Missing Chibok Girls: Boko Haram Ready To Negotiate, Demands Amnesty

Boko Haram has reportedly demanded for the release of 70 of its detained members in exchange for the freedom of the abducted Chibok girls.

According to report which emerged yesterday, they are also asking the government to grant amnesty to its members.

The Nation reports that a lawyer who has a close relationship with the insurgent, Hajiya Aisha Wakil also known as Mama Boko Haram, told AlJazeera English that the sect said they would free the girls only when these conditions are met.

Hajia Wakil who said she does not agree with what the sect is doing, explained that she speaks to the insurgents as she is their mother and they sometimes call her Um el Salam (Arabic for mother of peace), adding that she is still with them after so many years because she didn't betray them, neither did she betray the government nor the military, she is just a middle man seeking for peace.

"They want to be given amnesty, rehabilitated, and allowed to come back home and move freely. I told them not to hold the girls as ransom and to give me the sick ones – and that was where we ended up. The girls are a growing burden to them, and if the demands are not met …

"These are Nigeria’s lost boys. My hope is that the government listens to them and lets them have dialogue," she said.

According to her, the terrorists were attacking villages to get supplies to use in taking care of the girls.

Hajia Wakil who was a member of the Presidential Committee on Conflict Resolution led by Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, said she knew many members of the sect, especially those born in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, adding that Boko Haram had evolved over the years and the girls were abducted by members who  deviated from its original teachings.

It's been over 2 months since more than 276 girls were abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State by Boko Haram on April 14. Though some managed to escape, about 219 girls are still being held hostage according to a report submitted by the presidential fact-finding committee. Despite protests all over the world and help from world powers like the United States, Britain, France and many others, the girls are still missing and nowhere to be found.

Boko Haram activities un-Islamic – Governor Aliyu

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State on Monday in Kaduna condemned the activities of members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, saying that it was un-Islamic.

Mr. Aliyu, who is the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, said this at the international conference on Security and Development Challenges of Pastoralists in West and Central Africa

According to Aliyu, Boko Haram is un-Islamic and must be condemned, adding that the right Jihad in this 21st century is the one that improves the standard of living rather than seek to destroy lives.

“Boko Haram is un-islamic. Islam is about moderation and not extremism. Jihad is about how to make peace and life better, not how to kill people.’’

Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwumi Adesina, lamented that pastoralism had become a security threat.

According to Mr. Adesina, pastoralism has over the years been a seasonal and mutually beneficial traditional livestock management and production system which had worked well between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers.

“Pastoralism has become a worrisome practice characterised by incessant clashes of unimaginable proportions usually resulting in huge losses of lives and property.’’

He said that previous interventions to curb pastoralists-farmers clashes had been largely unsuccessful because of the growing foreign dimension to the conflict.

The minister noted that there had been reports of some of these foreign migrant pastoralists carrying dangerous weapons and assault rifles.

“This is not the usual pastoralists that we know in Nigeria, who for decades have lived in harmony with their communities. Criminality has increased, especially with the menace of cattle rustling.
“The issue is no longer an agriculture problem. It is a national security problem and we need an integrated set of solutions that includes agriculture and security.

“We must face these challenges squarely, be frank and realistic in our solutions.

“One thing is clear: the status quo of unbounded pastoralism can no longer continue. These solutions can no longer be just national,’’ he said.

Mr. Adesina harped on the need for a regional solution, stressing the need to “think out of the box’’.
“Old traditions must give way to new realities and challenges. Moving animals, instead of beef, can no longer be sustained.’’

According to him, movement of animals without tracking systems for animals or record of the animals for traceability can no longer be sustained in the face of rising conflicts, criminality and insecurity.

“We must accept that just like humans cannot move between places without identification, it is no longer tenable for migrant pastoralists, whether local or foreign, to move without any identification.

“We must accept that just like cars cannot move without licenses or chassis number, the days that animals are without labels, records and tracking are limited.

“As a government, we must change our approach. Our communities must change, and within ECOWAS, we must change.

“One fundamental change that must be made, which is structural is that we must end the practice of moving animals.

“Rather, we should be moving beef, not animals. This requires that urgent priority be placed on West and Central Africa developing its Halal-meat industry,’’ Adesina stated.

The Speaker of House of Representative, Aminu Tambuwal, said there was need to constantly create avenues where pastoralists and farmers could meet to discuss areas of conflicts before they get out of hand.

