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International Primary School in Singapore (Punggol & East Coast Campus) As the premier international primary school in Singapore, we actively promote the academic, psychological, physical, overall holistic development and welfare of your child to set solid foundations for students' brighter future. GIIS - Leading Primary School in Singapore We understand that your child needs the best foundation in their primary school years to cope with the rigours of international education in future. Our array of curricula offerings are meant to cater to the needs of students who may want to opt for different paths of education. We offer International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at our school in Singapore. Our qualified primary years faculty make appropriate use of new-age facilities to provide the best international education to students in the early years of their schooling, thus preparing them for a great future. GIIS is the most preferred international primary school in Punggol and East Coast, Singapore. Curricula We Offer We have a diverse offering of internationally-acclaimed curricula that give our students excellent exposure to better learning opportunities. IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) An outstanding transdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers. Designed to provide overall development for students through innovative teaching and learning methodologies IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Reputed as an excellent inquiry-based curriculum for students from Grades 1 to 5, IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a transdisciplinary curriculum having a student-centric approach that builds conceptual understanding and provides extraordinary learning experiences to students. Our qualified faculty help nurture students to become active participants in their own learning journey. Learning PYP at GIIS is a combination of experienced and innovative teaching methodology through the latest technology, which makes us one of the best international primary schools in Singapore. Our syllabus uses best practises and incorporates latest educational research into everyday learning processes, which makes us stand out as a unique primary school in Singapore. IB PYP curriculum is available at both our primary school in punggol SMART CAMPUS and EAST COAST CAMPUS Why Prefer CBSE at GIIS The primary cohort has shown great acumen and success when it comes to the final PYP Exhibition which determines the progress of the student. Many students select their own topics for the exhibition, do their own research and present it in front of a group of teachers and coordinators for assessment. Since the introduction of IB curricula in 2005, the school has produced 114 world toppers and Near-perfect scorers till date in Singapore. 45 grade points Near perfect scorers 44 grade points Average grade points CBSE Primary Programme CBSE is one of the most popular streams of study for Indian and international students. As a pioneer school to offer CBSE curriculum in Singapore, GIIS has gained recognition of being the most experienced primary school in Singapore with top-notch facilities and highly experienced teachers. We have balanced the rigours of CBSE education with an array of co-curricular activities for primary students, in which they get to polish their inherent talent, learn new skills as well as excel in many areas of cognitive development. Strong English language teachers, and emphasis on Maths and Science, makes GIIS a popular choice among international students seeking CBSE education at primary school level. Why Prefer CBSE at GIIS We lay a strong emphasis on learning outcomes for students of all grades which makes GIIS a reputed international school for primary education. Our students have been successful acquiring top ranks and admissions in the best universities across the globe. CBSE 10 Result CBSE 12 Result GIIS’ Bilingual education in primary school is provided from grades 1-5. Our well-designed bilingual curriculum benefits children in learning new languages quickly and seamlessly makes the transition to learning Math, Science, and other subjects in English. Our outstanding bilingual education helps students acquire linguistic awareness and proficiency. Why Parents choose GIIS for Primary School Education in Singapore? Academics and Teachers Our teachers are well-qualified facilitators with decades of teaching experience in an international primary school environment. They have a mastery over their subjects, and a temperament to deal with young students who require attention and guidance. They are well-versed with the syllabus demands and believe in upgrading themselves to newer teaching methodologies through workshops and courses. They are also trained to be well-suited to teach in an international environment. Spiral Learning Method We add finesse to whatever we deliver and follow an innovative approach in teaching subjects across all academic rigors. The remarkable Spiral Learning Method is in the form of a spiral structure that rises methodically. Concepts taught here move higher and deeper for a better understanding. This kind of learning experience will help students to be outstanding learners for a lifetime and paves way for high-quality education. Bridge to Grade 2 As our primary school admissions in Singapore are open throughout the year, we have well-designed programmes for the students who join in the middle of the year. The bridge programme is a phenomenal one offered by GIIS that helps students to cope with the syllabus and catch up with their fellow students. Our encouraging teachers give extraordinary support to the new joiners to be at par with those in their class and make new friends. Add-Ons - Value Added Programmes Our CBSE primary school students are given outstanding opportunities to build a strong foundation and learn the purpose of life with the value-added programmes. The exceptional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Hey Math! Programmes wherein students can explore the subject concepts with hands-on experiences and polish their mathematical skills through online tools. This kind of educational program strengthens their learning capabilities and develops their creative, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Alumni Connect: Ananya Narendranath's Success Journey Alumni Connect: Mehul Varsha Singh's Inspirational Journey Alumna Chaitanya Baranwal's Inspirational Story as a Global Citizen Scholar | GIIS Punggol Interested in other School Levels? We offer the best practices of modern pre-school education Focuses on the all round development of 11 to 14 year-olds We provide children with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a 21st-century society Extra-curricular and Co-curricular Activities As a pioneer international primary school in Singapore, we focus on bringing the best out of every student providing excellent physical, mental, personality, skill, and intellectual growth. Our phenomenal range of ECA and CCA fosters a positive and healthy competitive spirit chiseling our students to be confident, smart, and creative citizens of the future. Recent Blogs View All The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is a future-focused curriculum that promotes inquiry-based learning, Reading in primary school opens the door to various learning opportunities, enhancing knowledge and nurturing essential life skills. The benefits of reading include brain stimulation, memory enhancement, improved compreh When students enrol in the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), a model that emphasises inquiry-based learning, Insights on IB PYP at GIIS SMART Campus Parent Testimonial for IB PYP at GIIS SMART Campus Primary Years Programme (PYP) | GIIS East Coast Campus Our Global Campuses Frequently Asked Questions After preschool, the first stage of formal education is primary school education. It offers the fundamental skills in reading, writing, Mathematics, Sciences, Languages and Humanities, and establishes a strong foundation for future learning. There are 6 years of Primary schooling in Singapore. The age group for which students can enroll in primary school education is between 7 to 12 years. Primary school education is compulsory in Singapore and is divided into 2 stages that are: ● Four years foundation stage (Primary 1-4) ● Two years orientation stage (Primary 5-6) Primary education is the most important aspect of a student’s learning journey for a number of reasons: ● Builds a foundation for literary and numeracy ● Develops the cognitive, social, physical, cultural, and emotional side of the student ● Shapes their worldview and shows them the right direction in self-learning The curriculum areas of learning for primary school education are: ● Language and Literacy ● Mathematics and Numeracy ● The Arts ● The World ● Physical Education ● Personal Development and Mutual Understanding. The assessment for the primary school is as follows: ● Grades 1 and 2 students need to take four assessments in the form of tests ● Grades 3 to 5 have two major assessments in November and March known as half-yearly and yearly assessments. Two periodic tests will be conducted in the months of May and November. Spiral learning is the academic teaching method that uses the concept of rising higher and going deep. In this method, students are made to get deep knowledge of the concepts they learn. The teaching is in the form of a spiral that rises systematically and balances between the understanding and imagination of the students. Primary school admissions at GIIS are open all year round. Students who are interested can apply directly from the website. Once the forms are submitted the parents are contacted by the counseling team members who will schedule a meeting . During the campus visit students will have a counselling session followed by the assessment process. As a final step, an one-time non-refundable registration fee needs to be paid to book a seat for the child. At the time of school visit parents can talk to our academic counselors who will guide about all curricula and identify if its the best fit for the child. To meet the counselors a prior appointment has to be scheduled. At the time of campus tour, our admission team ensures that parents get all the required school information. Our admission Counsellors help parents speak with the existing students and gain insights on student life, the school and more. The primary school fee at GIIS Singapore depends upon the curricula chosen by the students. The fees to be paid will be intimated to the parents or guardian well in advance by our team. Please Visit our fee page, click on the curriculum option alongside the grade of the student to know the fee amount to be paid. The documents required at the time of admission are: ● Birth certificate ● Medical certificate ● Valid residential address proof ● Passport size photographs. Yes, transfer of students from one GIIS campus to another within Singapore is available on valid grounds of change of residence, graduation, or any other reason that may be approved by the Principal subject to availability. All transfer requests should be addressed to the Principal’s office along with necessary documents.. Some of the co-curricular activities include: ● Radio Jockey ● Design Thinking ● Ceramics and Clay Modelling ● Fine Arts Programme ● Hindustani Vocal Music ● Carnatic Music GIIS will help students procure the student pass from ICA (Immigration and Checkpoint Authority). We offer information on obtaining the pass, verifying the Student’s enrolment and immigration status, and assisting to procure the Student Pass on behalf of the Student.

https://singapore.globalindianschool.org/school-levels/primary

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December 8, 2020 by The Nation Osinbajo, women judges canvass protection of children, vulnerable witnesses By Moses Emorinken, Abuja Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, last week in Abuja, urged the National Association of Women Judges to provide practical and meaningful ideas that would facilitate justice delivery without sacrificing the well-being of vulnerable witnesses in the process He stated this in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by his Senior Special Adviser on Research, Legal and Compliance Matters, Prof. Bulkisu Saidu, at “the Hybrid Virtual Conference on Protection of Child & Vulnerable witnesses in Nigeria”. He said such protection must not only address the overwhelming cultural and social norms and barriers to exposing criminals, but must also address the problems that the witnesses may face before, during and after trial. “At all times, the protection of their privacy and their identities should be paramount. It is not enough to pass laws for the protection of the child and other vulnerable witnesses, there is the need to have in place clear implementation and enforcement mechanisms aimed at actualising the intendment of the law.” Osinbajo also stressed the need for appropriate protective measures for children, saying that the prevalence of sexual and gender-based offences against children had further brought to the fore the imperative of designing appropriate protective measures for children, who are sometimes the only witnesses to the offences,” Osinbajo stated. The President of the National Association of Women Judges, Nigeria, Justice Mary Ukaego-Odili, stated that the association had advocated for the protection of children and vulnerable witnesses, noting that no single legislation in the country provided for their protection in incidences of sexual abuses and other related offences. She further disclosed that the hesitation by some states to domesticate the Child’s Right Act, which had been passed by the National Assembly, had created a gap in offering protection to children and vulnerable witnesses in Nigeria. Speaking at the conference in Abuja, with the theme: “Protection of child and vulnerable witnesses in Nigeria”, Justice Ukaego-Odili said: “The essence of this Hybrid Conference on Child and Vulnerable Witnesses Protection in Nigeria is to create the awareness, stimulate discussions, cross-fertilize ideas and opinions and congregate experiences towards enhancing and charting a new course for child and vulnerable witnesses within the context of the Nigerian legal system. “The context of this protection for Child and Vulnerable witnesses has become imperative having regard to the indices which has shown that Nigeria is behind in the protection of Child and Vulnerable witnesses when compared to her Commonwealth counterparts. “It is important to draw the attention of all participants that no single legislation in Nigeria provides for the protection of Child and Vulnerable witnesses in Nigeria. The situation is further compounded by the challenge of defining who is a Child under the Nigerian law. The Child’s Right Act has been passed by the National Assembly, however, some States of the Federation are yet to domesticate this legislation. This hesitation in domestication has in some ways put a peg in the process of development of practices and systems deliberately aimed at offering protection to child and vulnerable witnesses in Nigeria. She went on: “Albeit, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 made some provisions for witness protection such as sections 231 and 232(1)(2)(3) regarding delaying in_ disclosing the identity of prosecution witnesses and sometimes a complete denial of opportunities of the Accused having knowledge of the address and other details of the witnesses testifying. It is imperative to point out that under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, offences relating to Economic and Financial Crimes; trafficking in Persons and related offences and; any other offence in respect of which an Act of the National Assembly permits the use of such protective measures or as the Judge may consider appropriate in the circumstances. “Most Commonwealth jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and South Africa have all made credible advancements in this regard. It is in view of the lacuna and almost non-existent frame work for the protection of the child and vulnerable witnesses that the discussions in this Conference have become a sine qua non to drive law makers, legal practitioners and Judges towards a deliberate legal framework for child and vulnerable witness protection in Nigeria.” Justice Ukaego-Odili added: “Some of the witnesses, especially in these young children, as a result of memory and a lot of intimidation that may have taken place, when the matter gets to court five or seven years after the incident, you can’t get all the facts as they were. In fact, some times the facts are lost.” The wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, said: “These days, cases of abuse have skyrocketed due to many factors including insurgency, banditry, and the COVID-19 lockdown. For as many of the victims that have found justice, many more have remained traumatized and unserved. Even those who have ventured to speak out have drawn opprobrium and stigma from the community and lack of compassion from the system that is meant to protect them. “I understand that some of the recorded barriers in delivering justice to victims include unnecessary and long delays in processing cases in the courts, poor questioning practices and hostile physical environment in which the administration of justice takes place. It is my hope that these barriers will be addressed adequately by this conference. “Various international instruments and a pantheon of laws on violence against women, children and other vulnerable persons abound, all of these dovetailing in the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, which has provided a semblance of hope to victims. It is my ardent hope that the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Act will validate our expectations.” The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, noted that recent surveys revealed that children under the age of 15 years constitute over 40 per cent of Nigeria’s population and were considered to be one of the most-vulnerable groups. “A considerable level of effort is therefore required to ensure their survival, development care and protection. The National Child Rights Implementation Committee is working very hard to coordinate issues of child protection in Nigeria,” she said. Justice Binta Nyako, International Vice President of Women Judges, said: “At the international level, this issue of child molestation came about not just from Nigeria but also from more advanced climes, because when they started shouting about it, then we the so-called developing countries started talking about our own. “Internationally, what we are trying to do is to get the United Nations to say something about it so that it can now become a policy statement, and so that states can now domesticate it. In the absence of that, domestically, we can be very innovative because the judiciary, even though it is not legislature, has also some kind of legislative making power because once a judgment is given in a matter, then it becomes a law. If the judges are proactive and are able to take these things seriously, then we will be able to take it to another level. “I know there are a lot of financial implications because if you are going to do witness protection and rehabilitation of the child, it revolves around finances. But sometimes we need to forego some things that are not too necessary to our lives and face those that are necessary. The protection of our children should be a priority over and above some other things that may not be that important. “Witness protection has been provided for in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, but the facilities have not been put in place for the Act to even work. Where are the safe houses for the protection?”

https://thenationonlineng.net/osinbajo-women-judges-canvass-

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INEC official displays an empty ballot box BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE Honourable Charles Odedo (APC, Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Anambra State) is one of the few All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives members from the South-East geo-politicalzone. In this interview, he speaks on the chances of his party in the November 16 governorship election in Anambra and what the people of the state will gain from Senator Chris Ngige’s administration, if elected. On APC’s plans and programme for Anambra people. APC has a 12-point agenda for Anambra people. First of all, we have plan to ensure security of lives and property. As you know, our candidate has been governor before and he did very well. We are confident that he will ensure security of lives and property. Our party, the APC through our manifesto has articulated our plans and programmes for Anambra people. These plans include: Free primary education, free secondary education, access to public education, scholarship award to deserving students and bursary award for students in tertiary institutions. In the health sector, our plan is to give Anambra people free antenatal medical services for all pregnant women, free primary medical care for children up to five years of age. Under an APC government, Anambra State will get a brand new Airport by the end of 2014, an inland waterways transport system to serve the riverine areas of Anambra East and West, Ogbaru, Anyamelum and Awba Otemili in Awka North Local Government Area, a mono-rail transport system to connect the major cities of Akwa, Onitsha and Nnewi in the first phase and Otuocha, Abagana and Ekwulobia for the second phase. Of course, our candidate is well known for quality road construction and that will continue. There are many other plans and programmes of our party that have to do with transforming lives of the people. How do you see comments of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA that Governor Peter Obi has done well and that Dr. Willie Obiano will continue in the same way if elected? They want continuity but we want change. This is a debate we welcome anytime. Now, let me tell you why there must be change in Anambra State. One, security of lives and property. Anambra State Government led by Peter Obi has not done well at all in terms of security of lives and property. Anambra State is the last in the entire country. This is statistics from the Police. South-East zone is the most insecure zone in the country and Anambra State is the worse. Do we want to continue to be last in terms of security? We do not want continuity of last positions we want change. Our candidate, Senator Chris Ngige has been governor before and under his watch Anambra State had one of the best security systems. Now, to education, students in Anambra State University pay the highest fees in Nigeria education history and on that basis Anambra State is also last in education. For example, the school fees at Anambra State University (ANSU) is over N130,000 for an academic year and this is excluding other dubious fees. When Ngige was governor between May 2003 and March 2006, he introduced free education up to JSS3. The shocking thing is that Obi who was sworn in on March 17, 2006, introduced school fees retrospectively and forced Anambra students to pay school fees for the terms that they had enjoyed free education. In other words, Obi introduced school fees arrears. Again, teachers in Anambra higher institutions are the least paid in the country. So why does Obiano want to continue with everything Obi is doing? About 11 courses including Law lost accreditation when Nigeria University Commission (NUC) visited the school for inspection. Obi claimed to have constructed over 800 kilometers of road, that claim is contestable because the roads built by the APGA administration lack quality. For example, in Afor Market Square, Nnobi, the road has been constructed and reconstructed up to five times within the last seven years. We want change. We need Ngige quality roads. Anambra State government is making a mockery of youth employment and Job creation. A governor that has not created a single job throughout almost eight years of his administration and now suddenly with less than five months to leave, is advertising that they want to employ 5000 teachers. Of course, Anambra people know that this is an election gimmick and have paid no attention to it. The government of Obi has refused to pay minimum wage to workers and Obiano wants that to continue. Senator Chris Ngige has said no to that and has promised to pay minimum wage to all workers. The teachers in Anambra State University receive the least salary in the entire country. Obi’s government has refused to conduct local government election in almost eight years it has been in office. They have fixed date for local government election more than five times and failed to conduct the election. There is now a new date of December 2013 for the election. Let us watch and see. On APC’s chances at the governorship election The coming election will be a landslide victory for our candidate, Ngige. I have gone round the state and everywhere you go, it is the same story. We need this man back to salvage the state. His performance when he was governor before is our greatest asset. On whether the agitation of the people of Anambra North to produce the next governor with Governor Obi’s support would not affect APC’s chances No not at all, Anambra people want the best. Obi’s government has not performed and therefore cannot influence who succeeds it. An endorsement from a bad government will amount to nothing. However, it will be a landslide victory for Ngige of APC. On why he launched a N50 million scholarship fund in his constituency It is my way of helping our people lessen the heavy burden of excessive fees being charged by this government. I gave out scholarship award to about 300 students of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency that I represent in the House of Representatives. My motivation came from the fact that there is no more access to public education in Anambra State. The state government has rightfully given back many schools to their original owners without an attempt to build new government schools. Depending on where you live, the effect is that, you may not be able to access a government school and the fees being charged by these private schools are increasingly getting higher and out of the reach of most parents. My scholarship programme will last for three years and will gulp about N 50 million, the funny thing about how bad our education system has gotten is better described. For example, the amount of award to tertiary students is N 100,000 for one academic year. In the entire country, this amount will be enough to cover school fees for one academic year but not so in Anambra State. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/11/anambra-needs-change-rep-odedo/

Politics

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By: Segun Odegbami Does Juju exist at all? Does it work? Does it exist in Sport? I do not have any of the answers to the three questions but I have experiences that span almost 50 years since I played my first serious football competition as a teenager in my first year in Ibadan after leaving Jos at 18. These past two days, foremost African Cinematographer, Tunde Kelani, and I have been discussing those experiences and he can’t hold back his fascination and the possibility of a movie coming out of them! To start with, the use of the word Juju almost always connotes a local practice, an uncivilized trip into fetishism, or voodoo, or magic, or some crude cultural practice. But to look at it a little differently, as what people do physically in a quest to seek spiritual interventions in their affairs – fasting, sacrifices, incantations, routine rituals, and so on – and the word takes on a new and more acceptable meaning. But Juju is Juju. It is the seeking of the favourable ‘face’ of some deity to achieve results that are often selfish and unmerited. Sport is powerful. Aside from winning games and enjoying the temporary orgasm of victory, and taking home some metallic medals and trophies, there is also the more irresistible desire for power, fame, and fortune. I do not think there is a bigger field in human affairs than in sports (with political power, a close second) where ‘Juju’ is being more practiced all over the world. Juju, by the bigger definition, is everywhere, and in every sport, in different forms, subtle and also loud! Watch Messi when he scores a goal. He looks up into the sky, two fingers raised, and whispers something. Watch Nadal when he goes through his repetitive rituals before and during his every single match. It is a clock. Watch Zamalek or Al Ahly Football Clubs of Egypt before they file out for their home matches, what they and their supporters do. They turn towards the East in special spiritual supplication and chant in unison. Go to the beaches of Copa Cabana in Rio De Janeiro, early in the mornings of any day and see the litter left on the beachside. Tons of idols left behind following overnight ‘rituals’ by the most Catholic of people (and players) seeking divine interventions and favours. I have been to the top of Mount Olympus in Greece. Where I observed what people did, that you would also find on virtually every high ground or hill in Nigeria. People of all Faiths go there and carry out mostly candle-light rituals that can very easily qualify as ‘fetish’ to religious purists. With these rather loose descriptions, it becomes easier to conclude that most people believe and attempt to consult with supernatural powers for interventions and, often times, unmerited favours. Why should sports be any different? There is the practice of Juju in football. It is everywhere and in every team but in different guises. Does it work? I absolutely do not know. It will surely be a matter of every person’s beliefs and experiences. But, without question, after almost 50 years of observing, I can state that it is flourishing, albeit less openly, as a result of the influence of modern Christianity and stigma, created mostly by Pentecostalism that has driven it underground. Having said that, I have had my own experiences in my short years on earth, I have seen and experienced many things first-hand that would inspire a Tunde Kelani to translate into a movie one day. Permit me to tell you my own baptism into that world. I was born in Lagos and spent the first 17 years of my life in the very cosmopolitan city of Jos. My father was one of the founders of the Ebenezer African Church in the city, so that’s where I had my childhood baptism. My mother was originally a Muslim. I went to primary school and secondary schools run by the Catholic Church, so I became baptised and confirmed in the faith. That means there was no dominant tribal or external spiritual influence in my early life. Juju only existed as a word but never as a practice in my little world. Then I left Jos and went to Ibadan at almost 18. I spent the next 16 years of my life in the city thriving with deep Yoruba traditions and customs. Then I went into ‘serious’ football for the first time and had my baptism into the experience of spiritual intervention that I now refer to as Juju. My story in Ibadan has been told very many times – how I arrived there and as a student started playing for The Polytechnic. I was seen by several coaches of local clubs and was invited to join them. The first major club that I joined at the instigation of my school captain and friend, Architect Tunji Bolu, was the small football club of the Nigeria Tobacco Company, NTC FC. So, I settled with NTC in my first year. It was a very young team of some teenagers, and one or two established players in the club. When the team registered to play in the 1971 national Challenge Cup, the thought of silverware did not exist. Not even in their wildest imagination. They only registered to make up the numbers and serve as fodder for the greater and bigger teams starring the great 1970 FA Champions WNDC, Water Corporation with its collection of best footballers in higher School in Western Nigeria at the time (Anthony Osho, Muyiwa Sanya, Ben Popoola, Olumeko, Segun Adewale, Wale Adedeji, etc), Housing Corporation, NEPA, Police Machine, CRIN, and so on. Against these giant clubs in the West in those days NTC did not ‘exist’. That’s the team I joined. Let me cut a long story short. By the end of that season, at the finals of the Western State FA Cup, there were Water Corporation and NTC FC. All the giants had fallen by the way side, and by a divine twist of fate one young, unknown, slow striker from Jos, had led some equally unknown young players, marshalled by old war horses ‘Alfa Joe’ in attack and Elija in midfield, in performing the ‘impossible’. I was the ‘Damager-in-chief’, match after match to the finals. So shocking was our success that even the owners of the club, NTC, were overwhelmed. The very next season after that monumental success, they could not stand the pressures anymore and scrapped the team. To be champions of the West was too much to achieve. We won the FA Cup finals rather easily and qualified to represent Western Nigeria at the zonal preliminaries in Benin City against Mighty Jets of Jos, one of the most reputable club sides in Nigeria at the time, 11-time ‘visitors’ to the national finals of the FA Cup, with fresh experiences representing Nigeria at a continental competition. That’s when our Juju trouble started. NTC, as representatives of the entire Western region, became ‘child’ of officials, not just of the club but also of the Sports Council. The belief was that on its own strength the club could never defeat Mighty Jets. People we had never seen before, became advisers, offering all manner of services particularly the topic of today’s article. I cannot state it all here, but the NTC camp became invaded by people who ‘knew’ how and where to get the antidote to the myth of Mighty Jets. They came in droves and brought all manner of concoctions to be used, to be splashed on the body, to be blown by mouth into the wind, to be rubbed on the feet or on the shoes, to be worn inside the socks. All of these were followed by prayer session after the prayer session, by the traditional spiritualist, marabouts, Muslim, Christian, white garment spiritual faith leaders, etc. It was a real ‘invasion’ of our psyche, leaving me in total shock. I was completely mesmerized by it all. The problem was that all those things were eating into our actual preparation time and work on the field. Then disaster struck. On the eve of our trip to the Benin City Centre, during our last training session against WNDC, late Dauda Adepoju, that had suffered from my endless dribbles, gave me a dose of his ‘poison’. He kicked my right ankle and that small incident rendered useless all the spiritual preparations. It was to mark the end of my ‘journey’ in that year’s FA Cup, the humiliating defeat of NTC, and the end of the club’s existence. When we arrived in Benin City for the match I could not even train. My ankle was heavily strapped. Different things were applied to fix it including local herbs and ointments, massage, injections to the spot, etc. In the camp, the invasion continued with spiritual persons from everywhere bringing their concoctions to drink, to bathe with, to rub, to incant, to wear, and so on and so forth. I was in a trance, my innocent little faith from Jos being tested to the brim and shaken to its foundation. On match day, the team had been assured that my ankle would be healed and I would be able to play. After all, I was the team’s talisman on whom victory mostly hinged. I even dressed for the match and joined the ride to Ogbe stadium, singing with the rest of the squad, my ankle heavily and tightly bandaged. I could not even feel any sensation in my legs. At the stadium, someone had come with brown powdery stuff to be blown into the Benin City air as we exited our dressing room. The gust of the wind from outside the door blew the powdery substance back onto our faces. That’s when I called the coach aside and announced to him that the pain in my ankle was impossible to bear. I could barely walk. He called the team manager aside and told him. The man busted into tears. That was the end. The elements had taken charge and broken the calabash of ’empty’ human devices. The TM later said that NTC lost that match because everything they prepared was hinged on my playing that match. I was the person they had ‘loaded’ to do the damage to Mighty Jets. I was the last to leave the dressing room. Now in mufti, I headed with another colleague through the back of the State Box extension of Ogbe Stadium near the tennis courts, to gain access to the terrace to watch the game. There was a small crowd gathered around a bare-chested man sitting on a stool around a big pot of huge flames. He had on the full paraphernalia of a traditional medicine man, charms, amulets and beads hanging around his waist down to his ankles. The rising smoke from the fire in the pot drifted into the air, and surprisingly, spectators just walked past as if nothing was happening. They were used to it. But I was curious and moved closer. The man burning incense and throwing some pieces of paper from a small basket by his side into the fire. As he picked up each paper he would chant something before throwing it into the blazing flames. His eyes were glazed, and he was totally in another world, oblivious of the few spectators watching him at work. Then I heard a few words of what he was muttering in his repeated chants. They were names. Every time he looked at the paper, he would call out a name, throw the paper into the fire and watch it go up in a blaze of flames. Suddenly I heard my name come out of his mouth. Ha!!! Then I realised what was going on. He was burning the paper with the names of NTC players in his pot of fire. I stared in shock and temporary mortal fear, rooted to the ground. This was Juju at work, my first encounter, live and direct! And people were just walking around normally! I pinched myself. I was alive. Nothing was happening to me. I was not burning anywhere. My colleagues were playing their hearts out on the field. NTC lost the match to the superior performance of a much better team that day. I went through watching the match deep in my private thoughts about the totality of my experiences. That moment in Benin City was to have a profound influence on the rest of my football career and, probably, the rest of my life till now.

https://allnews.ng/news/is-there-juju-in-sport-my-baptism

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July 15, 2015 by The Nation Mother of three commits suicide in Ekiti There was gloom in Ajebamidele area of Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital where a 46-year-old woman, identified as Mrs. Ajibola reportedly committed suicide. Mrs. Ajibola, a mother of three, hanged herself Tuesday at about 6.00 pm under very mysterious circumstances, a situation her neighbours find difficult to unravel. Neighbours revealed that Mrs. Ajibola had made several attempts to take her life in the past which had made them to place her under watch but the suicide came when they least expected. Her corpse has since been deposited at mortuary of Mary Assumpta Catholic Hospital, Ajilosun Road pending the burial of her remains. Neighbours, family members and friends of the deceased were also sighted at the Ologede Police Station along Ikere Road but police officers on duty kept sealed lips saying only Public Relations Department of the State Command could speak on the incident. A neighour said: “Before the unfortunate incident, she had informed landlords in the area of her intention to address a world press conference slated for 6.30pm. “It was when some of us arrived to listen to what she had to tell us that we discovered that she was nowhere to be found. “It was when we were searching for her that we saw her dangling body hung on the roof in her house.” “Many times, she had threatened to take her own life. There was even a time she said she would jump into the well and we had to announce to all landlords that they should make sure that their wells are well secured and covered to avoid any mishap.” Police spokesman, Alberto Adeyemi who confirmed the incident, revealed that the Command has commenced investigation into the incident.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/mother-of-three-commits-

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October 22, 2020 by The Nation Buhari and I haven’t spoken since Lekki shootings – Sanwo-Olu By Samuel Oamen Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated he hasn’t been able to speak with President Muhammadu Buhari since the shooting of protesters in Lekki on Tuesday night. He said he made two attempts which were not successful to speak directly with the President over the incident. According to him, the first time he called, the President was not in the office while he was said to be at the Federal Executive Council meeting the second time he called. Many public facilities and businesses have been looted and razed since the shooting of #ENDSARS protesters by suspected security agents. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday morning, Sanwo-Olu said: “I made phone calls to the President. I made calls twice yesterday (Wednesday). The first time, he hadn’t come to the office and the second time, he was at the FEC meeting. “So, indeed, I have not spoken to him directly. I actually did call to speak with him. But like I said, he was at the FEC meeting and probably had his briefings. “He was the one that asked the Chief of Defence Staff to call me and I think it was when he got my message. “He (CDS) said to me, that it was the President that asked him to call. I don’t have a report to say. We haven’t spoken.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-and-i-havent-spoken-since-lekki-

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Blacks and Jews as Minority People Who Were Once Enslaved Although relations between American Blacks and Jews have been strained in recent years, during the Civil Rights era, Jewish leaders marched side by side with men like Dr. King. There was a sense of commonality, of shared heritage, of being two peoples who had been oppressed, two peoples who both knew slavery. Now, in the aftermath of the DeSean Jackson Hitler tweets, the theme of shared suffering has emerged again. Distinguishing Jews from Whites? As expressed by the outspoken sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, himself Black, “even though you might have a lighter hue, a lighter pigmentation, the Jewish community, not the white community, the Jewish community is the one that had to endure the Holocaust. We talk about 6 million Jews that were murdered by that devil, Adolf Hitler, that wasn’t white people that were murdered, those were Jewish folks.” Not White people but Jewish folks? Weren’t the Jews slaughtered in the Holocaust primarily Ashkenazi Jews, hence Caucasian? What did Smith mean? His point appeared to be that they weren’t killed because of whiteness, since the German and other killers were White as well. They were killed because they were Jews, and even here in America, they remain a minority among the larger White community. He continued, “So, from a categorical perspective, it’s two differents. It’s two different groups. When we’re talking about racial oppression, racial inequality and beyond, we’re talking about what’s happening in this nation.” Similarly, NFL player Zach Banning, who is also Black, said, “There’s a common misbelief among black and brown people, and I know this from growing up, and I’ve heard it and listened to it: that Jewish people are just like any other white race. You know, you mix them up with the rest of the majority and you don’t understand that they’re a minority as well.” So, even though the vast majority of American Jews are White, they are a minority within White America with their own unique history of suffering. How interesting to hear these comments from two Black Americans. The Black Hebrew Israelites In the early 1990s, I had a confrontation with a group of Black Hebrew Israelites in Times Square, New York. As I heard them preach through a loudspeaker, I was moved to challenge their lies and confront their hate. Then, I turned to the crowd and shouted out, “These men are deceiving you! Jesus preached a religion of love! They’re preaching a religion of hate!” After that, I said to the preachers and their bodyguards, “We are both nations of liberated slaves, and one day we’ll find ourselves at the bottom of the barrel. We will need each other!” (What I failed to calculate was that I was the only White person in the crowd, aside from my colleague, himself a Jewish believer in Jesus like me. Before I left, the small crowd started chanting, “Death to America! Death to the white man!” It appears they didn’t feel the love! For a more recent confrontation with Black Hebrew Israelites, this time in Charlotte, North Carolina, see here.) Aside from being an interesting story, though, I relate it here to emphasize the perspective of shared historic suffering, something that is often forgotten today because of American Jewish prosperity and influence. But it wasn’t always like that, even here in America. The Shared Suffering As noted in an October 2018 article in The Atlantic, “Even as Jews started to break into certain industries, such as entertainment, in the 1930s and ’40s, they confronted tight restrictions that kept them out of law firms, medical professions, universities and colleges, fraternities, hotels, country clubs, and more. One hotel boasted in an advertisement, ‘No Hebrews or tubercular guests received.’ Elite institutions of higher learning such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Princeton imposed strict quotas on how many Jews they would admit. The application for Sarah Lawrence College asked, “Has your daughter been brought up to strict Sunday observance?” Like African Americans, Jews were subject to restrictive real-estate covenants that prevented “Hebrews” from living in particular neighborhoods.” Of course, anti-Jewish discrimination in America cannot be compared to the suffering of American Blacks. But Jewish suffering worldwide through history is as awful and unrelenting as the suffering of any people group. In that regard, there can be great commonality in shared experiences. That’s why today, when a Black American is killed in cold blood and it appears the killer will get away with murder, the pain of past lynchings is immediately present. In the same way, when antisemitism rears its ugly head in America, especially in extreme, murderous forms, that bloodshed is experienced in light of the Holocaust and prior atrocities. Farrakhan and Others Stirring Up Hatred of Jews Among Blacks Ironically, divisive Black leaders like Louis Farrakhan have stirred up hatred of the Jewish people among their followers. The Nation of Islam even published a three-volume work that claims to detail the major role allegedly played by the Jews during the time of slavery. (For a demolition of these volumes with accurate scholarship, see here.) And members of the Jewish community have sometimes looked down their noses at American Blacks, as if they were somehow inferior. The animosity has gone both ways. As for the issue of “whiteness,” Fox News reports that, “The City of Seattle held a racially segregated employee training session aimed at White staffers and instructing them on “undoing your own whiteness” in order to be held accountable by people of color, according to documents obtained by a public records request.” And get this: “Those who attended the session were also shown a datasheet titled ‘Assimilation into Whiteness,’ which claimed to document how those of Arab, Jewish, Finnish, German, Italian, Armenian or Irish descent still classify as White.” So, an Arab American, who is certainly part of a small minority that has many obstacles to overcome, given the suspicion that he might be a violent Muslim, is classified as “White” – as in evil, bad, sinful White. And it is the same with Jews. They are White too, and therefore part of the problem, guilty of White Supremacy. Thankfully, neither Smith nor Banner got the memo, and their comments point the way to renewed and improved relationships between the Black and Jewish communities. We share a history as liberated slaves and oppressed minorities. We can share a future as free people working for a better world. Why not? Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

https://stream.org/blacks-and-jews-as-minority-people-who-were-

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December 27, 2023 by Osagie Otabor, Akure Akeredolu: ‘High Priest’, others tender resign from Ondo cabinet Dr. Oladoyin Odebowale popularly known as the High Priest, has resigned his appointment as the Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties & Strategy to the Governor of Ondo State with immediate effect. Other persons who have resigned are former Ondo Head of Service, Dare Aragbaiye and Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde. Aragbaiye resigned as Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties. In a letter to Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu said: “My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my Principal, a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odurayo Akeredolu, SAN.CON, whom I am loyal to even in death. “I sincerely thank his excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the Slate Executive Council, first as a Head of Service and now, Special Adviser.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/akeredolu-high-priest-others-tender-resign-

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Alhaji Ibrahim Gidado, Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is contained in a statement by Bashar Abubakar, Media Aide to Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North), on Sunday in Sokoto. Gidado was received into the fold of the APC on Saturday by Wamako, the leader of the party in the state. The statement quoted Gidado, who was a former member of the state House of Assembly representing Sokoto South State Constityency 1, as saying that he and his supporters defected from the PDP for alleged “lack of focus and trust from its leaders. “We joined the APC and its leaders so as to team up and rescue Sokoto State from the failed administration of Tambuwal, as many promises made were not fulfilled.” It also quoted Wamakko as expressed happiness for receiving the new member into the party and assured him of equal treatment. (NAN) Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/tambuwals-

