have resolved to abide by the resolution of the zone on a single candidate and anything short of this is an attempt to jeopardise the collective interest of the zone.
“Of the 59 senators of the APC, 35 of us present here today hereby reaffirm our collective commitment and resolution to ensure that the candidature of Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki as the Senate President of eighth Assembly.
“We have also resolved that the office of the Deputy Senate President be zoned to the North East.”
Our correspondent observed that the South-West APC senators-elect, except Tayo Alasoadura, were conspicuously absent at the briefing, while members of the Like-minds senators who were present, cut across the North-Central, North-West, and the North-East geopolitical zones.
The latest development has therefore pruned down the numbers of aspirants contesting the senate presidency from four to two because while Akume had accepted to be Lawan’s deputy, Ali Ndume (Borno South), was among the senators that endorsed Saraki on Saturday.
Copyright PUNCH

Intrigues surrounding Kashamu's house arrest thickens

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), said on Saturday that the house arrest which the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency placed on the Ogun-East Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu, was informed by a recent extradition request by the United States of America.
Adoke told one of our correspondents on the telephone on Saturday that the request came last week.
On May 6, the minister had disclosed to one of our correspondents that there was no extradition request for Buruji by the US.
Adoke said this while responding to a suit filed by Kashamu to restrain the NDLEA and 13 others from extraditing him to the US.
“The request came shortly after I spoke with you. It came last week,” he said.
He said immediately his office received the request it was passed to the appropriate organ of government for implementation.
The implementation process involves filing an extradition request before the appropriate division of the Federal High Court.
Responding to further inquiry, he confirmed that he was referring to the NDLEA as the appropriate organ of government to take up the extradition request.
“Of course, it is a drug-related offence and the appropriate government agency that handles such cases is the NDLEA,” Adoke said.
The NDLEA confirmed the confinement of the movement of Kashamu to his Lagos residence on Oladipo Street, Lekki Phase 1 pending his appearance in court on Monday (tomorrow).
The spokesperson for the NDLEA, Michael Ofoyeju, said the action was to perfect his extradition to the US for drug-related charges.
In a statement sent via email to one of our correspondents by the spokesperson for the agency, Michael Ofoyeju, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, was quoted as saying the operation was in line with the legal process of extradition.
The statement further quoted Giade thus, “The agency has commenced extradition procedures against Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu in line with the laws of country. He has been in contact with his attorneys and will appear in court on Monday.”
He also confirmed that the residence of Kashamu was raided by the operatives of the agency at about 5am on Saturday.
No fewer than 10 operatives of the agency were said to have invaded the Lagos residence of Kashamu, around 5am on Saturday to effect his arrest following a purported extradition request from the United States on drug- related charges.
They were said to be heavily armed and were ruthless.
As soon as they stormed his residence, SUNDAY PUNCH gathered that some of the NDLEA operatives brought out a yellow tape and cordoned off the area, while others went straight to the gate.
After they (operatives) reportedly knocked on Kashamu’s gate, his security men were alerted about their mission.
Kashamu’s security men at this point demanded the arrest warrant from the NDLEA men but they could not produce any.
Based on this, they were prevented from entering the residence.
However, this action was said to have infuriated the NDLEA officials who stormed the compound after destroying the gate.
The media aide to Kashamu, Austin Oniyokor, in a statement made available to our correspondent on Saturday, explained that the NDLEA operatives after they had forcibly entered the compound, headed for the living rooms and began to destroy all the doors one after other, in a desperate move to arrest Kashamu.
An NDLEA source said they (operatives) closed in on the bedroom of the PDP chief who was said to have threatened to commit suicide if the agency tried to extradite him to the US forcibly.
Oniyokor described the latest onslaught on his principal as a confirmation of the alleged plot to illegally abduct him despite the pending suit against his abduction.
Oniyokor, however, accused a Peoples Democratic Party leader, Chief Bode George, as being behind the onslaught against his boss, “in a bid to score cheap political points.”
He said he is doing this through his wife who is the Director-General of the agency.
“We urge all well meaning Nigerians to prevail on NDLEA, Chief George and his wife to toe the path of the rule of law and follow due process.
“Nigeria is not a Banana republic. The United States being the bastion of democracy, the rule of law and due process, should not lend itself to this kind of illegality.”
However, George, who spoke to one of our correspondents from the United Kingdom On Saturday, described the allegation as a ‘huge joke.’
The PDP leader said he did not have the power to give his wife orders because she was not the chairman of the NDLEA and the agency adheres to due process.
He said no right thinking Nigerian would believe that he was behind Kashamu’s ordeal because his name had never been mentioned before now. He added that he had never been involved in Ogun State politics before and wondered how Kashamu’s detention could benefit him (George).
He said, “I don’t understand what this is all about. How does Kashamu’s arrest affect the price of milk? My wife is not the chairman of the NDLEA, so how can I give her orders when she has a boss? Also, that agency always follows due process.
“I am happy that the NDLEA has issued a statement to the effect that Kashamu’s arrest has nothing to do with me or politics. I do not dabble into Ogun State politics.
“Kashamu is like a younger brother to me and he is not known to speak in such a manner. I am sure it is his media adviser that concocted this falsehood.”
Copyright PUNCH

