BBNaija: I Can Take A Bullet For Kiddwaya Because I'm Loyal — Erica (Photos)
Big Brother Naija reality TV star Erica Nlewedim has documented her journey to fame and how she started her acting career in an interview with publisher Dele Momodu.
Erica sported a white top and black jumpsuit during her interview on Sunday at the apartment of Mr Momodu.
The 26-year-old, who was disqualified from the Big Brother house for having an emotional outburst, said she is very ambitious and doesn’t think she has achieved enough at her age.
She said that as an only child, she moved around a lot during her early years and also gets lonely a lot.
While in the house, Erica was in a relationship with Kiddwaya, son of billionaire businessman Terry Waya.
Erica disclosed she could take a bullet for her close friends, including Kiddwaya, because he is a “very special person” to her.
Kiddwaya was also hosted by Momodu on Sunday, although separately.
The future of Kiddwaya and Erica together as a couple is not certain. Fans will be hoping to see what becomes of them.
President Muhammadu Buhari has advised political parties, candidates and security agents to behave responsibly in the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections.
The Edo governorship election is set to hold on September 19, 2020.
The President stated this in a statement obtained by IGBERE TV by his Senior Special Assistant, Garba Shehu on Thursday.
Buhari also sent a message to voters, political parties, election officials and security personnel, reiterated his stance that, “I am passionately committed to free and fair elections, but my own commitment is not enough if other actors at ground zero refuse to abide by the rules."
According to President Buhari, "I want to see democratic standards in the country raised higher at every level, but these cannot be achieved when politicians resort to do or die methods to gain power by any means or machination."
He said that "the do-or-die mentality to politics is a threat to free and fair elections because the actors are more focused on winning than caring about a fair outcome that reflects the Will of the people."
The President appealed to all political parties and their candidates to behave peacefully and respect law and order.
He also advised election officials and security agents "to remain neutral to ensure free and fair elections and avoid any action(s) capable of compromising the integrity of the elections."
President Buhari stressed that "conducting free and fair elections is one of my main concerns for our democracy, and I want this commitment to be one of the legacies I will leave behind when I depart office."
Fani-Kayode separates from wife, demands N2bn from blogger
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has separated from his wife, Precious Chikwendu, with whom he had four sons, The PUNCH can confirm.
Fani-Kayode has, however, written a pre-litigation letter to popular blogger, Stella Dimokorkus, demanding N2bn from her for a report he termed libelous.
The blogger had in a report attributed the separation to domestic violence and alleged that the triplet sons may not have been fathered by Fani-Kayode as they were conceived through IVF and Chikwendu had demanded a DNA test.
In a letter signed by his lawyer, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, dated September 16, 2020, the former minister described the report as preposterous.
The letter titled, ‘Defamation of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode- Re: Femi Fani-Kayode and Precious Chikwendu Part Ways Over Alleged Domestic Violence’, stated that the allegations were spurious and maliciously engineered.
The former minister said he was disturbed about the manner in which the report was written which insults the sensibilities of unsuspecting readers.
He denied allegations that he retrieved the car he bought for his estranged wife and had left her broke.
Fani-Kayode said it was saddening that his innocent little children could be dragged into such a report, subjecting them to ridicule.
The letter further read, “Our client is aggrieved and has instructed us to draw your attention to these libelous breaches of his person and family. By this publication, our client has received denigrating phone calls and messages across the globe by virtue of which he now sufferers immeasurable loss of goodwill.
“However, he is inclined to draw a curtain over the wild and spurious claims if you retract the allegations on the same platform they were published and consequently apologise to him in two other national dailies.
“You are also advised to enter into negotiations with us for the sum of two billion naira only being a token amount for penitence. Please bear in mind that you have 14 days from receipt of this letter to comply with the highlighted mitigating measures, the failure of which will leave our client with no preferred alternative than to seek redress in court.”
Fani-Kayode and Chikwendu, who is a former beauty queen, became an item around 2015 and subsequently welcomed a son in 2016.
Reactions As Ikorodu Bois Recreate DJ Cuppy, Temi Otedola Ferrari Pose Within 24 Hours (Photos)
Igbere TV reports that social media sensation Ikorodu Bois have mimicked DJ Cuppy and Temi Otedola in their viral pose to announce their new Ferrari Portofino.
The comics, on Thursday, shared photos of their effort on social media, adopting wheelbarrows in place of Ferrari.
They painted each of the three wheelbarrows according to the colours chosen by DJ Cuppy and her sisters – Temi and Tolani – with Ferrari logos on them.
“Papa took us shopping and bought one of each! Two hearts Dash symbol #ferrariportofino #Cuppydat,” the Ikorodu Bois tweeted.
Igbere TV reports that the Otedola family broke the internet on Wednesday with the news that billionaire businessman Femi Otedola splashed millions to buy his daughters Ferrari.
Africa Independent Television (AIT) says it did not report the release of the mastermind of a bomb blast in Niger State in 2011 Kabiru Dikko, Igbere TV reports.
An alleged social media post by the broadcast station had suggested that Dikko, better known as Kabiru Sokoto, had been released.
However, AIT’s parent company Daar Communications in a statement on Wednesday said the purported report is “fake news” as it never reported such.
“Our attention has been drawn to the above story on ‘the release of the mastermind of the 2011 bomb blast that occurred in Madalla, Niger state’ purportedly credited to our station AIT,” the management said.