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24th November, 2015 A don, Prof. Christopher Shisanya, on Tuesday said that a major defect in the Nigerian educational system was its theoretical inclination. Shisanya, who is the Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya, spoke in Lagos at at the opening session of the 3-day 10th University of Lagos Research Conference and Fair. The theme of the conference, which is an international conference of Sciences and Humanities, is “Implementing new Research Strategies for National Transformation’’. Shisanya, in his keynote address, said that most Nigerian universities produce graduates who are, at best, only suited for white-collar jobs, with little or no basic skills of any other vocational relevance. He said that such a situation would lead to high unemployment rate, especially among university graduates. Shisanya said that the contribution of an entrepreneur to any nation’s economy could simply be observed in a situation where the entrepreneur acts as an employer. “He can also act as innovator as well as risk-bearer that are extensively recognised by the society. “A major policy aim in fostering entrepreneurship education is, therefore, the general support and training of entrepreneurs. “However, in view of the positive social and economic effects of entrepreneurship, many Nigerian universities are now advancing entrepreneurial thinking and behaviour to develop students’ awareness of the relevance of entrepreneurial training,’’ he said. The don also noted that lack of lecturers with practical entrepreneurial training and consciousness was also a contributory factor to the lack of skills in an average Nigerian university graduate. According to him, the task of drawing course content to be included in the curriculum of the entrepreneurship –related education programme in Nigerian universities will require a long educational process. Shisanya said that if properly managed in Nigerian universities, entrepreneurship would contribute to the nation’s economic growth and development. Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said that the institution was determined to be a clear leader in research among the nation’s universities. He said that the Central Research Committee of the University had been working diligently with chairmen of various Faculty Research Committees in formalising new guidelines. Bello said the guidelines would seek to simplify the application process for the university research grant and funding. According to him, this year’s research conference and fair of the university received a total of 40 abstracts and full papers for presentation. He said that the papers and abstract cut across various departments, disciplines and faculties. Bello said that the management of the university had established a Research and Innovation Office to ensure the institution’s research activities are well coordinated and facilitate access to grants across the globe. He said that the office had begun to impact positively on the research output in the university. According to him, the office is to intensify multi-disciplinary research projects and facilitate access to big research grants from international and local sources. The don said this was an opportunity for further collaboration between town and gown, particularly in the application of research results for the nation’s benefit. The Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, Prof. Olukemi Odukoya, said that participants would be able to exchange information on recent research trends, examine on-going research programmes and promote effective networking. Odukoya said they would also benefit in the area of coordination and cooperation channels between researchers, government and organisations. She said the conference would also provide major interdisciplinary forum for presenting new approaches from relevant areas of sciences and humanities, to foster integration of latest developments in scientific research into application. The don said that it would equally facilitate technology transfer from well-tested ideas into practical products.

http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/11/24/kenyan-prof-

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6th August, 2015 Two drivers belonging to Dangote Company, Sani Ahmed and Umar Musa, have been sentenced to 3 months in Prison with hard labour for reckless/dangerous driving, speed limit violation, driving without valid driver’s licences among other traffic offences at Oluyole, Ibadan along Lagos – Ibadan expressway. According to Christy Obasi, Zonal Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Zone RS2 Command Headquarters, Lagos, “the arrest and sentencing of the two drivers were made during the ongoing FRSC Special Operation on Lagos –Ibadan expressway code named ‘Operation Scorpion’. The Mobile Court sittings in Ogun and Lagos State segments of the corridor had early on tried a number of other truck drivers arrested and arraigned before the courts by the Corps operatives. While addressing some truck and tanker drivers at Ogere during his routine monitoring of the special operation from Lagos to Ibadan on Wednesday, FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 2 Command Lagos, Assistant Corps Marshal Nseobong Akpabio said: “the exercise, is part of various measures designed to tackle the menace of haulage truck drivers on Nigerian roads.” Akpabio cautioned the drivers and other motorists generally against reckless and dangerous driving, driving under influence of drugs and or alcohol, speed limit violation, driving with worn out tyres as well as driving motor vehicle without valid driver’s licence among other anti-road safety practices. On the arrest of the Dangote truck drivers, Akpabio explained that Ahmed Sani drove his unregistered fully loaded truck with cement in a reckless and dangerous manner, inimical to the safety of himself and other road users. The truck had no registration number plate but company inscription of ‘IBESE 5’. Sani’s dangerous driving led other motorists on the road to lodge complaint with three various FRSC patrol teams at Ogere and Onigari along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the patrol teams sent traffic alert to other patrol teams within and outside the corridor to watch out for the vehicle. “Following the signal, Sani was flagged down by FRSC team but all efforts made to arrest him failed as the driver continued in his reckless and dangerous driving. Mindful of the danger inherent in such tendency, reinforcement was made until the driver was tactically arrested and was immediately arraigned before mobile Court sitting at Oluyole, Oyo State along the Ibadan – Lagos Expressway. He was charged with dangerous driving, operating a vehicle without number plate, failure to stop when asked to do so by Law Enforcement Officers and driving without driver’s licence in contravention of provisions of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, Oyo state Road Traffic Law, and Federal Highway Act. The Court sentenced Mr Ahmed Sani to 3 months imprisonment with hard labour and payment of N81,000 fine.” Speaking further, Akpabio said: “The second driver, Musa Umar was also arraigned before the court for driving a truck with registration number RMG 29 XA, fully loaded with cement, dangerously on the highway and without a valid driver’s licence. Umar pleaded guilty and showed remorse for his act and promised to drive responsibly henceforth. The court convicted him but with option of fine of N60,000 while his truck was impounded until the company produced another licensed driver to drive the truck. Meanwhile, in Lagos 12 other truck drivers were prosecuted at the court for 19 traffic offences and were all sentenced. In Ogun State, 27 truck drivers arrested by various patrol teams on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Wednesday were charged to mobile court in Sagamu, Ogun State for offences ranging from unlatched containers on trucks, dangerous driving, driving with worn out tyres and driving without valid driver’s licence. Out of the 27 drivers, 22 of them were sentenced while drivers were discharged and acquitted by the court. The operation continues.

http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/08/06/frsc-mobile-court-

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9th November, 2021 By Richard Elesho In politics, it is not over until it is completely over. In spite of coming a distant second, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the ongoing governorship election in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo has kept hope of winning the election alive. So far, Prof Chukwuma Soludo of APGA has clinched 18 out of the 21 local government areas of the state to remain the lead candidate. Trailing behind him is Valentine Ozigbo of the PDP, followed by Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC). INEC had on Sunday declared the election inconclusive because of suspension of voting in Ihiala Local Government Area on account of failure of electoral workers to go to the field because of insecurity. The Commission had subsequently announced that a supplementary election will hold today, Tuesday, 9 November in Ihiala to conclude the election before the announcement of the winner. Already, members of APGA in Anambra are already celebrating the victory of Soludo who has already opened over 56,000 lead over his closest challenger, Ozigbo of PDP. Results declared so far indicated that the APGA candidate has not only scored the majority of the votes, but has met the constitutional requirement of winning in 18 out of the 21 local governments areas of the state. But in an obvious bid to further solidified the victory of its candidate, the APGA led Anambra government in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu on Monday urged the people of Ihiala to turn out in high numbers for the supplementary election. Chukwulobelu said, “This is to inform the public, particularly, residents and voters in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Tuesday, 9th November, 2021 as the date for the 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial supplementary election for Ihiala local government area only. “As Ndi Ihiala may have observed, elections were successfully and peacefully held in the other 20 local government areas of Anambra State and INEC has duly announced the results. No incidence of violence or voter molestation was recorded in the Anambra gubernatorial election, which held on Saturday, 6th November 2021. Though Soludo is currently leading with about 56,000 votes, but with 148,000 votes in Ihiala still available, Ozigbo or APC’s Andy Uba, at least mathematically has the chance of upstaging the apple cart. Thus, while APGA and its candidate believe that they already have victory in the bag, the PDP candidate believes that he can win the election in Ihiala and other places where election did not hold on 6 November. On its part, the APC is crying foul with allegation that the election was rigged. The party is already threatening that it will go to court for annulment of the election if INEC declared Soludo the winner. Addressing journalists on Monday, Ozigbo stressed that Ihiala was not the only place where elections failed to hold, saying that statistics at their disposal showed there were areas where INEC could not conduct election over the weekend. “We have the statistics and know the areas where INEC could not conduct election on Saturday, and we call on them to ensure they do so.” “With over 148,000 votes at stake in Ihiala and other places where election did not take place, the party still has hope of producing the next governor. “After Ihiala, other places where elections did not take place will follow, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must obey the Electoral Law and conduct election where it did not hold. “The party has all areas where election did not hold and will be happy if election is held there.” Ozigbo enjoined the people of Ihiala and other areas to come out en mass to vote for PDP as better alternative in the governance of the state. The PDP candidate however cited vote buying as a major menace standing in the way of the nation’s political development. Responding to question on what his next move would be, Ozigbo said the party was only more concerned with the supplementary election for now and will decide on its next line of action after the completion of the outstanding elections But Chairman of APC in Anambra, Basil Ejidike, has been speaking on both sides of his mouth on what will be the reaction of his party to the outcome of the election. He accused the candidate of APGA and the sitting Governor, Willie Obiano, of manipulating the election to their advantage. “We virtually won in all the local governments, but Willie Obiano and Charles Soludo, through instrumentality, corrupt-minded INEC officers, subverted the whole process in favour of APGA. “But if INEC goes ahead to announce the results, we will definitely challenge the election process at the court of law, up to Supreme Court. Nobody can intimidate us.” However, at a press conference in in Awka denied calling for the cancellation of the election. “There have been too many information ascribed to us that is not true. Some people wrote whatever they liked and credited it to the party, when it didn’t come from the party. One of them was the one that said APC has denounced the exercise, and called for cancellation, and the other was that we said we were heading to court to challenge the election. “There is another one that said that I collapsed, after hearing the result of my ward, where they claimed I lost. I want to make it clear that they were false information. None of them emanated from us. “The picture saying that I collapsed is false. My polling unit 002 bridgehead market, Onitsha, was won by APC. I had 95 per cent in the unit and even in my ward. If you look at the picture they are circulating, you will know that it has no resemblance of my person at all. Please, discard the information.”

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/11/09/apga-excited-pdp-hopeful-apc-confused-as-

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Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Chris Ngige says President Muhammadu Buhari has tolerated a lot from critics, reiterating that many Nigerians want to stretch him (Buhari) beyond reasonable limits. Ngige spoke when he featured as a guest on Channels Television’s News Night which aired on Monday, stating that many leaders will not condone the kind of criticisms Buhari faces. “Can President Obasanjo give you people the latitude?… He will not grant you people that! So, this president (Buhari) is a willing horse and you people (Nigerians) want to ride him to death,” Ngige said during the show. The former Anambra State governor while stressing that the present government has delivered its promises in many areas, called on critics and members of the public to give kudos to the Buhari government. “There must be a limit to politicking. If a government has done well, if a person has done well, give him accolades. In the areas he has not done well, point them out and discuss,” he added. Calls for the presidential seat to be zoned to the southeast region have gathered momentum and sharply divided opinion in Africa’s most populous nation. But Ngige has concurred with those who see the 2023 election as a time for the Igbos to get the seat. A Marginalized Region? Ngige believes that tensions in the southeast and the feeling of marginalization by people in the region will be addressed if the nation’s number one position is occupied by an Igbo man. “The people in the area have perceived that they are marginalized, that they are unappreciated, whether it was done by propaganda and brainwashing or not, that is now immaterial. “So I agree with that proposal, unfortunately, the Nigerian constitution does not have that. This is where I quarrel with those who authored the 1999 Constitution. “I still believe today, tomorrow, that the Abacha Constitution of 1995 that espouses rotational presidency into the six zones in Nigeria, a single five-year tenure in order to heal all the wounds; the wounds of civil war, and the wound of June 12. “Now, that constitution would have been the best constitution for Nigerians to use for the next 30 years by which the six zones would have tested the presidency,” the minister stated.

https://www.channelstv.com/2021/06/14/buhari-is-a-willing-horse-nigerians-

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The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday said it has killed some key leaders of Boko Haram and wounded many others, including the leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau, during an airstrike on Friday in Taye Village, Borno State. A statement released by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said “we have just confirmed that as a result of the interdiction efforts of the Nigerian Air Force, some key leaders of the Boko Haram terrorists have been killed while others were fatally wounded”. The airstrike, which he described as “the most unprecedented and spectacular air raid”, took place on Friday, August 19, “while the terrorists were performing Friday rituals at Taye village, Gombale general area within Sambisa forest, Borno State. Col. Usman noted that the Boko Haram terrorists commanders confirmed dead include “Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Malam Hamman, amongst others. “While their leader, so called Abubakar Shekau, is believed to be fatally wounded on his shoulders” adding that “several other terrorists were also wounded”. The Department of State Services (DSS) had on Monday announced the arrest of the spiritual leader of the terrorist group and other members. The DSS said the arrests were part of “successes recorded in the ongoing tactical and counter-terrorism operations to degrade the capabilities of criminal gangs and syndicates in their hideouts across the Nigeria”. A statement by the DSS said Mudaisiru Jibrin, also known as Namakele Alarama, suspected to be the spiritual leader of the Boko Haram was arrested on July 17 at Sauna quarters, Yankaba area in Kano State.

http://www.channelstv.com/2016/08/23/shekau-fatally-wounded-others-dead-in-

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August 8, 2022 by The Nation Go after Ebubeagu members, IPOB tells ESN The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared war against the Ebubeagu security outfit over what it termed countless massacres of its people, particularly in Imo state. It alleged that the security outfit comprised a mixture of South-South militants, bandits and some notorious criminal Igbo boys with aim of harassing, intimidating and repopulating innocent youths in the area. In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB declared members of Ebubeagu, persona non-granta in Igboland. It gave a marching order to its security outfit, Eastern Security Network (ESN) to go after the group and stop them from further killings. The statement reads in part: “IPOB is very much aware that the murderous members of Ebubeagu were drafted from militants from the Coastal part of Biafra (South South), bandits and some notorious criminal Igbo boys. “The objective for the creation of this murderous outfit is not to stop criminal activities but to harass, intimidate and depopulate innocent Igbo youths, which they have been doing unchallenged for a while now. This evil outfit conduct illegal arrest of people and extort hundreds of thousands of Naira as ransom before their hapless victims are freed. “Those who are not able to raise the thousands demanded of them for their freedom are killed. This murderous militia take as much as N500,000 from their unfortunate victims. We have evidences of those they extorted to bail themselves with such exorbitant amount before they were freed. “IPOB have responsibility to defend our people and our land against invading terrorists. We are therefore declaring every Ebubeagu member a persona non-grata in Igboland. Going forward, IPOB Leadership has given a matching order to ESN volunteers to go after the murderous Ebubeagu group and stop them from killing our people. “Few weeks ago, the Ebubeagu militias murdered 14 innocent Imo youths coming back from traditional wedding in Awo-Mmamma. “We want to remind Hope Uzodima that IPOB has a social contract to secure our people’s lives and property. Therefore, going forward ESN has the responsibility to stop your murderous Ebubeagu from further maiming, and killing of our people and destroying their properties. That we shall do by the grace of Chukwu Okike Abiama.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/go-after-ebubeagu-members-ipob-tells-

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May 6, 2024 by Samuel Oamen FULL LIST: Countries accepting Nigerian Masters students with dependants The United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday said only international students coming in for their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies are eligible to bring in dependents to the country. Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. He said that the educational system policy changed earlier this year for international students in higher education not to bring dependents into the UK was to curb the increase of foreign students bringing in dependents. He explained that the huge surge in dependence was putting an unsustainable pressure on many universities, adding that it was the reason these changes were introduced. Here are eight countries Nigerian Masters students can move to with their dependants Canada aims to welcome over 460,000 new immigrants each year to strengthen the economy, reunite families, and help refugees. Under its immigration levels plan, Canada is now looking to get 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025 The country’s dependent visa allows international students to bring their dependents and also allows them to work or study full-time once they have the relevant permits. Germany’s dependent visa also known as a family reunion visa permits the spouse, children, and other family members to join and live with their family members residing in Germany. They can either reside temporarily or permanently in the country. 3. New Zealand New Zealand also has a dependent child student visa that allows a dependent child to join their parents in the country and study at a primary or secondary school. “A dependent child can be treated as a domestic student, which means you don’t have to pay tuition fees for them to go to school.” To apply for a Dependent Child Resident visa, your children must be single and financially dependent on you. Your children must sign a declaration they are single when they complete their application form. Immigration New Zealand considers your children dependent if they are: 17 or younger. An Australia-dependent visa allows dependent family members of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia. This includes spouses, children, and other eligible family members. If an international student wants to bring their family to Denmark, they must apply for a green card Dependent visa. It allows Danish green card holder to bring their family with them to the nation while they are living and working there. Denmark has several categories of dependent visas. Of these dependent visas, the Student Dependent Visa is designed for the spouse or unmarried children below 18 years of age of foreigners schooling in the country with a Denmark student visa to join their relatives in Denmark. In September 2022, Finland issued more residence permits compared to the previous year as its processing time for visa application was 77 days on average, about 46 per cent less compared to 143 days in the previous period, the Finnish Immigration Service revealed. The D visa allows you to travel to Finland immediately after being issued with a residence permit. You can apply for a D visa if your spouse or your parent or guardian is applying for one of the following residence permits: A residence permit for a specialist. EU Blue Card. While staying in Estonia with a student visa, your family members can apply for an Estonia family visa to join you. If they are issued a family visa, they can stay with you in Estonia for one year. Sweden is a Scandinavian nation in northern Europe with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. The country which is highly developed, is ranked seventh in the Human Development Index, according to United Nations Development. It has different types of permits that allow people to bring their dependents. The type of permit that should be applied for will vary depending on the situation of the person who is living in the country.

https://thenationonlineng.net/full-list-countries-

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March 6, 2024 by Samuel Oamen JUST IN: Appeal Court affirms Abure as LP chair The Court Of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Julius Abure as the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP). The Appellate Court also set aside the decision of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court which last year restrained Abure and two others from parading themselves as national officers of the party. Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had last year, granted an ex-parte order, ordering that Abure and two other national officers stop parading themselves as leaders of the party for allegedly forging national documents but the Appellate Court set the verdict aside. Read Also: Obi faults manner of Abure’s arrest However, in the judgement delivered by Justice Hamma Barka, the Appellate Court held that the high court was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction on the matter. The Appellate Court also awarded a cost of One million Naira in favour of Abure and against the respondent, Lamidi Apapa.

https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-appeal-

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By Jimitota Onoyume PORT HARCOURT—Some parents and relatives of the 60 students of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, who died in a Sosoliso plane crash at the Port Harcourt International Airport,Omagwa, Rivers State, 10 years ago had a memorial procession for the children at the airport. They later unveiled a memorial statue in honour of the 60 angels, as the students who perished in the aircraft have come to be known, at the Jesuit Memorial college, Aluu, in Ikwere Local Government Area. Dr and Mrs Ilabo, who lost the two children they had at the time of the crash, were not at the memorial event. When Vanguard visited what used to be their residence in D/Line, Port Harcourt, it was discovered that they had moved out and the structure that was there demolished. Some of the parents who were decked in white T-shirt recalled fond memories of their beloved children. They also expressed disappointment with the state of the aviation industry in the country. According to one of them who gave his name as Mr Lolo, nothing seemed to have changed in the aviation industry. It will be recalled that Sosoliso Airlines flight 1145 from Abuja to Port Harcourt on December 10, 2015, burst into flames at the Port Harcourt International Airport a few minutes after landing. The plane, MCDonnell Douglas DC-9-32, had about 170 passengers on board. A popular tele-evangelist, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, was among those who died in the crash. Parents and families of the those who perished in the crash had sustained a campaign to improve the aviation industry. It is not clear if any substantial changes have occurred in the nation’s airports. It is believed that poor emergency response contributed largely to the death of those in the aircraft. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/sosoliso-crash-10-yrs-after-

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March 20, 2018 by The Nation JAMB releases 1.5m results The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday released the results of 1.5 million candidates who sat for the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The board, in a statement by the agency’s Spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja yesterday, said it decided to release the results after considering reports of its supervisors CCTV footages during the conduct of the examination. He said the results of 112,331 and those of visually candidates are yet to be released. Dr. Benjamin also said the board was screening the results of 111,981 candidates which have been withheld. The statement reads: “After viewing all CCTV footage during the conduct of the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and considering reports from our supervisors, monitors and other independent Nigerians who took interest in promoting the quality of public examination in Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of (1,502,978) One Million, Five Hundred and Two thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Eight candidates who sat for the 2018 UTME. “A total of (1,652,825) One Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Five candidate had indicated interest in the examination by registering for the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). “One Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-One (112,331) candidates results are yet to be released out of which (350) Three Hundred and Fifty are the results of the blind candidates which would be released soon and (111,981) One Hundred and Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-One results withheld for further screening. “The figure above excludes foreign candidates whose examination would be conducted in April.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/jamb-releases-

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Why we cancelled approved venue for Atiku’s rally, by Wike •Governor has directed local govt. chairmen, aides to work for Tinubu, says Atiku’s camp •Atiku, an unrepentant enemy of Rivers, Nigeria, says Rivers PDP Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has explained that the reason why his government stopped the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag bearer in the forthcoming election, Atiku Abubakar from using the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for his campaign is to safeguard the facility from vandalism. The governor who spoke at the Rivers PDP campaign in Degema, Degema Local Government Area yesterday, described the claim that the Rivers government did not want PDP Presidential Campaign Council to campaign in the state as erroneous, as he recalled that the government earlier gave approval to the party to use the stadium at no cost. He said: “Don’t say we stopped them from holding their rally; we didn’t. They applied to me and I gave (Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium) to them. They now went back and began to meet with the faction of the opposition, and you know that the opposition has never held any rally without violence. “And I said I cannot joke with Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Since we have this intelligence we will not allow it. Did anybody force us to give them before? Are we not the ones who gave them? Did they pay money? Go and see the place. I know they are happy because they know there is no way they can fill that stadium. Instead of them to say thank God for covering our shame.” Following the withdrawal of the initial approval by the Rivers State government for the use of the stadium, the PDP Presidential Campaign Council must have made moves to use the University of Port Harcourt. But, the university yesterday denied a report that the PDP presidential campaign had been shifted to its campus. The university described the report, which came after Atiku and the PDP were denied the use of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium by the state government, as false. In a statement, yesterday, by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Sam Kpenu, the institution said the university was not a campaign ground. The statement reads: “Management has not authorised any political campaign rally at the university. The university is not a political ground for political campaigns “We are not contemplating releasing its facility to the Atiku Campaign Council. The public is, therefore, called upon to discountenance this deliberate falsehood aimed at tarnishing the towering reputation of the university, as it is simply a figment of the imagination of the author. “The institution warns the originator of this falsehood to desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law. Meanwhile, this issue has been reported to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.” In its reaction, the Rivers PDP Campaign Council said the PDP presidential candidate has proved in his words and deeds to be an unrepentant enemy of Rivers and Nigeria. The party hailed Governor Wike’s decision to deny the PDP Presidential Campaign Council the use of the Port Harcourt stadium for Atiku’s rally, which is scheduled to hold next week Saturday (February 11). The Rivers campaign council said in a statement yesterday by its Director of Publicity and Communications, Ogbonna Nwuke, that the Rivers people would not collude with persons, who did not share their aspiration for a stable and better society. Nwuke’s words: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is proving by the day, through words and deeds, to be an unrepentant enemy, not just of ordinary Nigerians, but also of the Rivers people. At a time when Rivers people of all walks of life are struggling with great difficulty to obtain scarce funds from banks to buy food for their families to eat, when the CBN is responding to the cries of ordinary Nigerians and the National Assembly over its currency swap policy, Atiku whose only interest is to be a Nigerian President is urging the apex bank not to bend to the will of the people. “How mean and out of tune can this man who wants power at all costs be? His latest call on the CBN not to listen to public opinion proves beyond reasonable doubt that all that Atiku has, all that he feels for the Nigerian people is contempt. “Most vehicle owners in this State and others across Nigeria are parking their motor cars because they do not have money to access petroleum products. They are victims of an evil cabal which does not trust in the well-being of the nation and its people. “Nigerians are not puns on a chessboard. They are humans who feel pain, people who have aspirations of their own and rights that must be protected by the Nigerian state.” Nwuke said they were shocked that in obtaining permission to use the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, those who ought to appreciate the kind gesture of the governor were conniving with a violent faction of the APC. Meanwhile, Governor Wike has been accused of supporting the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the forthcoming election. In a letter dated February 1, Atiku’s camp said the Rivers State governor had already directed all local government chairmen, his aides and party executive members to deliver Tinubu at the poll. The letter addressed to Wike and signed by the Director of State Campaign Management Committee, Rivers State chapter, Dr Abiye Sekibo, was in reaction to the reason given by the governor for cancelling an approval he gave to the council to use the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for Atiku’s campaign. Sekibo accused Wike of trying to frustrate and stop the PDP candidate from emerging as the next president of Nigeria. He also said Wike’s involvement in the activities of the G-5 was the height of anti-party and wondered why the governor would in turn accuse them of working with a faction of the APC in the state. Sekibo denied the claim by the governor that the council was working in collaboration with a faction of the APC led by Tonye Patrick Cole to share the approved facility with the APC. Addressing the governor, Sekibo said: “We completely sent your assertion as patently false and perverse and we believe that our highly respected security agencies cannot furnish you with such untrue and unfounded lies.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/why-we-cancelled-

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By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri The Nigerian Army on Sunday held Christian interdenominational service prayers for the repose of the souls of the officers and soldiers who have paid the supreme price in the war against insurgency and other criminalities across the country. Similar congregational prayers were held last Friday at Jummat Mosque at Maimalari Cantonment, 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno state. Christian faithful in their numbers trooped to Maimalari Cantonment Catholic Church led by the theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen Christopher Musa, top military officers and soldiers including members of the Barrack honour the fallen heroes as part of activities marking the Armed forces remembrance day. Speaking shortly after the service, the Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen Christopher Musa said the service is a way for the armed forces to remember the fallen heroes, those that have paid the supreme price by giving up their lives for the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria. He said the fact that the armed forces remembrance day service coincided with the new year is to tell the citizens that the Army is starting up by telling the citizens that there are individuals that sacrificed their lives all through for Nigeria to remain one and that the Nigerian Army will do everything possible to see that Nigeria remains one. ” The essence of the service is to tell citizens that the Army is starting up by reminding people that there are individuals who paid the supreme price by laying down their lives for Nigeria to remain one, Maj. Gen Musa said. He called on citizens to avail the Army of suspicious persons, and characters, and to stop collaborating, trading and assisting the terrorists so that the needed peace will be achieved. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/armed-forces-day-army-holds-

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, through his lawyer, says he has subpoenaed the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to testify in court. The lead counsel to Atiku, Chris Uche, who addressed the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, said he had also summoned the Secretary to the commission, Mrs Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony. Atiku is challenging INEC’s declaration of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the February 25 presidential election. The petition resumed hearing with the lead counsel to Atiku informing the court that he was calling the first witness of the day, making him that the 19th witness to testify in the matter. The 19th witness is a star witness, was one Mr Alex Adumter, a lawyer and politician as well as the National Coordinator of the PDP Situation Room. However, members of counsel to the first respondent (INEC), the second and third respondents (Bola Tinubu/Shettima) and the fourth respondent (APC) raised objections to the admissibility of the witness’ statement on oath. However, counsel to the petitioner (Atiku) urged the court to discountenance the objection in its entirety. The court admitted the statement on oath, while it reserved ruling on the matter till judgement day. The star witness deposed to three statements on oath, which the court adopted. The witness also tendered, along with his statement on oath, three videos of the INEC Chairman, INEC commissioner Festus Okoye, and the European Union (EU) election observer mission, as evidence. Counsel to Atiku applied to the court for the video evidence to be played in the open court, an application the court granted. One of the videos contained a news conference of the INEC Chairman in which he promised real-time transmission of election results and the non-use of incidence forms as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be the only device to be used. Also tendered were copies of screenshots of the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) where the results were posted.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/06/13/just-in-atiku-summons-inec-

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….as court dismisses PDP’s suit against Ize-Iyamu By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Tuesday, tendered in evidence before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the nomination form Governor Godwin Obaseki filled and submitted for the purpose of the governorship election that held in Edo State on September 19. Justice Ahmed Mohammed admitted and marked the document known as Form EC9, along with other attachments that accompanied it, as Exhibit PL-2. He dismissed objection the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, raised to query the admissibility of the document which INEC was summoned to produce before the court in the forgery case the All Progressives Congress, APC, instituted against Obaseki. The APC had in the suit it jointly filed with one of its members in Edo, Mr Williams Edobor, alleged that Obaseki forged the University of Ibadan degree certificate he submitted to INEC in aid of his qualification for the election. In the suit marked FHC/B/CS/74/2020, the Plaintiffs equally alleged that there were discrepancies in the subjects that Obaseki claimed he passed in his West African Examination Council (WAEC) exam and subjects in his testimonial. Consequently, they are praying the court to declare that Obaseki’s claim in his INEC form EC9 at column C, sworn to on June 29, 2020, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court Registry to the effect that he obtained from the University of Ibadan in 1979, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Studies is false and contrary to Section 31 (5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, 2010. As well as an order declaring that Obaseki lied on oath when he swore to an affidavit on June 29, 2020, that he worked in Afrinvest Limited from 1994 to 2014 when he retired. Meanwhile, at the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, following a subpoena that was issued against it on December 23, INEC, produced a Certified True Copy, CTC, of Obaseki’s nomination form, through one of its legal officers, Mr Samuel Omale. Obaseki’s lawyer, Mr Ken Mozia, SAN, and that of the PDP, Mr Razaq Isenalohme, had insisted that Omale who appeared as the second principal witness in the case, PW-2, lacked the capacity to tender the document in evidence. They argued that under the rules of the court, the INEC official was not supposed to be sworn on oath before the court since he was merely subpoenaed to produce documents and not to tender them as a witness in the matter. Mozia, SAN, argued that the PW-2 did not file a written witness deposition as required by Order 20 Rule 3 of the Federal High Court Rules, adding that the documents were not duly certified as prescribed by the Evidence Act. “My lord, ex-facia from the document, there is no proof of payment as mandatorily required by section 104 (1) of the Evidence Act”, he added. Similarly, PDP’s lawyer, Mr Razaq, argued that the Exhibit sought to be tendered was a computer-generated document that was downloaded from INEC’s website, contending that it did meet the requirement of section 84 of the Evidence Act. He said since it was computer-generated, there ought to have been a certificate that was attached to it. On its part, INEC, which is the 3rd Defendant in the suit, through its lawyer, Mr M. A. Bawa, said it was not opposed to the admissibility of the document. Responding, counsel to the Plaintiffs, Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the objections. “I agree that when a witness is subpoenaed to produce a document pursuant to section 219 of the Evidence Act, that such a person does not become a witness by the mere fact that he produced the document and cannot be cross-examined, unless and until he is called as a witness. “However, the mere fact that a witness was sworn on oath in error does not derogate from the fact that he was merely subpoenaed to produce a document and cannot be subjected to a cross-examination”, Olujimi submitted. The Plaintiffs’ counsel said in the interest of justice, he would not object to the court allowing the Defendants to cross-examine the PW-2, stressing that the document INEC was subpoenaed to produce, was already pleaded by all the parties in the matter. “There is no element of surprise here because both the Plaintiff, the 1st and 2nd Defendants are also seeking to rely on this same document. “This is an official document in the custody of the 3rd Defendant (INEC), to whom it was submitted to by the 1st Defendant. “INEC is the 3rd Defendant in this case. There is no way I can ask an adverse party to come and make a statement on oath. The only way to bring him before your lordship is by an order compelling him to appear before this court”, he added. ALSO READ: Six bandits killed in gun duel in Katsina He equally denied that the document was downloaded from a website. In his ruling, Justice Mohammed noted that though the PW-2 was not supposed to be sworn on oath, he held that the document sought to be tendered was “very relevant and should not be rejected on the ground that there was an error in the manner it was produced by the witness”. Justice Mohammed held that since a substantial part of the suit centred on the Form EC9, it made the document very relevant. “In fact, without the Form EC9, this case will collapse like a pack of cards”, the Judge held, adding that the Defendants were at liberty to cross-examine the witness. While under cross-examination, the PW-2, told the court that in line with COVID-19 protocols, the Form EC9 was published online for candidates to download, fill and upload on INEC’s website. Asked if the copy he tendered before the court was downloaded from the website, the witness said: “This is a copy from the file that we have it in our custody. It is also part of what the 2nd Defendant filled and submitted online”. Meantime, in a separate judgement, Justice Mohammed, dismissed the suit PDP filed to disqualify APC’s candidate, Pastor Osaze Ize-Iyamu, from participating in the Edo State governorship election. The court held that the suit had turned to an academic exercise since the crux of the action was to stop Ize-Iyamu from participating in the election that had since been held and won by the PDP and its candidate, Obaseki. PDP had in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/69/20, contended that Ize-Iyamu was not a product of a valid primary election. It told the court that the indirect primary election that produced Ize-Iyamu was conducted by the Adams Oshiomhole- led executives of the APC, at a time they were already sacked by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, with the decision affirmed by the Court of Appeal. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/12/edo-gov-dispute-inec-tenders-

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February 6, 2015 by The Nation ‘Bakers accuse bank of delaying release of N3.4b Cassava Bread Fund’ The National Master Bakers and Catering Association of Nigeria has expressed worry at the unnecessary delay in the disbursement of the N3.4billion Cassava Bread Fund by the Bank of Industry (BoI). The Chairman of the Association, Simeon Abannlor, while reacting to claims by the Lagos Chapter of the Association that no Master Baker has benefited from the Cassava Bread Fund, said the BoI should be blamed for the delay in the release of funds and not government. Abannlor said the Federal Government has been sincere enough by allowing BoI to disburse the funds so as to ensure transparency, but regreted however since January 2014 when the first set of beneficiaries received the bakers equipment made up of 2000 capacity Rotary oven, Spiral Mixer, 80KVA Generator, deep Freezer and working Capital of N1million, it was yet to process application of other beneficiaries. Basically, in an effort to scale up the production of cassava bread by the master bakers, the Federal government domiciled N3.4billion with the BoI to be disbursed to the Small Scale High Quality Cassava Flour Producer, Large Mills, and Master Bakers. The body admitted that N1.2billion of the said amount has so far being disbursed since 2013, while 2.2billion is still domiciled with the bank. The disbursement of the Cassava Bread Fund according to the National Chairman is in progress, as the ministry has so far trained 200 of its members out of which 177 members are beneficiaries. Against the backdrop of the allegation raised by the Lagos Chapter of the association, he disclosed that 96 master bakers across the country have received their equipment. He explained that for the first phase of the project, the bank selected 4 master bakers from each state He said each baker received 2000 capacity Rotary oven, Spiral Mixer, 80KVA generator, while the beneficiaries are still expecting deep freezers and a working capital of N1million. Commending the Agriculture Minister for taking decisive steps in ensuring the success of the project, and that the fund domiciled with the Bank of Industry gets to the intended beneficiaries, he expressed his reservation against the Lagos chapter of the association for staging protest against the policy, saying they are only trying to play politics with food security.