He noted that if there was good communication avenue between the two classes of food producers, there would be less reason for battles.

“I urge the media to help us in this regard by resisting the urge to portray pastoralists as the eternal drivers of conflicts.

“Sometimes, they are also victims and sometimes, it is not the herdsmen that are involved but some cattle rustlers and mercenaries.

“These things are more complicated than they are sometimes portrayed.

“I must commend the initiative of Mr. (Sambo) Dasuki (National Security Adviser) and his team and I hope that we will continue to see more of these kinds of interventions.

“This will help us to better understand the issues before rolling out policies for them,’’ Mr. Tambuwal said.

(NAN)

60 women feared kidnapped as Boko Haram attacks Borno villages

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram had on Saturday attacked villages in southern part of Borno. At least 60 women and girls were abducted between Thursday and Saturday in Borno villages by gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram, a local and security sources have said.
The police has said it is not aware of the abductions and PREMIUM TIMES has not independently verified the claims.

Sources from the villages where the victims were taken, however, insisted that the victims included young girls and babies.

The abductions reportedly took place when gunmen attacked Kummabza, Yaga and Dagu villages, all in Damboa Local Government Area.

A federal security source from Damboa who spoke on condition of anonymity said “it is actually very true that over 60 women were forcefully taken away by the terrorists, but I am not the highest officer to make a confirmation of that”.

“But we heard that some of the survivors who do not have means of transporting themselves especially old women and men trekked to Lassa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, which is 25 kilometers, and others went to Gulak in Adamawa State where they are now taking refuge,” he said.

The Secretary of Damboa Local Government, Modu Mustapha, would also not confirm or deny the abduction.

“I am not in the position to tell you anything. Only the chairman has the authority to talk to you, please get across to him,” he said.

The chairman, Allamin Mohammed, could not be contacted on phone, as all his lines were not connecting.

Also, some members of the Civilian-JTF in Maiduguri put the total number of persons kidnapped in the attacks at 91. ‎

“The women were abducted between Thursday and Sunday in southern Borno villages of Kummabza, Yaga and Dagu, Damboa local government area, Borno State”, said Abba Aji Khalil, the Command of Sector 5 unit of the Civilian-JTF.

“Some suspected Boko Haram members invaded Kumanza,Yaga and Dagu villages and kidnapped 91 persons. More than sixty married women and young girls, the rest 31 were young men and were forcefully taken away by Boko Haram terrorists. Four villagers who tried to escape were shot dead on the spot,” Mr. Khali added.

The Borno Police, however, said it is not aware of the incidents.

“As you can see, honestly the command has not received any of such report concerning the abduction of women or girls; but we will still investigate and if we get anything we will get across to you,” the Borno Police Public Relations Officer, Gideon Jubrin, told journalists on phone‎.

He was yet to get back as at the time of this report.

The Boko Haram have continued to attack villages and communities in Borno despite the state of emergency imposed on the state.

Edo crisis: Elders flay Deputy Speaker

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum in Esan South East Constituency of Edo State has disowned the embattled Deputy Speaker of the  House of Assembly, Festus Ebea, describing him as an ingrate.

The Deputy Speaker has recently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with other legislators.

A member of the forum, Elder Samuel Eboigbe, said: “ When the issue of who will represent the people of Esan South East in the House of Assembly came up and Festus Ebea and Larry Aghedo showed interest, some leaders vehemently kicked against the candidature of Festus Ebea because of his antecedents.

“In one of our numerous meetings at leader Victor Eboigbe’s house, at about 2 am, with all the leaders in attendance, some leaders said that they knew little or nothing about Ebea in Ubiaja politics. Some leaders reminded the people about Ebea’s role in the nomination of Adam Oshiomhole during the congress.”

Eboigbe alleged that  Ebea attempted to subvert the nomination of Adams Oshiomhole in Esan South East.

He added: “Then came the House of Assembly election, Festus Ebea showed interest to contest, but many people kicked against his candidature. Some leaders refused vehemently knowing his antecedent. Before then even as secretary, Edo State Rapid Response Agency, Festus Ebea, was still hobnobbing with PDP.

The APC elder recalled that the accident had left the Deputy speaker’s leg broken. “The first set of persons that took him to the private hospital at Uromi were his PDP friend but during his stay at the private hospital at Uromi it was the office of Rapid Response Agency that came to his rescue with cash and other needs.”