Lawyers ask Buhari to void Jonathan's latest appointments

                           
Since he lost the 2015 Presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan, has embarked on a last-minute rush to remove and replace heads of strategic government departments and agencies. This action has continued to generate controversies among Nigerians, many of whom are expressing mixed reactions on the development.
An Abuja based Lawyer, Barrister Ogugua Ojeh, when asked if the president has the requisite powers to hire and fire in the twilight of his administration, said “in the constitution, through the relevant acts surrounding most of these government agencies, the president has the powers to appoint and dismiss whoever he pleases in as much as it is in accordance with the provisions of the law”.
Ojeh also said that in a situation where the appointee feels he has been wrongfully dismissed, he or she should go to the Court. On whether the incoming administration can reverse these appointments, he said that the new administration can only do that as a fresh appointment based on the merits of each case since each appointment has its own set of rules governing the appointment and dismissal.
Leadership

As we broke the news last week, Kim Kardashian is indeed pregnant. Get the details...

Remember, Mega Mode Media exclusively told you of Kim Kardashian's second pregnancy that was still kept hush-hush by her and her family?

Yes. Mrs. West is certainly expecting.Kim Kardashian on the cover of Glamour Kim Kardashian confirmed her second pregnancy on the cover of Glamour,
Sunday, May 31. In and new cover story interview with Glamour, the reality star broke her silence about the happy news.
"We are so beyond excited," Kardashian, 34, told the mag, confirming that she is pregnant again at press time two weeks after she sat down for the interview with Glamour. The news became public on Sunday evening, when a midseason teaser for Keeping Up With the Kardashians showed the mother to North West saying, "I just got the blood test back and I am pregnant!"
The businesswoman looks trim and beautiful in the fashion spread with no hint of a baby bump in sight. Accompanied by cover lines reading, "'It's Been a Roller Coaster': Kim On Bruce, Kanye, And YES, Baby #2," Kardashian gives a slight smile as she poses in a black-and-white figure-hugging ensemble.

Inside the July issue, Mrs. West discusses her growing family and how motherhood has changed her as a person in the nearly two years since she and her rapper love, 37, welcomed daughter North in June 2013.
"I'm a completely different person," Kardashian told Glamour of the woman she was when she last spoke to the mag in 2012. "I don't know if it's growing up or being with Kanye, who's more private, but I try and live my off time as privately as possible. I used to enjoy the spotlight. If I had a day off from filming, I didn't know what to do. Now I enjoy my family time so much, there is this sense of, if it all went away, and I was just a mom, I would love my life."
"[Motherhood] really changes you," the pregnant star continued. "When I found out I was pregnant [with North], I was going through an awful divorce, Kanye and I had just been dating for seven months -- granted, we knew each other for a decade -- and I was like, 'I can't do this. It's not the right time.' But then I figured, If I'm in my thirties and I'm not ready, I'll never be ready. So it's been the biggest lesson, and the biggest joy of my life."

Now, Kardashian is ready for said joy once more, preparing for a second child with West. The happy news follows months of fertility problems for the world's most talked-about couple, who considered surrogacy and other measures to expand their family.
"I didn't know that I was going to be so open with [my fertility challenges]," Kardashian, who has detailed her journey on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, told Glamour. "But meeting people at my fertility doctor's office who are going through the same things I'm going through, I thought, 'Why not share my story?' It's been really emotional. One doctor told me I would need my uterus removed after I had another baby—I could only have one more. One was like, 'You should get a surrogate.' The other one was like, 'Oh, no, you'll be fine.' Then I called my doctor, and he's like, 'You know what? I believe -- we'll get through it.' There are definitely times when I walked out [of the doctor's office] hysterically crying, and other times when I was like, 'Okay, everything's looking good, it's going to be this month!' The waiting and waiting has been a roller coaster."
Now that Kardashian is finally successfully pregnant with a second child, her 23-month-old daughter Nori is set to become a big sister.