https://thenationonlineng.net/bakers-

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November 2, 2020 by The Nation No regrets waging war against IPOB in Rivers, says Wike By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has explained that the ongoing operations by security agencies in Oyibo Local Government Area of the state were against members of the disbanded terrorist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and not the Igbos. The governor, who said he had no regrets waging war against IPOB, insisted that he did not order the soldiers or the police to kill Igbos living in Rivers State, describing such allegation as balderdash. Wike, who spoke in a live television interview in Port Harcourt, described the activities of IPOB as unfortunate lamenting that the disbanded group had tried many times to use Oyibo as a base for their illegal operations. The governor said the #EndSARS protest was going on peacefully until IPOB members hijacked it and unleashed unimaginable violence and destruction of properties. He insisted that his government would not allow IPOB to realise its wish of taking over any part of Rivers and blasted some persons for sponsoring propaganda that he ordered the military to kill the Igbos in the state. He said: “Going to the issue of Oyibo, it is unfortunate. I have done my research; it is easy for Nigerians to forget. This is not the first time IPOB has used Oyibo as a launching ground, security is aware, IPOB has been doing that. How could it have been #EndSAR movement? “Now anybody who knows me very well, know I speak my mind every time. The country knows that if there is one man that is not liked by the military, it is me, because I will speak my mind against them. “I don’t know when I become a friend now to order the military to go to Oyibo to start killing people. It is very funny. That is why I said that somebody trying to sponsor propaganda against me that I am killing the Igbos and I laugh. “You see the same people who had praised me one time or the other that if there is any governor, they believe it’s me. Today now they say I have sent out the military to kill, and I ask when did I become friend of SARS? From the highest rank I don’t know who likes me. That does not mean I should not say the truth.” The governor wondered why IPOB would cause havoc in the state denouncing members of IPOB for attempting to claim and rename communities and local government in the state. Wike said: “Why will IPOB use a local government to begin to launch attack not only on properties, but on innocent Nigerians and the security operatives. Rivers State was peaceful, IPOB woke up in the morning that they were doing EndSARS protest kill six Army operatives and burnt one. Killed four police officers, destroyed all the police stations in Oyibo. Burnt down all the courts. “Now the issue is what offence did we commit, to go and burn the courts, to go and burn the police stations? You kill the four policemen and six soldiers. And you know that when you kill security personnel, they will be angry and they will never let you go. “I don’t need to call the army. I don’t have relationship and I don’t have the powers. I have no access. Even when the former GOC was here he never saw me one day till the day he left here. “IPOB tried to rename communities through their so-called leader Nnamdi Kanu when I am governor here. They start to change the names of communities and local government in my own state, when I am governor. They went there to hoist flags there like Boko Haram in the North-East, and you said we should allow that. Read Also: Wike urged to relax curfew in Oyigbo “They went to a school in Kom-Kom a school we built and hoisted IPOB flag there. It is in cause of this whole thing we started finding out. You cannot say as a sitting governor, a body that has been proscribed by court, by law and which you have not set it aside or appealed against it, and FG has said the body is a terrorist organisation then as a governor because of politics I will sit down. I won’t allow that. People saying, I sent the military to Oyibo to start killing Ibo people, it is balderdash. “I have no relationship with the army or the police, I do not command them. They change commissioner of police every time. How will I begin to direct army that I do not give instruction? “I said security agencies, I never said military, I said security agencies are to make sure that the ban on IPOB is maintained. And they should not allow the activities of IPOB anywhere in any of the local governments. “Like I told you, Oyibo is the boundary between us and Abia State. It is easy for them to penetrate Oyibo and then launch attack. I am saying that what has happened is something that we should not take lightly. “Now we must come out heavily against this terrorist organisation. I have no regrets about that. Even the South-East Governors never supported IPOB. If me I am not from the South-East, I am from the Niger Delta, why will I support IPOB, on what bases?” The governor added that it was wrong for some persons to see IPOB as a mouthpiece of the Igbos, adding that no right-thinking group or person would take a criminal organisation seriously. Wike emphasised that he did not hate Igbo people, adding that the state had always enjoyed good relationship with the people of the South-East,. He said: “People now see IPOB as if they are the mouthpiece of the Igbo people, which is not correct. You cannot allow some gang of criminals to give a people a bad name. You don’t allow that, who is IPOB, what do they represent? I can’t change my identity for whatever reason. Rivers State is a peaceful state, it is a state everybody would want to come and stay. “It snowballed into attacking the Hausa community. It is not all Ibos that have the idea of this IPOB. It came to a point the Igbos were fighting around Rumuokurusi, Oil Mill area, I have to impose curfew in that section after a security meeting, to say look there is going to be curfew there so that nobody comes out and begin to go about killing people. I cannot sit as governor and watch people give me problems. “The destruction in Oyibo today government has made commitment. In fact, today, the governor is going to give the families of those who died their money as promised, now such money would it not have gone for other issues. We have asked police to quantify their property that has been destroyed so that we rebuild the police stations, that is going to cost us money. “With due respect, how would I hate Igbos on what bases? There is no way. It is unthinkable, it is impossible. We have lived with Igbos all our lives as Eastern regions and we related very well. We have done everything together. I will not fold my arms and watch criminals destroy my state; if those few criminals are Igbos then they should know that I will not allow them. “They made attempt to rename a local government in my state. That alone is a signal. I will not agree to that. They are criminals, who want to destroy Igbo land. Even the governors of South-east have denounced them. If that is the case why will I allow them to operate here? “This organisation has made us to spend money where we are not supposed to spend money. Those monies would have been used for other purposes. We cannot wait for the federal government. Who will replace those vehicles burnt? We have to do it for them to protect lives and property of Rivers State people? “Why will I kill the Igbos in Oyibo and will not kill the Igbos in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government, does it make sense? We cannot allow a gang of criminals to begin to speak for our people. Nobody allows that because when once you allow that the government is gone.” Wike also said the curfew imposed in Oyibo was in the interest of the people and urged the residents to endure the challenges caused by the restrictions. He said: “If there is any government that should have advantage it is Oyibo Local Government. But the truth of the matter is this IPOB has used this local government. And we say now you must have to leave the area and don’t cause crisis for the people of Oyibo. IPOB can’t continue to be there and cause problem for the people. “Why will you chase Igbos away? They have been there. There are many of them that were born there, how would you chase them away? “The security agencies got there and in people’s house they saw shrines with IPOB flags and Nnamdi Kanu’s picture. It is so terrible that if you continue to allow these boys to operate from there before you know it the state is gone. And not under my watch will I allow that. I will not allow that. “Like I said some of them are sending me messages from America and other countries that they will deal with me and I said I am not Ekwerenmadu that you will harass. I am not Amaechi. I dared them anybody who is an IPOB member that will see me. I am not that kind of governor. I will not look back on the street of Europe. Nobody can intimidate me on that. “We have called for Security Council meeting to review their activities. We have had Security Council meeting where we agreed to form Neighbourhood Watch. We all agreed and to be trained by the army, police and DSS. And they have to profile all those that will be recruited. “Who are those who stopped it, it is the military? That is why I say we politicise the issues of security. They were to undergo training at the NYSC Camp a facility owned by federal government organisation, not state. If we intend to do anything that is criminal or hidden would it be that place? “That is the reason I say this country, since we politicise everything, we are going nowhere. The day they were to be trained army chased them away that we were using them for politics, meanwhile other states have their own security outfits. “Neighbourhood is just part of intelligence for the security agencies, but for Rivers State federal government took it that I was to use it for election. The allowed it in other states.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/no-regrets-waging-war-against-ipob-in-

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The Federal Government will begin the distribution of grains nationwide to cushion the impacts of the hardship in Nigeria. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this on Monday. “Dear Fellow Nigerians,” he wrote on his official X handle. “In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouse looting. “Amidst these challenges, I want to assure you that our commitment to your well-being remains resolute. We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programs to be rolled out this week. “We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization.” The minister who hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people, urged them to back President Bola Tinubu’s government in its quest to address the challenges facing the country. “I acknowledge the strength of the Nigerian people, and it is this resilience that will guide us through these difficult times. Let us stand together to support Mr. President in his strive for a better Nigeria,” Kyari said. “Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing these challenges and working towards a more secure and prosperous future for all.” Dear Fellow Nigerians, In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouses looting. Amidst these challenges, I want to… pic.twitter.com/HuEC704ig0 — SENATOR ABUBAKAR KYARI CON (@SenatorAKyari) March 4, 2024 Protests Rock Cities The development is part of moves by the government to curb the hardship in the country. Since the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, the cost of living in Nigeria has reached new highs. There have been protests in several parts of the country as Nigerians sought the government’s attention to address the economic hardship. Several warehouses and food trucks have also been looted in some places. But the Federal Government is calling for patience, assuring that the reforms by the Tinubu-led administration are set to yield fruit.

https://www.channelstv.com/2024/03/04/hardship-fg-to-begin-distribution-of-

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September 2, 2021 by The Nation NNDC to pay N100m dividends to shareholders The New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) Limited will pay N100 million as dividends to its shareholders at the end of the current fiscal year, the Chairman Board of Directors, Tanimu Yakubu has said. He spoke at the presentation of the financial statement of the company to the 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kaduna. Yakubu said the directors proposed for approval appropriation of a gross dividend of N100 million at the rate of 20 kobo per share based on earnings per share of 55 kobo; and appropriations of N15 million each for the Young Professional Development Trust and Musa Bello Learning Resource Centre Funds respectively. “Turnover stood at N854.13 million against the corresponding period’s figure of N637.24 million, an increase of N216.90 million or 34%. Operating expenses for the period under review stood at N580.91 million as against the preceding year’s figure of N643.84 million giving a favourable variance of N62.93 million or 9.8%. “Pre-tax profit for the year ended March 31, 2020, stood at N273.22 million against the corresponding period’s pre-tax loss of N6.61 million. Shareholder’s funds stood at N14.70 billion as of March 31, 2020.” Yakubu stated that the company will continue to manage investments in associate and quoted companies with a view to optimising returns while pursuing an optimal management strategy for the subsidiary companies. He added that the nominal value of NNDC quoted investments stood at N761.02 million as against their combined market value of N6.26 billion as of March 31, 2020. The Chairman on manpower development said: “Members of staff development has continued to receive our encouragement and support. The Young Professionals Development Trust will continue to produce Professionals in Accountancy, Stock Broking, Insurance and ICT whose primary aim is to develop manpower resources within owner states. “NNDC intends to go well beyond upstream activities in our four hydrocarbon blocks in the Benue Trough (OPLs 809 and 810) and Chad Basin (OPLs 722 and 733). “NNDC will, therefore, venture into power generation, gas processing and other midstream activities with the private sector in the lead,” he said.

https://thenationonlineng.net/nndc-to-

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The hearing of a suit filed by a former Senator representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, Dino Melaye, over the Infectious Diseases Bill has suffered a setback. This was after a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday rejected Melaye’s request to restrain the House of Representatives from continuing the consideration of the bill. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, in her ruling, refused to grant the order because the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila who is the third defendant in the suit, had yet to be served with the court documents. She adjourned the suit till June 1 for further hearing. Dino, who instituted the suit on May 5, 2020, asked the court to declare that some sections of the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill 2020, currently being debated on the floor of the House of Representatives are draconian, oppressive and authoritarian. The former lawmaker also wants the court to rule that the Bill is in breach of his fundamental rights as provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The respondents to the bill are the Clerk of the National Assembly; the Clerk of the House of Representatives; the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu. At the resumed hearing of the suit on Wednesday, lawyer to the House of Representatives, Kayode Ajulo informed the court that he is yet to be served with the processes as he insists that the service is key and fundamental to fair hearing. Also, clerks of both the National Assembly and the House of Representatives and the AGF were absent from court and not represented by their lawyers. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Okoro Nkemakolam, said the respondents had failed to file any processes to show cause why such restraining order should not be issued by the court. He urged the court to order parties to maintain the status quo to protect the subject matter and prevent a situation of foisting a “fait accompli” on the court. The judge declined to grant the plaintiff’s request on the grounds that the May 13, 2020 summons for the defendants to appear in court on Tuesday to show cause why they should not be restrained concerning the bill, was predicated on the service of all the respondents with the required court documents. She then ordered that the Speaker of the House of Reps be served through his lawyer, Ajulo and adjourned till June 1 for further hearing.

https://www.channelstv.com/2020/05/20/dino-melayes-suit-over-

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as a waste of time, the appointment of Dr. Doyin Salami by President Muhammadu Buhari, to be Chief Economic Adviser. According to the PDP, Salami is about to be used as a scapegoat for “a disastrous administration” that barely has a year left. For the opposition party, the economist is about to be used as the sacrificial lamb for the “abysmal failures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government”. In a statement by its spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said, “it is evident that Dr. Salami might end up being rubbished and diminished as a titular adviser given that the Buhari Presidency and the APC, in their ignorance, arrogance, and incompetence, are never known to have any respect or regard for professional advice on governance and policy. “As long as the APC, with its insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians, is in government, involved professionals like Dr. Salami can never make headway but risk being smeared with failure. “If the APC government did not listen to Dr. Salami as the Head of the hurriedly established Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), it will not now take his advice in his new capacity because the APC government lacks the listening ears, competence, capacity, integrity and political will and desire for good governance. “President Buhari and the APC have never prioritized the economy. The result is a near collapsed economy with two recessions within six years; a 71 percent poverty rate, 33.1 percent unemployment rate, over $38 billion external debt, and an unenviable national status as the poverty capital of the world. For this, they desperately seek to use renowned professionals like Dr. Salami as fall guys especially as we approach the 2023 general elections. “If President Buhari and the APC had listened to well-thought-out advice by patriotic Nigerians as well as the PDP on how to stabilize and grow the economy, our nation would not be in the current economic quagmire where over 80 million Nigerians can no longer afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life. “The APC failed to heed the counsel to end its corruption, open up and diversify our economy, review its restrictive and exclusionist policies, invest more in our productive sectors, end its victimization of hardworking Nigerian entrepreneurs, adopt a broad-based approach that allows for greater private sector participation and stop demarketing our country, especially the youths in the international arena. “Instead, the Buhari-led administration remained lethargic, nonchalant, unconcerned, hubristic, and irredeemably narcissistic. It turned itself into a cesspit of corruption and continued to provide official cover to inept, reckless and treasury-looting APC leaders and their cronies in government.” The party was of the opinion that Dr. Salami should protect his image by advising President Buhari to end his “reckless borrowing” and grow the economy by allowing for more transparency, “redirecting the resources being siphoned by APC leaders to critical sectors of the economy, especially power and agriculture”. PDP further advised the new Chief Economic Adviser to tell his principal to give hardworking Nigerians, especially the youths, greater incentives for active participation in the national economy. For emphasis, the party admonished Dr. Salami to note that his task of advising an “incompetent, arrogant and corrupt administration” would be grueling if not a complete waste of time.

https://www.channelstv.com/2022/01/06/buhari-apc-using-salami-as-

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Bandits have attacked a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Anka town along the Bagega-Anka Road in Zamfara State. Sources told Channels Television that the armed men stormed the area at about 5pm on Wednesday and began to shoot sporadically. But the bandits were engaged in a gun duel by the policemen who were stationed in a mining company along the road, an eyewitness said on Thursday. He stated that no life was lost in the attack, but the bandits rustled an unspecified number of cows belonging to members of the community. The witness said a motorcycle belonging to the leader of Fulani in Anka was also set ablaze by the armed bandits. Police authorities in the state have confirmed the attack, saying the bandits were swiftly repelled by security operatives who recovered the rustled cattle from them. In a statement on Thursday, the spokesperson for the command, Shehu Mohammed, explained that police tactical operatives deployed to Anka were alerted that many bandits had stormed the Fulani settlement to attack and rustle cows. “A combined police team in collaboration with the military mobilised to the scene where they engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel. “As a result, they scampered to the forest and escaped with possible gunshot wounds,” Mohammed said. He added, “All the rustled cows were recovered for the Fulani community members. Rigorous confidence-building patrol is being sustained to avert any attempt by the bandits to regroup for another onslaught.” In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara, Hussaini Rabiu, commended the joint security operatives for their prompt response to the incident and urged them to sustain the tempo until peace was restored in the state. He also called on the residents to continue to support the police and other security agencies in the current fight against bandits and other criminals in Zamfara.

https://www.channelstv.com/2021/06/03/bandits-attack-fulani-

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By Chinonso Alozie The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB’s legal team on Friday said the detained leader of the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Department of State Service, DSS, was sacrificing for the emancipation of the Igboland from being destroyed. The lead counsel to IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, stated this in a statement to newsmen in Owerri, following their discussion with Kanu, at the DSS, facility in Abuja last Thursday. Therefore, he called on the Igbos to remember Kanu, in their prayers as we mark the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, this week. He explained further, “The routine Court-Ordered visit to our amiable Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu took place on 14 April 2022. We had a very long, but fruitful briefing with Onyendu. The discussions were exclusively about our legal undertakings. “Consistent with Onyendu’s appreciative nature, he sends his deep gratitude to you all – millions of his followers – for your doggedness and hard work, and especially to Ezigbo UmuChineke who have remained faithful to the demands of the present circumstances. “Onyendu also seized the opportunity of the visit to express his heartfelt gratitude over the extraordinary performance of his erudite Lead Counsel – Chief Mike Ozehkome (SAN), and the entire indefatigable legal team, which is impacting hugely. He specially commended his legal team ably led by the legal Iroko of our time- Chief Mike Ozekome, SAN, for the uncommon feat. “Onyendu is hopeful of brighter days ahead, as it is now indisputable that the days ahead are pregnant with good fortunes. We should not forget the fact that Onyendu, though may not be seen moving around a free person today, his present ordeal is a sacrifice too many, and ostensibly dedicated to the emancipation of all UmuChineke.” “We must remember Onyendu in our prayers and use this solemn week to introspect on the journey covered and the one ahead, as we mark the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. “Onyendu will surely emerge victorious in the end, and it shall happen soon. Onyendu enjoins you all, to always keep your eyes on the ball, even as enemies of UmuChineke are desecrating our land, which sacrilege is targeted at painting UmuChineke black, but they will not succeed. God will expose them all. Please, do not lose focus, keep your eyes on the ball always for maximum output. Victory is ours, Ezigbo UmuChineke,” Ejiofor said. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/kanu-sacrificing-to-emancipate-

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By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor THE Port Harcourt Refinery is set to start operations following the supply of 475,000 barrels of crude oil by Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited. The crude oil supply is the first to be made in the past few years, due mainly to the poor state of the plant, which called for the recent rehabilitation and testing to ensure readiness for sustainable operations. Confirming the oil supply, Shell said: “This significant milestone was made possible through intensive preparations, collaboration and the dedication of the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, BOGT and Port Harcourt Refinery Company, PHRC teams.” It stated that some activities, including pressure and leak testing to assure pipeline integrity by relevant subsidiaries of the NNPC Limited and integrity and maintenance activities on the Oil and Gas Terminal, BOT Refinery export pumps and associated instrumentations were carried out at the terminal through diligent efforts of the BOT operations and maintenance teams. “The recommencement of crude oil supply from the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal to Port Harcourt Refinery is a significant achievement and a game-changer for the industry and the country. The intensive preparations, collaboration and dedication of both teams involved were instrumental in overcoming challenges and ensuring a safe and efficient supply operation. “This milestone will support the government’s aspiration of steady supply of petroleum products to the downstream market and other associated benefits to the economy of the nation,” Shell stated. Already, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd said it has fulfilled its pledge of achieving the mechanical completion of rehabilitation work on Area 5 Plant of the PHRC. It stated that rehabilitation work has been ongoing at the Refinery for over two years and the NNPC Ltd. had pledged to complete Phase One of the project (mechanical completion and flare start-up) of Old Port Harcourt Refinery (Area 5) by 31st December 2023. Speaking during an inspection tour of the rehabilitation project, which also coincided with the 15th Refineries’ Rehabilitation Steering Committee Meeting, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari, had said as of December 15th, 2023, 84.4% of Area 5 Plant, a key component of the Refinery, and 77.4% of the entire rehabilitation project has been completed. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/02/ph-refinery-to-begin-operations-as-shell-

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A cross section of Nigerians have reacted to the news published by several major news media outfits where Redeemer’s International Leadership Academy (RILA) honored the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo with an award on true leadership. Their reactions followed a publication which carries the headline “Osinbajo didn’t just teach leadership, he lives it – RCCG leadership institute” in most Nigerian mainstream newspapers. LIRA, had, at the weekend in a programme it organised, presented Vice President Osinbajo with its “Living Legend Award,” while it also honoured a few other pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at the event. While presenting the Vice President with the award, Pastor J. A Bolarinwa, who spoke on behalf of the institute at the event held Saturday, in Lagos, said, before Pastor Osinbajo was taken away by a “national assignment,” he served in RILA as one of the faculty describing him as “a leader indeed. “He did not (just) teach leadership, he lived it,” Pastor Bolarinwa said. The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was described as a Nigerian who is not only teaching and advocating the virtues of leadership but whose life has been an exemplary demonstration of true leadership in practice. Pastor Bolarinwa praised the VP’s humility, and his support for the institute, where 25 years ago, he, Osinbajo, was among the pioneer students. The institute also noted that it was impressed by the service, support and contribution of Osinbajo to RILA. Reacting to this development on social media, a Nigerian responder on Twitter said: “Not many realised that this man has redefined the Office of the VP. His leadership qualities has brought massive gains to Nigeria.” Others, who also praised his resilience, patriotism and commitment in his contributions towards making sure the Nigerian economy remains stronger despite the fallout of the COVID 19 pandemic, described him as the fulcrum that balances complex things in this administration. A responder who commented via @lollylarry1 in a tweet said: “A trustworthy leader he is. He’s not just trustworthy but he’s also dependable. May God continue to bless Professor Yemi Osinbajo with wisdom.” Another, who twitted from his Twitter handle @EkitiKeteKan1 lashed on some of the praises the Vice President had enjoyed from different leaders. “Emir of Daura, Sultan of Sokoto, President Buhari, Former Emir of Kano, Bishop Wale Oke, Governors (PDP & APC) and now RCCG, those that know him and understand leadership are saying same thing about him. However, While many of the responders praised the Vice President for being a natural leader who has distinguished himself as an upright political office holder, others, however, there were others who felt much of the VP’s impact hasn’t been felt in the face of the hardship going on in the country. This, some defended as that the VP has delivered in many of the responsibilities of his office, as it was said he had no final say on certain national issues as someone who still reports the the country’s president. A Twitter user who frowned at why the VP should be distributing paltry N10,00 trader moni, which was commended by a set of other responses, commenting via his handle @wizzyslim, tagged the VP “the sole distributor of trader moni in the country. He wrote: “Azzzinnnn… I weak o… Professor of Law that could stoop so low to share 10k tradermoni??? that looked away during the nationwide wahala last year??? V.P which is only a puppet for the president??? Na hin get leadership qualities… Man taya…” Another, echoing the same sentiment, called all politicians the same breed that can never be trusted. “More reason I don’t go to church. They all politicians, they are no different from the every day politicians,” @Michaelkama5050 wrote on Twitter. However, the VP, who, had since expressed his appreciation for the award, while giving the acceptance speech on behalf of all the honorees extolled the virtues of the founding fathers of LIRA, and the institute’s authorities who considered him and others for the honour, saying, “I am not being modest when I say I am clearly the least in terms of those who contributed to the story that became RILA.” VP Osinbajo said, it was the RILA Legends Posthumous Awards recipient, late Pastor Alfred Olufeyimi, who “laid the foundations of the institute almost singlehandedly,” adding that the Pastor’s contributions were “unforgettable, he led with compassion, understanding and a focus on heaven.” The VP also praised “Pastor Kayode Pitan whose task it was to faithfully build in the great shadow of his mentor and friend and Pastor Ben Ewuzie, my friend and brother who with Pastor Kayode, Pastor Mike Oshiokameh,” who he said “were my classmates in the Bible school.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/rila-

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8th September, 2021 By Kazeem Ugbodaga Nigerian troops are overrunning bandits in Zamfara State with massive bombardment. And the troops are also and arresting hundreds of the criminals. One of the ringleaders, Turji Kachala was captured alive after an exchange of gunfire. Large number of weapons were also recovered from the bandits. Zamfara, Katsina and Niger State have been the playground of bandits in the country, as the criminals captured residents at will and demand ransom to set them free. They have also killed thousands of residents, burnt houses and sacked villages. Over 1000 school children have been captured by the bandits in the quest to demand ransom. However, many of the students have been released by the bandits after collecting the ransom.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/09/08/updated-many-zamfara-bandits-

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Five years ago, Woman and Half, a recreational initiative, was born out of the modern, urban woman’s pressing need for relaxation and self expression; one which the male-dominated culture had hitherto not created allowance to accommodate. The initiative’s founder, Chile Frank-Udemgba tells all to WO, including its charity arm, and the reason for its impending rebranding to WAH by Chile. After 15 years working for a top financial institution, a husband and two children; Chile Frank-Udemgba found herself lost in her various roles and needed to do something about it. “I had a brainwave that my life was very boring. I was living through the motions and it just felt like I was lost in all of these roles. I didn’t want to wake up 20 years from now, an old woman and I have lived for everybody but myself. I was busy but not having any impact so I asked myself, what would be written on my obituary? The only thing would be, wife to…. mother to… “I am pretty certain they wouldn’t have put my job description there. I was not alone but very lonely.” Chile had a hunch there were very many women in her shoes who were living colourless lives. She reached out to them and this led to the birth of her platform, Woman and Half. “I was not just a woman,” she tells WO. “I am balancing so many roles in my life. I am more than a woman; I am a woman and a half.” It was almost like a cry for help, according to the seasoned banker. “It was my own earnest desire to break out from a particular life, to find that little girl within me.” She started to search for like minds who wanted to simply drop all their cares, mingle and have fun regardless of marital status and was not surprised it was well received. “I’ve attended so many women empowerment events. They tell you about motivation, empowerment, marriage and so on. I felt that all those programs were similar and tilted in a certain direction. They are pushing towards empowerment, feminism; such undertones. I wanted to be intentional about having fun with other women and pretending I don’t have those responsibilities. We can go back to our lives and continue the struggle. Men are able to do this very comfortably.” Her ultimate goal to create what was hitherto a culturally inappropriate ethos finally became reality with the staging of annual events, such as last year’s women only boat trip to a popular resort in Lagos State. “On the staycation, nobody was worried about their spouses, their kids, challenges at work; we just wanted to let our hair down.” But how easy was it to convince the men? “From my personal experience, there were things I had assumed. Over the years, I thought a woman is supposed to stay at home, cook. Rightly so, that’s the way we were brought up. I realised I needed to speak up more about the way I felt. “It was all about planning, ensuring I got the buy-in of my husband. I make sure to create that balance that is required. “I make sure I give adequate notice and more importantly, I convey that this is something that will make me happy. It’s very important.” Chile, however, slams the notion of rebellion, saying the craving for one’s own time and self care is not an excuse to take things by force. “The culture expects things to be a certain way so you need to show this is just you wanting two or three days for yourself. Your life is not changing.” It wasn’t too long afterwards that the charity arm of the initiative began, mostly by accident, so far raising and distributing in excess of N67 million to the sick. “It occurred to me that every time I went to Gbagada General Hospital to jog, I saw people in need of small amounts and I realised I could help. It occurred to me that if I were to reach out to all my friends and ask for N1,000; if I reach a hundred friends, that is N100,000 .” In December 2017, Chile sent a WhatsApp to her friends telling them she wanted to create a miracle. The response was overwhelming, birthing the so styled 1k Miracle Initiative. 1k Miracle first gave out about a N100,000 in the first year and has grown from two people to 700 people. The initiative was recently featured on Who Wants to be a Millionaire where they won N500,000, which was doubled by the organisers and given to the sick. ”We then started going to other hospitals like LUTH, LASUTH, Igbobi, Massey. Then the pandemic came and we couldn’t go physically anymore. But I think that presented a better opportunity to go outside Lagos. We could now spread our tentacles.“ Over time, the charity developed efficient systems for case reviews and accountability, assisting medical cases from cataracts, to cancer, to childbirth. Beneficiaries then send their thank you videos as evidence. “Those are things that have created that sense of identity and fulfillment for me,” she said. “For Woman and Half, the plans are to have a launch party in 2022 and go to Ghana next year, or Mauritius. Every year, we have a conference type thing. It’s been an interesting journey. A lot of women connected because we wear masks. I had a lady that said to me: “Please, I don’t want to come to all these women’s programmes. By the time you leave, you will feel inadequate.” I said no, our programmes are not like that. We have people on the panels discussing light hearted issues, though important. Eighty per cent of what we are doing is dancing, fashion parade, singing competitions. The last programme that we had, the person who won the fashion parade was the oldest woman in the room, a 65-year-old woman. She said she could not even remember the last time she had so much fun. When you are younger, you go to clubs. When you are married you will then find that all the places you are going to are like Mr Biggs where you take your children to and then as they grow and leave you, the only entertainment you have is church. When you get to club now, it’s these half dressed girls so you just feel old. “You just find that there’s no place for the middle aged woman to lay her head and just chill. Men have viewing centres but there’s no place for women to go without spending so much.” For Chile, Woman and Half is about reaching out to three groups of women; The Strivers, the Thrivers and the Achievers- women who have done it all, seen it all and are now ready to mentor the upcoming ones. “It’s not marriage that will complete you. If you are a Thriver, how are you embracing the fact that your children are no longer babies and yet they are not adults either? So if you are not thriving, you will feel neglected. Suddenly, you are no longer relevant. Your husband will go out and the only thing you have is to channel your energy into this same work that you have done for so many years and you are tired of. Our happiness is not dependent on our family members”. In the immediate future, Woman and Half will be rebranded into WAH by Chile, for two reasons. One is to pull the men in. ”It’s not supposed to be an us against them but a complimentary thing. ‘Women are their worst enemies’ is a cliche, but I say, human beings are their own worst enemies. Gender is not what makes a wicked person, your wickedness is inside. WAH by Chile is not a feminist movement. We are trying to develop women who are strong and confident in their skin, trying to get better, committed to driving positive impact in our world. If we can give away more than N65 million to medically- challenged persons, it just tells you that if there are 10 groups, we won’t be seeing people die because they can’t afford a pint of blood “Secondly, Chile might be my name but it’s representative of that man, that woman who is courageous, humble, doesn’t compromise on their integrity, lives their life with courage, being humble no matter what they have achieved. Are you a Chile? Someone that is facing every day with courage, without losing yourself, showing love to everyone you come across and while at it, enjoying it? Enjoy your struggles. Whatever comes at you, take it without thinking, I want to be this tomorrow. What about today? Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/09/why-i-

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22nd October, 2015 An unidentified Hausa Youth jumped over the Obalende Bridge, Lagos, western Nigeria on Thursday at about 6:30pm and died instantly, on sighting operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences, thinking that they were after him. Eye witnesses account revealed that the Taskforce Officials stormed Obalende to enforce the law on Environmental Sanitation when the incident occurred. A trader who identified himself simply as John told P.M.NEWS that the deceased from Adamawa State, North East Nigeria, was watching the Taskforce Officials from atop the bridge as they were dislodging street traders and illegal motorcycle operators under the bridge beside the Oando Filling Station when he suddenly sighted another Taskforce Officials’ patrol van in the opposite direction. The trader said, thinking that the Taskforce Officials would arrest him, the deceased in a bid to escape jumped over the bridge and landed on top of the iron beautification barriers under the bridge. He sustained serious injuries on his head and other parts of his body and died instantly. The trader stated that immediately the incident occurred a mob attacked the Taskforce officials, vandalized their vehicle and pursued them towards the 3rd Mainland Bridge. The witness said the Taskforce Officials were able to escape the irate mobs by shooting in the air to scare them away. Another witness who identified himself as Tunde told P.M.NEWS that the timely arrival of the Area Commander from Campbell Street, Lagos Island, ACP S.D. Dogo and the Ikoyi-Obalende Branch Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Comrade Femi Onasanya, a.k.a. Obele saved the situation from degenerating to total chaos. They were said to have calmed the nerves of the irate mob. P.M.NEWS gathered that the corpse of the youth has been deposited in a mortuary at the Lagos State General Hospital, Lagos Island.