He disclosed that three months after the accident he was discharged from the hospital, “but his broken leg was almost rotten, he could no longer move with the leg and so could not go to the office.

“Despite this his salary was going on, well paid, as at when due for over one year. Again, a time came when the suspended Deputy Speaker Festus Ebea could no longer get out of his rented apartment. He cried to leader Victor Eboigbe and Managing Director Edo State Rapid Response Agency, for help”.

In response, the Managing Director Engineer Stanley Dako wrote a very powerful and sympathetic letter to the same Governor whom he worked against, during the congress and who appointed him the secretary of Rapid Response Agency despite all odds for assistance.

The Kind Oshiomhole, who does not look back at any one’s antecedent, approved that request and gave Festus Ebea the sum of Four Million, Two hundred Thousand naira to go for treatment abroad. Today he no longer limps, He walks with his two legs, that was to be amputated.”

According to him, “some persons told our leader that Larry was a better promising man to be trusted, and that we should support him, but our stand at that time almost caused a rift between some leaders.

For instance, Victor Eboigbe, who incidentally is the youngest among the leaders was able to manage the situation and the ticket for the House of Assembly was given to Festus Ebea.”

He  said: “Festus Ebea did not even campaign one day on his own. The people of Esan South east did the campaign for him .The Comrade Governor crowned it all by going round the Local Government Area to ask for the support for Festus Ebea.

“Next Year, is the House of Assembly Election, and Ebea knows very well that he cannot win  the primary, hence, he think his defection to PDP will help him out. Since he became a member of the House, Festus Ebea has no consistency office. He has never visited his people to tell them what is going on in the house, The people of san South East who he represents, do not know what he is doing. The constituency fund! No one knows about it and the supposed project that follows.”

The APC elders explained that it was for the fear of the questions that will followed very soon, so  Ebea decided to defect to PDP but he forgot that wherever he goes with the people’s money, he will be invited to account for it when the time comes. To cover up, he alleged that there was no single project in his consistency that is why he opted to move over to the PDP.

“If Festus Ebea is sincere, or is a man of conscience, he should be able to say the number of projects he as a member of Edo State Assembly since he assumed office executed in Esan South East. our people are not fools.

There are many more qualified politicians, but for the luck and the opportunity he had, he would not have been elected. This is a man who could not host people during his appointment as a secretary of Edo State Rapid Response Agency.”

‘Ajimobi ‘ll break second term jinx’

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Adewale Ogunniran is an aspirant for the House of Representatives in Egbeda/OnaAra Constituency, Oyo State. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he speaks about his ambition, the Ajimobi Administration and the next general elections. 

Why are you contesting for the House of Representatives on the platform of the APC? 
As you know, the APC is a progressive party and you can see the developments in the  Southwest since the APC took over. You can see a lot of changes and transformation. In Oyo State, you can see that Senator AbiolaAjimobi is doing an excellent and wonderful job. The man has really impacted positively on the citizens.  He has been able to eradicate thuggery in the state. All the APC states have changed drastically, in  terms of developments. Therefore, one would like to be part of positive change.

Is that why you want to go to the National Assembly?
I sat down and thought about everything. My people are not getting the best. Hence, they need change. Most of the constituents don’t even know who is representing Ona-Ara/Egbeda Federal Constituency. I am here to make a change in my people’s life and to compliment the effort of our indefatigable governor.

People are even saying that your governor has a hurdle to cross to secure second term…
I don’t see any battle ahead. I want to serve and my people are with me. So, I don’t really see any battle ahead. If you look at the opposition, who can beat the APC? What has the present representative of my constituency done? So, I have a better vision and  mission, coupled with  the excellent job that Governor  Ajimobi  is doing.
Concerning my excellency returning to Agodi Government House in  2015,that one has already been  sealed. That Ibadan will not allow any governor to serve for two terms is the creation of political jobbers.We are talking about Oyo State and performance throughout the state and some people are narrowing it down to Ibadan. Is Ibadan a state?Even, in Ibadan, I have not seen any past  or aspiring governor who is more credible and well acceptable than Ajimobi. So, what are they now talking? Our late sage Chief ObafemiAwolowo, ruled the Western Region from  the same Agodi  in Ibadan between 1952 and 1959 for two terms. And senator Ajimobi is following the foots. GovernorAjimobi’s victory in 2015 is going to be a landslide.