"North has taught me patience," the Selfish author said. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for her. And nothing I wouldn't do for my husband. She's empowered us to want to be the best parents and the best spouses


Mega Mode Medua's initial story:

Feelers from the camp of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are hinting that Mrs. West may be pregnant with the couple's second child.

Although things are supposedly kept strictly under wraps for now to avoid a repeat of the nasty and invasive massive media scrutiny Kim got following her first pregnancy, husband and wife including close family members are thrilled with the news.

As the bump watching starts, we wish Kim a pleasant term and safe delivery.

#FuelScarcity: Senate summons Allison-Madueke, Okonjo-Iweala

The Minister of Finance/coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and her counterpart in the Petroleum Resources Ministry, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke were on Friday directed by the Joint Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources, Upstream and Downstream, to appear before it on Monday next week to explain the incessant fuel scarcity in being experienced at the moment.

The committee also ordered the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Managing Director, Petroleum Pricing and Regulatory Agency; and the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources to appear before it.

Also expected to appear before the committee on Monday by 10.am at the National Assembly Complex are; Representatives of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria; Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the National Association of Road Transport Owners.

Unstoppable Taylor Swift breaks another world record

Taylor Swift has broken the Vevo world record for most views in 24 hours with her new music video for Bad Blood. 

The action-packed, star-studded project garnered 20.1 million views in just one day.

Bad Blood has broken the record previously held by Nicki Minaj with her music video for Anaconda, which debuted in August 2014 to 19.6 million views in 24 hours.

Scroll down for video 

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You go girl! Taylor Swift has broken the Vevo world record for most views in 24 hours with her new music video for Bad Blood

Taylor's new clip premiered at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, where the 25-year-old megastar swept up eight gongs, including Top Female Artist.

Taylor took to Twitter to rejoice in her new record-breaking feat.

She tweeted: 'FREAKING OUT RIGHT NOW YOU BROKE THE VEVO WORLD RECORD THANK YOU http://smarturl.it/BB24Hours #24hrVevoRecord #BadBloodMusicVideo'

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Going viral: The action-packed star-studded project garnered 20.1 million views in just one day

The I Knew You Were Trouble hitmaker then thanked Bad Blood's director, Joseph Kahn, and its slew of famous female guest stars.

Taylor starred alongside Selena Gomez, Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne, Cindy Crawford, Lena Dunham, Gigi Hadid, Lily Aldridge, Zendaya, Ellen Pompeo, Mariska Hargitay, Hayley Williams, Jessica Alba, Hailee Steinfeld, Ellie Goulding, Serayah, and Martha Hunt.

The blonde beauty also thanked Kendrick Lamar, whom also appeared in the video and was a featured rapper on the track.

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Beat that! Bad Blood has broken the record previously held by Nicki Minaj with her music video for Anaconda, which debuted in August 2014 to 19.6 million views in 24 hours

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Inspiration: The song was inspired by a falling out Taylor had with a former friend, whom is widely thought to be Katy Perry

Taylor Swift shares how Bad Blood video stunt went awry

The music video features the women dressed in fierce and sexy black costumes, wielding various types of weapons, as they train for combat.

The song was inspired by a falling out Taylor had with a former friend, whom is widely thought to be Katy Perry.

According to a Vevo press release, Taylor's music videos have amassed a total of five billion views. 

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Congrats! Bad Blood premiered at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, where the 25-year-old megastar swept up eight gongs, including Top Female Artist

Taylor Swift grins with her EIGHT 2015 Billboard Awards

Eleven of them, including You Belong With Me, Mine, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, I Knew You Were Trouble, Everything Has Changed, Mean, Love Story, 22, Shake It Off, Blank Space, and Style are Vevo Certified with over 100 million views each.

Meanwhile, Taylor's personal life is taking off as well, as she has been dating DJ and music producer Calvin Harris, with whom she shared plenty of PDA at the Billboard Music Awards. 

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Cute couple: Taylor's personal life is taking off as well, as she has been dating DJ and music producer Calvin Harris, with whom she shared plenty of PDA at the Billboard Music Awards

Daily Mail