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/10/22/man-

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29th March, 2022 Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Lagos State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) clocks 70 today. In a special commemorative interview, he speaks with TheNEWS/PMNEWS on his consultative journeys across Nigeria, the feedback he has received. He speaks on the opposition PDP that wasted 16 years of opportunity to reshape Nigeria. He also releases snippets of his plans for Nigeria if given the chance to serve as president. Excerpts: After you told President Buhari about your presidential ambition, you have been going around the country for consultations about your intentions to contest the presidency in 2023. What did you tell President Buhari and what was his response? Well, I discussed my ambition with the president that I would like to step into his shoe but not step on his toes. He had no objection. He said we are in a democracy, that I am entitled to aspire and that I should go out to let the public know instead of dilly-dallying, trying to dodge the media, as he had seen on several occasions. I didn’t know he was paying attention to that. But I told him that I was dodging the media because I had not told him. He then said ‘‘go ahead.’’ I believe that I have his blessings. It was after our discussion that I made my ambition known to the public. Apart from the president’s response, what kind of feedback have you been getting so far from other stakeholders and the public generally? I have not enunciated my policy yet, but as I travel around the country, I have been explaining my determination, my capacity to govern, the ability to serve this nation that has a lot of challenges right now but that also has abundant resources both human and material. The feedback is good. The types of people I have been consulting are not those who will bluntly look at you in the face and say ‘‘get out of here.’’ They accorded me the necessary respect and audience. I am deeply touched by the encouragement of Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona and other Obas. I cannot forget for the rest of my life what the 95-year-old Owa of Idanre, Oba Frederick Adegunle Aroloye, JP, OFR Gbolagunte Arubiefin IV did. He waited from 11’o’clock in the morning till 5 pm just to welcome me. That’s touching. It was an emotional thing for me, and it strengthened my commitment to serve, to do well and to put human beings at the centre and priority of my administration if I am allowed to govern. But some people – within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the other parties have also signified their interest to contest the 2023 presidency. Why do you think you are the best? I have a track record. I have governed a state that is a microcosm of this country – Lagos State. I have navigated it from a brink of collapse. Some of you saw Lagos for what it was – the second or dirtiest capital city of a state in the world, you all wrote or read about it – the international classification of Lagos then. But I faced the challenges squarely, tapped the best of human resources to think along with me, develop a blueprint and from the blueprint we developed a ten-point agenda as a must for Lagos to excel. And we’ve religiously adhered to that and Lagos has excelled – from N600 million a month in internal revenue, sometimes, less than N2 billion from FAAC to N45 billion a month in internally generated revenue. If I were governing an independent Nigeria with sovereign wealth, I think I can bring the nation to excel very well with the human and capital resources that we are endowed with. We have spent enough time talking about our potential, now is the time to realise our potential. The time is now and we don’t want to wait. The world is leaving us behind. We have talents – great talents in this country, we have men and women of vision and capacity to manage the affairs of our country. I have demonstrated my capacity, my gift. I did it and you all, one way or the other, witnessed it. I still have the vision, the focus of a mission that can make Nigeria a better country for all of us. Do you expect a very serious opposition to your ambition within your party? As a democrat, you focus on your lane. You can’t win a relay race thinking about the baton alone. Go on your lane, maintain your lane, be focused, develop your can-do attitude and, straight ahead, go and win the race. So, I am not worried about some names being bandied around. I am not. If you concentrate on that you will be distracted from focusing, thinking on how to be a winning candidate. Winning is very, very important in a political race, that’s my focus. Some critics have argued that except Nigeria is restructured, it might be difficult turning around the country now. Do you share such their views? Nigeria is structured, in the form of six geopolitical zones as done by the military. We adopted that Constitution, we adopted democracy. First of all, stabilize democratic governance, let’s have the stability, cater for the welfare of our people as a whole , as a nation. You just focus on that first and foremost. Don’t think of divisions, think of unity, stability. Why should we concentrate on division and not things that will bring us together as a nation? That is the way I think. That is what I believe. It was reflected in my cabinet when I was the governor of Lagos State. I don’t care where you are from for as long as you can do the job. I give you the opportunity. You cannot? Get out of my cabinet. My cabinet reflected the entire country. Prosperity and development in diversity are sweeter than blindly focusing on tribalism and language of differences and things like that. Our diversity should be used for opportunity and prosperity. Don’t engage in divisions, stay focused on what the nation needs. We have large arable land in this country, but what are we doing with it? Why are we not competing? Why is our gas not competing effectively against Russia? We have so much Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) on the ground. If we have tapped our resources, bring in technology, this 21st Century technology and with the human capacity that we have, we should be an economic champion in Africa. And that’s why I cherished our defunct national anthem. It emphasised that ‘‘though our tribes and tongues may differ in brotherhood we stand.’’ Then, another stanza dwelt heavily on service. Have we committed ourselves to that? We are talking like a disunited orchestra. Too much dissonance. We are one, whatever is creating problems for us, we should sit down, discuss it and move on and stay focused on building Nigeria, building blocks that will sustain this democracy. I left a fantastic job as treasurer of Mobil, the next thing for me then was to become a member of the Board of Directors. But I was given the opportunity when I requested for it to go and serve my nation in the Senate. It was easy for me when we were kicked out by the military coup to go back to that job, but I chose to commit myself and work with democratic forces in Nigeria. It was not an easy decision when you are building a family and you are looking for prosperity. I can search and show you my kind of suits, competing with ties and everything in those days. But I chose to suffer for democracy. And I am still looking for that championship medal in a democratic environment and that’s why I want to become the President of Nigeria. You said you are focused on your ambition but do you also occasionally look at what is going on in the other party, PDP? I don’t. They have had their opportunity, they lost it. We shouldn’t give them back the opportunity. That’s the way I see PDP. You can say anything when you are in opposition, but when you had the opportunity, what did you do with it? They were in power for 16 years. They started at the beginning of this democratic journey. If they had built a good foundation, we won’t be suffering as much as we are doing today. But some critics of APC would also say in what way is the party different from PDP? Yes, in the last seven years or so? It takes more than seven, eight years to build a nation. America is how many years of democracy? They are still building and rebuilding. So, don’t tell me eight years. Eight years is nothing in the history of nation-building. PDP that had 16 years did nothing with it. They left gas flaring, polluting the air even with climate change. Where is the network of infrastructure that would have brought prosperity back to Nigeria? They had the opportunity. I presented to them then as a member of the opposition the way to do electricity which is the first and most important discovery for human development in the world. What did they do? But your government has also not fixed the problem of electricity. Even though your party, APC, campaigned that then General Buhari would solve the problems of insecurity in the country, seven years down the line the killings are still going on? What is your reaction to that? He is solving the problems. The events that led to the insecurity in the country have not been cured— nobody expected arms that were floating around in Libya to be left in the hands of hooligans who are trading in arms now. Nobody expected that the consequences of Iraq and Syria will be insecurity in Nigeria. I am not saying that we are perfect. We are still challenged. The president is very concerned about all this. What is your take on the huge borrowings that we have witnessed in the last couple of years, borrowings that have really not been invested in concrete infrastructure? That’s PDP criticism. I’m not for it. Did they understand simple Economics 101 when they were in government? Did they know that you don’t finance a long-term project with short-term money or borrowings? They pursued those short-term borrowings to build rail lines that would last the country for many years when Americans are still using lines built by Abraham Lincoln of blessed memory? Where is the infrastructure that will help the farmers to bring their goods to the market? How many intersections do you have between even the roads that are not even passable that they left behind; crater-filled roads that they left behind? What were they producing? Yams? Starch? Did they give us electricity to encourage manufacturing? We have millions of cars on the road, please, show me your brake pad factory that is cheaper for the citizens that PDP gave us? I don’t buy your question and I don’t buy your anxiety too. Where is the infrastructure that will help the farmers to bring their goods to the market? How many intersections do you have between even the roads that are not even passable that they left behind; crater-filled roads that they left behind? What were they producing? Yams? Starch? Did they give us electricity to encourage manufacturing? We have millions of cars on the road, please, show me your brake pad factory that is cheaper for the citizens that PDP gave us? We have been able to stay focused on long term resuscitation, the building of infrastructure and that is a very, very minor part of the infrastructure necessary for this country. I fought for Badagry Port, I fought for electricity, I fought for Deep Sea Port – about six or seven of them for Nigeria before Morocco even started. Today, Morocco has fabrication plants across their seaports; they have development zones, they have fertiliser plants ahead of us. Where are the thinkers and the doers? I will assemble them and Nigeria will work. We will be out of penury. I can assure you. Let’s go back to APC. You were instrumental in the merger that led to the emergence of APC and the eventual victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 general election. But there were speculations that you were elbowed out of the scheme of things immediately your party assumed power them. Tell us what happened and how were you able to cope? I believe in what we did. The merger is for the unity and stability of this country; for the progressive thinkers to be together and start working on the stability of this country and a new vision that will put the people first. Yes, you have different characters and people in a merger; you will experience elbowing to gain space, to gain opportunity. But I stay focused, I maintained my relationship and anytime that I am tired of choking in the odour of enmity, I travelled. I enjoyed my freedom and change the environment in order not to let anger overtake me. I should control the anger. Frustration is not part of my vocabulary. You will see that in politics. If you don’t expect that, you are not a politician. Bringing people together for progress was what I did with the merger. And that is what I’m still doing. If you are about to wrestle with the pig, don’t take your best clothing out. Be ready to live with the mud, that’s how it is in politics. You face it. What is the state of APC now that can’t organize a convention? No. We can organize a convention. Sometimes you make mistakes and take wrong personnel and if you give them the assignment and give them the opportunity to do it, I will do the same thing as what the President Buhari did. Let failure move aside, success should be rewarded. So, we are putting our convention together, we will meet the requirement. We will follow democratic principles and norms. We will comply with the Electoral Act. I am sure of that. I want you to take us through this merger process that you just talked about. What made you support President Buhari energetically and even sometimes emotionally in the process of that merger? We were about to get out of a military dictatorship. Unfortunately, they brought Obasanjo as the best man for the country. I disagreed with that because he had been part of the rot of military dictatorship. So, we said we didn’t want him. But he became the president all the same. But instead of serious electoral reforms, we started seeing different conductors for democratic orchestra. We did not follow the rules of a good democratic foundation. The Electoral Act was messed up and that’s when we started the advocacy for electoral reforms. And that’s why I will always respect the late Umar Yar’Adua, when we confronted him – I did- on the election that brought him to the office. He accepted the majority of the pitfalls and he said he would work to correct it. He did and that’s what led to the Uwais Commission. They started that, but unfortunately before the serious implementation, he died. Before his death, he was sick and there was a seeming crisis of succession and a lot of doubts developed on whether Goodluck Jonathan should take over or not. And that’s my opportunity to meet several people, including Pastor Tunde Bakare of Save Nigeria Group then. He was not a member of any political party, but I admired what he was doing. Buhari too was in opposition and he supported the idea that there should be easy, smooth transfer of power, respect for constitutional democracy. So, Jonathan took over and we supported that. Then, we were talking of an alliance with then General Buhari. Unfortunately, the alliance didn’t work. We conceded that okay Buhari is a retired General and we had started experiencing the challenges of insecurity, that he would be the ideal person to lead Nigeria at that particular time. We were not looking for a very sound economist fundamentally. So, we conceded the presidency to his group, but unfortunately, they picked Pastor Bakare who did not belong to any political party. I think Buhari was impressed by his commitment to democracy in Nigeria. I will let the president speak for himself on why he took that decision. But he announced Pastor Bakare’s nomination as his running mate without consulting with us and we said this man still had his military hangover. We are yet to consummate an alliance and you pick a running mate when we had just conceded the presidency to you and that broke the keg, the alliance fell apart. What did you tell Buhari then? We asked him to withdraw his candidate. But he said he had committed himself to it, he had written a letter. I said: ‘’Imagine, you asked me to surrender my two legs for my brother to survive without providing a wheelchair for me to go back home, how would I do that? No, sir, this alliance will not work.’’ So, why did you resuscitate the alliance again in 2014? In 2011, General Buhari came out when he lost the election and if you saw him and the emotional speech he gave; he cried, shed tears in public, regretting that he lost the opportunity to bring Nigeria together and so on. So, I was touched by that. Then, I called on our leaders – particularly Chief Bisi Akande and others and told them that we should revisit the alliance. Maybe they’ve learnt their lessons. And then, we made arrangements. We called on him that we were headed for Kaduna, met him there and we had a nice discussion and we said, okay, it is not an alliance now where you can keep ACN in chains and then make CPC the father. It has to be a merger of equals and that’s what we resolved to pursue and we pursued it successfully. Were you the one who insisted on the broom symbol for the merger? Why did you choose the broom symbol? Because it symbolizes unity. The broom came through hard labour. Before you get a branch of a palm tree, get it straightened out, get it made into a broom and put those tiny sticks together and bounded, you have to sweat a little bit. You have to be patient; you have to be determined. It is a great symbol. It evokes thinking and it is equally an instrument of killing the insect that the PDP represented. They were geckos on our walls. Do you foresee APC imploding in the run-up to the next general election, as some have predicted? No. You will have teething problems when a party is just coming for the first time into power. You will face all those challenges. I laugh at the fears of a whole lot of people. In America, is Donald Trump not a huge headache to the Republican Party now – in this 21st century after how many years? That’s the danger, but you have to manage it – management of emotions, anger, and diversity. When President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to go for a second term, he got other governors in the Southwest to support him, promising to also support them. But he hoodwinked them. You were the only one that was able to see through that lie. Again, when the military was leaving, other pro-democracy activists said they were not going to participate in politics, but you decided to. What made you see what others did not see? And who are your political mentors? Let me answer the second leg of your question first. My mentors: Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige, and Chief Bisi Akande. I admired and read so much about the leadership qualities of John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and people like them. I read about the challenges they faced in their nation-building efforts and what quality of leadership they demonstrated to their people during trying periods. Reading about them, I was fascinated, impressed. Concerning the second leg of your question, I always try to make sure that people don’t deceive me. That’s why I call myself a smart boy. I see through deception easily and bring into play defensive mechanisms that will get me out of trouble. You don’t deceive me easily. If I just submit to your deception, I only submit. I am a very highly inquisitive person. If you offer me a bowl of gari, I will ask questions particularly if I didn’t tell you I was hungry. So, why should Obasanjo trade his position for your own and you believed him, took him for granted? He was in opposition; he was seeking power. Power is not served a la carte. Have you gone to any restaurant and looked at their menu and seen, ‘power: 2/6’? So, you’re not going to Abeokuta to seek his blessing and advice? I will. Remember I went to see him at the beginning of our merger. I still respect him as an elder. Except that you will not allow him to deceive you? No way! When he said, ‘‘You are rascally, Bola Tinubu’’, I said, ‘‘Sir, I copied it from you!’’ What do you say of the power of the young generation and how would they play under your presidency? They will play a good role in contributing their ideas as thinkers, being able to exhibit their talents and pursue a very dignified future. But I am not giving up my aspiration for them. I am committed to inspiring them to great heights for a great nation and the putting together of a better Nigeria. That’s all. I have been through what they are going through- youthful exuberance sometimes. Yes, I respect their can-do attitude. Yes, it is good to be determined. I was there, I did it. I can’t blame them, but it is not just easy. It’s not. Why did you say that? A developmental programme for building a nation is not magical; it is serious thinking and commitment. That is how a nation is built on a solid foundation. You spoke about the importance of power and infrastructure to industrialization. What will you do to revive the real sector? I will start with electricity, not the balkanization PDP did which they called privatization!Do you have a different idea? Yes. We have a great reserve of gas. You don’t start from the turbines that the PDP bought. How many of them can you locate now? You have many dams drying up and their hydro energy diminishing because we neglected the maintenance aspect of those resources that we built ourselves. We just built them, walked away and hung our feet on the chair and thought that we had arrived. No, you continue at it, you choose the right people to maintain and sustain hydro-power. I am not going for World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, job and, of course, I am not looking for a concrete mixer’s job— these days they’ve even mechanized that already. What about Solar? Solar is there, we can invest in solar power, we should. But it is not the total end to the means. I say what we have, without loads of importation, we can still use them. We forget our electricity transmission lines. We didn’t see the transmission lines as a highway that needs maintenance to sustain the capacity. We just have the wires and think that we have electricity. No. We have to maintain, renew and refurbish those items. We have capable hands; we have brilliant people that can do it. We are not just getting our priorities right. One of the contentious issues about restructuring is the state police. People have been clamouring for it. What is your position? I am not against it. I am for state police, community policing. Security is the priority of even the local governments. So, let’s give it a trial. Don’t give excuses that they can be abused and all that. What have we had that we have not abused? We have abused democracy, our roads, infrastructure with neglect. We have not made the family a priority; we have not given education a deserved funding and commitment. We don’t know that that is an elixir of the economy— brainpower. We cannot make our aspirin. We are afraid of taking our own panadol. What do you produce that other people need, that other nations can buy from you? You tie your currency to the dollar. So, all of that has to be critically examined and evaluated. You have to have various functional industrial parks that will produce for people and for export; that will compete in quality. We used to have serious cotton plantations. Groundnut is still selling, but we must get out of the habit of just making a bottle of groundnut. We must produce it well, package it well and you will be able to export and make money out of it. If nations are making money out of the export of flowers and roses, why can’t we? How healthy or strong are you to cope with the big challenges of ruling Nigeria? I have been out there to assure people. I have gone from Sokoto to Zamfara by road; I have gone from state to state where it is convenient. I didn’t apply to run for Lagos State Marathon or British Marathon or the race in New York! I have one of the best brains available in this country. I have the leadership trait and I have demonstrated that leadership quality. I have made a nation out of Lagos State. I have equally been dispelling the rumour that I am not in good health. I am not going for World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, job and, of course, I am not looking for a concrete mixer’s job— these days they’ve even mechanized that already. Why did you decide to study Accounting? I was fascinated by Mathematics, though people run away from it. I was fascinated by one of my best professors – Joe Jesse. He was a tutor, a committed individual and very rich from investments. He used fat chalk and I had never seen that before coming from Nigeria. The chalk was bigger than a candle, he would just hold it and he would chew investment accounting like meat. And he guided my career. Another disciplined professor was Professor Goodman – I always call him ‘Badman.’ He would close the door exactly when the class started and would open it as soon as the class ended. He got us into snow in Chicago one night. We didn’t know it was snowing. He was good. It was good studying Accounting. After the first two semesters of scoring ‘As’ in all my courses, they made me a tutor, teaching deficient students to improve on their courses. So, I was a student earning tuition fees in the same university. The records are there, go and investigate. I may contribute to your airfare. How do you feel at 70? I feel great. I feel thankful to God almighty, thankful to my family- scaling the age hurdles graciously with wisdom, enriched with good talent from God Almighty to still be functional and able to use my brain and energy to harness the resources around me for the betterment of people. I can’t thank God enough. Do you have any regrets? No. it is only a defeated person that will probably be thinking about regrets. Regret is a negative word in my dictionary. You will experience disappointments, but just set them aside and move on. Think positively. Be focused on positive things around you. If you don’t expect disappointments, you cannot experience creativity. Just keep taking risks with the hope and belief that you will harvest prosperity. *The interview was conducted 8 March 2022 in Abuja.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/03/29/exclusive-pdp-doesnt-know-

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November 25, 2020 by The Nation Three killed as bandits seize Kaduna-Abuja, Zaria-Funtua roads By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna Hours after they were repelled and prevented by security operatives from kidnapping travelers, bandits, on Tuesday descended on Maigiginya community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. They killed two persons and injured two others. The latest attack came barely eight days after armed bandits killed two persons and kidnapped many, including nine ABU students on the ever-busy Kaduna-Abuja Highway. It also came a day after gunmen struck on Monday night, killing a driver and causing accidents where many were injured. But, security operatives were reported to have foiled bandit attack on Zaria-Funtua Road, Giwa Local Government Area in the early hours of on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, dare-devil bandits suspected to be kidnappers, invaded the staff quarters of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, abducting a lecturer, his wife and daughter. A source within the university told The Nation that, the suspected kidnappers were yet to contact the family of the abducted lecturer for ransom. Speaking on the attack on Maigiginya community, a source, who preferred anonymity, said the gunmen who came on bikes, shot sporadically and killed two of their kinsmen. The source said that, after killing two people and injuring two others, they broke into shops and looted foodstuffs before they ran back into the bush. “I am not sure whether they are kidnappers or armed robbers, because they did not kidnap anybody. They just stole food stuff after killing and ran away,” the source said. Confirming the three attacks in a statement, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said many of the bandits escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds. According to the commissioner, Governor Nasir El-Rufai praised troops for the bravery and courage they exhibited in repelling the bandits on both Kaduna-Abuja and Zaria-Funtua roads. Aruwan said: “The Kaduna State government has been informed that troops of the Operation Thunder Strike (OPTS) late Monday night successfully repelled armed bandits on the Kaduna-Abuja Road. “The armed bandits appeared along the pipeline axis of Kakau general area in an attempt to strike, when troops engaged and repelled them with superior fire power. Many of the bandits escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds, having been denied freedom of action. “When troops cleared the road for traffic, it was discovered that a driver was hit by the bandits who were fleeing the location. Also, two buses ran into a ditch resulting in injuries to some passengers, who were rushed to the hospital by the security operatives.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/three-killed-as-bandits-seize-

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Senator Emmanuel Bwacha has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) rerun primary ahead of the March 11 governorship election. He polled 778 votes to defeat senator Yusuf Yusuf who polled 5 votes out of the 796 accredited delegates. Two Federal High Courts in Jalingo and Abuja had at various times nullified the APC governorship primary election and ordered for a fresh primary within 14 days. Bwacha was, however, reinstated as the party’s candidate in the state by the Court of Appeal in Yola. But that decision of the appellate court reinstating Bwacha as the candidate of the APC was challenged at the apex court by fellow aspirant, Sabo Kente. In a judgement, a five-man panel of the Supreme Court set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, and upheld the judgement of the trial court which had ordered for a fresh primary election.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/10/breaking-senator-

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June 8, 2022 by The Nation Tinubu: Atiku, PDP Govs in emergency meeting The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar is in an emergency meeting with Governors elected on the platform of the party. The meeting, which was called by Atiku, is holding at the PDP campaign headquarters, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja. Notice of the meeting was signed by the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, CID Maduabum. “The presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON requests a meeting with PDP Governors” the notice by Maduabum stated. The meeting is coming a few hours after the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although the notice did not specify the agenda, party sources hinted that the PDP stakeholders might have called the meeting to discuss the implications of the outcome of the APC presidential primaries.

https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-atiku-pdp-govs-in-emergency-

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March 30, 2020 by The Nation BREAKING: Nigeria records second COVID-19 death Nigeria has recorded its second coronavirus death. This is as cases in the country rise to 111. The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, confirmed this on Monday at the Presidential Task Force Briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja.

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-nigeria-records-second-

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February 4, 2024 by Yusuf Alli Tinubu redefines priorities, goes tough on ministers’ performance • Ministries, departments, agencies get timelines on deliverables • Desk officers now to apply Key Performance Indicators (KPI) metrics • Gbajabiamila: President focused on solving economic, security challenges Determined to deliver the dividends of democracy, President Bola Tinubu has redefined the priorities of his administration. He has placed premium on security for peace, food security, infrastructure, education, health, and social investment. Ministers and heads of agencies have also submitted lists of deliverables and timelines which will be monitored monthly and quarterly. In line with the new order, Desk Officers have received Key Performance Indicators (KPI) metrics to assess Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The list of the redefined goals was contained in a January 15, 2024 circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Those copied with the circular were the Clerk of the National Assembly; the Auditor-General of the Federation; the Accountant-General of the Federation; Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Directors-General and the Chief Executive Officers of parastatals, agencies and government-owned companies. Titled “Redefining of the Presidential priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, the memo stated that the benchmarks will keep ministers and directors on their toes. Read Also; FG pledges to stabilise Forex “Further to the cabinet retreat for Ministers, Presidential aides, Permanent Secretaries and top government functionaries held from 1st – 3rd November, 2023, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has redefined the Priority Areas of his Administration as follows: •Reform the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth •Strengthen national security for peace and prosperity •Boost agriculture to achieve food security •Unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development •Enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth •Focus on education, health, and social investment as essential pillars of development •Accelerate diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation • Improve governance for effective service delivery,” the memo stated “Accordingly, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are to ensure that their Policies, Programmes and Projects align with Mr. President’s Priority Areas in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the memo added. A top source, who spoke in confidence with The Nation , said it will no longer be business as usual for ministers and MDAs. According to the highly-placed source, ministers and agencies have submitted deliverables which have been broken down to monthly and quarterly modules. The source added: “With the deliverables, desk officers will now apply KPI Metrics to ascertain whether or not Ministries, Departments and Agencies are following their plans and goals.” He said the fact is that ministers, heads of departments and agencies have to work round the clock to meet their targets. “At the end of the day, the overall performance of a minister or head of any agency will be based on the KPI Metrics. The essence is to set goals, ensure good governance, fast-track development and make those in charge of any project or assignment be up to what they are doing. “ He said the President will take a final decision and determine those who are not performing, those underperforming and those abysmally weak. He said Tinubu is interested only in optimal service delivery because Nigerians are awaiting accelerated changes in the economic outlook, security and social development. Gbajabiamila: President focused on solving economic, security challenges The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr.Femi Gbajabiamila, said yesterday that President Bola Tinubu is determined and fully committed to dealing with the myriad of socio-economic problems facing the country. Gbajabiamila said it was for this reason that the President had to remove the fuel subsidy. He said Nigeria and Nigerians would soon begin to reap the benefits of the removal of fuel subsidy. Gbajabiamila spoke to reporters moments after voting at Polling Unit 014, Ward 08, Elizabeth Fowler Memorial School, Surulere, Lagos in the House of Representatives by-election for Surulere 1. He said: “Mr President, who I talk to on a daily basis, has no other thing in his mind than how to address the issue of insecurity and economic hardship. “He (Tinubu) has his gaze fixed on solving the problems. He met a lot on ground, we’ve had these issues for years, and I think we have somebody who would address those issues and address them well.” Gbajabiamila represented Surulere 1 in the Green Chamber before becoming Speaker in 2019.

https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-redefines-

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28th July, 2010 The Lagos State Government has ordered all churches in Lagos, Nigeria, to immediately remove all external speakers from their churches as they constitute noise pollution to the society. The order is sequel to a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, signed by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos State Branch and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA. The state government viewed continued disobedience by churches to remove their external loud speakers as uncalled for and therefore wants them to comply urgently before stricter measures would be adopted to abate the nuisance. At the MOU between LASEPA and CAN, the government also wanted all churches to completely be enclosed to further curtail the noise during service in order not to disturb public peace and order. The MOU was signed by LASEPA General Manager, Mr. Rasheed Shabi and the Director, Pollution Control Department, Mr. K.A. Fadairo for the state government and Pastor J.A. Fatokun, Pastor Olawoyin Lawrence and Pastor Barnabas Otoibhi for Lagos State CAN. According to the agreement with government, CAN agreed that churches under its umbrella should remove external loud speakers from their places of worship in order not to disturb public peace. The agency observed that many churches in the Lagos metropolis use residential plots, uncompleted buildings, makeshift shanties, shops/garages, flats and corridors and passages within tenements as worship centres, which clearly violate the town planning laws. LASEPA warned churches that henceforth, vigils were to be held with all necessary abatement measures in place without disturbing the neighbourhood and that week day early morning and evening services must be held without disturbing the peace of others. “In all these cases, amplifier, keyboard and other musical instruments are used both day and night to conduct vigils which exacerbate noise pollution within the state. It is noteworthy that religious noise comes with associated vibration from church activities,†the agency observed. With the agreement reached, LASEPA had removed the regulation of time, period, frequency of worship services and restriction of use of musical instruments from noise pollution control policy if the abatement measures were put in place by the churches to prevent noise pollution. In the MOU, CAN is expected to persuade its members to control the noise emanating from their worship centres to nationally acceptable limit of 55db during the day and 45db at night and that churches should be good examples of the golden rule in the Bible which reads “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.†The state government also said that while it would not ban churches from holding open-air crusades and preaching, churches willing to have open-air crusade must obtain permit from the police and LASEPA before doing so. Both parties further agreed to accept liability for breach of any of the conditions and punishment in accordance with the provisions of LASEPA Edict as deemed necessary to serve as sufficient deterrent to prevent any further occurrence.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/07/28/lagos-orders-churches-to-

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The Lagos State Government has stopped the reopening of worship centers initially scheduled for Friday, June 19 (mosques) and Sunday, June 21 (churches). Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the decision at a press briefing on Tuesday. According to him, the development became necessary as a result of the rising cases of COVID-19 in the state. “Dear Lagosians, in the most recent guidelines which we issued on the gradual easing of the lockdown, based on the advice of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, I noted that we would shortly be permitting the restricted opening of religious houses, on the condition of strict compliance with detailed guidelines issued by the Lagos State Safety Commission. “We have been closely monitoring the situation since then, and have now concluded that we cannot proceed with any form of re-opening for places of worship in Lagos State, until further notice,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, it is simply in line with our ongoing evaluation of evolving scenarios regarding the course of the infection in Lagos State and the corresponding public health advisory guidelines issued by the experts. “So, let me say this again: we are now hereby suspending, with immediate effect, the plan to re-open religious houses and places of worship in Lagos State, until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and continue to base our decision-making on data modelling; as well as on the responsibility we have to act in a manner that ensures the protection of all of you the people of Lagos State. “Therefore, until further notice, all places of worship in Lagos State will remain closed. Social and events centers, and social clubs, will also remain closed, for now,” he added. On Monday, Nigeria recorded 573 new coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 16,658. Of the new infections, Lagos reported the highest figure with 216 new cases, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 7,319. Consequently, the state has remained the epicentre of infections in the country, closely followed by the FCT with 1,264 and Kano state with 1,158. To curb further spread of the virus, the Federal Government had in March, imposed a lockdown on the three majorly affected states at the time (Lagos, Ogun State and the FCT). Subsequently, other states began to impose varying degrees of curfews and governors eventually agreed on interstate lockdowns as they began to record new infections. But weeks after the federal government-imposed lockdown, President Muhammadu Buhari announced again that there would be a gradual easing of the lockdown in order to allow economic activities resume as the country could not sustain an extended period of economic inactivity. While essential workers and other levels of workers have been allowed to resume so far, the government has still appealed to those who can afford to stay at home, to do so. Reducing interpersonal contacts and maintaining social distancing of up to 2-3 meters is said to be one of the ways to curb the spread of the virus but that in itself has proven to be a difficult task for most Nigerians. Other measures to stay safe include sneezing or coughing into your elbow, washing of hands regularly, use of alcohol-based sanitizers and wearing of face masks. While most businesses have been allowed to resume with strict adherence to the above measures, schools, cinemas, clubs and other places of mass social gatherings remain shut. However, on June 1, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 lifted the ban on religious gatherings in the country. While the PTF had said it does not recommend that people resume at places of worship, it noted that if they have to, they must adhere strictly to the guidelines, some of which include the mandatory use of face masks by worshippers and provision of handwashing spots at the entrances. Also, the use of hand sanitizers with at least sixty per cent alcohol content and mandatory temperature checks was advised. The PTF also mandated that facilities be structured in a way that physical distancing can be observed and as much as possible, congregants avoid activities such a hugging, shaking or kissing. In addition, it noted that church/mosque volunteers (ushers, choir, security etc) that have underlying illnesses should not be allowed to serve, while the time for worship services should not be more than one hour. Following the announcement, states began to lift the ban placed on worship centers. In Lagos State, the governor on June 4, announced that worship centers could reopen but limit the capacity of persons per time to 40%. For larger worship centers, he said the maximum of attendees should be 500 persons per time. The reopening was to commence on June 21 for churches and June 19 for mosques.

https://www.channelstv.com/2020/06/16/breaking-lagos-govt-stops-

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The Federal Government has accused Amnesty International (AI) of deliberate plot to destabilise the country with baseless allegations against the administration and its military. The Minister of Information and Cuture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the accusation on Friday in Lagos when he appeared on a TV Continental programme, “This Morning’’, monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The minister was reacting to a recent report by AI, a global movement, on campaign to end abuses of human rights, on a purported crackdown and killings of EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, in October 2020. The organisation had accused the government of cover up in the handling of the case and called for the arrest and prosecution of the country’s former Service Chiefs in the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged human rights violation. Speaking at the programme, the minister said AI, like most other groups, has refused to proffer evidence that people were shot dead at the Lekki Toll Gate on the day of the incident. “We challenge Amnesty International, if it has any proof, to please come forward with such names, addresses and convincing evidence that such people were killed at the toll gate. “The truth of the matter is that a coterie of NGO, led by Amnesty International, has been dispensing fake news about what transpired at the toll gate, The minister said the best and most transparent way to prove that lives were lost at the toll gate was by appearing before the Panel of Enquiry set up by the Lagos State Government. He said the panel had invited anybody who has been victims of EndSARS brutality or anyone whose family has been victim of extra judicial killing to come forward. “More than 100 days after, we are yet to see anybody come out to say my son, my daughter or my ward went to the toll gate plaza to protest and has not come back. “Amnesty International has no respect for our judicial system. If they do, they would have gone to testify rather than churning out fake reports and arriving at baseless conclusion even before the panel has commenced its job,’’ he said. The minister also accused the organisation of double standard in its assessment of human rights violations. He said Amnesty International had two sets of laws – one for Nigeria and other developing countries and the other for the developed part of the world. Mohammed explained that when the U.S. Authorities were searching for people that invaded Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, and killed four law enforcement officers, there was no complaint from AI. He said, whereas, when the Nigeria Authority started to arrest hoodlums who participated in the killing of 37 Policemen, six Soldiers and responsible for unprecedented destruction of property during the EndSARS protest, AI found its voice, The minister said, whereas, the perpetrators of Capitol Hill killings were regarded as domestic terrorists but those who carried out the fatal and destructive protest in Nigeria were called innocent protesters. He said during the EndSARS protest, the social media platforms were abused to dispense fake news. Mohammed said when the government wanted to take action against some media platforms over the abuse, it was accused of stifling the media. He said, conversely, when the Twitter Account of former U.S. President, Donald Trump, was suspended for inciting crisis, there was no word from the body. The minister noted that until the developing countries like Nigeria continue to speak out and call out organisations like AI, for so long they would be the weeping boys for the entire international community. (NAN) Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/fg-

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Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, is optimistic that, in six months’ time, petrol price, under the new dispensation, will take a downward trend from the N135 – N145 per litre band. Kachikwu tells the fuel price hike story in this interview. What the Federal Government has just announced, is it deregulation or liberalization of what? I try not to get involved in the semantics of those. The reality is that we are freeing up the economy, freeing up the business. The ultimate of what we are headed for is that everybody should be able to do the business, bring in the business. People want to have an argument about what to call it but at the end of the day, the basic objective is what was achieved with diesel or kerosene, which is that government will have less control over the business and individuals will be free to compete and Nigerians would reap the benefit. The issue is that for diesel, we know no agency is fixing the price for it; so the question is: why is there a price cap for petrol? The reason is that we are starting from a point where, because of the sensitivity of PMS, you want to be sure that, at the initial stage, you want to be sure of how you do your pricing. Ultimately, we would let the market dynamics take place. At N145 for PMS, some marketers are insisting that this is no deregulation? With diesel, it’s consumption is nothing compared to PMS and the sensitivities are different. What we’ve done is an upper cap. We have not told anybody what price to sell. We believe that efficiencies would tell people at what price to sell. We have a price band of N135 to N145. But the reality is that those are guidelines. It’s going to depend on how you get your forex, how efficient you are through the entire chain of the business because if you are interested and involved in the tankage, the distribution, the logistics, you have greater efficiency and that will impact your pricing. We sat down after very long conversation with those who play in the sector to look at the PPPRA template. For every item that the PPPRA has used guidance for, those issues were covered. Ultimately, as the market stabilizes – mind you, the NNPC is still a player – and don’t forget that this is a transition period and, at the end of the day, there is a social responsibility that the product, which is not just like the diesel which has a selective consumption, is everywhere for Nigerians. We would help transit that period but you will see that, as the market dynamics take hold – and this is going to be pretty fast – because there are lots of Nigerians who are active players who have been prevented by government intrusions. As they get better and it gets to a point where the market has stabilized, we begin to pull back a bit in terms of determinants of pricing. Part of the concerns Nigerians still have is how they are going to cope with this because agencies like the PPMC, DPR, the PEF, and, despite the price of N87, people were still buying the product for over N100. What is the guarantee that the pricing guidelines would not be flouted again and then you have the product going for over N200? Then, the reality was that the difference you saw then is part of what we are trying to address now. Lots of arbitrages because, at the end of the day, NNPC provides the product, largely subsidized, and then people took advantage and sold at the wrong prices. Now these people are going to be bringing in their own products. And even when NNPC brings in its products, it will sell at those prices, so there will be no opportunity for these short-term arbitrages. Those benefits, now, will come from your own skill sets and efficiency. What has happened, really, is that we have provided an opportunity for people to take advantage of government’s liberalization of the environment, so that the advantages people were taking before, which never really percolated down to the Nigerian masses, are no longer there. The loss factor government used to bear, the inefficiency that comes with the inability of government to cover the whole spectrum, but people are making vast sums of money while the environment is challenged. And the reality is that if you left the environment free for people to perform and trade, you will be amazed at what will happen to pricing. I will almost take a bet with you that, in six months’ time, you will be amazed what will happen to the N145 price – because it will be going downwards. Nigerians want to know at what price the NNPC and its affiliates will be selling, especially for the products that come from the refineries here in Nigeria? In terms of what NNPC will sell for, we will compete with everybody else at the new price. What I expect is that within the cities, we will try to stay as close to the competition as much as possible because you do not want to have a massive gap with the emergence of queues at NNPC stations which was the case with the old price of N86.50. You’ll be astonished how much time people will spend at the stations just because of that 50kobo difference – and this is understandable. Within the cities you will probably won’t have much of a difference between the marketers – N1/N2. But as you go into the hinterlands, NNPC stations would want to stay at about N135 than the N145 band. In terms of what the refineries would sell for, the refineries will become competitive and one of the reasons refineries have not worked well in this country is because PMS is largely subsidized. Nobody wants to invest in refineries because, at the end of the day, when you put in all the capital investment and government tells you what you’re going to sell for, most times it doesn’t take into consideration the market issues; the little that we produce today and, for the first time three of our refineries are working albeit at very low capacity levels, we would like to see that upgraded. The little we produce, which is less than 10million liters a day, we will sell at competitive prices for the first time and those products would be bought by everybody – NNPC, major marketers and all the other players. You made reference to the issue of forex as being one of the challenges. What happened to the arrangement of preference in getting forex for the marketers? We’ve since stopped that because the fundamentals are these: We’ve moved from a position where the government earned between $110/$117 a barrel, to an average of about $40 a barrel which is about 70% drop in supply of forex. Two, with the problems of vandalization, militancy and the like, we are losing about 500,000 to 600,000 barrels a day and, as a matter of fact, we are now down from production of 2.2million to 1.4million barrels a day; so in terms of volume and in terms of value, we are far away from where we were before. There is, largely, very substantial diminishing income, so government cannot therefore make, as a priority, the downstream sector to continue to get forex to import. That’s practical reality because you don’t give what you don’t have. I want Nigerians to understand that we feel the pain and we have tried to avoid it since we came in, in October last year. We’ve done everything we can. We first went on to the issue of the subsidies that we inherited – which were based on 50/55million liters per day. But we said these numbers were bloated. And we did our findings and came up with a figure of 45million liter consumption a day. And that was the first attempt at subsidy and then we came to the second pint of saying we are not even going to have subsidy again. We are going to exit it because there was so much fraud involved in it. And from January to March, if you look at our books, there were no subsidies. The price modulation helped us to achieve that, but in April, the bleeding started when the price of oil went forward and we couldn’t find the forex we needed, subsidy came right back. Luckily, because of the first three months of proper management, we were able to cover the subsidy in April. And so that helped, but as you continue, if you do not take the steps that we have taken now, massive subsidy will continue. So the reality is that the forex you’re looking for is not even there. It’s not just that somebody is not giving you forex, it is that the capacity to find and have forex has substantially diminished and a lot of work is going on to try and recover that – pipeline repairs, exiting cash calls which we are working on. We are doing a lot of work in trying to bundle up forex. We’ve struggled, queues continue to go and now they are back. And it will continue to happen unless we address the issues. As emotive as it is, we do share the sympathies and pain but, as a responsible government, we’ve got to take decisions and try and solve problems. That’s the reality and we’ve come to see that if you free up Nigerians to find sources of fund, they will find those secondary sources, they will import the products, the burden on NNPC will reduce, and the country will have peace and subsidy will go away permanently. The extra earnings that will go into NNPC will be used to repair the refineries and infrastructure in the country. People are now talking about the ripple effects on the average Nigerian. Are there palliatives for the short, medium and long term for Nigerians if you say you feel their pains? First, let me say that we had this debate about palliatives and I think one of the things we do wrong sometimes is that when we initiate these policies, because we are trying so hard to sell what ordinarily should have been right, we begin to throw palliatives at people. And at the end of the day, government ends up not delivering. So what I’ve advised on this is that, firstly, how did we come to the pricing of N145? It’s a simple conversion of using forex ($) at N285. It is from nowhere but it is the secondary source that people buy forex from, versus the N320 which is the black market; so if you add it up and divide, you come to about N141/142 and so, at that price, there isn’t much gap for palliative. It’s simple, go out, source for your funds, import and come and deliver. For the NNPC, obviously, there would be some earnings because the NNPC could have sold for less than this; so the earnings from that can be deployed as the Federal Government wants into infrastructure. In terms of palliatives, there are lots of palliatives in the budget because there are projects that would impact, positively, on the lives of Nigerians. It is not on the basis of petroleum products pricing that government would be providing palliatives, government is cognizant of the fact that it’s business is to provide palliatives to Nigerians and that is what we are doing. This is still early days, we would look at the earnings by NNPC and deploy where necessary for the benefit of Nigerians. Let me just add this, most state governments are owing workers’ salaries for up to four months. And this is because, as income drops, funds become scarce and it impacts on states. The first palliative is that, as we continue to block leakages and improve on our efficiencies to tackle some problems that we met when we came in, the states should begin to get more money from the Federation Account. Once that is achieved, there would be an easing of the burden. NNPC would also become more efficient achieving more returns on investment because of competition. In the case of diesel today, NNPC’s participation is less than 10% because most of it has been taken over by private businesses. There’s so much work to be done and so much money is needed. With what we are doing now, there would be so much money freed for government to deliver more for the people because we are there to serve the people. So, I will rather look at palliatives from the 2016 Budget point of view than attempt to sell this using palliatives. What would happen to the 445,000 barrels that NNPC gets? In terms of the 445,000 barrels that NNPC gets, today, cumulatively, that comes to about 14 cargoes and about four or five of those go into the refineries – when the refineries were not working, we sold that and put the money into the Federation Account. We would like to see a situation where the refineries are kept working, not because they are the most efficient now but it is good that we keep them working because, in terms of strategic reserves, they are very helpful – Kaduna can take care of the North, Warri and Port Harcout can distribute towards the west and east respectively, rather than the massive 1,500 trucks moving everyday. We want to appeal to Nigerians that we are doing our very best. We came in to meet problems and we have been working tirelessly to ensure that things get better. We hope that Nigerians see the honesty of what we are doing are not trying to lie to Nigerians or embellish the issues. We want Nigerians to trust us. Kachikwu spoke on Channels Television programme, SUNRISE DAILY Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