Running for an office is expensive. Where would you get funds to prosecute your political activities?
I agree with that it’s expensive to run. But, it’s not expensive as people think because there are a lot of people who  are not rich. But, with the support of the people, they can make it.  When I visited my elders recently, I did not give them money. Yet, they accepted me. I told them my plans for the constituency. They were impressed.
Our elders and leaders in the party always support people with good intention. We went there to officially inform them about my ambition and my supporters and I  were well received. I was also surprised because it was not a situation where I gave them money. I have to appreciate our leaders and elders in the constituency for being true patriots of the party. As a cultured man, before you do anything, you have to inform your elders and that was what I did by going to them.
One thing that was also surprising to me was that they had to break their meeting to attend to us. And my followers and I were glad. I met our able chairman, Pa Oladele, Pa Bankole, Alhaji Ore, our Local Government Caretaker Chairman in Ona-Ara, Chief SulaimanAkanni, our Liaison Officer, Mr. Adeagbo.  They were very warm.

How strong is the APC in your constituency?
There is no doubt that the APC is the party to beat in Oyo State now. GovernorAjimobi has created a lot of goodwill for us, which we are enjoying. This is through his unprecedented performance in the state. You can go and verify that. Is there any Accord Party in our state again? The answer is no. People are wiser now than in 2011 and the APC will sweep the poll in the forth-coming elections. We have to give kudos to our amiable governor, Senator Ajimobi, who is performing well. When you get to Ibadan today, you will see that there is change and things are now done orderly, unlike before. His government is now a challenge to young ones like us to perform well when we are given the chance to represent or lead our people. If you go to my local government, in Ona-Ara, you will find out that the Accord Party is not in existence. Let me say that the party and the man who leads it are no longer relevant in the Oyo State politics and we have to give kudos to Governor Ajimobi for this. His performance has swept opposition parties away in the state and we are ready to accommodate them, if they join the winning party. I can assure you that my party, the APC, will have 100 per cent votes in the elections in my constituency and in the state at large.

What  is your change of getting the ticket at the primaries?
Without being immodest, I can say my chances are very bright. That was what led to my coming to meet with party elders and leaders.  I must say here that they are solidly behind me. I must also say that the support I have been receiving from our party supporters has been fantastic and tremendous. You can go to my area and ask about me and wait for what they will tell you.Their unflinching support  has encouraged me. It shows that  we need a change in my constituency and, by the grace of God, we shall be the change that they want. You know that the slogan of my party is change and that is what will happen in the constituency in  2015 when I emerge as their representative in the House of Reps.

How prepared are you fo the primaries?
Our party is one of the greatest things to have ever happened to this country. The party has its own mechanism that brings peace and progress. Look at the party congress that we held. Everything went on peacefully and there was no problem whatsoever. It is left to the leaders in the party to adopt their methods of selecting flag bearers. If it is primaries, fine; if it is consensus, it is also good.What I know is that I am the choice of the people, the party and the elders.

2015: 23contesting for governor in Imo

Three major parties-the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-are battling for the soul of Imo State. Their governorship aspirants have also intensified their consultations with stakeholders, ahead of the next year’s election. OKODILI NDIDI reports.

Politics is in the air in Imo State. What will make the next governorship unique is that the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is seeking a fresh term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has vowed to retain power in the Southeast state.

The contest will not be a walk over for the governor. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are not in slumber. The two parties are also working assiduously to form the next government.

No fewer than 23 aspirants across the three parties are eyeing the number one seat. They parade intimidating credentials.

Many factors will shape the contest. One of them is zoning. Already, some politicians are calling attention to the ‘Imo State Charter of Equity,’ which stipulates that the slot should rotate among the three zones-Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.

However, political analysts point out that some aspirants are pretenders planted to divide the strength of their perceived opponents and boost their chance of getting political appointments, if their parties win the governorship election.

Prominent aspirants include former Minister of Interior Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and President of Pan African Parliament Bethel Amadi.

Others are Chief Humphrey Anumudu, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Hon. Charles Onyea-gbakor, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and Owelle Okorocha.

 Ihenacho

Ihenacho is a former Minister of Interior,   Managing Director of Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas. Few months ago, he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He complained that he was marginalised in the PDP.

Ihenacho is a versatile politician. He is also a philanthropist. When he was a minister, he facilitated the recruitment of many people from the state into the Federal Government agencies.