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September 13, 2023 by Blessing Olaifa, Abuja NIN/passports logjam: FG moves NIMC to ministry of interior The federal government on Wednesday, September 13, moved the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to the Ministry of Interior. The decision was reached in order to address the intractable problems associated with the National Identity Numbers (NIN) as one of the major conditions for seamless application and obtaining of International Passports and other travelling documents. The NIMC was until now supervised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Under the previous administration, the NIMC in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) collaborated for the linkage of NIN with the Subscribers Identity Modules SIM, to fight incidences of kidnapping banditry, and terrorism. Over 100 million Nigerians linked their NIN with SIM within a period of three years. The Nation gathered in Abuja on Wednesday that the process of moving out the NIMC to the Ministry of Interior is being accelerated in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s directive to remove all impediments and bottlenecks from obtaining NIN, and Passports. A source familiar with the operations of NIMC told our correspondent in Abuja that the Ministry of Interior remains the traditional home of NIMC. The Source regretted that the problems associated with obtaining National Identity Numbers would have been addressed long ago with technological innovation, except for the mindset of Nigeria’s bureaucracy anchored on “awards of contracts”. When contacted on the relocation of NIMC to the Ministry of Interior, an official of the ministry confirmed the development. The official said: “Yes, we have been moved.” Asked to explain the delays associated with issuance of NIN to Nigerians, especially those with change of birth date and arrangements of a sequence of names, he said the issues are being addressed. He said NIMC would launch a mobile application by this weekend as part of several innovations to tackle the problems. he said: “We are coming up with several innovations to address the problems. Nigerians will have opportunities to make online requests for changes of dates of birth, or any updates regarding their personal information. They will apply online and get responses in real-time.” Asked whether NIMC is aware that some persons are using the problems to obtain money fraudulently from Nigerians, the official dismissed the insinuations, saying such persons are certainly not from NIMC. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service has disclosed that more personnel are being deployed to all its frontline desks across the country to meet the two-week deadline set by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Tunji-Ojo had a week ago asked the Service to clear the over 200,000 Passport application backlogs in the country. He announced on Tuesday that over 55,000 had been cleared within five days of his ultimatum. The Service maintained that since the Minister handed down the ultimate, the personnel of the NIS worked even at weekends, including Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that the backlogs were cleared. The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Dr Dotun Aridegbe told our Correspondent that the NIS Acting Comptroller General, Mrs Wura-Ola Adepoju has been proactive in responding to the deadline, while all facilities as well equipment are working optimally. Dr Dotun said:” We have been working seriously to meet the deadline. And even before then, the Acting CG has been extremely proactive. “Our personnel are working every weekend at all Passport offices around the country. And the frontline desks are working as well, including on Saturdays and Sundays.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/nin-passports-logjam-fg-

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Despite being cleared of charges, Mason Greenwood will not feature for Manchester United this season due to ongoing internal investigations by the club. Greenwood earlier this month had all charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive control against him dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. The English international was likely to recommence his Career under Erik Ten Hag, but he will still be on pause for another season. The forward is told to be on stand-by till United’s investigations are completed, which will decide his future at the club. The Crown Prosecution Service had given him a go-ahead to continue his career but the Red Devils are taking cautious investigations. There is no given time as to when the investigations will be over it could take several more months beyond the 2022/23 season. The 21-year-old is yet to be in training despite being paid £ 100,000 per week and his contract valid until 2025. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/02/greenwood-will-not-play-

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By Lawani Mikairu Air Peace airline is to refund fares to passengers who paid for a special flight arranged by the airline for the official opening of the newly constructed Anambra International Cargo and Passengers Airport, Umueri, Anambra State. This is due to the federal government directive that the official opening of the newly constructed airport to commercial flights should be postponed due to security reasons. Meanwhile, the Governor of Anambra State on Saturday declared the airport “opened”. Air Peace had made special arrangements to fly passengers who wanted to witness the opening ceremony. Sources also said that the order to suspend the opening was also due to ” the reservation expressed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, over the readiness of the facility. “However, as at press time, NCAA has declined to comment on the development. Recall the state government had said the passenger and cargo service airport which hosted demonstration flights in April, had been completed since last month. According to the state Governor, Willie Obiano, the approval of NCAA to open the facility for operations on October 21 had been sought “and given”. Though this had not been officially confirmed yet by the regulatory body. Reacting to the postponement, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in Anambra, C-Don Adinuba, said in Awka that the “security reasons were more of a political alibi. “He expressed the disappointment of Anambra people, adding that the state government met all standard requirements for the airport, with NCAA monitoring the progress.“We did everything necessary and in line with international standards, so we could not have been denied approval,” Adinuba said. Meanwhile, the State Governor, Willie Obiano on Saturday “declared the airport opened”. However, no commercial flight to the airport has been recorded as of the time of filing this report. Airlines, according to sources, are waiting for official “clarification of the status of the airport before commencing flight operations to the airport”. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/anambra-airport-air-peace-to-

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Hours after the Southeast region launched its own joint security outfit codenamed EBUBE AGU, Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has explained why the governors took the decision. Ikpeazu who spoke from Umuahia, the Abia State capital during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said the new security outfit would oversee and monitor the activities of vigilante groups in the region. “Today we have come together to synergise and see how best we can protect lives and properties of citizens within this geopolitical zone,” he said. “Security situation across Nigeria as it is today is dynamic. We are just trying to respond to our peculiar circumstances in the southeast.” When asked if the new security outfit would bear arms and wear uniforms, Governor Ikpeazu neither confirmed nor denied it. The Abia governor explained that he and his colleagues from Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu would cooperate to ensure that operatives of EBUBE AGU would be properly equipped. “Ebube Agu would be a security outfit both in name, purpose and action. It will be properly equipped. I want to assure you that all the states in the southeast already has various vigilante outfits. “In Abia, we call our own ‘the Homeland Security outfit.’ In Enugu, it is called the Forest Guards. But we want to call for a harmonised synergised system of action to be able to compare notes to be able to set up digital platforms that can respond to communication challenges,” he added. Speaking further, Ikpeazu said the new outfit would be rural-based, adding “it is also going to be intelligence-based. The governor also spoke on his administration’s strides in Abia, noting that the state since his assumption into office in 2015 “remains one of the safest states in Nigeria and we have statistics to show for that. On his political future in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under whose platform he was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, Ikpeazu reiterated his commitment to remain in the party. His remarks come shortly after governors from the South East established a security outfit called EBUBE AGU as part of plans to checkmate the rising unrest in the region, stemming from an increase in criminal activities. According to a communique put out by governors of the Southeast, the agency is to oversee and monitor the activities of vigilante groups in the region. Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, Dave Umahi who read the statement after a meeting in Imo State, noted that the headquarters of EBUBE AGU security outfit will be in Enugu state.

https://www.channelstv.com/2021/04/11/regional-security-why-south-east-

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President Muhammadu Buhari says he is confident that the incoming administration of President-elect Bola Tinubu will maintain what he describes as the positive trajectory achieved during his own tenure. Buhari also said the President-elect would continue to provide crucial support to the Nigerian Navy. Speaking at the Presidential Fleet Review held on Monday at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, the President expressed immense satisfaction with the array of naval assets on display and combat readiness of the Nigerian military. President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed confidence that the incoming administration of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to provide crucial support to the Nigerian Navy, maintaining the positive trajectory achieved during his own tenure. pic.twitter.com/4exZmbfUnr — Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) May 23, 2023 He stated that he had no doubt that under Tinubu’s leadership, the Navy would continue to acquire new assets, expand shipbuilding for export purposes, promote indigenous production, intensify the fight against piracy, and address issues pertaining to crude oil theft. He noted the significant reduction in piracy over the past seven years, leading to Nigeria’s removal from the list of piracy-prone countries by the International Maritime Bureau in March 2022. He applauded the application of technology in securing the maritime domain, which facilitated intelligence-driven deployment of naval ships and enhanced their effectiveness. The President commended the diligent prosecution of MT HEROIC IDUN, which was detected and apprehended for attempting to load crude oil without authorisation offshore Bonny in August 2022. During the Fleet Review, Buhari also inaugurated several additions to the Navy’s fleet, including a new helicopter, NN410, manufactured in Italy, as well as the landing ship transport NNS KADA, constructed in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/05/23/tinubu-will-maintain-gains-of-

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A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Robert Clarke, says the lawyers of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi did not demonstrate professionalism in challenging President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 election. “I am not saying they (Atiku, Obi’s lawyers) fumbled the case; what I am saying is that they have not displayed a good sense of legal practice,” the legal luminary said on Thursday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. The senior lawyer’s comment comes hours after the Supreme Court upheld the victory of Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election. The apex court, in its ruling, dismissed the appeals by Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Obi. A seven-judge panel dismissed the opposition’s appeals over claims of fraud, electoral law violations, and Tinubu’s ineligibility to run for president. The apex court thrashed all the grounds of appeal of Atiku and the PDP on qualification, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, the 25% votes in FCT, and electoral malpractices. Commenting on the ruling of the apex court, Clarke said there was a lack of due diligence in the appeals, pointing out that the legal representation of Atiku and Obi could have been better. The senior lawyer said he would not even permit a junior member of his chamber to bring such a brief before the Supreme Court. “Where the law is not allowed to put its heads up in a proceeding, it means that there is another law which prohibits their lawyers to have brought such. They know it, they still decided — either to please their supporters and allow such a matter to come before the Supreme Court,” he said. “I will not allow any junior in my chambers, even one or two years old to carry such a brief to go and argue in court when I have looked into all the facts and the facts are very clear. There is a limitation of time in election matters. You cannot do certain things.” Clarke said Obi and Atiku’s lawyers had the chance to present their evidence at a lower court but they did not. “They had the opportunity as a pre-election matter but they never brought it out. They had the opportunity as a matter within a tribunal’s case but they never brought it. They are now coming and bringing matters that should have been argued in the lower tribunal and the Supreme Court will now be reviewing such evidence as an appellate matter and not as an original jurisdictional matter.” “I am not blaming the lawyers; that is the last thing I would do, but I am sorry to say that the lawyers, with due respect to them, should have done a better job in this regard. “As the Supreme Court said, if you have facts that were available before the trial started and you did not bring them into the trial court…Therefore, if you intend to use any evidence in the Supreme Court, you must have ensured that such evidence must have passed through the original jurisdiction of the lower court,” he said.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/10/26/atiku-obis-lawyers-didnt-display-

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June 4, 2021 by The Nation BREAKING: EFCC demands asset forms of banks’ MDs, DMDs, EDs By Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has asked all Managing Directors of banks, their deputies and Executive Directors to submit their asset declaration forms. The Nation learnt they have up to two weeks to do so or risk 10-year jail term. The top executives are first on the list of bankers expected to declare their assets. According to a top source, the directive to the Managing Directors, Deputy Managing Directors and Executive Directors are contained in a June 1, 2021 letter to them. The source said: “In line with the decision of the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa to demand for the assets declaration forms filed by bankers beginning from June 1, 2021, the commission has demanded for the assets declaration forms of the executive management of all banks in the country. “The request for the assets declaration forms of the top executives of banks is contained in a letter to the managing directors of the banks dated June 1, 2021. “Listed among the officers whose assets declaration forms are expected by the Commission are managing directors, deputy managing directors and executive directors of all the banks. “The request is pursuant to the Bank Employees, Etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act, 1986, which mandates bankers to declare assets upon employment and annually thereafter. “Violators of the law risk imprisonment for a term of up to ten years.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-efcc-demands-asset-forms-of-

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January 17, 2022 by The Nation Revelry as sanity gradually returns to Lagos ports Due to a combination of technology and human efforts, the persistent congestion and seemingly intractable gridlock along access routes to TinCan Island and Apapa ports is gradually disappearing, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF. Recently, Mallam Danlami Audu, 62, was so pleasantly surprised that he could not hide his feelings. An investment mogul with extensive networks in international haulage business, Audu was a bundle of joy when he visited Lagos on a business inspection trip last December. He said it was a great relief that the protracted Apapa gridlock, which has defied all solutions for more than a decade, has fairly disappeared. Like other Lagos port users, the businessman confessed that he was shocked that container trucks and tankers that usually flooded the ever-busy Apapa Expressway and sometimes extended to Fadeyi area had disappeared, leaving a free flow of traffic for commuters. “From Coconut to TinCan Island port to Apapa port complex and Ijora-Apapa road were almost totally free,” Audu said. For decades, evacuating cargoes from Nigeria’s busiest seaports in Apapa area of Lagos has become a clog in the wheel of the seaborne trade, which constitute enormously to the nation’s economy. After several tactics and deployment of technologies over the years, the gridlock had snowballed into a monster getting stronger with no end in sight. According to stakeholders, the situation graduated from natural to man-made, as some powerful cliques appear to be sabotaging efforts to bring the gridlock to an end. The heavy traffic congestion degenerated to all the link roads, making most of them inaccessible, as trucks and tankers spent for weeks and months on the queue before getting to the port. Successive governments tried and failed to tackle the situation, worsening by the day as a result of corruption and vested interests of highly-placed individuals. However, the situation has greatly improved in the past months as there is free flow of traffic – thanks to technology and tenacious efforts by the state and federal authorities. This, according to Mr Sola Giwa, head of operations, Special Apapa Traffic Management and Enforcement Compliance Team, is achieved by the cooperation between his team and federal officials. His team, which took over from the defunct presidential taskforce, is mandated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that Apapa residents and businesses are able to move in and out of the port city. The enforcement team comprises policemen, LASTMA officials, men from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and NPA security department No more touting, racketeering on access roads Stakeholders said touting, extortion and racketeering on Apapa and Tincan Island ports access roads have been eliminated by the introduction of the electronic call-up system. According to Sola Giwa, senior special assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu on Central Business District, the introduction of the electronic call-up system has helped a great deal in controlling truck traffic into Apapa ports. Giwa, who doubles as head of operations, Apapa Traffic Management and Enforcement Committee on the implementation of the call up system, however, pointed out that the people, who were formerly benefiting from the Apapa gridlock, are now fighting back. While insisting that at least 90 per cent success in the management of traffic along Surulere-Western Avenue axis leading to the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa, Giwa attributed the success to collaboration the state government and federal officials, especially the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Trucks Transit Park (TTP). “Apapa traffic has improved. The Lagos State, the NPA, and TTP, a private firm in charge of managing Eto call-up system, have been managing the traffic going into the port. Before we came, there used to be traffic from Onipanu up to the Apapa Port while on the Mile 2 axis, we used to have traffic as far as Cele and sometimes up to Oshodi to the Tin-Can Port. But that is no longer the case,” he explained. Giwa, however, added that the electronic call-up is having issues on the Tin-Can axis due to the bad state of the road and ongoing construction as well as the failure of truckers to make use of the transit parks and shipping companies’ empty containers holding-bays. He added that there were initial inefficiencies in the implementation of the call up system and that was because there was no test-run, describing the system as work in progress. Explaining further, he said that a manual call-up system was formerly used to control truck traffic into the port and it involved human interference leading to static traffic on the port roads, which no longer exists. He blamed some pockets of traffic experienced presently on some truckers who insist on coming to the port even when there is no space at the port terminals to attend to them and, as a result, they try to bribe their way into the port. To have access to the ports, Giwa explained that truckers are expected to register on Eto app and go to the parks approved by the NPA before they can be called up to the port terminal, all also depending on the availability of space and road situation. He added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the enforcement team, comprising the Police, LASTMA, FRSC, and NPA security department, the mandate to ensure that Apapa residents and businesses are able to move in and out of the port city. Lamenting that the capacity of Apapa and Tin-Can ports are already overstretched, Giwa hopes that things will enjoy a new lease when the commencement of Lekki Deep Seaport becomes a reality, and other ports in Nigeria and Lagos witness expansion of infrastructure provision, which will help to decongest Lagos ports. “Lagos is expanding and the state government is providing infrastructure for businesses to thrive. When we see traffic, we see progress as well as development but the management of the traffic is what we do,” he assured. Too many checkpoints hinder vehicular movement Giwa, however, called for the unbundling of the TTP because the inefficiency being currently experienced in traffic management is due to the monopoly of TTP as well as the non-test running of the Eto app before usage. On several occasions, truckers have complained of brazen extortion from them by security agencies, mostly those of the federal government. This is contrary to expectations that the introduction of the electronic call up system would stop all forms of extortion and long hours in traffic. At a point, it was reported that about 30 toll-points have sprung up in Apapa for the collection of illegal monies. Mohammed Bello-Koko, acting managing director of the NPA, was quoted as saying that such an act was a major disincentive to the smooth implementation of the call up system. Reports also alleged that the security operatives, who were apparently sabotaging the call up system, extort millions of naira from truck drivers on daily basis. Giwa, who expressed satisfaction with the current traffic situation in the axis, admitted that the success recorded so far is built on the efforts of the presidential taskforce, especially with e-call-up system introduced. With over 3,000 trucks and tankers plying the Lagos ports daily, he described Apapa port as Nigeria’s busiest port. One factor that has not helped matters is the heavy presence of many police checkpoints, which slow vehicular movement. Giwa called on the State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, to reduce the number of checkpoints on the roads leading to the ports and reduce the travel time for truckers. Reduction of checkpoints would also address the claim of extortion by the police, he said. He also called on the Federal Government to hasten the ongoing road construction along Tin-Can Island and fix the bad portions of the road along Ijora to Apapa in order to ensure free vehicular traffic in the area. Giwa added that his team has stopped tankers from parking indiscriminately along the major roads and bridges in the state, insisting that stakeholders will experience better improved traffic flow when the police reduce the number of checkpoints along the Apapa axis – though the police deserve commendations for checking fake papers and documents to complement the electronic call-up system in order to stop people from cutting corners. Tackling other challenges Other problems identified are extortion by “area boys” (National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) also hinder the progress of the free flow of vehicles in Apapa. Other issues include bad portions of the roads, the heavy presence of tank farms and a lack of compliance by some truckers. He, however, said that the over-sensitisation of Apapa traffic crisis is also fueling the corruption, adding that most drivers lie to the truck owners about the traffic situation in order to swindle them. Giwa stated that the checkpoints impede the free flow of vehicles and may also provide a venue for extortion, which the team was working to eliminate. “I am calling on the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, AIG Hakeem Odumosu, to reduce the number of checkpoints between Apapa and Ijora and also from Mile 2 to Tin Can. They said the checkpoints were to check criminal activities, but the people didn’t want them. Even though what the police at the checkpoints collect is just like N2000. At every point that you get to, the police will stop them and collect something. The stoppage slows down traffic movement and also gives room for corruption. If the motorist pays N2000, they will tell a lie that they paid more than that and pass it on to the consumers,” he said. NPA boss lauds electronic call-up system In a recent interview coming barely five months after assuming office, Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, also disclosed that the incremental deployment of the electronic call-up infrastructure for cargo trucks, launched in February last year, has to a large extent resolved the endemic Apapa vehicular gridlock. He explained that while NPA is not unmindful of the pains of Apapa residents, what remains is to address the gridlock caused by the failed portion along the Mile 2 – Tin-Can Port road, insisting that as soon as the entire stretch of the Tin-Can Port highway is completed, the perennial gridlock within Apapa would be completely eliminated. Debunking insinuations that the ‘Eto’ system has been compromised, Bello-Koko said, “The ‘Eto’ truck booking system was launched in February, and when I assumed office my first act was to carry out a comprehensive review of the system and we directed the system manager to immediately address all areas of deficiencies. These infrastructure upgrades coupled with the support of the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders, the vehicular gridlock along the Ijora – Apapa axis had reduced by over 80 percent and I am sure residents of Apapa can attest to this.” While enthusing that NPA has fully embraced multimodal transportation by encouraging better use of barges and port-rail for the movement of laden and empty containers in and out of the ports, a development that has brought significant reduction in the cost of doing business at the ports, he added that a fully automated transit truck park was established while 29 satellite parks were approved to ensure that trucks coming to do business in the port are properly profiled and verified before accessing the port. Out of the 29 parks, about eight have met the required standards, which include installation of bollards, CCTVs, automated gate systems and relevant IT equipment. Bello-Koko noted that apart from few isolated cases, where some truck drivers try to subvert the system by not adhering strictly to the truck manifest arrangement with its attendant disruption, the e-call up has been able to streamline cargo evacuation and truck movements, thereby bringing a level of sanity to the roads. He equally attributed the elimination of the Apapa gridlock to the new policy introduced by NPA, which compelled shipping lines to ship out no less than 80 per cent of the number of containers shipped in for every voyage, be it empty containers or export cargo. “Over time, we discovered that most shipping lines were storing their empty containers in Nigeria, which was cheaper for them, but we have introduced a policy whereby shipping companies should to take back 80 percent of the laden containers they brought into the country from the stock of empties and export cargo, this has also reduced the number of trucks with empty containers waiting on the roads. “What this meant in a lay man’s language is that if a vessel brings 100 containers for instance, such vessel must take back 80 containers, which must be among the empties and export containers, without which she would not be allowed to sail out of the ports.” The NPA boss declared that more than 80,000 trucks have so far registered on the ‘Eto’ platform. However, only 16,000 trucks have met the minimum safety standards, which he said is an indication that more work is needed to enthrone safety and prevent accidents within the port area. There will be continuous improvement of ETO system, including the deployment of additional physical and IT infrastructure as well as grant approval for more transit parks to cushion the excruciating pains of truckers he noted. Shedding more light on the provision of the barge services to ease movement of cargo out of the seaports, the NPA Managing Director said barge operators are now being guided by the revised standard operating procedures (SOP) in order to ensure efficient and safe barge operations. He stressed that owners of barges must comply with the new safety guidelines if they wish to do business at the port. “When we approved the use of the barges, we soon discovered that many of them (operators) did not have radio communication equipment onboard and we directed them to install the equipment. We also insist that these barges must be sea worthy before they are allowed to sail so as to forestall a situation where they breakdown at the middle of the channel, which would cause massive disruptions to shipping. “We are also developing an electronic call-up system for the barges, just like what we have for the trucks on the roads so as to ensure that we streamline their operations. There is a department in the NPA charged with the responsibility. In the last few weeks, we have also received proposals for the deployment of very large self-propelled barges, we are being careful, but we are studying all that, the PPP Unit of NPA is working on that,” Bello-Koko said.

https://thenationonlineng.net/revelry-as-sanity-

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National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus By Davies Iheamnachor – Port Harcourt The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt has again reserved to give its ruling on the application filed by the suspended National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, seeking the suspension of the National Convention of the party scheduled for Saturday. The three-man appeal panel led by Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani took this position after counsels for all the parties adopted their written addresses and adumbrated their positions. Secondus in the motion, CP/PH/339/2021, is praying the court to give an Interim Order of Injunction suspending Saturday’s national convention of the party pending the determination of the suit challenging his removal as the National Chairman of the party. The court on Tuesday had adjourned to give its decision on the matter, Thursday, but had after the much legal submissions adjourned till Friday, for ruling on the motion. When the court resumed hearing Thursday, Counsel for the Appellant Applicant, Tayo Oyetibo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, notified the court that he amended the processes earlier served on parties to include the names of all the parties, following the order of the court. He mentioned to the court that all the eleven respondents have been served the amended processes, adding that the motion that was not taken was refiled on the 27th of October and was ready to be taken. Oyetibo urged the court to have regard on the jurisdiction of the court to be able to give efficient and efficacious judgement in the main Appeal and also urged it have regards to the rights of the Applicant. He noted that Article 35, 1B, of the Constitution of PDP, made pursuant to Section 222(C) of the 1999 Constitution, used the word Shall and vested in the Nation Chairman the right to preside over the National Convention, adding that such is not a privilege. He presented that the attention of the application is not to prohibit the national convention, but to suspend it pending when the court would determine the issues of the leadership of the party, adding that what court is not to stop is primaries of political parties or general elections. Meanwhile, counsel for the first to fifth respondents, Henry Bello, opposed the application with 24 paragraphs affidavit sworn to by the 1st respondent, urging the court to dismiss the application with cost. Bello argued that the application seeks the determination of the main Appeal (leadership of the party) without a hearing, adding that the prayers are not attainable. He said the five ground of the amended notice of appeal has no iota of allusion to the national convention of the 6th respondent, noting that application is a radical departure and alien to the main appeal. Also, S.I Ameh, counsel for the sixth respondent (the PDP), prayed the court to dismiss the application, saying that the balance of convenience is on the court not to grant the application because it falls within the set time for the convention as set by the INEC. Similarly, Godwin Obla, SAN, Counsel for the 8th Respondent in a 21 paragraph affidavit, sworn to by Joy Okonkwo, urged the court not to find merit in the application, but to only dismiss it. In the same manner, Donald Dee-Wigwe, SAN, who stood in for the 9th and 10th respondents, told the court that the office of a national chairman is a political privilege and that the decision of the High Court that sacked Secondus terminated that privilege. He noted that being a political privilege that it cannot attract a Judicial response, urging the court to dismiss the application. However, the lead, Justice Tsammani, after all the presentations said the court has reserved to give the decision of the matter Friday, 12 pm. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/breaking-secondus-vs-pdp-court-defers-

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April 13, 2023 by Eric Ikhilae, Abuja Obi lacks right to contest my victory, Tinubu tells tribunal •‘Shettima validly nominated as running mate’ •APC: Atiku, PDP can’t query president-elect’s qualification From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja He argued that while not being a lawful member of the LP as at the time he contested on the party’s platform, he lacked the locus standi to challenge the outcome of the election. In his response to the petition by Obi and LP filed last night by his team of lawyers, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), he queried the competence of Obi’s petition and prayed the court to dismiss it. He said: “The first petitioner (Obi) has no locus standi to present this petition: “Whereas it is pleaded in paragraph 4 of the petition that the first petitioner was duly sponsored by the second petitioner (LP) on whose platform the first petitioner contested the election of 25th February, 2023, he was/is not a registered member of the LP, 30 days before the date fixed for the primary/congress that purportedly elected and/or produced Obi (on 30th May 2022) as the presidential candidate of the LP for the presidential election held on 25th February 2023.” Tinubu and Shettima argued that as against the mandatory provisions of Section 77(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act, 2022 Obi “was/is not a member of the LP as at 30 days before the primary election of the second petitioner held on 30th May 2023”. They added: “As of 24th May 2022, that is, six days before the primary election of the LP purportedly held to produce/elect Obi as the presidential candidate of the LP for the presidential election held on 25th February 2023, Obi was still a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and he did not resign his membership of the said party until 24th May, 2022.” They added that as of 30 days before LP’s presidential primary, Obi was still a presidential aspirant in the PDP. They also argued that the grounds on which the petition is predicated are incompetent, thereby denying the court the needed jurisdiction. “Ground one of the petition, to the effect that the 2nd respondent was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the election when read together with the facts purportedly supporting the ground, does not vest jurisdiction in this honourable court to entertain the said ground. “Ground two which alleges that ‘the election of the 2nd respondent (Tinubu) was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022’ is unknown and strange to Section 134 (1) of the Electoral Act, and, as such, this honourable court has no jurisdiction to countenance it. ”Ground two of the petition is incompetent, nebulous, imprecise and speculative, having alleged in non-specific terms, that the ‘election of the 2nd respondent was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. “The facts pleaded in support of Ground two, which alleges that the election of the 2nd respondent was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 do not have nexus with the said ground. “Ground three of the petition, which reads that the ‘2nd respondent was not duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast at the election,’ if read together with the facts purportedly supporting the ground and the reliefs sought, becomes otiose and academic, thus, vests no jurisdiction in the court to entertain it.” Tinubu and Shettima are also contending that the reliefs being sought by the petitioners are not only incompetent but also ungrantable. “Relief 1 which reads thus: ‘That it be determined that all the votes recorded for the 2nd respondent in the election are wasted votes, owing to the non-qualification of the 2nd and 3rd respondent’ is also amorphous, omnibus and vague; it confers no benefit on the petitioners. “Relief (iii) which reads thus: ‘that it be determined that on the basis of the remaining votes (after discountenancing the votes credited to the 2nd respondent) the 1st petitioner scored a majority of the lawful votes cast at the election and had not less than 25 per cent of the votes cast in each of at least 2/3 of the states of the federation, (sic) and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and satisfied the constitutional requirements to be declared the winner of the 25. “By the way and manner the petitioners have couched relief 1 (iii), they have adulterated, twisted, edited and manipulated the clear provision of section 134 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).” They also argued that the claim by Obi and his party that Tinubu was not qualified to contest the election was outside the issue the court could deal with because it falls within the precinct of pre-election issues. They added: “The pleadings in paragraphs 28-31 of the petition hinge the alleged disqualification of the 2nd respondent on a decision of the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division in case No 93C-4483 delivered on October 4, 1993. “The 2nd respondent herein named was not a party or defendant in the said case No 93C-4483. “The 2nd respondent was/is not one of the listed parties in the decision of the United States (U.S.) District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division in case No 93C-4483 delivered on October 4, 1993, as reproduced in paragraph 28 of the petition. “The pleadings in paragraphs 28 – 31 of the petition do not disclose a reasonable cause of action cognizable under Sections 131, 134 and 137 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and section 134 (1) (a) of the Electoral Act, 2022. “The decision of the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division in case No 93C-4483 delivered on October 4, 1993, was not rendered by a Court or Tribunal created pursuant to (or identified in) Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). “The decision of the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division in case No 93C-4483 delivered on October 4, 1993 is/was not in respect of any cause of action or offence created by an Act of the National Assembly or law of a state, any subsidiary legislation or instrument under the provisions of a law in Nigeria or any written law in Nigeria.” Tinubu and Shettima argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to enforce “the purported decision of the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division in case No 93C-4483 delivered on October 4, 1993, as sought and alleged under paragraphs 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 of the petition; the said decision having not been registered in any trial court or domesticated in any court in Nigeria. “The case of the petitioners as pleaded has not disclosed any disqualifying factor as prescribed by Section 137 (1) (d) and (e) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) in that: “The 2nd respondent is not currently under sentence of death imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or any jurisdiction at all. “The 2nd respondent is not currently under a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria. “The petition of the petitioners does not disclose any fact showing that within a -period of less than 10 years before the date of the election to the office of President, the 2nd respondent had been sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty or had been found guilty of the contravention of the code of conduct. “By the petitioners’ own showing as pleaded in paragraph 29 of their petition, the order, case No. 93c 4483 sought to be relied on was made on October 4, 1993 (about 30 years before the presentation of this petition) not within a period of less than 10 years before the date lection as stipulated by the Constitution. “By the petitioners’ own showing, the case No. 93c 4483 pleaded in paragraphs 28 and 29 of the petition and relied on in paragraphs 28,29,30,31 and 32 of the petition is not a case of criminal forfeiture cognizant under 18 USC 982 which deals with Criminal forfeiture, rather a civil case for civil forfeiture under 18 USC 981 which the United States of America instituted as a civil Plaintiff against identified properties (not persons) as defendants in respect of which the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division exercised its civil jurisdiction (not criminal jurisdiction) under 28 USC 1345 and 1355. Case No.93c 4483 did not generate and had no capacity to generate a criminal conviction or sentence to constitute disqualifying factors under Section 137 (1) of the Constitution. “Case No.93c 4483 did not involve the process of arraignment, taking of plea, conduct of trial, taking of oral evidence (including cross-examination), hearing of defence, finding of guilt, conviction and sentencing.” “The United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, Judge John A. Nordberg did not, in Case No: 93C 4483 the Order reproduced in paragraph 29 of the petition,” they said. They argued that Tinubu was never convicted as against the claim by the petitioners. “The 2nd respondent has never been found guilty/convicted of any criminal offence in respect of which a fine of $460, 000.00 (or any amount whatsoever, was imposed on him by any authority or person, including the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division in Case No. 93C 4483. “The respondents state that, in Case No. 93C 4483 at the United States District Court, Northern District of United States, Eastern Division which was pleaded by the petitioners: No criminal charge was filed against the 2nd respondent: “The 2nd respondent was not arraigned and did not take/make a plea to any count in a charge for allegations of crime. “The 2nd respondent did not go through a criminal trial; was not convicted of any crime or for any criminal activity; no sentence of imprisonment was imposed on the 2nd respondent; no sentence of fine was imposed on the 2nd respondent; no form of sentence was imposed on the 2nd respondent. “Case No.93¢ 4483 was a civil suit in respect of which the court exercised civil jurisdiction under 18 USC 981 and 28 USC 1345 and 1355. “The respondents further state that in Case No. 93C 4483 at the United States Distinct Court, Northern Distnct of Illinois, Eastern Division, no personal criminal sentence was imposed on the 2nd respondent. “In further reaction to the false representations in paragraph 29 and 30 of the petition, the said Case No. 93C 4483 was an action in rem against certain assets. “The suit was settled amicably (with mutual releases and parties agreeing to bear their own costs) and a resultant order of dismissal ‘with prejudice.’ “Specifically, by the order of Judge John A. Nordberg, dated September 15, 1993, it was found and held as follows: · The parties further agreed that $460,000 from the defendant account held by Heritage Bank in the name of Bola Tinubu shall be forfeited by the United States…… · The additional funds remaining in the account in excess of $460,000 shall be released accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the funds in the above accounts and any accounts held by Citibank or its related entities on behalf of Bola Tinubu or companies over which Bola Tinubu has control shall be released and the action filed against those funds held in those accounts by Citibank shall be dismissed with prejudice.” Tinubu and Shettima also faulted the claim by the petitioners that Shettima was not qualified to stand for election in view of his alleged double nomination. They equally faulted the petitioners’ questioning of the manner Tinubu appointed his running mate. They added: “The procedure for the nomination of the 2nd respondent as the presidential flag bearer of the 4th respondent (APC) was by a primary election that was duly convened and conducted pursuant to the Electoral Act. “The statutory procedure for the selection of the 3rd respondent as vice-presidential candidate was different from that of the 2nd respondent as the said 3rd respondent was not required to go through the process of any primary election. “A candidate in an election who wishes to withdraw his candidacy only has an obligation to submit a notice in writing to his political party withdrawing his candidature. “Upon submission of the notice, the obligations of the candidate are complete, his candidacy stands withdrawn and he has discharged himself of all/any impediment to another nomination. It is then for the political party to subsequently notify the 1st respondent (INEC) of such withdrawal not later than 90 days to the election.”

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Over 5,000 smart card readers are said to have been destroyed in the fire that engulfed the head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, Thursday. Confirming this on Friday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the state, Amb. Rufus Akeju told newsmen that the inferno started at about 7:30pm after the office had been closed for the day. According to him, 5,141 smart card readers were destroyed in the fire. Mr Akeju stressed that things could have been worse, had it not been for the timely intervention of the men of the Ondo State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and fire service officials from Ilesa, Osun State. At the time of reporting, the actual cause of the fire is yet unknown, but the REC assured that appropriate agencies are already investigating the incident. The Commissioner also stated that the incident will not affect the coming election in the state, stressing that necessary arrangements are being put in place to replace the burnt materials. The fire outbreak on Thursday comes only a few weeks to the October 10 governorship election in the state. INEC’s Commissioner in charge of Information and Voters Education, Festus Okoye, told journalists at the scene of the incident that the fire affected the Information and Communication Technology section of the Commission. Speaking further on the damaged materials, Mr Okoye revealed that about 1000 card readers delivered to INEC from Osun State were caught up in the flames alongside over 4000 card readers belonging to INEC in Ondo State. He, however, assured that the inferno will not lead to the postponement of the polls.

https://www.channelstv.com/2020/09/11/ondo-fire-over-5000-smart-

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April 15, 2020 by The Nation COVID-19: Niger turns back trailer load of Lagos returnees By Justina Asishana, Minna A trailer filled with over 50 persons has been turned back by Niger’s Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Matane. The truck had been stopped by security personnel at Gidan Kwano area when they saw people on top of the truck unable to explain their journey. The driver had explained they were coming from Lagos and heading to Kano, pleading they should be allowed to pass through as they pledged not to stop in the state. But the security had to call the Chairman of the state Task Force on COVID-19 to seek permission to allow them to pass through the state. Matane, who is the Chairman of the state Taskforce on COVID-19 when he arrived at the scene, immediately told the security personnel to escort the trailer back to where it came from. He stressed that there was no waiver for any truck not carrying food items, fuel or other essential products to enter the state, emphasising the total lockdown of Niger0. An eyewitness told The Nation that the truck had been covered with tampoli, adding that while some of the boys were on top of the truck, others were under the covering. The SSG had emphasised the state was determined not to allow anyone to cross the border while expressing his doubly over the health of the passengers in the truck. The 24- hour restriction order in Niger state entered its third day on Wednesday

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May 26, 2022 by The Nation EFCC yet to quiz Okorocha 24hrs after arrest More than 24 hours after its operatives whisked away former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha from his Abuja home, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has yet to interrogate him. His daughter Uloma Nwosu, who stated this last night, said: “Since his(Okorocha) arrest, no official of the EFCC has spoken to him; he has not been interrogated, despite the desperation to arrest him.” Mrs Nwosu said after visiting the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial Zone, that the arrest of her father was more political than what the anti-graft agency wanted Nigerians to believe. She said: “Everyone saw how they invaded his home shooting as if they were arresting a terrorist. “It is obvious now that the EFCC’s intention is to keep him until after the APC primaries, but we are relying on the judiciary to proffer justice as the last hope of the common man.” Mrs Nwosu appreciated Nigerians for their solidarity, saying that the Senator was in high spirits. The EFCC operatives besieged Okorocha’s Maitama home for hours on Tuesday morning accused the former governor of jumping administrative bail earlier granted him.

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April 30, 2021 by The Nation NNPC memo: Governors seek end to petrol subsidy By Nduka Chiejina, Abuja Governors will back withdrawal of petrol subsidy to end fleecing of the country, it was learnt yesterday. They also opened discussions with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corperaton (NNPC) over the oil giant’s “zero remittance for May” letter. A governor, who spoke in confidence, told our correspondent yesterday that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) was on the same page with the NNPC because “fuel subsidy is a scam”. The source added: “It is a case of heavens falling. All will be affected and hopefully, we will stop living a lie. We cannot continue with this scam called subsidy regime. “Certainly, states may back withdrawal of fuel subsidy to have more funds for far-reaching and impactful projects for Nigerians.” On the NNPC letter, the source said: “We are talking.” Another governor, said: “Total withdrawal of petrol subsidy is inevitable. It is a reality we have to face as a nation. “What is being shared from the Federation Account monthly to all the tiers of government is pittance because about N120billion is deducted for subsidy. This amounts to about N1, 3trillion to N1.4trillion annually. “We are virtually subsidising the petrol being smuggled into neighbouring countries because our fuel consumption is between 55% and 60% of what is pushed out. “With the subsidy level, about 27 states cannot break even. Instead, states have resorted to borrowing. “We are already thinking ahead on palliatives which will mitigate the effect of the withdrawal of subsidy. “The NGF is already talking with the NNPC on zero remittance and withdrawal of subsidy. The Federal Government has also raised a committee on petrol pump price ahead of the withdrawal of subsidy. The NNPC has presented all the indices to the FG-NLC committee.” But Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari differs. As far as he is concerned, the zero remittance plan of the NNPC will negatively impact the states and the battle against insecurity. He told reporters at the Aso Villa after meeting Chief of Staff to the President Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, that “it’s with resources that state and local governments are able to contain some of these restive youths so that they can be used for better purposes because most of them might be foot soldiers for bandits. “So, I think we have to look at this issue seriously, it will significantly affect even the capacity of states to pay salaries and to do what is necessary for the smooth running of government and fund the logistic requirements of security agencies.” Read Also: Fuel queues will soon disappear – NNPC The federal government believes that zero remittance from the NNPC into the Federation Account next month will not amount to much. A source at the Federal Ministry of Finance insisted yesterday that the “NNPC’s projections will not significantly affect FAAC disbursement for May”. According to the source, “remittances from other agencies into the federation account have surpassed NNPC’s over time”. “Contributions from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and remittances from non-oil sources, especially other mineral proceeds, have always been higher than what the NNPC brings to the table.” The Finance ministry official who is a FAAC member said FAAC had survived past funds denials from NNPC, especially with under-remittance until the Corporation was forced to remit all it was owing. Asked how this will affect workers’ salaries in the affected months and beyond the zero remittance from the NNPC persist, the official said “there are other strategic accounts the government can withdraw from to augment funds for sharing”. “Some of the strategic accounts are the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).” Reacting to the development, Prof Uche Uwaleke of Nasarawa State University said, NNPC’s zero remittance “will adversely affect the distributable revenue for the months due largely to rising under recovery costs or petrol subsidy”. This he said: “Is because the NNPC is a major contributor to that pool. The others are the FIRS, Customs and to a little extent, Ministry of Solid Minerals”. Prof Uwaleke warned that “this should be of concern to Nigerians, especially civil servants at the state level, given that staff salaries, unfortunately, are either delayed or not paid whenever there is a shortfall in projected revenue. Ditto for contractors handling various projects in states”. He advised sub national governments “to reprioritise their spending, placing premium on salaries and deferring expenditures that can wait till the situation improves”. According to him, “these austere times equally call for cutting costs and reducing wastes in government spending”. The NNPC had written to the Accountant-General of the Federation that “the sum of N111.966,456,903.74 will be deducted from April 2021 Oil and Gas Proceeds due to the Federation in May 2021, which will translate to zero remittance to the Federation Account from the NNPC in the month of May 2021. This is to ensure the continuous supply of petroleum products to the nation and guarantee energy security”. The NNPC said it arrived at the decision because “the average landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the month of March 2021 was N184 per litre as against the subsisting ex-coastal price of NI28 per litre, which has remained constant notwithstanding the changes in the macroeconomics variables affecting petroleum products pricing. “As the discussions between government and the labour are yet to be concluded, the NNPC recorded a value short fall of N111,966,456,903.74 in February 2021 as a result of the difference highlighted above”. The last two FAAC meetings witnessed major revenue shortfalls. In April FAAC, though there was an accrued revenue of over N800 billion, the federal government adopted a tough stance the state governments to accept N680 billion as amount to be shared for the month. The last two FAAC incidences corroborate the NNPC’s claims of sustained revenue decline affecting the federation account. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was still awaiting the invitation of the Federal Government on resumption of talks on fuel pump price per litre. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), preemptively in March published a new price regime for Premium Motor Spirit. It said with the new template, fuel was expected to sell at N209.61 per litre and at an upper retail price of N212.61 per litre. A high-ranking labour leader said: “They said the FG-NLC committee will reconvene after the Easter break, we are awaiting the invitation of the government. “We have made some cost saving recommendations to the government team led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha. We said N168 per litre pump price is realistic. We have rejected either N209.61 per litre or N212.61 per litre.”

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The Nigerian Army has claimed that recent killings, arson, and destructions in the south-eastern part of the country Nigeria were orchestrated and executed by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN). The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this while briefing newsmen on the ongoing army exercises across the country on Monday in Abuja. Nwachukwu said the group had engaged in killing of innocent citizens and burning of houses and turned around to accuse personnel of Nigerian Army of perpetrating the acts. He urged the public to disregard the various videos in circulation depicting army personnel as enemies of the people. Nwachukwu said that troops of 82 Division operating under “Exercise Golden Dawn” in the region had continued to protect lives and property as well as checkmating the activities of IPOB/ESN in the region. He said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, had on Oct. 4, inaugurated Exercises Still Waters, Enduring Peace And Golden Dawn in the South-South, South-West, North-Central and South-East zones covering 20 states and FCT. According to him, these exercises are traditionally scheduled to hold in the last quarter of the year to checkmate all forms of crimes as the yuletide approaches. “As it stands today, troops have maintained an offensive posture, conducting several kinetic operations in the forms of raids on criminal hideouts and patrols amongst others. “So far, all the exercises have recorded significant successes. I will go through each subsequently by way of reporting,” he said. READ ALSO: Why we killed four IPoB members — Army Under Exercise Golden Dawn, Nwachukwu said that members of IPOB/ESN had recently engaged in arson and wanton destruction of property at Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area of Imo. He said the act was perpetrated by one Chukwunonso Iherue, a convict who was among the escapees from the Owerri Correctional Centre on April 5. He said Iherue masterminded the attack on Izombe Divisional Police Headquarters on May 14, during which four of his gang members were neutralised. The army spokesperson also noted that Iherue also masterminded the attack on the same Police Divisional Headquarters on Aug. 13 where three policemen were killed. He added that the said Iherue and his gang members were seen parading Izombe community, flying the Biafra insignia on Oct. 1, while threatening and instilling fear in the people, thereby creating tension in the community. He said when troops attempted to arrest him, he escaped with the help of some persons until he was later neutralised when he engaged the troops with fire from his pistol in a frantic attempt to escape. “The group opened fire on own troops, killing two soldiers in the process. “In an effort to avoid civilian casualty and collateral damage in the community, troops tactically withdrew from the area. “Unfortunately, the suspected IPOB members ran amok, setting ablaze houses and other property belonging to those perceived to be against them. “A reinforcement team was deployed to Izombe and the security situation was immediately stabilized, while peace has since returned to the community. “It was, however, observed on arrival at the community that the criminal gang also burnt own troops van in addition to other public and private property,” he said. Nwachukwu further said that troops of Sector 5 in Anambra neutralised three IPOB gunmen who attacked a Nigerian Police checkpoint on Okija-Onitsha expressway on Oct. 7. He added that troops also foiled an attack by suspected IPOB/ESN gunmen at Arochukwu Correctional Facility in Abia, among other operational successes in the south east zone of the country. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/11/ipob-esn-responsible-for-arson-

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July 30, 2021 by The Nation BREAKING: Appeal Court declares Jerigbe senator for C’River North By Nsa Gill, Calabar The Court of Appeal in Calabar has declared Hon. Jerigbe Agom Jerigbe the duly elected Senator for Cross River North. It declared him the lawful candidate of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in the December 5, 2020 By-election for the seat. The three-man Appeal Tribunal headed by Hon. Justice Chioma I. Nwosu also invalidated the certificate of return earlier issued to Steven Odey by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and directed it should be withdrawn.

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November 16, 2020 by The Nation Concerns over Eastern line railway contract The Eastern line is a very integral part of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s rail development initiative. There are, however, concerns about aspects of the project, writes ROBERT EGBE Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi is passionate about connecting the country through railway. His principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, has also caught the bug and has approved almost everything the minister requires to bring the project to fruition. A regular clean bill from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has seen the project moving on, but there are concerns that there are irregularities in the handling of the contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Eastern Railway Line. What exactly are the issues? The project development coordinator of the Insight Dynamics Resource Ltd, Musa Ibrahim Kuchi, alleged serious breaches in the contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Eastern Line Railway project. “The minister acted in breach of the law in seeking a no-objection certificate to award the contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Eastern line and that the BPP acted ultra vires in issuing such a certificate. Sections 16 & 40 of the Public Procurement Act 2007 stipulate five years imprisonment without an option of fine for such an infringement. The Federal Executive Council was misled into approving the contract by reliance on a defective certificate issued by the BPP. The Federal Executive Council recently approved the award of a contract to the Chinese contractor, CCECC, for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Eastern line for $3.1bn. The papers forwarded to the BPP by the Ministry are irregular in many respects and calls to question the motivation of the minister. Furthermore, the minister wants to take a loan for the project from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd ( a private financial institution) to be backstopped by a sovereign guarantee at an interest rate of more than 3% whereas the US Eximbank offers a cheaper interest rate of 1.8% which the ministry spurned,” Kuchi said. Taking loan from a private bank Kuchi said it was wrong to ignore government-to-government loan arrangements with lower interest rates such as offered by the United States Eximbank. “Usually loans such as the Chinese ICBC one are backstopped with a Federal Government sovereign guarantee and one danger of it is, that the sovereign guarantee may be discounted at 75-80% of its face value thereby allowing the contractor to receive money upfront while leaving Nigeria exposed. Is this why the minister has been misleading the government and the public by claiming that there is no alternative to China for funding of the railway projects even after US Eximbank has written over 80 emails to support railway development in Nigeria? Note only Lagos – Ibadan Rail project is being financed by Chinese Eximbank, all other projects are Chinese private commercial bank, and that is wrong especially where Nigeria sovereignty guarantee is involved,” he added. Kuchi felt the BPP might have succumbed to political pressure and said it appeared that only the CCECC price assessment was used in violation of Section 16 and 40 of the Public Procurement Act. “The minister foreclosed any opportunity for other companies to bid openly and competitively, therefore there is no transparency in the process. The tender was not advertised. The documents submitted to BPP by the Ministry reveals that the process of deal preparation appears deeply flawed with the contractor/concessionaire appearing to play the role of technical advisor as well which portends a conflict of interest. The contractor should not prepare the feasibility study that forms the basis of the Outline Business Case (OBC). Such items of work should be undertaken by an independent consultant acting as transaction advisor who should also be procured through an open tender. Before an OBC, there should be a scoping study incorporating a condition survey and also include a Bill of Quantities for the tendering contractors to price. Such an independent consultant would also produce an estimate of the scope of work that would form the benchmark for assessing bids. There is no justification or basis for assessing the contractor’s price in the manner used whereas it is a fundamental principle of the Public Procurement Act, that open and competitive tenders provide the best price assessment and value for money. You can’t be a referee and a player in the same game,” Kuchi explained. He added: “The rehabilitation contracts were awarded on the Eastern line in 2011 for about $500m and by 2018, with about 70% of the contract sums expended/committed, the contracts appear to have been effectively abandoned by the government for no discernible reason. Railway services from the South East that commenced at the end of 2014 to the North had effectively stopped because the contracts were not completed and tracks vandalised. The question the ministry has to answer is why is it now coming forward to award the same scope of work for over three times the price of the original contracts ($1.84bn) comparatively and when an aggregate of 70% of the original scope of work may have been completed just a few years earlier. They need to explain why the same scope of work is proposed to be awarded to CCECC at $1.8bn or (N650bn) instead of the balance of about N15bn required to complete the existing contracts. The same CCECC that rehabilitated the narrow gauge railway from Lagos to Jebba with N12bn ($80m) or $200,000 per km is now proposing to rehabilitate Port Harcourt –Maiduguri with $1.4m per km. That is a 700% cost inflation!” Nigeria, he said, is building a standard gauge track between Lagos to Ibadan, Ibadan to Kano, Warri to Abuja and Lagos to Calabar and queried the sense in investing in building a new narrow gauge system that cannot interface seamlessly with the standard gauge system. “Recently the request from the FMOT to Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) claimed that this project is “among the railway modernization projects captured in the year 2020 appropriation of the Ministry in the sum of N67bn”. This is not true. All the modernisation projects are standard gauge and there is no narrow gauge railway modernisation project. It is indeed a misnomer for a modernisation project to be a rehabilitation of an old system. “No US Company or AECOM did not pull out but were frustrated by the Minister of Transport and FMOT officials. Perhaps you will remember about a couple of months ago, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, challenged the National Assembly to tell him where huge infrastructure loans could be accessed beside China. I met him far back in 2018 with details correspondences from US Eximbank and US Embassy commercial department where they indicated interest to support the ministry about their willingness to discuss Nigeria infrastructure projects for the past three years. But the Ministry of Transportation deliberately deployed every strategy to frustrate us and the American company AECOM even though they admitted in one of their letters to us that they have correspondence from US Eximbank. US Eximbank further expressed perplexity as to why the Nigerian government cannot engage with the US government at a bi-bilateral level for discussions regarding potential support, regardless of whether or not a U.S. exporter has provided affirmative interest. “I have all documents to shows FMOT did not take US Eximbank opportunity and they don’t want Americans involved in rail projects in Nigeria even though they offer superior work quality, transparency and lower interest rate of less than 2% as against 3.2% Chinese offered us simply because Americans want government-to-government bilateral arrangement,” Kuchi further said. He said his company met with Minister of Finance on the need to go along with the American deal. “Yes we met her and she was very surprised, to say the least, and immediately directed her Permanent Secretary to write to FMOT requesting for their funding requirements to enable her to engage foreign affairs ministry on government-to-government bilateral negotiation, but to the best of my knowledge nothing comes out of that, ” he explained. For a nation that intends to diversify its economy, Kuchi said, contemplating narrow gauge rail alignment is the last thing the ministry should undertake in the 21st Century. “The narrow-gauge railway does have numerous disadvantages: When transporting goods, the cargo needs to be reloaded at transhipment stations for onward transportation by regular-gauge trains, signals and aerial lines are largely done away with, and elaborate automatic switches and block modes are rarely used. The narrow-gauge railways are also less smooth than normal railways, meaning jolts and vibrations are felt more intensely,” he said. Kuchi wants the court to direct the ministry to comply with the law and stop backdoor procurement. “We are not asking the court should jail the minister, Rotimi Ameachi, and DG of BPP but we are bringing it to the court’s attention that the minister acted in breach of the law in seeking a no-objection certificate to award a contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Eastern line and that the BPP acted ultra vires by issuing such a certificate. “We want to bring transparency to public procurement especially railway projects where billions of US Dollars are being spent. We are not seeking any kind of compensation but to ensure there’s transparency which will attract more foreign investment into the sector,” he said.

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Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum (centre). The death toll from a jihadist attack on the convoy of Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has risen to 30, security sources said Saturday. Two sources told AFP fatalities from the attack Friday in restive Borno state had doubled as more bodies were found and now included 12 policemen, five soldiers, four members of a government-backed militia and nine civilians. “The tally has increased to 30 as many bodies were picked in the surrounding areas after the attack,” one of the sources said, adding that “many people were injured”. Sources had earlier told AFP that a convoy transporting Governor Zulum came under attack from insurgents on Friday near the town of Baga on the shores of Lake Chad. A second security source gave the same death toll of 30 from the assault and said the militants seized eight vehicles. “The terrorists made away with an armoured personnel carrier, a gun truck and six sports utility vehicles in the convoy,” the source said. Police confirmed in a statement that the attack by suspected jihadists on the “security convoy” had killed eight policemen and three government-backed militia members. ALSO READ: ‘And they say Boko Haram has been technically defeated?’: Reactions as terrorists attack Zulum again It said 13 other people had been wounded and the attack had been “successfully repelled”. Zulum — who sources said was unhurt in the attack — had flown to the area to prepare for the return of residents displaced from Baga by the conflict. He was driving in the convoy accompanied by government officials under tight security towards Baga ahead of the arrival of the returnees. The IS-affiliated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group maintains most of its camps on islands in Lake Chad and the region is known as a bastion for the jihadists. The militant group has recently intensified attacks on military and civilian targets in the region. In July Zulum’s convoy came under gun attack from ISWAP outside Baga, forcing him to cancel his trip to the town. The decade-long insurgency in northeast Nigeria has killed 36,000 people and forced over 2 million from their homes. Most of the displaced have been housed into squalid camps where they depend on food handouts from international charities. Local authorities have been encouraging the displaced to go back to their homes despite concern from aid agencies of the security risks. ISWAP splintered from the main Boko Haram group in 2016 and has gone on to be the dominant insurgent force in the region. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/death-toll-from-attack-on-zulums-convoy-

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By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has replied critics of his educational qualifications, mocking them for wasting their resources on a wild goose chase. Speaking on Monday at the Chatham House, Tinubu said he was born on March 29, 1952 and that he has never disowned his biological father. He said one of his fellow contestants who has been sponsoring sundry allegations against him is now rumoured to be a non-Nigerian but that he (Tinubu) has never made it a campaign issue. On his sojourn at Chicago State University, Tinubu said he is now in possession of his original certificate. He said; “I was dated March 29, 1952. My record is consistent. The records are there. The transcript is there. I am not claiming another father. I am Tinubu proper. If they want a DNA, they could ask for one. One of them has been accused of not even being a Nigerian citizen. I didn’t touch that area. Deloitte has confirmed me. Chicago State University can confirm it. Now, I can announce that I have received my original replacement degree certificate. “Deloitte trained me as an accountant. Mobil has affirmed my records. In the private sector, who among them can brag about these?” An APC member from Kano state, one Sagir Mai Iyali had in a petition dated May 17, 2022, asked the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun President Screening Committee of the party to disqualify Tinubu over alleged false documents the latter submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in 1998. Iyali said Tinubu was above the required age to contest the office of president and that while his age was not known, his identity was also shrouded in secrecy. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/12/ive-collected-my-original-certificate-

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…cut number of aides •Tinubu’s implementation of report is tokenism – CSOs By Nnamdi Ojiego Following the order by President Bola Tínubu for the full implementation of the Oronsaye report, especially as it pertains to cutting down the cost of governance, the state governors are under pressure to toe the same line. The pressure is coming from Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, who have challenged the state governments to scrap the humongous pensions for former governors and their deputies as well as the huge security votes which gulp billions of naira every month. The CSOs who expressed doubts over the president’s commitment to implement the report noted that unless elected officeholders cut down on the number of political appointees, and scrapped security votes and pensions for former governors and their deputies, the implementation of the report would not yield the desired outcome. President Tínubu had on Monday, announced the merging, subsuming, scrapping and relocation of several agencies of government. The Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, headed by the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Steve Oronsaye, was set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. However, the committee submitted its report in 2012. The 800-page report revealed that there are 541 statutory and non-statutory Federal Government parastatals, commissions, and agencies. It recommended that 263 of the statutory agencies be slashed to 161; 38 agencies be scrapped; 52 be merged and 14 be reverted to departments in various ministries. The report also recommends that the law establishing the National Salaries and Wages Commission be repealed and its functions taken over by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission. It advised the FG to merge the nation’s top three anti-corruption agencies—the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Code of Conduct Bureau. The report, If implemented, Sunday Vanguard reveals, will cause more than 100 heads of agencies and parastatals to lose their jobs and save the government over N862 billion. SERAP expresses doubts The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has expressed doubts over the commitment of the Federal Government to implement the report. Speaking, the Deputy Director, SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, asked the President to start by trimming down the number of his political appointees. He said: “We need to be sure that whatever actions the government is taking does not end up as a kind of tokenism that doesn’t really solve the problem in the first place. Even the so-called implementation of Oronsaye report as is being done presently is not holistic and I doubt if it’s going to be effective to achieve what it ought to achieve which is to reduce the cost of governance. “Even if state governors copy or emulate what the president has said or purports to do, it will not reduce the cost of governance at least, not in any way it will impact on the socioeconomic right of Nigerians until the security votes and pensions for former governors and their deputies which swallow billions of naira annually are scrapped.” Similarly, the African Action Congress, AAC, said the report was deficient in the area of reducing the cost of governance and would require a lot of constitutional bureaucracy to come to life. The National Publicity Secretary of AAC, Femi Adeyeye, stated that the ultimate goal should be to reduce the cost of running the lifestyle of those in government, scrap the office of the first lady and that of the first son, and merge the Senate and House of Representatives where billions of naira are shared every month. “I think the first port of call is to look at the report itself”, Adeyeye stated. “The Oronsaye report in itself is a bit outdated, needs a lot of constitutional bureaucracy to come to life and it’s somehow deficient in the area of reducing the cost of governance. “Any ideological person will know that it’s just a means to reduce how much money is spent to cater for civil servants in MDAs. I agree with the issue of duplication of tasks that it aims to address and it is in line with our policy at the AAC, that some parastatals that government funds will have to go. “An example is the Pilgrimage Commission that Tinubu just subsidized with billions. How does that make sense? It all shows that the whole report implementation announcement is a ruse. How do you say you want to reduce the cost of governance yet fund unproductive parastatals and your government has apparently created the Office of the First Lady and that of the First Son? That’s a joke. “The ultimate goal should be to reduce the cost of running the lifestyle of those in government. Scrap office of the first lady and first son. Merge the Senate and House of Representatives where billions are shared every month, or better still, keep one. The resources of Nigerians should not be used to service a bicameral legislative system.” Also contributing, the Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the state and local governments should toe the line of the FG in reducing the cost of governance. He said: “One of the challenges of governance and development in this country is the very high cost of governance that fritters away resources that ought to be used to address public problems like infrastructure, health, education and other things. “So I think that it’s not just something that needs to be done at the federal but also the state and the local government levels. So reducing the cost of governance is something that needs to cut across all the ties of government. Reduce the number of appointed political officials, and parastatals that are not necessary.” National Coordinator, Activists for Good Governance, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, said if the president was sincere, he should start by reducing the number of his political appointees. According to him, “The only way you can reduce the high cost of governance is not by merging agencies. It is by reducing the staff of those agencies and by reducing the number of political appointees such as SAs and SSAs. Again, so many people are idle in the system. And when you have an SA, the SA will also have an SA, and the SA will also have a PA. And such duplications are eating so much in our economy. Those things, to me, are just offices meant for the boys to benefit from the commonwealth. What is eating deep into our purse is the political appointees and not necessarily the civil servants” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/oronsaye-report-

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March 10, 2024 by Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta Apapa appeals judgment reinstating Abure as LP national chairman The leadership tussle rocking the opposition Labour Party (LP) seemed not over yet as Lamidi Apapa has approached the Supreme Court to appeal the Court of Appeal’s verdict reinstating Julius Abure as the national chairman of the party. Abayomi Arabambi, the national publicity secretary of the party loyal to Apapa, who disclosed the move on Sunday while addressing the press in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, said the party had obtained a stay-of-execution motion in respect of the judgment. An Appeal Court sitting in Abuja had on March 6, reinstated Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party, saying the High Court erred by restraining him from parading himself as the national chairman of the party. In a unanimous judgment, Justice Harmman Barka held that the High Court listened to a matter it lacked jurisdiction over at the first instance, describing it as purely an internal party issue, and proceeded to dismiss it in its entirety as well as awarding a cost of N1m against Apapa. However, Arabambi faulted the judgment and said that the party had filed an appeal at the apex court and had gotten a stay of execution order. He said: “The acting national chairman of the Labour Party Alh Bashiru Lamidi Apapa has successfully filed an appeal on the 6th day of March 2024 and has stayed the execution of the Judgement delivered in favour of Julius Abure by Abuja Court of Appeal in the supreme court through a motion for stay of execution filed on Thursday the 7th day of March 2024.” Arabambi also alleged that “Julius Abure had earlier before today forge the seal of the judge of FCT, forge the commissioner of Oath signatures and Generated his own TSA receipts without payment to the Federal Government consequently upon which the police established a prima facie case against him for forgery, criminal conspiracies and perjury. “You would also recalled that sometime on the 12th May 2023, the FCT High Court presided by Hon. Justice Hamza Mua’zu dismissed the Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by Abure and ors challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the Originating Summons filed by Martins Esikpali & Ors basically on the ground that there was an allegation of crime and that it’s a contentious issue in the said summons and as such, not suitable for Originating Summons which inherently meant that the case ought to have been commenced by Writ of Summons so that oral evidence can be taken. “As stated earlier the said objection was dismissed as the court held that it has jurisdictions as the case has to do with construction of documents submitted before it simpliciter without more. “Abure and 3 others then appealed to the Court of Appeal. Therefore, the issue before the Court of Appeal was whether the issues raised in the case were contentious or not. If the court says the case was contentious, all that the Court was required to do was to ask parties to convert the Originating Summons to a Writ of Summons and order parties to file pleadings so that the case can be heard on the merits at the trial court i.e, FCT High Court. “Surprisingly, the court of appeal in a rather strange manner, went on the voyage of discovery totally out of context to deliver judgment touching on the substantive case as if the appeal was against a final judgment. Arabambi described the said appeal court judgment as “perverse” and said he has appealed immediately to the Supreme Court on five grounds and more grounds will be filled once the CTC of judgment is obtained by the lawyers. He added: “The Judgment of the court of appeal delivered on Wednesday 6th day of March has now been put on hold as it cannot be executed since the Motion for stay of execution is already before the Supreme Court and has been served on Abure and his lawyers.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/apapa-appeals-judgment-

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Nigeria in safe hands with Tinubu, says Aisha Buhari She spoke at the one-day public symposium with the theme: “Dissecting the Asiwaju manifesto – Renewed Hope 2023” organised by the All Progressives Congress Professional Forum (APCPF) in Abuja. Represented by the Director General National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) Dr Asabe Bashir, the Matron of the APC Women Campaign Team said Tinubu has a track record of delivery that will serve the nation well. According to her: “I have gone through the manifesto of our presidential candidate and have no doubt that given his experience in governance and passion to make a positive impact in our national development, we would be in safe hands. I would suggest that every idea and strategy for national security must factor in women. “This is because the world has accepted the reality that women are agents of peace, growth and development. Their role in leadership role building, conflict resolution, negotiation and social development is as remarkable as that of their male counterpart.’

https://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-in-safe-hands-with-tinubu-

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May 19, 2023 by Faith Yahaya, Abuja FG gives 29 civil servants television sets for hard work The Federal Government has recognised and awarded 29 staff for their hard work and performance in thr discharge of their various duties in the civil service. The staff were given 32 inches television set each for their contributory role to the growth of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq during the launch of the Ministry’s revised service charter and rewards and recognition of deserving staff of the Ministry, urged the awardees not to relent in their duties. Farouq while handing over the television to the awardees said: “As you may be aware, the Ministry has been rendering services to millions of its customers through its various programmes and activities. As such it has become very important for the ministry to reward and recognize its staff who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the Ministry’s mandates are met. Read Also: Buhari appoints Madein as new AGF “The award is in consonance with pillar six of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021 – 2025 (FCSSIP25) with emphasis on the need to reward and recognize outstanding staff in MDAs to encourage them to render efficacious service delivery to their target group. “To this end, may I assure everybody that we are all winners in this project that has been assigned to us as a Ministry, and I wish to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication in these past 3 years. “To all the awardees, the reward for good work they say is more work. I, therefore urge you all to take this award as a clarion call to put in more effort in the discharge of your duties”.

https://thenationonlineng.net/fg-gives-29-civil-servants-television-

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By Emmanuel Iheaka – Owerri Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State chapter, has dispelled rumour of the former governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha quit the party. There were speculations that Ihedioha was making plans to defect to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to execute his 2023 governorship ambition. Those behind the rumour had insinuated that Ihedioha was not in good terms with the National Secretary of PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who also hails from the state, hence the decision of the erstwhile governor to leave PDP. But the state chapter of the PDP, Wednesday, dismissed the rumour as the handiwork of drowning politicians and desperate agents of darkness who are afraid of PDP reclaiming its mandate in 2023. A statement from the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mazi Emenike Nmeregini, submitted that Ihedioha is the party’s brand and that his sterling performances within his short stay in office will be the party’s message for 2023 elections. “This party initially did not consider a disclaimer necessary, for the simple reason that Rt. Hon. Ihedioha is not known to prostitute between political parties. “He is known and has indeed remained a consequential leader, consistent major financier, loyal and dedicated member and leader of our party since helping to found it in 1998. “For emphasis, there is no other truly democratic party in Nigeria and in Imo State in particular, aside from the PDP. “We are not unaware of the increasing desperation of agents of darkness, who are afraid of the imminent reclaiming of our stolen mandate come 2023. “It is incontrovertible that His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON, is our brand. And our message ahead of the 2023 general elections is the celebrated achievements of the Rebuild Imo administration within the seven months. “The PDP led Rebuild Imo administration laid a solid foundation for the rebuilding process of our state. It is on record that all the sectors of the state were receiving attention before the usurpers broke into the government house. “We restored salaries and pensions from 70% to 100% and paid as and when due; adequate security of lives and property began construction on over 33 critical roads across the state; flagged off an audacious agro revolution and youth empowerment; aggressive automated revenue system; autonomous local government administration; implemented the Treasury Single Account; Qualitative free education, aggressive investment drive; transparency, accountability, rule of law etc. “Our party takes pride in the achievements of the Rebuild Imo administration for which we are being pressured by the people of Imo State across party lines to endeavour to seek their mandate to continue the rebuilding process. “Lastly, we wish to warn mischief makers, agents of darkness, blackmailers, enemies of Imo State, to look elsewhere and stop any such fake news. Imo people are wiser and are vigilant to these and other devices of the enemies”, the party stated. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/imo-2023-why-ihedioha-cant-

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The Ekiti State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti has upheld the victory of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, in the June governorship election in the state. The three man tribunal chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi ruled that the allegations of election rigging, vote trading and procedural violations raised by the candidate of Social Democratic Party, Segun Oni were vague and unspecific. The tribunal equally struck out the request for disqualification of the deputy governorship candidate of the APC for alleged certificate forgery, saying the issue was not brought up within the expected 21 days period legally allowed, and that raising new facts and pleas midway would amount to breach of injunctions. The tribunal also said signing of Oyebanji’s nomination form by Yobe State Governor who acted as the National Chairman of the APC, Mai Mala Buni is immaterial, since the candidate and his running mate were validly elected at the party’s primary. Counsel to the petitioner described the judgement as displeasing and negligent of cogent grounds, saying the judgement will be appealed. Oyebanji had polled a total of 187,057 votes to defeat his two closest challengers – Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bisi Kolawole of the People’s Democratic Party. The SDP emerged in second place with total votes of 82,211 while the PDP was third with 67,457 votes. Unsatisfied with the outcome of the election, SDP’s Oni had on July 7 filed a petition at the tribunal challenging the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the winner of the election. He hinged his case on alleged election rigging by voter inducement and bypass of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at some polling stations; the authenticity of the WAEC certificate presented by the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Monisade Afuye among other grounds.

https://www.channelstv.com/2022/12/29/ekiti-tribunal-upholds-governor-

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June 5, 2015 by The Nation 10 most expensive wrist watches Nigerians may have How expensive can wrist watches be? First Lady, Aishat Buhari allegedly wore a N10million Cartier Baignoire Folle 18-Carat White Gold wrist watch which cost £34,500 (estimated at N10,453,000) during the inauguration of her husband President Muhammadu Buhari. Neither the presidency nor Mrs. Buhari have refuted the claims, but there are indications that what Mrs Buhari had on was not the reported costly brand. Although cased in “18K rhodiumized white gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds, octagonal crown set with a diamond, sapphire crystal, Roman numerals, silvered satin-finished dial, 2 motifs lacquered and set with brilliant-cut diamonds, blued-steel sword-shaped hands”, the first lady’s watch was not a Cartier Baignoire Folle 18-Carat White Gold wrist watch. Instead the one she had on was a Cartier Baignoire Folle Manual Watch priced at $129 (approximately N26,832 when converted at the rate of $1 to N208). Its strap is mainly a black semi-matt alligator-skin strap and an interchangeable “toile brossée” fabric strapwhich is opposed to the Cartier Baignoire Folle 18-Carat White Gold’s fabric strap. On Friday, June 5, it was reported that former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi’s N11m Rolex wrist watch was stolen by his houseboy. The houseboy also allegedly stole other luxury accessories valued at N9 m. Here is the world’s 10 most expensive wrist watches, some of which are more expensive than a Ferrari, which some Nigerians may have. 1. The A. Lange & Söhne Grand Complication is from the German luxury watch brand A. Lange & Söhne. Priced at approximately $2,497,000, this grand complication features a grand sonnerie and petit sonnerie in addition to a minute repeater, a monopusher chronograph with a split-seconds function and jumping seconds, and a perpetual calendar with a moon-phase display. According to WatchTime magazine, “it is the most expensive watch we’ve come across in recent years”. 2. Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire, combines a tripartite sapphire case with the Richard Mille’srevolutionary “cabled movement” design, the Tourbillon Sapphire costs $2,020,000. 3. Richard Mille RM 56-01, features a distinctive, all-sapphire glass case, and is priced at $1.85 million. 4. The Greubel Forsey Art Piece 1 is priced at approximately $1.6 million. It’s stand out feature is the nanosculpture by artist Willard Wigan in the crown. It also has an inclined tourbillon. 5. Vacheron Constantin’s Tour de I’Ile was produced as a limited edition of only seven pieces to celebrate the brand’s 250th anniversary. It has two faces (on the front and back) to make room for its many displays, including a second time zone, perpetual calendar, and sunset time indicator, among others. Priced at $1,538,160, it may be the most complicated serial timepiece on the list of watches over $1 million. 6. Jaeger-LeCoulture Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie is retailed at $ 1,474,070. The watch boasts 1,300 parts, which make it capable of playing the entire Big Ben chiming sequence. According to WatchTime it was released in 2009 as part of the Hybris Mechanica 55 trilogy, a trio of very expensive watches that comprised 55 complications altogether. 7. The Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Quatuor. Its case is made entirely of silicon, and a material with half the weight of titanium and four times the hardness. The Excalibur Quatour equipped with the RD101 movement, is notable for its four sprung balances, which work in pairs to compensate for the effects of gravity much faster than a tourbillon would, resulting in a more accurate watch. It is priced at approximately $1,125,000. 8. The Hublot Classic Fusion Haute Joaillerie “$1 Million,” is limited to only eight pieces. Its $1 million price tag comes with the 1,185 baguette diamonds covering every surface of the watch, from the case and bracelet to the open-worked dial. For the case alone, a 15-person team had to perform 1,800 hours of cutting and 200 hours of dimensional checking and quality control. 9. Patek Philippe REF 5016P costs $762,000. Rounding out the Patek trinity is the Ref 5016P (where the P stands for platinum). This watch is the second most complicated that Patek has produced. The problem with watches of this caliber is the need for adjustments, but Patek has an app for that. If you keep this moon-phase, perpetual calendar, retrograde behemoth running continuously it won’t need adjusting until 2100. Cool Material thinks it is something that your children’s children’s children will most certainly appreciate. 10. The AP Royal Oak Grande Complication is priced at $560,000. Audemars Piquet (AP) grande complication has a perpetual calendar accurate until long after you will no longer be alive. It has a lot of the same complications as the other watches (minute repeater, split seconds chronograph, aforementioned perpetual calendar) but presents them in a way that doesn’t require a thousand page instruction manual just to read. Additional information gotten from:

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/10-most-expensive-wrist-watches-nigerians-