The zoning appears to be in his favour. The former minister is from Owerri Zone. A successful and accomplished businessman, Ihenacho has the financial war chest tosuccessfully fund his campaigns. Since he defected to the APGA, Iheanacho has galvanised the party structures at the grassroots.  But, he has not been able to unite the divided state executive comittee.

However, the aspiranthas one hurdle to cross. There is no evidence that he is in the good book of the APGA leader, Chief Martins Agbaso, the elder brother of the impeached deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso. The elderly Agbaso weilded much influcncein the party.

  Besides, the division in the national leadership is worrisome to Ihenacho camp. The camp has not identified with any faction.

During the 2011 governorship election, Ihenacho was accused of working against the PDP because he among the actors who frustrated the re-election bid of Chief Ohakim. Ihenacho, it was alleged, supported Okorocha.

The bitterness unleashed by that scenario has not fizzled out. Now, there is the agitation for zoning to Okigwe Zone by the indigenes. Their claim is that Ohakim, who hails from the district, did not complete his second term before he handed over to a governor from Owerri Zone.

 Chukwueke

The Chairman of the Germaine Group is another major contender on the platform of the PDP. He had contested for the slot in 2007. But, he lost at the primaries. But,  Chujwueke has remained one of the strongest financers of the party. When the party was in crisis, following its defeat at the 2011 polls, Chukwueke was appointed as the Chairman of the PDP Mobilisation Committee, which facilitated the return of its pioneer members, including former Governor Achike Udenwa, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and Mike Ahamba (SAN), who had left the party in anger after the 2007 general elections.

One of the factors working for him is his close relationship with the National Woman Leader of the party, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, who is backing his ambition. Although he has opened  campaign offices in Owerri, the state capital, Chukwueke Campaign Organisation appears to have retired to the backgrounds after few public outings. A source said that the politician and his strategists have returned to the drawing board. But, since the campaign group has mellowed down, stakeholders thought that he has abandoned his ambition.

Ihedioha

If there is one politician, who is likely to give Okorocha a run for his money next year, it is   Ihedioha.
Ihedioha is popular. He has supporters. He has connections. He is also respected at the grassroots.

Many believe that the PDP has a chance of bouncing back, if the legislator emerges as the flag bearer. Ihedioh is the most visible politician from Owerri Zone, who may likely clinch the ticket, owing to his connection with the national leadership of the party.

The Deputy Speaker is waxing stronger on the field. As a legislator, he has attracted dividends of democracy to his constituency. He is also perceived as a patriot. On many occasions, Ihedioha has reiterated his readiness to take over power from the Okorocha.

 He has described himself as the most experienced contender for the seat. Observers contend that, judging by the number strategic projects, especially road projects, that he has attracted, he will develop the state, if elected as the governor.

Since he unfolded his ambition, Ihedioha has left no stone unturned in his efforts to realise it. He is the only the PDP aspirant, who has visited all the local governments to consult with stakeholders about his plans to rule the state.

The Deputy Speaker is also a crowd puller. The large turnout that greeted the visits is a strong indication that his ambition is beginning to enjoy widespread acceptability.

However, one of the major fears expressed by political pundits is that the PDP is no more popular in the state. This is attributed to the failure of past PDP administrations to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

The impression that has been created is that the PDP ruled for 12 years without concrete achievements. Also, the PDP is still divided. The reconciliation in the party has not yielded good fruits.

 Ararume

Senator Ararume is from Okigwe Zone. He is a popular actor. He has many supporters. He is also rich. His supporters are fanatically loyal to his cause.

The senator is a veteran governorship aspirant. Thrice, he has been in the race. When he felt that he was shortchanged in 2007, he left the party in anger. Today, many are of the opinion that he should be compensated with the slot because he was deprived in the past.

Another factor that may count in his favour is his closenes to the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, the acclaimed ‘Mr. Fix it.’

However, the major obstacle to Ararume’s ambition is the clamor by political leaders from Okigwe Zone for the governorship in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.

Ohakim

Ohakim is another contender that could spring a surprise. His fall from power was fatal. Humbled by the 2011 defeat, Ohakim returned to the drawing board. He embraced the fact that he made some mistakes while in office. According to sources, he has regretted his mistakes and resolved to learn from them. Although he has not publicly unfolded his aspiration, he is holding consultations with traditional rulers, party leaders and other important persons in the state.