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By Sola Ogundipe AT least 1.4 billion Facebook members have been predicted to die before 2100, as a result of which dead members on the social media platform could outnumber the living members by 2070. A new analysis conducted by researchers from the Oxford Internet Institute (part of the University of Oxford, England) said the dead may outnumber the living on Facebook within 50 years – a trend that it said will have grave implications for the world’s digital heritage in the future. From their analysis, the researchers said if Facebook continues to expand at current rates, the number of deceased members could reach as high as 4.9 billion before the end of the century. With an estimated 2.32 billion monthly active users as of the fourth quarter of 2018, Facebook is currently rated the world’s largest social network. The predictions are based on data from the UN, which provide the expected number of mortalities and total populations for every country in the world distributed by age, and Facebook data scraped from the company’s Audience Insights feature. Nigeria is ranked as African’s highest internet using country, making up 27.4 percent of the continent’s total usage. According to statcounter GlobalStats, Nigeria had 79.25 percent Facebook users between March 2018 and March 2019. Statistics also predict that the number of Facebook users in Nigeria is expected to reach 30.4 million, up from 22.4 million in 2018. Lead author of the analysis, Carl Ohman, a doctoral candidate at the Oxford Internet Institute said the statistics give rise to new and difficult questions around who has the right to all this data, how should it be managed in the best interests of the families and friends of the deceased and its use by future historians to understand the past. “On a societal level, we have just begun asking these questions and we have a long way to go. The management of our digital remains will eventually affect everyone who uses social media, since all of us will one day pass away and leave our data behind. “But the totality of the deceased user profiles also amounts to something larger than the sum of its parts. It is, or will at least become, part of our global digital heritage,” Ohman stated. “Co-author of the study, David Watson, also a DPhil student at the Institute explained: “Never before in history has such a vast archive of human behaviour and culture been assembled in one place. Controlling this archive will, in a sense, be to control our history. “It is therefore important that we ensure that access to these historical data is not limited to a single for-profit firm. It is also important to make sure that future generations can use our digital heritage to understand their history.” Ohman said the analysis sets up two potential extreme scenarios, arguing that the future trend will fall somewhere in between. “The first scenario assumes that no new users join Facebook as of 2018. Under these conditions, Asia’s share of dead users increases rapidly to account for nearly 44 percent of the total by the end of the century. “Nearly half of those profiles come from India and Indonesia, which together account for just under 279 million Facebook mortalities by 2100. “The second scenario assumes that Facebook continues to grow by its current rate of 13 percent globally, every year, until each market reaches saturation.” Ohman stated that under these conditions, Africa will make up a growing share of dead users. “Nigeria, in particular, becomes a major hub in this scenario, accounting for over 6 percent of the total. By contrast, Western users will account for only a minority of users, with only the US making the top 10. “The results should be interpreted not as a prediction of the future, but as a commentary on the current development, and an opportunity to shape what future we are headed towards. “But this has no bearing on our larger point that critical discussion of online death and its macroscopic implications is urgently needed. Facebook is merely an example of what awaits any platform with similar connectivity and global reach,” Ohman explained. Watson added: “Facebook should invite historians, archivists, archaeologists and ethicists to participate in the process of curating the vast volume of accumulated data that we leave behind as we pass away. “This is not just about finding solutions that will be sustainable for the next couple of years, but possibly for many decades ahead.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/1-4b-facebook-members-predicted-to-die-

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The English Premier League (EPL) season will restart on June 17, the BBC is reporting. AllNews understands that a spokesman for the Premier League, which halted play in March, declined to comment as the meeting of 20 club officials was ongoing. Outstanding matches: Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal are the two matches expected to take the lead. A full fixture list would then be played on the weekend of 19-21 June. It is understood all have agreed in principle. There are 92 fixtures still to play. So far, 12 people have tested positive for coronavirus after 2,752 tests across the league. Premier League players and staff will continue to be tested twice a week, with the capacity increased from 50 to 60 tests per club for the fourth round of testing. Liverpool currently sits 25 points clear at the top of the EPL table while Bournemouth, Aston Villa, and Norwich City are in the relegation places. The Anfield club, chasing a first league title in 30 years, could clinch it with victory in their first game back should second-placed Manchester City lose to Arsenal.

https://allnews.ng/news/epl-date-finally-set-for-premier-league-restart

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2022 Cartoons, A Year In Review Cartoon published 12/26/2022 We at GrrrGraphics (Tina and Ben) have drawn quite a few cartoons in 2022. Some were home runs, some were base hits, while a few others were strike outs. We try to keep the strike outs to a minimum, but the news is always changing and sometimes we don’t get things quite right. For example, I drew Zelensky in a suit in one cartoon and later I discovered the man prefers green t-shirts. He even showed up in front of Congress wearing one. Fortunately the Ukrainian con man has plenty of pockets, into which he receives an endless supply of our tax dollars. Anyway, we try to do our best with short time frames to keep our cartoons fresh and newsworthy. It’s best not to dwell on past failures, but rather we anticipate future success, which is made possible by our supporters and those who help us gain reach with our cartoons—especially after we were banned by Twitter and Facebook. Here’s a collection of 16 cartoons that sum up the year 2022: First row, from left to right: • Biden crashed his bike in June, but it’s symbolic of his entire presidency. Instead of a bike, Biden seems determined to crash America and he has made great progress including wide open borders, collapsing the economy through ‘green’ spending that sparked massive inflation, the transitioning agenda and gay-ification pushed on young children in school, the pervasive ‘woke-ism’ being spread everywhere including our military, and ultimately…his push for nuclear war with Russia. Biden is rolling with quite a few broken spokes. • Anthony Fauci said he’s retiring at the end of 2022, but it’s doubtful the medial megalomaniacal sadist will give up the limelight. He wants to be worshipped as the epitome of science even though he has killed millions and profited by it. Not to mention the beagles he helped torture. • Too many smart people listened to Fauci and the medical industrial complex and accepted a rushed out, ‘emergency’ gene therapy jab. It was based on lies and it cost lives. Many arrogantly bragged about getting the so-called ‘vaccination’ along with the boosters and they are now regretting it. One of those was Scott Adams, the creator of “Dilbert.”I decided to draw this featured parody cartoon. In 2022, it was confirmed that the jabs did not prevent Covid, did not stop the spread of Covid, and in fact harmed a great many recipients with severe side effects including blood clots and myocarditis. Many continue to ‘drop dead.’ • A young fanatic who claims science is on her side is Greta Thunberg. Now that she’s aging, the novelty of her climate change exhortations have worn thin. The polar bears aren’t dying. The ice caps are not melting and the seas aren’t engulfing cities. The sun is the biggest driver of climate change, yet the ruling class who controls Greta never mentions it. How dare they! • The anti-science ‘transitioning’ craze was greatly pushed by Biden and his string pullers, and they even applied it to cars. They want us to transition from internal combustion engines to electronic vehicles or “EVs” in order to help save the planet. The problem there is a battery-driven vehicle has very limited range and it requires a vast amount of pollution to produce the batteries. Disposing of the batteries is also ‘problematic.’ • Too many corporations, including candy makers, are pushing the ‘woke’ agenda, which might be called the ‘wreck’ agenda — as in wrecking our history, pulling down statues, dividing everyone along racial lines, and destroying American culture. No white chocolate M & Ms! That would be ‘racist!’ • By invading the corrupt globalist whorehouse known as Ukraine, Putin tossed a monkey wrench into the globalists’ plans, thus bending their gears and agenda of bringing about a ‘great reset.’ Since Putin also tied the ruble to gold, let’s make that a golden monkey wrench. The ruling elite can’t stand it when they can’t control countries with their debt dollar—hence their use of the US and NATO to escalate the war. • The FBI has joined historical security arms such as the Gestapo and KGB by becoming the enforcers—the muscle—of the Democrat Party and the Globalist Deep State Swamp. • Early in 2022, Canadians finally pushed back against the tyrant Trudeau by conducting a massive trucker strike in Ottawa. They protested Trudeau’s vaccine mandate as well as the rest of the Covid claptrap, so the ruling class decided to freeze and seize the truckers’ bank accounts. That’s why the globalists want to implement CBDCs. A digital currency can be tracked and cut off. Any slave disagreeing with the very top of the pyramid can have their money stolen in a flash. They want obedient slaves, not protestors. • One of the biggest ongoing stories of the year was Elon Musk taking over Twitter. We then got to see just how corrupt the company really was. It was infiltrated by FBI ‘glowies’ who closed down conservative voices. The Uniparty in Congress is rewarding the FBI by giving them raises and buying them new headquarters. • We all know the manikin in-chief, sleepy Joe Biden, is nothing but an ice cream licking, stumbling, mumbling, doddering, sniffing figurehead. The real captain is the Deep State Shadow Government. We are getting wheeled toward their destination of of tyranny, also known as neo-feudalism. • Nancy Pelosi is fueled by her furious hatred of Donald Trump. Like her husband, she’s fond of drinking—but she’s even more fond of power. She has abused that power by helping set up a trap on January 6, which resulted in hundreds of innocent paraders getting sent to a brutal prison without due process. She’s drunk on power. Pelosi and her hammering husband Paul, got rich from government. Nancy is a good reason why we must have term limits. • Speaking of drinking, here is Pelosi’s baby boy, Zelensky, getting as much bottle as he needs. At the time Tina drew this the Ukrainian shake-down artist had already taken us for $40 billion. Now it’s over $100 billion with no end in sight. Burp! • Meanwhile Pelosi’s rigged January 6 Committee failed to bring up the biggest loudmouth at the Capitol protest: Ray Epps. He was an obvious FBI plant and many called him out on it at the time. He directed traffic and used a bullhorn to urge people ‘in’ to the Capitol. He is now protected by the FBI in Arizona. Remember, the FBI are like roaches—where you see one you can bet there are many more on the scene. Their main job nowadays is entrapping conservative Americans and putting them in jail. • The Sam Bankman-Fried situation eclipses all other financial scandals. It’s bigger than Bernie Madoff or Enron. The young man lost billions of dollars and abused the trust of investors. Here we show him rising from the financial sewer along with rats who benefited from his ‘donations.’ One of those rats is Zelensky. Money was sent to Ukraine and was laundered by them and sent back to American rat holes. • The January 6 Committee heard testimony about Trump trying to take the limousine wheel and steer the vehicle toward the Capitol. It was ridiculous hearsay and no way based in fact. It didn’t happen, but can Trump take the wheel away from Biden in 2024? That remains to be seen. If our elections aren’t fixed, then we can expect Biden and his operatives to steal the presidential race once again. — The GrrrTeam or join us at The Garrison! The ‘Drain The Swamp’ Signed Prints Bundle! Two Prints for a big savings! Order your Ben Garrison Signed Prints today!

https://grrrgraphics.com/2022-cartoons-

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October 16, 2023 by Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja Busted: Atiku signed 1973 ‘Sadiq’ WAEC affidavit in court on a Saturday August 18, 1973, the date Vice President Atiku Abubakar claimed to have signed an affidavit in court claiming to be the same person as Sadiq Abubakar has turned out to be a Saturday. From time immemorial, courts in Nigeria do not open for business on Saturdays and Sundays, being work-free days in the country. In the said affidavit, Atiku had sworn to an oath that he sat for the West African School Certificate Examination (WAEC) in 1965 as Sadiq Abubakar but that he later changed his name to Atiku Abubakar. The revelation may have confirmed accusations that the said Sadiq Abubakar might be an entirely different person from Atiku Abubakar. Atiku had, in a public statement on Sunday, October 10, 2023, insisted that he was the same person as Sadiq Abubakar who sat for WAEC in 1965. Atiku’s Media Adviser, Mr Paul Ibe in a statement, said among others, that: “It is on record that the change of name of the former Vice President reverting to Atiku Abubakar from Siddiq Abubakar is well documented in an affidavit dated 18th of August 1973, spanning over a period of 50 years.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/busted-atiku-signed-1973-sadiq-waec-affidavit-

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16th January, 2023 The presenters at Arise TV got on the nerves of Festus Keyamo on Monday after the spokesperson for the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress was questioned on the health status of Bola Tinubu. When asked to speak on the health status of Tinubu, Keyamo rubbished the question with the claim that it was a strategy by the opposition and some media houses to tarnish the image of his candidate. Keyamo who was not happy with the mode of questioning added that there was no evidence to the contrary that Tinubu has health issues and such a question should not have been asked. The minister said: “No matter how much they report it, the opposition and a section of the press, no matter how much they parrot it, the fact remains that there is no evidence to the contrary that my candidate has health issues. The strategy has been to repeat a lie a thousand times until that lie sticks out as the truth. As I speak to you, in the last few weeks, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been more active on the campaign trail than any other candidate. Now this program opens and the first thing you asked me is about health, it is just the strategy of the opposition.” When told that there are clips of Tinubu’s gaffes on the internet, Keyamo said the errors were not limited to only the APC candidate. He said Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have also had their share of gaffes while speaking to Nigeria and therefore Tinubu’s gaffes should not be considered a big deal. “I have not seen anything happened that has not happened to other candidates. Slips of tongues here and there. It has happened to Atiku, it has happened to Obi and his running mate, it has happened to the spokespersons. The PDP spokespersons and the candidate have asked Nigerians to vote for APC even far more than the APC people. However, Keyamo got angrier when an Arise TV reporter alleged that Tinubu was rushed off stage in Minna. Responding to the comments, Keyamo accused Arise TV of committing tyranny of the microphone. He said: “You just sit behind the microphone and make profound statements. For example, you said my candidate was rushed off the stage in Minna, that is not true. How can you stay there and make such a statement and it is not true. Show the clips to Nigerians. You are a television station, show the clip, there was nothing like that. After the event in Minna, he went to commission different project. I demand an apology for that.”

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/01/16/festus-

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to meet the demand of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to pay their backlog of salaries if he is elected president. Though the union embarked on an eight-month strike which ended in October, it has since been at loggerheads with the Federal Government over unpaid salaries, arguing that its members will make up for the lost time in the classroom. However, Atiku gave the academics an assurance of clearing the backlog during his appearance at The People’s Townhall organised by Channels Television in Abuja on Saturday. “I’m going to increase the funding level (of education) as against what is currently obtained, no doubt about that because I am a firm and committed believer in education. “I have undertaken to say, ‘Whatever backlog – we are going to clear all the backlogs and make sure that you go back to classes and students go back to school,” he said. The former vice president acknowledged the “sometimes invisible roadblocks,” explaining that when the Federal Government releases money for the universities, it does not go straight to the universities. According to him, the funds are channelled through “another federal bureaucracy” that “might decide to do whatever they want” before the monies are sent to the individual universities. “Why not remove the bottleneck?” he asked. “Whatever is due to university A, B, C, D, send it directly!” The PDP candidate recalled an experience during his tenure as vice president between 1999 and 2007, where according to him, a visit to several embassies revealed that “all the staff” were not owed for “several months.” “I even visited Togo which is the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Every West African country has a building and staff quarters as poor as they may be, and Nigeria didn’t have, a founding member of ECOWAS,” he said. “I came back and called the minister of finance and said, ‘What is happening? Let’s do something different.’ She said, ‘What?’ ‘Let’s ask every embassy to give us their budget. “And when they give us their budget, we don’t send the money through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), we send the money straight to the embassies.’ That immediately eliminated the backlog of all the salaries that they were owing to our staff abroad.” But, according to Atiku, the ministry was not pleased. “They (MFA) kept on fighting. So, sometimes you have to really be bold enough to change some of the processes or procedures that are currently obtained in the public service to get service delivered to where they should be delivered,” he said. “I was told of a story where, of course, some funding for universities was stalled at the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC): ‘NUC, what do you want to operate?’ (This) much. ‘Universities, where do you want to operate?’ (This) much.’ You give them directly. Why do you have to go through NUC? “As I’ve said, I’ve pledged to increase the funding of education as far as our budget is concerned. Sadly, we are not even meeting our counterparts in West Africa. They may be poorer than we are, but we are not spending as much, as far as the educational sector is concerned.”

https://www.channelstv.com/2022/12/11/i-will-clear-ASUU-salary-

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Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has escaped an attack by thugs at All Progressives Congress (APC) zonal rally at Gashua, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area. The APC supporters who converged for a zonal rally at Gashua play ground in their thousands chanted “Ba ma son Mai Mala Buni” meaning we do not want Mai Mala Buni. The pandemonium started when the Governor was about hand to over APC flags to candidates ahead of the 2023 general elections and suddenly the thugs started throwing sands and objects. The governor had to be whisked away with the help of his security aides. Earlier, the Senate President Ahmed Lawan who spoke in Hausa language thanked his Supporters for standing behind him while representing them at the National Assembly. The unhealthy situation forced the Governor and his supporters to un-ceremonially to find their way back to Damaturu the state capital.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/12/governor-buni-escapes-attack-at-apc-

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By Yetunde Arebi In recent times, ‘plate licking’ has become a common pick up line by men to lure women into their beds. Once the initial ice of toasting has been melted, the promise of good, pleasurable sex, targeted at throwing the woman into a haze of sexual fantasies and longing follows. He begins to bombard her with stories about his sexual prowess, the size of his instrument and the magic he can spin between the sheets. With full hindsight of the challenges most women (research estimates about 85 percent) have with achieving orgasm during sex, the thirst for adventure as well as other stringent factors may eventually work in his favour. Indeed, many middle-aged to older partners have added plate licking as part of their play leading to sex, or a major part of oral sex. That is besides the teeming number of young people who engage in oral sex as a decoy to penetrative sex. Olabisi, single and in her late 50s recently shared the fact that she is “done with indulging men and their shenanigans when it comes to sex. If you must get in there, you must be ready to lick my plate to my satisfaction first”, she revealed to us during a discussion. According to her, it’s about the only sexual act that gives her full pleasurable satisfaction now. Lizzy had a different opinion though, as she gave a vivid narration of how she finds it rather nauseous to have to kiss a mouth that had just gone to work ‘down below’. Just in case you are lost, plate licking, also known as muff diving, head, cunnilingus, sucking or licking out, is a form of oral sex where the mouth is used to stimulate the sex organs, genital areas or anus of a partner. Many who engage in it often allude to the almost indescribable pleasures they derive from it. Many others, especially young people, think it is a safe way to achieve sexual satisfaction without the burden of conception, nor guilt of defiling their virginity. Once you can get past the idea of having someone’s raw flesh in your mouth like a cannibal, then you are good to go. Besides the intense pleasure, many believe that the chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections are much lower with oral sex than when one engages in penetrative sex. Thus, you are most likely to see partners go down on each other without protection only to now struggle into one for intercourse. The truth is that you might in fact lbe hastening your way to the grave faster by getting infected up and down, top to bottom, mouth and genital. If your partner has an STD such as Syphilis, Chlamydia, Ecoli, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and you rummage down there, you are very likely to come up with any of these infections. You also stand a chance of passing the same to your partner’s mouth through the kiss of death, literally, perchance they have a mouth or gum sore, or bleeding gum. HPV, (a major cause of cervical cancer in women) often found in men can be transmitted to the mouth causing oral cancer. In a report published by The Guardian Newspaper in June 2013, American actor, Michael Douglas revealed his throat cancer diagnosis might have been caused by giving head. According to him, “without wanting to get specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), which actually comes from cunnilingus.” Tennis star Martina Navratilova was also diagnosed with two cancers, breast and throat, the latter caused by HPV. Because many STIs are asymptomatic, an infected partner may not even know he/she is a carrier, thereby posing a danger for all sexual partners. Before you start licking plates or giving heads, be sure to take your precautions. Use the condom or dental dams over the genitals. Where the dental dam is not readily available for the woman, you may cut open a condom and spread it over your genital for protection. While abstinence is the only guaranteed safety measure to prevent STIs, staying in a long term relationship devoid of infidelity with a negative partner is most important. Finally, do you know that oral sex is almost as old as the history of mankind, and not the rave of our time as you might be tempted to think? While it was regarded as taboo in most societies, for some it was part of a dark entertainment performed by women to the delight of male onlookers, or a stamp of class discrimination or punishment. In old Roman societies, only the rich and powerful could have the lowly, bend over or get on their knees. Caution is the word! Do have a wonderful weekend! Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/just-

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May 1, 2020 by The Nation 204 arrested for not wearing face masks in Niger From Justina Asishana, Minna Over 216 people have been arrested and convicted for violating lockdown order in Niger State. Twelve out of the 216 were discharged. Majority of the offences involved not wearing face masks while others were driving vehicles during the lockdown, organising social events, conveying passengers during the lockdown, and carrying more than the prescribed numbers of passengers required. Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said those convicted were given varying degrees of sanctions, including six months imprisonment or fine.

https://thenationonlineng.net/204-arrested-for-not-wearing-face-masks-in-

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Chief Edwin Clark By Emma Amaize, ASABA South South Leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has said it would be erroneous for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, to authorise zoning of 2023 governorship at the next caucus meeting in Asaba. Clark, who spoke to Vanguard on phone, asserted: “It will be wrong for Delta PDP to ratify zoning at their next caucus meeting. Any decision to zone must be discussed first before you say it is your turn. Why are they putting the cart before the horse? “If they know every zone has violated senatorial zoning in the state, let us sit down and say now that all the three senatorial zones have got it, which of the zones should now have it. That is how it should be done. “After Delta Central senatorial district, it will come to this or after Delta South senatorial district, it will come to this and after Delta North senatorial district, it will come to that. Or you can say, okay, like osusu (traditional money collection system), now that we have finished this round, let the North start. It does not mean that if Governor Ifeanyi Okowa goes, it cannot start from the North again. If it is by osusu way that is way it should happen? “Was there any meeting when it was decided that Urhobos should start the rotation on senatorial basis or Urhobos are using their majority in the PDP caucus and knowledge to want to impose their wish on other Deltans. “If it is so, what are we in the South-South part of the country generally fighting the North for? We are saying that they cannot use their population and education to oppress the minority. “What the Ijaws are saying is that we are in minority, our area is peculiar to other areas. The Urhobos have only the Urhobos in Delta Central, the Aniomas have only the Igbo-speaking people in Delta North, but in Delta South, you have the Isokos, the Ijaws and the Itsekiris and for anybody to say that you cannot zone, according to ethnicity, can you do anything in Delta state without saying that you are doing it on ethnicity. “So if you saying that cultural dance troupes should be invited, are you going to invite only Itsekiri dancers from Delta South, leave Ijaw and Isoko and you take Urhobo, take Anioma, will it work in the state? So every situation requires a particular solution, we have five ethnic nationalities in the state. Everything has been done on that, not based on senatorial zones. So if three of them have got it, other two are saying that we want to have it,” he said. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/02/delta-2023-itll-be-wrong-for-pdp-to-

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October 26, 2021 by The Nation JAMB stops varsities, others from running distance learning, part-time programmes Universities and other tertiary institutions running degree programmes can no longer admit candidates on their sandwich, distance learning, part-time and other programmes directly, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said. The board also said it had cancelled the regularisation of “backdoor admissions” conducted by higher institutions, going forward. It directed that said henceforth, all admissions into various programmes in tertiary institutions must be processed through JAMB, warning institutions not to flout the new rule. JAMB announced the new advisory in its weekly news bulletin released yesterday in Abuja by its Head of Media and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin. “The JAMB would no longer condone any illegal/ irregular admission by any institution,” the board warned. The bulletin reads: “The advisory further made it clear that the new hardline position taken by the board was informed by the quantum of applications received from candidates for condoning illegal admissions, popularly known by candidates as ‘Regularisation’. “…Such ignoble acts would no longer be tolerated by the board. “The advisory further reiterated that all applications for admissions to first degree, National Diploma (ND), National Innovation Diploma and the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) into full-time, Distance Learning, part-time, outreach, sandwich, among others, must be processed only through the JAMB. “Consequently, institutions which are still involved in advertising or selling ‘application forms’ for admissions into the programmes listed above were advised to desist forthwith. “The advisory, therefore, enjoined institutions to advise their candidates to apply to them through the JAMB, adding that duplication of application forms is also not allowed. “On the other hand, candidates are to ensure that any admission issued to them by any institution is routed through the board, even before considering to accept such offers. “The advisory stated that the board would not succumb to pressure from any quarter to clear any candidate for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or other essential needs if he/she had accepted any admission from any institution which did not follow laid-down regulations, as emphasised above. “The JAMB and the three regulatory agencies: the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) will ensure that all tertiary institutions comply with this policy directive. “Other professional regulatory agencies are also expected to play critical roles in sanitising the process. In the same vein, the board restated the need to streamline academic standards and maintained that the duration of all Non-full time studies must be maintained as approved by the regulatory agencies.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/jamb-stops-varsities-others-from-

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The Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal has struck out the Labour Party and its candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, from the petition of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor, against the recent governorship election. Jandor is challenging the return of Babajide SanwoOlu and Obafemi Hamzat in the March 18 governorship election in Lagos State. Shortly after the announcement of appearances by all lawyers and parties in the case at Monday’s proceeding, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Arum Ashom, announced that the court would first deliver judgment in the case of the PDP & its candidate before giving its judgment in the petition of the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. Justice Ashom also yielded the floor to his brother judge, Justice Mikail Abdullahi to read the judgment on behalf of the panel. The third judge on the panel is Justice Igho Braimoh. The tribunal, in its judgment read by Justice Abdullahi, first dwelt on the preliminary objections filed by the parties. The first objection taken is whether the 3rd Respondent, the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Obafemi Hamzat is a separate and distinct candidate from the 2nd respondent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The tribunal was also asked to determine whether the deputy governor could be listed as a respondent in the petition. The Tribunal noted that this issue has been decided in a number of cases and went on to hold that a deputy governor and governor are not separate candidates and they are not required to pay a separate security deposit. In the second objection, the tribunal was asked to decide whether a person who lost an election could be joined as a respondent in an election petition. Jandor had joined the Candidate of the Labour Party, Rhodes-Vivour as a respondent in his petition. Citing a list of decided cases, the tribunal agreed that a petition is contemplated to be filed between the winner and the loser of an election and not between two persons who lost. The tribunal therefore upheld the preliminary objection and subsequently struck out the name of the 5th respondent, Rhodes-Vivour from the petition filed by Jandor. The tribunal also expunged from its records all exhibits tendered in evidence by Rhodes-Vivour in the petition filed by Jandor. The tribunal went on to hold that Rhodes-Vivour cannot subsequently go on to challenge any part of the judgment of the Jandor’s petition or else he becomes a meddlesome interloper. In a similar vein, the Tribunal held that the 6th respondent, the Labour Party ought not to have made a respondent in Jandor & the PDP’s petition. The name of the party was subsequently struck out for being improperly joined. All evidence and exhibits concerning the party were also expunged from the tribunal’s records. The Tribunal however disagreed with the objections made by the APC & its candidate that the Mis joinder of the LP & its candidate was a ground for striking out the petition. The tribunal held, “That the 5th & 6th respondent ought not to have been made respondents to the petition cannot rob the tribunal of the jurisdiction to hear the parties. The question of misjoinder cannot lead to a striking out of the petition as the proper order to make is to strike out the names of the parties”. “Already the name of the 5th respondent has been struck out and the 6th respondent who has been found to be improperly joined is also ordered to be struck out”. Hearing of the judgment is still underway as of the time of filing this report.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/09/25/tribunal-strikes-out-rhodes-

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The former vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has asked the Federal Government to allow states to operate their regional security system. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Newsnight, Obi said the move would help curb the myriads of security challenges the country faces. “Allow some region-like state security system to function. The government has to come out genuinely to tackle the issue of security of lives and properties by investing in them,” he said. “I served as a governor and when I found out that we had a security issue, I decided that every community in Anambra State must have their own security outfit funded and supported by the government. “If you go to Anambra State, every community has a pickup for security. In fact, some own two or three. A community like Nnewi owns four or five because it is critical.” For Nigeria to surmount the several challenges and become better, Obi said the nation needs to restructure. He explained that his call for the nation’s restructuring is imperative because it appears the systems that have been operated over times isn’t producing the needed result. When asked what should be done to prevent further loss of lives in the country, the PDP chieftain reiterated his call for regional security architecture. He explained that for the citizens to be safe, communities should have a network that will effectively guarantee their security, noting that it is the best approach. “Just support every community, let governments of the states support every community. There is no better protection or security you can have within a community than those communities being in charge of their own security because they know the criminals. “They know those who are foreigners in their community, so it is very easy. You can’t come to my village and provide a better community than my villagers,” he added.

https://www.channelstv.com/2021/03/01/insecurity-allow-regional-security-

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…As Kaduna Traders reiterate support for APC By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo Thousands of decampees from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and vowed to ensure the success of Senator Uba Sani and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the forthcoming general elections in 2023. Senator Uba Sani representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District and Kaduna State APC Governorship Candidate, expressed that his bid for the Kashim Ibrahim House has received a major boost at the weekend. He said the Arewa Traders Association in collaboration with the Kaduna State Traders Association from all 23 local governments across the state unanimously declared their support for his candidacy, that of their Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State. “While making my speech at the event, I thanked the association for coming together to declare their support for my candidacy and the APC in Kaduna State,” he said. “I touched on my efforts as a Senator representing Kaduna Central and as Chairman, Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions where I facilitated CBN interventions to assist over 12,000 households and SMEs with grants/loans to boost their businesses following the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.” “In order to complement the efforts of the state government who have already constructed ultra-modern markets, I supported a number of underprivileged traders with the sum of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000) that will help them secure the 10% equity to own shops in the markets across the state,”he said. Uba Sani explained further that while assuring the traders of his commitment to consolidating the efforts of the present administration in boosting the economy of Kaduna state, he pledged to continue to facilitate soft loans to assist more traders who are in need of business capital. “Different speakers took turns to express their readiness for the journey ahead in ensuring the success of our great party. I also joined other party officials in receiving thousands of decampees from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/09/over-1000-pdp-

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13th August, 2021 Nigeria’s Obiorah Ekwelarat has been arrested with 313.5 grams of cocaine, heroin and MDMA in Mumbai, India. He was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai, India on Thursday night. He was caught with approximately 254 grams of heroin, 52 grams of MDMA and 7.5 grams of cocaine worth over Rs 1 crore in the illicit market. Ekwelarat was reportedly arrested from Mankhurd during an NCB raid in a swampy area near the railway tracks. The NCB said one of its officials sustained a head injury during he operation. According to The Indian Express, the team arrested Ekwelarat from the back-end of the power house in the area and also seized the drugs, while other members of his gang managed to flee using the terrain and darkness to their advantage. The NCB stated that in the melee, the gangsters also attacked the officials using weapons, stones and a machete, saying that one of the team members suffered a head injury while four others suffered superficial injuries. It was learnt that the board had been gathering intelligence on the dreaded gang comprising four to five foreign nationals who dealt in drugs and catered to a large number of peddlers in Mumbai City and its suburbs.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/08/13/nigerias-obiorah-ekwelarat-arrested-with-

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16th September, 2022 The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and other leaders of the party has appointed Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike into the 2023 Presidential Election Campaign Council of the party. However, Wike was not given any juicy or influential position in the council. While Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, was appointed as Director General of the council, Wike who has been demanding the resignation of the National Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, is just a member of the council. Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state was appointed as the Chairman Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). Others are Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) PCC Vice Chairman North and Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Vice Chairman South. Among members of the 326-member Campaign Team are Senator Liyel Imoke, Deputy Director General operations, Prof Adewale Oladipo, Deputy Director General Administration, Chief Raymond Dokpehsi, Deputy Director General Technical and Systems and Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, Deputy Director General Research and Strategy. The list consists of the names of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, serving as well as former State Governors of the party, former Ministers who are still members of the PDP, and members of the Board of Trustees among others. Senators David Mark, Bukola Saraki, Pius Ayim; former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwerenmadu also made the list. All the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors are also members of the committee. According to the National Organizing Secretary of the party, Umar Mohammed Bature, all the members will be inaugurated on September 28, 2022. However, the spotlight is now on what will be the reaction of Wike who missed out on the presidential and vice-presidential slots of the PDP and is now appointed as just a member of the presidential council, a position he got because he is a governor on the platform of the party. Wike had been at loggerheads with Atiku. The Rivers governor wants Ayu gone. According to the governor, after the PDP Presidential Primary election, Atiku told him Ayu must go because a party can not have both presidential candidate and National Chairman from the North. With Ayu yet to resign, Wike claims he can no longer trust Atiku and Ayu who have failed to do as they said. According to him, if PDP cannot restructure itself, it can not restructure Nigeria come 2023.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/09/16/2023-atiku-