 The Okigwe-born politician is determined to bounce back. But, not many people are rooting for him in Imo. But, he is courageous.

Ohakim has one thing in his favour. This is the sentiment that he was anot allowed to complete his tenure. Thus, some elders feel that he should be given a second chance. But, those who felt that they were betrayed in his first term have not pardoned him.

Ohakim has been under attack for his style of governance. They have not forgotten how the administration implemented the Oguta Wonder Lake Project. To them, the poor implementation underscored government’s ineptitude.

Okorocha

Okorocha has not unfolded his second term ambition. But, his body language speaks volumes.
After his victory in the 2011 election, which was the turning point, he swung into action. Having placed his hand on the plough, he has not looked back.

The governor introduced the ‘Rescue Mission Agenda’. Today, he is fighting the infrastructure battle. He has  rebuilt the people’s confidence in government through the provision of good roads, hospitals, free education at all levels, improved security, and employment for youths.

The major hurdle for those eyeing Okorocha’s job is how to convince the electorate that he does not deserve a second term. The reason is not far-fetched. For instance, there is no community that that has not savoured developmental projects embarked upon by the administration.

To analysts. it will be difficult to convince the people to vote out a performing governor and return the cabal that ruined the state for 12 years to power.

An elder statesman and member of Imo State Elders’ Forum, Sir Edmund Onyebuchi, described the plot to sack Okorocha in 2015 as a “mission impossible”.

“After the late  Sam Mbakwe, no governor has done what Governor Okorocha is doing in developing the state.  I think the evidence is there for all to see. It is unlike before where projects only existed on the internet and newspapers.

 The people are aware of this and they won’t make the mistake of allowing those people who plundered the wealth of the state in the past to return to power,” he added.

Also, market women, students, youths, civil servants, artisans and peasants are rooting for Okorocha.   A trader, Mrs. Chinyere Obumu, said the free education programme of the government cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political, religious or ethnic sentiments.

“Ihe free education programme of the Okorocha Administration is a project that must be jealously protected. So, we want the governor to continue and consolidate on his good programmes. This is the first time we are seeing a thing like this and no one can sway us against such administration,” she said.

Another factor that has kept  the aspirants on their toes is that Imo electorate are enlightened and they cannot be enticed with money. The 2011 governorship election, which brought Okorocha to power, has showed that people vote according to their conscience.  After voting, they also defended their votes.

However, the fact that the governor is from Orlu Zone, which is not favoured by the ‘Charter of Equity’ to produce the next governor, may  affect Okorocha’s chance.

Maigari wants special birthday gift

President of NigeriaFootball Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari has charged the Super Eagles to go all out against Argentina on Wednesday and ensure a place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup’s Round of 16.

Speaking in Sao Paulo on Monday, Nigeria’s football supremo says he would be the most delighted with a favourable outcome as the match-day falls on his birthday.

“My birthday is on the day we are playing Argentina, and I would feel very special if we defeat the Argentines. But more than that, a place in the Round of 16 at this World Cup finals would bring joy to the entire NFF delegation and the good people of Nigeria back home.

“We have so many reasons to go all out on Wednesday. The Argentines have always beaten us at the FIFA World Cup, though narrowly each time. We also need to show our true strength as the champions of Africa,” Maigari said.

Victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina took the African champions to second place in the pool with four points, but they must still avoid defeat against the two –time world champions in Porto Alegre to be certain of a place in the knock –out stages.

Nigeria lost 1-2 to Argentina in Boston, USA on June 25, 1994, and were then pipped 1-0 courtesy of a Gabriel Batistuta goal in Ibaraki, Japan on June 2, 2002.

When both sides met in South Africa four years ago, an early goal by Gabriel Heinze condemned the Eagles to a 1-0 defeat.

However, Nigerians retain sweet memories of the 4-1 defeat the Eagles handed to Argentina in a friendly in Abuja on June 1, 2011, and a step down theladder, the U-23 team edged Argentina 3-2 to claim Africa’s first Olympicfootball gold, in Atlanta 18 years ago.

“It will not be easy, but then, we did not come here thinking any match would be easy. One philosopher once said that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

“Our commitment is to continue to pump up the spirit of the players so that they will get better as we move ahead in the tournament.

With the win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, we have now reclaimed our winning mentality and it would be difficult to stop the Eagles flying all the way,” stated Maigari.