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Dr. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment Says Buhari has done more for S/East than PDP did in 16 years Speaks about 2023 elections BY VINCENT UJUMADU MINISTER of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige is rated high in the South East. His achievement during his tenure as the governor of Anambra State between 2003 and 2006 is still rated high among Anambra people. In this interview, Ngige spoke on the easiest way for the Igbo person to become the president of Nigeria. He also spoke on the Second Niger Bridge, the ongoing repairs at the Akanu Ibiam International Ariport, Enugu, the leadership of APC in the South East and the controversial zoning arrangement for governorship in Anambra State.Excerpts: What stage is the 2nd Niger Bridge now, especially the issue of payment of compensation and toll? The 2nd Niger Bridge is ongoing. The contractor has given an undertaking on his own to deliver the project before the appointed date of 2022 and handover, and I believe them because they’re working day and night. Apart from the little hiccup occasioned by demands for compensation, they’re on schedule. The job is on 45% completion and the fund for the construction is available. That is the good news for the people of the South East. The cost of the bridge from exit route of Delta and South- East , South- South is about N336bn, and the money is available unlike the Obasanjo/Jonathan arrangement when they were trying to look for PPP. But now we’re building the bridge as one of the flagship projects of the Federal Government which are- Lagos/Ibadan, East-West Road, 2nd Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, and Mabilla. Work has started in all these because money is guaranteed. The 2nd Niger Bridge which concerns me and you and people of South-South, South-West and North-Central is on course. It’s a very strategic bridge that links both North, South East, South South, South West. It’s a very cheering news because during the time of PDP, I opposed it in the senate and I had a very serious altercation at the South-East caucus meeting with the then deputy senate president, Ekweremadu and ministry of finance and then SGF Anyim Pius. I blasted them that they had not treated us well. Whereas others were getting bridges that are toll free these people are giving us toll bridge. So the 2nd Niger Bridge is toll free? It is toll free for now. When we are going to toll, we’ll toll all the federal roads and bridges together. So it’s not a question of tolling the bridge to recoup our money. No, we’re going to recoup all; because I’m one of those who believe that the federal roads in the whole of Nigeria should be on toll. As a matter of fact, a lot of roads they call federal roads, I don’t believe they are federal roads. The federal roads are the ones we call trunk A roads that lead to state capitals. The state government should face other roads in their domain and build them like we did when I was the governor working in Anambra. I’m happy President Buhari listens to South -East ministers who are members of Federal Executive Council (FEC) who make tremendous efforts to remind council members that this same 2nd Niger Bridge is like a doyen of all bridges in the southern part of Nigeria. The president, being a listening leader, granted our requests and made that bridge one of the flagship projects of his administration. The same goes for the Enugu International Airport, but only international by name. The facilities were run down; the runway became one of the worst in Africa, according to an Ethiopian Airline pilot who ferried us from Addis Ababa to Enugu in 2018. He told us that this is one of the worst runways in Africa. You can now know it was a deathtrap, the reason the president decided at the FEC to close the airport so as to bring it to standard. He even approved 10bn for the re-furbishing of the runway and the landing and runway lights, a separate contract for arrival and departure terminals are being handled by a Chinese firm. As we speak, the Minister of Aviation has visited the site. From the clip he showed us, work is ongoing with the new contractors working hard to meet the deadline. Why I’m going into all these details is because the people of the South-East always feel they are being marginalized. When you ask them, they say they are not being appointed as SGF or that Ngige is not made Minister of Works, Housing or Power or Health. Why it surprises me is that all those positions they are mentioning were occupied by Igbo people under the PDP government yet nothing spectacular was achieved for the Igbo. Under the PDP era, South-East people had ministers of power, aviation, they got all the appointments in the world, even the ones they gave them from that portfolio were abused. They also became Minister of finance and coordinating Minister of Economy, Okonjo Iwealla, representing Abia. They also headed health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, Stella Odua, Chidoka and Njeze were all in aviation. So I don’t know what they’re talking about. But the good thing again is that we are only one FEC established by section 148 of the 1999 constitution. President and Vice President hold regular meetings with ministers and that session makes us chief advisers to Mr. President. Except for any other person like members of council of states- who are being consulted; members of National Defence Council, they are all on consultations. But in our own case, president meets with us regularly. It is statutory and we review international and domestic policies and efforts and programmes of government. So when people talk, they talk out of ignorance and it pains me that people who should know also join them. There is no programme that comes to FEC that is not discussed passionately by all. The President is so democratic in handling the affairs of the FEC that you will think the ministers are now running parliamentary system of government. So there is excessive democracy under President Muhammadu Buhari; excessive democratization in decision making, and I can attest to that. We practiced that on the issue of 2nd Niger Bridge and he bowed to our pressure and changed the programmme because the ministry of works also supported that the bridge should be funded by the Nigerian government, not waiting for external fund that is nowhere to be seen. I am asking that we be careful the way we castigate the government. I am appealing to South Easterners, my brothers, that unnecessary criticisms that are not constructive will not lead us anywhere. Criticisms that are constructive are welcome by any government and this government is not averse to such. When you criticize us, give us an alternative, your own view, solution to what you are suggesting and it will be done. It has been done many times by this government. The point I am making is that the South-East is getting her fair deal, forget about appointments. People like big appointment for ego sake, like -my brother is Chief of Defence Staff. What are you defending? For me, our people should play our politics well, this is a time for us to re-engineer and join other Nigerians in believing that this country is ours and become more patriotic about it, and giving honour and accolades to who it is due and appreciate government or whoever that have done justice to you. We have got our fair share in the areas of infrastructure. I don’t want to delve into the area of flood and erosion control where the president ensured that the South-East gets more than other zones because it is believed and it is true that our soil is prone to gully erosion. So the president recognizes that and gives us priority. You look at our roads; they’re being done. The journey of five hours will now take you one and half hours. Danger areas like Umunya has been done. These are projects undertaken in four years. But the government that stayed 16 years called PDP government didn’t do them; instead, at every election they carry people to 2nd Niger Bridge, Odekpe side. There were rituals, starting from Obasanjo to Yar’adua to Jonathan, they would all go there and take your vote. The last occupant said “first Niger Bridge was built by Azikiwe, the 2nd one will be built by another Azikiwe. But these are things our people want to listen to. Some of us don’t like to listen to such fable and tales. We are too old in this business to listen to tales by moonlight. But people don’t like us for that, but I can’t change my character of saying the truth. What is the situation with the Federal Government’s school feeding because there appears to be a lull? The NSIP is undergoing some re-jigging. A new ministry has been created, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. A lot of people are in that programme and they are civil servants drawn to pilot the affairs. So let us give them up to first quarter of 2020 for the programme to be repackaged so as not to disrupt the ongoing one. But definitely, It is being repackaged because some areas need to be retouched. Same goes with the N-power programme under the same NSIP. They are all being re-jigged. I have no doubt in my mind that we will all benefit more at the end of the day. No system is very perfect. We will support the idea when it comes to the FEC. It is being speculated that you want to come back to Anambra as governor in 2022 and from there contest for the president in 2023. How true is it? Who is telling you that story? It is not correct, I have not discussed the presidency with anybody. The president just assumed his 2nd term in May 2019. He should be allowed to do some work. I am under a government that believes that anyone talking about presidency should talk about it rightfully. By May this year, we will be one year. So I have not discussed the presidency with anybody. I am facing my work as a Minister. But I do know that if the South-East Igbo are interested in the president of Nigeria, they should identify with the ruling party, which is APC of which Mr. President is the leader, the flag bearer and captain. For him, he is facing his work. For those who want to politick, it is too early. But if you want to, go ahead, God bless you, but you’re on your own. It is democracy. But I keep on telling the Igbo that they have to join the train that is moving on smoothly. For them to make impressionable mark they should be ready to be counted; they must start with Anambra, because it is the only state to conduct election in the South-East before the next general election. Igbo must believe in one Nigeria and one sure way of doing that is by voting massively for the APC in 2021 in the Anambra election, knowing full well that the ruling party in the state , APGA has performed abysmally poor and therefore no grounds to ask the people to give them another mandate. The people gave them mandate in 2012 for Peter Obi to do a 2nd term and after that, he brought a successor, Obiano. But the people of the state are now looking at those periods and comparing it with 33 months I held sway as governor. These people’s 12 years plus have not even got to the level of development I had in two years and nine months under my leadership as governor of Anambra State. About coming back as governor, you’re right because people have been approaching me to contest. They say if you are not interested in coming to re-jig the place, give us somebody who you think you have mentored or can vouch for or guarantee that can play this game and administer the state with the template you left. That template, which is the only thing that has not been destroyed, is the regular payment of salary. They said I was non partisan when I was here. I was a neutral religious person because I believe religion is in the mind depending on how you practice yours. I have a work I am doing for now. This is not the right time to talk about politics. I have serious assignment given to me by Mr. President who genuinely loves Nigerians and wants us to leave some indelible footprints. But is the search for the next governor of Anambra going on? Yes, but I will search for a good person. They have said to me, if you don’t consider us as making sense to come and run, please do not forsake us. Search and give us a credible person who will be industrious and adopt the same template you have adopted here. But I’m telling them that they need to come to APC before making all the demands. You don’t stay outside the pitch to score a goal. It is not possible, it’s important they come in. But saying I want to secede, I am a separatist, we want IPOB members to know that, if you continue with that, other Nigerians will be afraid of you because they will believe if they give you that power, you will use it to go for separation. Igbo must show to other Nigerians that they are our brothers. Once they do that, they will be surprised that others will say let’s go to the South-East and pick a president of Igbo extraction. If not for anything else, I know of some Northerners and Westerners who say that whenever South-East is given the slot, they will lay to rest permanently the ghost of the Nigeria civil war; it would have been buried for life. All the acrimony, bitterness, suspicion would have been buried once and for all and I believe that. Do you mean the Igbo should drop the MASSOB and IPOB interest ? I didn’t say so; rather they should not support them, but de-emphasize it. They should lecture them like I was doing when I was the governor. I was lecturing them, giving them food, jobs for those who were not employed and they were happy and selling their currencies which I can’t stop them from doing. Even their flag is a memento, something they use to remember the past. This is my take on that. I’ll be criticized, but I don’t care as far as I’m saying the right thing; we have to agree with Nigeria on the other side. Tell us your take on zoning My take on zoning is very simple. If you go to the Nigerian constitution, you will not see it. But if you go to the political parties, especially the big ones, you will see it. Sometimes, they call it rotation of power along the major ethnic group, along the senatorial zones. They are all in the party constitution. There are even those who don’t have it in their own constitution, but have an unwritten agreement. When we started in the PDP, we didn’t put it in our constitution. But we have it unwritten between the North and South. It was an agreement reached at the caucus meeting and reflected in the minutes. That was how Obasanjo and Alex Ekwueme came out. Abubakar Rimi who came out from the north was told to drop by the party, and he did. But later the constitution talked about rotation. I was one of those who amended the PDP constitution while I was still there as assistant national secretary. Rotation is even a part of the constitution of the Federal Republic; but more explicitly said that in appointments and other things you must reflect the diverse nature of the country in terms of appointment or election, that’s indirectly insisting on balancing. If you come down to Anambra, we have three senatorial zones, but you don’t have any senatorial zone where the people are homogeneous. If you go to the south senatorial district, you have people of Nnewi, Ihiala, Old Aguata Union. If you come to central you have people of Idemili, you have Awka north and south; you have people from Dunukofia whose custom resemble that of Anyamelum Omambala of the north. If you go to the north, you have people of Anyamelum, Omambala. If you come to the centre of the north, you have Onitsha Ado. You go up, you meet Ogbaru, There is no homogeneity. Therefore, we use it as a module for sharing things, including power. In Anambra as we speak today, the people of south have governed the state; we have people like Ojukwu in charge of Biafra, we have Ezeife, who was the pioneer civilian governor. We also have Mbadinuju who was the 3rd republic pioneer governor. You also have people like Etiaba who stood in for nearly one year for Peter Obi. You come to central, you have people like me who did two years nine months and Obi who did eight years though partly interrupted by Etiaba. Go to north, you have Obiano who’s completing his eight years. But some people want to be funny, citing Zik. Ukpabi Asike did for 67-75, eight years. This is the scenario you can’t run away from, there are three situations. It is a truism. So for me, the way Anambra is going now, we need a credible person. We need somebody who can bring Anambra back on track. The state has derailed, the governance system has derailed. You have to look at all these before you talk strictly about zoning. However, because the three zones have tasted it, it will look incongruous if you go and pick another person from the north immediately after governor Obiano. That is my take. Who is the leader of APC in South East because there appears to be a controversy over the issue? Our party constitution doesn’t make any provision for leadership. A leader emerges, people will say who their leader is. We have not sat as a group now to say this is the leader of APC. What we were doing when Okorocha was governor was what we call collegiate leadership. We have Okorocha as the only Governor. We have Ogbonnaya Onu who was former governor and former chairman. You have me, who was the ACN leader and former senator elected on APC platform in the whole of former Eastern Region. So I became the leader automatically. I was also a former governor. So we had a collegiate type of leadership as far as I’m concerned. It doesn’t make any meaning for me that they say I’m the leader. The leadership evolves and naturally that is what it is. The meeting at Ogbonnaya Onu’s house where he was announced leader was not a statutory meeting. It is only statutory members of the zone that can decide that they want to elect a leader. That issue has come up before when Okorocha, as governor of Imo state two years ago brought a former senator and my friend Ken Nnamani and said he was the leader of APC in South East. Of course we told him no. I brought out the party constitution and told him we don’t have to elect anybody because that was not in our agenda and the meeting supported me. So we jettisoned it. Even Nnamani said he was a new entrant into the party, only one week old and he had read the constitution that there’s no place in the constitution where a leader is mentioned. So it’s you people that want to over flog the issue and create chasm among leaders of the party in the zone. I don’t think it is something we need to break our heads over. If you want to summon a meeting, the zonal chairman must be informed. He is the highest person in the party structure. If you want to look at it strictly from the constitution, the zonal chairman is the leader in the zone. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/01/nobody-is-marginalising-you-ngige-tells-

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By Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose Ajegunle, popularly known as AJ City or AJ, is located in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government of Lagos State. The community is known to have produced notable national figures such as Samson Siasia, a former Super Eagles’ coach, and Daddy Showkey, a popular musician. Ajegunle, a word which means “where riches dwells,” is a heterogeneous community with over a million residents who cut across different tribes of the country. Although the community was in the long past known for rascality and hooliganism across the state and beyond, the new millennium ushered in a new dawn in Ajegunle with a new air of peace, security and tolerance. It is saddening however that the last five years have returned the community to a worse state of terror and insecurity. The large number of youth who roam aimlessly on the streets and who sustain livelihood through their daily commitment to atrocities has made Ajegunle a danger zone in recent times. Most scary are the acts of fighting, stealing and vandalising which take place at virtually any time of the day, thereby endangering the lives and property of the residents. This article is an appeal to the government of Lagos State and Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, community leaders and all well-meaning Nigerians to please rise to our plight in the neighbourhood. The preponderance of crimes which regularly result in injuries for those involved in the dastardly acts and many innocent people have made the neighbourhood unsafe for habitation. The sight of teenagers being actively involved in street fights, stealing and vandalisations makes a big worry for the future of the community. As an insider, I propose, among many other solutions, the need to beef up the security of the neighbourhood especially through a close watch on hangouts and pubs. The number of hotels in the neighbourhood which are practically brothels and the unimaginable number of pubs which are found in almost every bus stop and street are evident stimulations of the unwanted situations; hence, the need for the government to see to the undesired increase in the number of such places and to place the existing ones under good surveillance. To be silent on the patronage of these hoodlums by politicians is to make a partial submission to the public. The gangsters are seen with weapons that they definitely could not have procured, especially during electioneering; and this definitely points at a backup from the political class. We urge the leaders to fear for posterity as an unsafe society is a danger for all; the rich and the poor alike. The local government council can call for contributions from the public on how sanity can be returned to the community even if this involves organising a public symposium. A secret consultation with residents, especially landlords and religious leaders, can also help fish out the louts for the purpose of rehabilitating them. Finally, the government, especially at the grassroots level, should seek support from well-meaning Nigerians to embark on organised and regular empowerment programmes for the youth, as of course, the devil finds work for idle hands. God bless AJ! God bless Eko! God bless Naija! Bamgbose is a doctoral student at University of Ibadan. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/when-

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June 2, 2022 by The Nation Arrest VIPs seeking bail for criminals – FCT Minister Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Mohammed Bello, has charged security agencies to arrest anyone who comes to solicit bail for arrested criminals. The Minister who gave the charge on Thursday during the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Communication Team explained this was part of efforts to keep the metropolis safe and free of crimes. Bello also said the revenue generation drive of the FCT is targeted at surpassing that of Lagos State. He informed the Federal Capital City generates more than N200 billion annually. Speaking on curbing crime rate in Abuja, the Minister said the charge to security agencies became more pertinent because there had been reports of some highly-placed individuals who had been known to solicit release of arrested criminal elements. He appealed to residents to expose those involved in freeing such urchins by reporting them to authorities. Mohammed affirmed that the criminal justice system in the territory had challenges as its three correctional facilities are filled to capacities and unable to take in more convicts. According to him, criminals convicted in Abuja courts are being sent to Suleja in Niger State as the territory is proposing what he called a “bolster centre” to accommodate underage convicts. The Minister also noted that his administration has earmarked N1bn to renovate the National Mosque and National Ecumenical Centre to ensure they remain visitable sites in the FCT. He blamed the need for demolition of structures in the territory on the failure of past Ministers to properly carry out their responsibilities. According to him, if agencies had been able to do their jobs, the structures earmarked for demolition would not have sprung up in the first place.

https://thenationonlineng.net/arrest-vips-

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Lyon striker, Alexandre Lacazette is due to arrive in London in the next 48 hours to complete a club-record £52 million move to Arsenal. Talks are at an advanced stage with the 26-year-old finalising personal terms after the two clubs agreed a fee which surpasses the £42.4 million figure the Gunners paid Real Madrid for Mesut Ozil in 2013. Lyon had attempted to drive the price up by leveraging Atletico Madrid’s ongoing interest in Lacazette. The striker had verbally agreed a move to Spain before the court of arbitration for sport upheld a FIFA transfer ban prevented the club signing any players until January. Read Also: John Terry Joins Aston Villa

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Nigerians, from the number one citizen to the grassroots, mourned on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 as the 17 soldiers slain by suspected militants at Okuama in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, were buried at the military cemetery in Abuja. They met their tragic end ostensibly on a “peace mission” amidst an intractable communal conflict between Okuama and its neighbour, Okoloba. Once again, President Bola Tinubu vowed to ensure the culprits are brought to book, while conferring national honours on the departed patriots and unfolding welfare packages for the families. Okuama was definitely not the first place where civilians waylaid and massacred our soldiers and policemen. We have seen it in Odi, Bayelsa State; Zaki-Biam in Benue State, and several other places. On the other hand, we have also seen the military laying heavily and mercilessly into defenceless civilians at the orders of presidents and governors. We saw it at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos State; Sheikh Ibrahim el Zakzaky’s commune in Zaria, Kaduna State and in Aba, Abia State when unarmed pro-Biafra activists were mown down and buried in mass graves. We must pause and ask ourselves: in which other civilised countries do civilians kill their policemen and soldiers except those wracked by terrorism? Definitely, the deliberate killing of soldiers and policemen is an act of terrorism targeting the state and its apparatuses of defence and law enforcement. It is totally unacceptable. Beyond giving the departed befitting burials and making templated speeches, how do we ensure that the people and their defenders/law enforcement agencies work together in the nation’s interest, rather than target each other? The continuation of the anomaly is another sign of system failure, and must be addressed holistically, not one-sidedly. The leadership of this country down the ages must take the primary blame for this cat-and-mouse relationship between the people and their agents of order and public safety. Leaders manipulate and deploy these armed agencies to feather their political nests in the same manner that the departed British colonial masters did. More than 60 years after independence, we have not created a Nigerian, people-centred police or military. These agencies have often been deployed in manners that have stoked sectional hatred, bitterness, alienation, domination, marginalisation and exploitation of the resources of the people. We want a new dispensation whereby Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, regional or political backgrounds will see our police and military forces as our valuable social assets rather than oppressors. After all, they were recruited from among the people, and they will eventually retire back to the people. We need a better partnership. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/okuama-

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By Omoh Gabriel & Babajide Komolafe LAGOS — THE Central Bank (CBN), said in a circular to all banks yesterday that it would lift foreign exchange controls for Nigerian buyers of U.S. dollars from Monday, following a decision by Governor on Tuesday to liberalise the foreign exchange market. The CBN had imposed forex restrictions in January following huge capital flight from the country and replaced the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) to try and stem a sharp decline in the exchange rate of the naira. “The Central Bank of Nigeria hereby re-introduces the Wholesale Dutch Auction System with effect from Monday,†said Batari Musa, Director, CBN Trade and Exchange Department. This is in a bid to stimulate activities in the interbank and stabilise the foreign exchange market.†The CBN initially announced the lifting of forex controls on Tuesday after its first monetary policy meeting under Sanusi. In the circular dated July 8, 2009 entitled: “Revised Guidelines for the Operation of the Foreign Exchange Market: Wholesale Dutch Auction System†the apex bank said “further to the circular Ref: TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/088 of May 22, 2009 on the above subject, the Central Bank of Nigeria hereby re-introduces the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) with effect from Monday 13th July, 2009. This is in a bid to stimulate activities in the inter-bank and stabilize the Foreign Exchange Market. “Consequently, the guidelines for operating the system are as follows: henceforth the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shall intervene in the Foreign Exchange Market through the Wholesale Dutch Auction System. The CBN shall announce on Monday and Wednesday the amount on offer for each auction at 8.30am. Under this system, Authorised Dealers shall submit their bids on Monday and Wednesday, duly signed by two authorised signatories for any particular auction session between 9.00am and 10.30 am on the day of the auction; and b submit bids for no more than three tranches per auction, while the Central Bank of Nigeria reserves the right to reject bids that are deemed to be unrealistic. “The bids should be submitted via Reuters Dealing 3000 Xtra System to the Abuja dealing line. The minimum bid amount by an Authorized Dealer shall be $100,000.00 and the currencies of transaction shall be the Naira and the United States dollar. “The CBN shall announce the result of each Auction by 1.00 pm on the day of auction. Successful bids shall be advised by 2.00 pm on auction day. Authorised Dealers shall ensure that they have adequate naira cover in their current accounts with the CBN. The CBN shall promptly debit the current accounts of banks with the naira equivalent of the foreign exchange purchased, at their bid rates. The CBN shall deliver US Dollars sold to the banks to their CORRESPONDENT BANK ACCOUNT used for WDAS transactions. “The Central Bank of Nigeria shall effect delivery of foreign exchange purchased by each Authorised Dealer within one business day (T+1) after the day of the auction result. A business day shall be defined as a day in which banking business is carried out in Nigeria. Funds purchased from CBN at the Auction shall be used for eligible transactions only, subject to stipulated documentation requirements. Such funds shall be transferable in the inter-bank foreign exchange market. “The CBN may also purchase foreign exchange from Authorised Dealers and other participants such as oil companies, etc at their offer rates. The CBN shall deliver the Naira cover for US Dollar bought from the banks to the banks’ Current Accounts at the CBN. The banks shall deliver US Dollars sold to CBN to the CBN Special foreign Exchange Market FEM, Account with JP Morgan Chase, New York. The rate that clears the market shall be the prevailing exchange rate for the period. Authorised Dealers shall quote two-ways and display in their Banking Halls the buying and selling rates conspicuously. The spread between the buying and selling rates shall not exceed 50 Kobo. The foreign exchange Net Open Position of banks has been increased from 2.5 per cent to 5.0 per cent of shareholders’ funds with effect from July 13, 2009. “Contravention of any of the Foreign Exchange Market regulations shall attract appropriate sanctions as spelt out in the provisions of relevant laws and CBN guidelines. The provisions of this circular supersede the provisions of Sections 1 (a) and 4 of the circular on “Re: Guidelines for the operation of the foreign exchange Market: Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS): Circular Ref: TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/088 of May 22, 2009.†Lamido Sanusi won strong approval from foreign investors when he used his first policy meeting to unveil a root-and-branch reform of the country’s banking system. In its first monetary policy meeting under Sanusi, CBN on Tuesday slashed interest rates by 2 percentage points, lifted foreign exchange controls and guaranteed inter-bank transactions for the next nine months. “There will be no half-measures when it comes to resolving Nigeria’s financial sector problems and supporting growth,†said Razia Khan, Standard Chartered’s head of Africa research. The steps taken on Tuesday, initiated by the new CBN governor who has promised to prioritise the cleanup of the financial sector, are the most promising yet.†Markets did not immediately react to the news on Wednesday as traders digested the long list of changes. Lending rates have not really changed and the interbank rate is still where it was,†said Leke Sule, dealer at Fidelity Bank. “We think maybe tomorrow investors will begin to re-price risk, re-assess the yield curve and re-adjust.†Sanusi, former Managing Director of Nigeria’s First Bank, said bold financial reforms were necessary to enable Central Bank impose effective monetary policy. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/07/cbn-re-introduces-dutch-auction-

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March 28, 2018 by The Nation Court to Abaribe: Produce Kanu or go to jail A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and two others to produce leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, or risk being imprisoned. Justice Binta Nyako stated this at the resumption of proceedings in the case of treasonable felony involving Kanu. Abaribe, who is representing Abia South, Tochukwu Uchendu and a Jewish High Priest, Emmanuel Shallom Ben, signed a N100million bond each on April 25 last year as sureties for Kanu, who was granted bail by the court on health ground. Kanu has since failed to attend subsequent proceedings in the case, and the judge on October 10, 2017, ordered the three sureties to either produce Kanu in court or risk being sent to jail or forfeit the N100m bail bond they endorsed. On February 20, Justice Nyako ordered Abaribe and his co-sureties to either produce Kanu in court in the next adjourned date or show why they should not be imprisoned or forfeit the bail bond. When proceedings resumed on Wednesday, Abaribe and others were present. The prosecuting counsel, Shuaibu Labaran, informed the court that the business of the day was for the sureties to explain why they should not forfeit the bail bond or be imprisoned for failing to produce Kanu in court as ordered.

https://thenationonlineng.net/court-

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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has faulted the announcement of a Muslim-Muslim ticket by the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Lawal, in a note he personally signed on Tuesday, described the decision as a “disastrous error.” Mr Tinubu on Sunday had announced former Borno State Governor, Kassim Shettima, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election. Both men are Muslims. Mr Lawal, who backed Tinubu during the APC presidential primaries, said the choice of Mr Shettima was a sign that the APC presidential candidate has “been cornered by self-serving, hero-worshiping, lapdogs.” “The northern governors and some northern moslem elites must have persuaded him that they will never vote for a ticket that has a northern Christian on it. And he has agreed with them,” Mr Lawal said. “But if he thinks a Moslem-Moslem ticket will win him the northern Muslim votes, he should have a rethink. They will massively vote for one of their sons because it is in their nature to do so. Buhari, their first son will not be on the ballot in 2023. Atiku their second son will be.” Read Mr Babachir’s full note below: I thought I will be able to avoid commenting on the disastrous error by my very good friend, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his choice of a running mate. I will be the very last person to stand in the way of my very good friend Tinubu’s path to the presidency. This is because since 2011 my consuming passion has been for him to succeed Buhari as President of Nigeria. It will not be true if I say that I did not see it coming. I have often read his body language, picked up snippets from several discussions with his lapdogs (some of whom, sadly are Christians but most of whom are moslems) and I have conveyed my reservations to them against the pitfalls of a moslem-moslem ticket towards which I sensed they were drifting.As part of my obligation to him, a close friend, I had on many occasions argued the merits and demerits of both ticket permutations to him. I have done so in both verbal and written form and I have likewise, done so with some of his close respectable associates and friends. In all instances I had left him with the sole responsibility for his final decision arguing that in the end the consequences of the outcome of any bad decision will be his to bear. There might be some collateral damages though. I have also on several occasions passed on to him counsels and messages from some well meaning Nigerians intended to alert him on the possible outcomes of the Presidential ticket permutations.Tinubu is a very good man. He is a great listener. He has a very humble and friendly disposition to every one. He is very generous in both cash and kind, especially where it could advance his political interests. But I have realized that it is in the nature of power that sycophants and lapdogs have the most influence on leaders with such character traits. They will lie to him, malign and disparage others and generally do any thing to curry his favor and to also put well-meaning associates in bad light. I suspect this is what has happened to my friend. He has been cornered by self-serving, hero-worshiping, lapdogs.It never used to be like this. While in his hay-days in Lagos, he surrounded himself with smart, street-wise guys that could tell truth to power. He had Rauph Aregbesola, Yomi Osinbajo, Babatunde Fashola, Dele Alake, Muiz Banire, etc.The Lagos days were the days of think-tanks, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, principles and ideologies. But these people have since grown-up and moved up to establish their own systems living my friend stranded. Nature they say abhors vacuum.Welcome the Abuja equivalent. But the Abuja equivalent are people inflicted with the modern Nigerian diseases – religious bigotry, sycophancy and morbid tribalism. They are mostly political jobbers who are most times not averse to the application of diabolical means. Gone are the days of think-tanks, and strategic planning. Gone are the days of principles and ideologies. Try and call a meeting; they will not attend. Try and make a plan; they will sabotage it. Everything is ad-hoc, everything is chaotic because they excel in such environments. The result is that they have played on his longterm ambition to be President and have built it into a sort of desperation and a crescendo that easily justifies this satanic resort to a Muslim-Muslim ticket. This is the calamity that has befallen my friend.And why Kashim Shetima? He is an overambitious man who has a Machiavellian bent and has lots of money with which to procure a preferred-candidate status among Tinubu’s lapdogs. And as we are beginning to see, to also procure bogus supporters especially from among the Christian community to help launder his no-so-good image. But as a popular proverb goes: “Those whom the gods want to destroy they first make mad”. It appears that the gods want to destroy the APC and its Presidential Candidate and have chosen the instrumentality of the northern Moslem governors and their super ambitious tool and Kashim Ibrahim for this purpose. Alhaji Kashim Shetima is a Greek gift from the Northern governors to Tinubu. I advise Bola to make sure Kashima’s two hands are always in his plain sight and empty. True, based on the advise of his new friends, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made his choice. And I am sure he thinks he is ready for the out come of that choice. He has chosen to bring religion to the front burner of Nigerian politics. And being a Muslim he has chosen to take sides with his own religion. For all he cares, Christians can go to blazes with their votes. But he must also be told that there will consequences for this choice. Some of them are that Christians all over the country will revolt against the APC to put the chances of his election in serious jeopardy. It will also put the election of all Christians standing for elections in Christian dominated areas in jeopardy. This could result in APC being a minority party in both the National and State Houses of Assembly.Now tell me which Christian will vote for APC with the following contraption: Moslem Presidential Candidate (Lagos), Moslem Vice Presidential Candidate (Borno), Moslem National Chairman (Nasarawa), Moslem Deputy National Chairman (Borno), Moslem President (Katsina); Moslem Senate President (Yobe); Moslem Speaker (Lagos); Moslem Deputy Speaker (Plateau) e.t.c. APC the great! Wu na de try woh! The northern governors and some northern moslem elites must have persuaded him that they will never vote for a ticket that has a northern Christian on it. And he has agreed with them. But if he thinks a Moslem-Moslem ticket will win him the northern Muslim votes, he should have a rethink. They will massively vote for one of their sons because it is in their nature to do so. Buhari, their first son will not be on the ballot in 2023. Atiku their second son will be.Proof of a possible Islamic agenda was leaked when Governor Ganduje, the “Kadmul Islam”, gave advance notice that Tinubu had assured them he would be nominating a moslem as his running mate. For those who might not know, Governor Ganduje has a foundation called “Ganduje Foundation” which purpose according to its website is to “provide selfless service to humanity and Islam” but whose primary purpose it appears is the conversion of Christians to Islam. So if my very good friend Tinubu in a desperate bid to become President allows himself to made into a religious bigot or even a mujahideen, he is welcome. But it is a risk that will not play out positively for his presidential bid. But, were he to win and become President of Nigeria, it will be as a sectional President; an Islamic President. And he will surely face massive discontent and opposition even before taking off.Expecting Nigerians to ignore this crass insensitivity to the country’s diversity amounts to acceding to the perpetration of very grave injustice and discrimination against a huge segment of the society. No one who seeks to be president of Nigeria should ever deploy the tool of religious extremism and exclusivism as a tool to win elections. This is very very dangerous. And this is very sad.But, baring any last minute change of mind, Bola has made his choice. He should be bluntly told that in this choice Nigerian Christians clearly see a pending Islamic Republic of Nigeria in its infancy and are right to be severely anxious. There is gloom among the Christian community all over the country since Tinubu announced Kashim Shetima as his running mate. Are the generality of the moslem ummah happy with this? The answer is a resounding NO.How then do we respond? The decision as to how to respond to this deliberately senseless act of provocation is both corporate to each religious group and also personal to each voter that love peace, and hate injustice. Christians want to continue to leave peacefully with their moslem neighbors at home, at school, at the work place, in the markets and on the streets as we have always done or desired to do. And I am sure Moslems share this view too. No one person’s ambition to rule over us should be allowed to set us apart and at war with one another.Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should be compelled upon by whoever can do so to rescind this decision. President Mohammed Buhari should exercise his powers as the Commander-inChief and as the APC Leader to revoke this nomination of a VP by Tinubu. The APC National Chairman should refuse to sign the nomination forms if not rescinded. There is a story in the bible on how some people responded to similar provocation: “And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents” (1 Kings 12:16). I will love for Bola to be our next President. But I am afraid a Moslem-Moslem ticket will be “Dead on Arrival”. And the arrival date according to INEC’s election time table is 25th February, 2023. This ticket will drag down the whole APC members to the pit. We all should reject it. Engr. Babachir Lawal

https://www.channelstv.com/2022/07/12/2023-tinubus-muslim-muslim-ticket-

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July 3, 2023 by Lucas Ajanaku Telecom sector faces threat, operators warn High energy cost, spiralling inflation, multiple taxation and other factors are threatening the existence of the telecom sector, mobile network operators (MNOs) have warned. Acting under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), the MNOs say they hope Nigerians will not wake up one day and discover there are telecoms services. Chairman of the group, Gbenga Adebayo, said the operators depend 70 per cent on diesel to power their base transceiver stations (BTS) the pump price which has continued to be on the rise and is expected to rise further when the Federal Government begins the implementation of the 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on the fuel that oils the engine of the telecommunications sector. He said the MNOs also depend on the public transport system for the haulage of diesel to the various sites, adding that the removal of fuel subsidy has unwittingly increased the cost of haulage to BTS. He said: “The availability of power supply (from the national grid) on the average daily is less than 30 per cent. It will be safe to say 70 per cent of time, for most hours of the day; we power the sites with alternative energy which in most cases is diesel. “Other solutions such as solar and wind don’t even support one per cent of the time. So therefore, we are looking at saying the availability of power in the public space is up to 30 per cent, 70 per cent of the situation we power our sites with diesel. There are places where we don’t have stable electricity for a day but if we take a cumulative average, we could say there are places not having up to 30 per cent for every 100 hours if you take a national average. That is certainly not sustainable and if the cost of diesel goes up, VAT also goes up , haulage cost goes up because don’t forget that diesel is supplied to sites by road transport, so there is high cos of haulage, transporters have also increased their haulage cost. “So if we add the landing cost to site it is quite significant, then we can only sustain the industry if we allow our prices to reflect our cost of production if you don’t want to wake up one day and discover that telecom services are not available. If operators cannot sustain the service, that will happen.” Adebayo who is the Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Communication Network Support Services Limited and CNSSL Contact Centre Limited, said the MNOs are engaging with the relevant stakeholders in the industry with a view to charting a way out of the challenges. “We are engaging with all the relevant stakeholders, in particular, we are in contact with our regulator (the Nigerian Communications Commission). We are not unmindful of the challenges that people are going through, in particular, we are not unmindful of the high cost of living, but the reality is that we operate within the same ecosystem. “The challenges that the public face are also what our industry face. We are not immune from the challenges; we don’t get any special supply of energy, we don’t have any special supply of diesel, we don’t travel on any special road to get to site, we don’t us special vehicle to deliver diesel to sites, we don’t have special salaries for workers; everybody is within the same ecosystem and as inflation increases, so also will our cost of production increase and so also shall our end user price increase otherwise the industry will not be sustainable,” he said. Adebayo said all the policy changes, from fuel subsidy removal to 7.5 per cent VAT on diesel and now the proposed 40 per cent hike in electricity tariff would have had impacts on the telecom industry. He said: “You know as an industry, these are parameters that affect the cost of the services we offer, I mean our production cost and when production costs go up, end user prices too would go up. So, if its gets to that stage, naturally we will also respond. Expectedly for the industry to be sustaining, prices have to reflect the cost of production. For the sustainability of the industry, the tariff we charge the consumers will reflect the cost of production, in this case the cost of energy, cost of fuel, cost of diesel and cost of transportation. So expectedly, prices are meant to go up. What we are doing at the moment is that we are working with the regulator to follow the guideline on price review.” The telecommunications and information services sector has continued to serve as a buffer to the economy. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector contributed N2.508 trillion in terms of financial value contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) representing 14.13 per cent during the first quarter (Q1) of this year. The sector recorded a 4.3per cent increase from its performance in the last quarter of 2022 when it recorded 13.55per cent. When compared on a year-on-year basis, the growth showed a positive progression from 12.94per cent in the first quarter of 2022 , to the 2023 figure of 14.13, which is an approximate growth of 9.19per cent. The percentage of telecom contribution to GDP was calculated from 46 distinct sectors of the economy, which constitute telecom and information services baskets. One of the key highlights of the telecom industry performance within the period under review was the generation of $820.8 million for the Federal Government from fifth generation (5G) technology spectrum licenses fees paid by three operators, MTN, MAFAB and Airtel. Following the issuance of the licenses in December 2021 to MTN and MAFAB, both companies have launched 5G services. Airtel, which received its license in December 2022, has also launched services. Another major development in the sector was the launch of Starlinks broadband services, a satellite based wireless broadband services with potential nationwide coverage. This followed the issuance of a license to Elon Musk-owned SpaceX by the NCC. The services are now available in different parts of the country. The number of phone subscribers as at April 2023, stood at 223.6 million posting a teledensity of 117per cent. Internet subscribers for the same period stood at 157 million while broadband subscriptions stood at 92 million, translating to 48per cent broadband penetration in the country.

https://thenationonlineng.net/telecom-sector-faces-threat-operators-

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Chief Olu Falae By Henry Umoru ABUJA – FORMER Spokesperson of former President Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned the abduction of former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, calling on security agencies to as a matter of urgency fish out perpetrators of the act. In a statement Monday, Fani-Kayode who described the act as a dangerous development, said that the people of South West cannot watch idly while leaders of the zone and Afenifere were being humiliated. According the former Minister of Aviation, ” The abduction of Chief Olu Falae is not only unacceptable but it also an exceptionally dangerous development. I say this because he is not only an elder-statesman of our country but he is also one of the most revered leaders of Afenifere and the south-west. “We cannot sit by idly and watch our leaders and elders being endangered, shamed and humiliated in this way. It is the governments job to keep us all safe and secure and they are failing in that duty. I call on the President and our security agencies to effect the expeditious and immediate release of Chief Olu Falae. “They must rescue him from these vagabonds and vandals as soon as possible before things get out of hand. Let it be clearly understood that if anything happens to him and if he doesn’t come home hale and hearty we will hold the Federal Government responsible and there will be consequences. Those that are in power would do well to take what I have said very seriously. “ Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/09/olu-falae-we-will-hold-fg-responsible-if-

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A Federal High Court, Abuja, has declined to grant a motion ex-parte brought by Alhaji Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) to stop Athan Achonu as governorship candidate of Saturday’s election in Imo. Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, refused to grant the prayer of the plaintiffs for an order of interim injunction recognising their candidate, Chief Joseph Ukaegbu, as validly elected standard bearer of the party. The development followed an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to the plaintiffs, Mohammed Mohammed, SAN, to the effect. Rather, the judge directed Mohammed to put the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is the sole defendant, on notice. “I am going to allow you to adopt it (the motion) but I will not grant it. “I am not granting you the application today as you have to bring them to court. “Let it be that they have been served and they are not in court,” the judge said. According to Justice Ekwo, I have studied the prayers on the motion ex-parte and also studied the averments in support. “I think that I need to hear from the defendant (INEC) before making further Order on the motion,” he said, adjourning the matter until Friday for INEC to show cause. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiffs include LP; Alhaji Apapa (Acting National Chairman); Alhaji Lawal Saleh (Acting National Secretary) and Comrade Abayomi Arabambi (National Publicity Secretary). Others are Comrade Anslem Eragbe (National Youth Leader); and Barr. Akingbade Oyelekan (National Legal Adviser) and Chief Joseph Ikechukwu Ukaegbu (Gubernatorial candidate, Imo State) as 1st to 7th plaintiffs respectively. The plaintiffs, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1357/2023, sued INEC as sole defendant. They had sought an order of interim injunction restraining INEC from “recognising any other person or persons laying claim to the LP gubernatorial ticket in Imo governorship election slated for 11th November 2023 other than the plaintiff (Ukaegbu) who emerged from the primary conducted by the Alhaji Lamidi Apapa-led National Working Committee (NWC) of LP on April 16. They also sought an order of mandatory injunction directing or compelling INEC to recognise, upload and publish Ukaegbu’s name as LP governorship candidate in Imo, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously with this ex-parte application. They equally sought an order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to upload Apapa and Saleh’s names as the acting national chairman and acting national secretary, including other Apapa-led NWC members, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously with this ex-parte application. (NAN) Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/11/court-rejects-apapa-factional-motion-

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By Marie-Therese Nanlong The embattled Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Abok Ayuba has scoffed at his purported removal as the Speaker of the House and in the same vein, sanctioned the members who spearheaded his impeachment. Ayuba who presided over a plenary with the mace outside the premises of the State Assembly, alongside 13 other members of the House, cutting across party lines upheld a motion raised by the Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, Philip Dasun and seconded by the Minority Leader, Peter Gyendeng to suspend the six members. Those suspended are the Deputy Speaker, Saleh Yipmong, Majority Leader, Na’anlong Daniel, the new Speaker, Yakubu Sanda, former Deputy Speaker, Ibrahim Baba Hassan, Eric Dakogol, Abubakar Balo. At the emergency sitting at the Zawan Community Association Hall in Jos, the 14 members also passed a vote of confidence on the embattled Speaker, declared that they stand for the truth, justice, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, democracy and the people of the State. Briefing journalists shortly after the sitting at about 2.30pm, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Philip Dasun said, “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria makes a clear provision for the impeachment of the Speaker, it requires a 2/3 majority, we are 24, we are supposed to have a minimum of 16 members to sign and affirm the impeachment of the Speaker. “To our greatest surprise, we were in the House today very early in the morning, we got an information that there is an attempt to impeach our Speaker. I went and I found seven people and I was the eighth person before the rest came. We are not in agreement with what happened, the Governor is a lawyer, he knows the constitution, he will not accept that illegal process, if he does, it is left for him to battle with his profession.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/breaking-embattled-plateau-

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