“We hereby emphatically dissociate our organisation from the report. It is indeed fake news. Our station never reported such a news item.”
Igbere TV recall that Dikko was convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja in 2013 and sentenced to life imprisonment for planning an attack on St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger.
The car bomb attack left about 40 people dead on Christmas Day.
Star Wars actor John Boyega has announced he is stepping down as a brand ambassador for the British perfume and candle company Jo Malone after the brand reshot a video he created for the Chinese market, Igbere TV reports.
The British-Nigerian actor tweeted on Monday, saying he had no prior knowledge of the reshoot until the video was publicised.
“I have decided to step down as Jo Malone’s global ambassador,” he wrote.
“When I joined the brand as their first male global ambassador last year, I created the short film we used to launch the campaign. It won the Fragrance Foundation Virtual awards 2020 for Best Media Campaign.”
Boyega said the company’s decision to leave him out of the ad despite using his concepts was “wrong”.
“The film celebrated my personal story– showcasing my hometown, including my friends and featuring my family,” he said.
“While many brands understandably use a variety of global and local ambassadors, dismissively trading out one’s culture this way is not something I can condone. It’s back to back but I assure you this will be dealt with swiftly. I don’t have time for nonsense. We press on and strong. Stay blessed people,” he added.
In an apology issued on Saturday and obtained by IGBERE TV, the brand called its action a “mistake”, adding that “John is a tremendous artist with great personal vision and direction”.
Gboyega was replaced in the ad with actor Liu Haoran (Detective Chinatown). The company also apologised to Haoran.
The ensuing ad, which originally featured Boyega’s family members and his childhood neighborhood in London, Peckham, did not feature any black individuals.
Boyega had in 2015 been involved in a race-tinged marketing controversy in China after he was shrunk out of poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Wathoni made several slip-ups during a recent interview with Plus TV Africa.
A clip from the interview obtained by IGBERE TV on Sunday showing her blunders went viral on social media on Monday.
Wathoni failed to get correctly the new day marked out for Democracy Day celebration in Nigeria.
When asked the most populous country in the world, she first said Nigeria then India and Dubai before arriving at China, Igbere TV reports.
The anchor asked her the hottest region in the world, she said: “Farm”.
When given a clue that it is a desert, Wathoni said “Dubai”. Then the anchor cuts in and says “Sahara Desert”.
The 29-year-old also named Burna Boy as the king of Afrobeat in Nigeria.
Concerning her clash with Erica, she said they are now in “a good place”.
Igbere TV reports that the fashion entrepreneur also said she has not been watching the show since her eviction because “most times I’m doing media rounds and sleeping” but tipped Ozo to win.
Florence Wathoni Anyansi was evicted on August 30 alongside TolaniBaj.
Social media aide to the president Lauretta Onochie has called on the police to invite Pastor David Ibiyeomie for questioning over the threats made to broadcaster Daddy Freeze.
Igbere TV reports that Ibiyeomie, the founder of Port-Harcourt based Salvation Ministries, had on Sunday during a sermon said he would “deal with” Freeze if he ever insults his “father” David Oyedepo again, calling the broadcaster a “bastard”.
Mrs Onochie on Friday said the cleric’s conduct was not Christian-like, concluding that the police need to act on the issue.
“THIS IS EVIL. I am a Christian. I have been watching this absurdity for days now, looking for any attribute of Christ in it. I haven’t seen any,” she wrote.
“Among others, threatening to kill someone is a crime. I’m not sure if this requires a petition to the @PoliceNG before they act. EVIL!”
Igbere TV reports that Daddy Freeze had responded a day after the video went viral, saying: “I was very devastated by that video because of the content thereof. I didn’t insult Bishop David Oyedepo. He quoted from the book of Ephesians 5:22 and I drew his attention to verse 21. Correcting scripturally is not an insult.
“I find it very devastating that just to get to me, Pastor Ibiyeomie would drag the whole Somalian nation. I’m very proud to associate myself with Somalians and Somalia because they are a beautiful people, beautiful Africans like you and I. It is hate speech to undermine them with derogatory words.”
Butchers in Edo State on Wednesday shutdown abattoirs, meat markets and shops in the State to show solidarity to show solidarity for the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Igbere TV reports.
Members of Association of Edo practicing Butchers, defied the rainfall during the peaceful rally in Benin City.
President of Association of Edo practicing Butchers, Comrade Akhere Odigie, commended the Government for creating the enabling environment for businesses growth, stability and for abolishing extortion in the State.
He highlighted some of the achievements of Obaseki, Candidate of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) for the September 19, 2020 Governorship election in the State.
“We the butchers have agreed in totality that Obaseki is our next Governor and that he shall continue to occupy the seat of Government till 2024 because of his developmental strides and laudable programmes for butchers.
“Today, we have shutdown our abattoirs and other meat shops and meat sellers across the various markets in Edo State to endorse Godwin Obaseki”.
According to him, “Since Obaseki assumed duty as Governor of Edo State, the Edo State butchers have known peace.
“We are all here to endorse and reiterate our support to the re-election bid of Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu.
He assured that votes will count in the forthcoming election must count, adding that votes will count in the forthcoming poll.
“We have resolved that come September 19, 2020 to vote for him en masse and defend our votes. We support one man, one vote and say no to the godfather.
“We are using this medium to reach out to all the entire butchers in the State and our supporters as well as the prospective buyers and meat consumers to mobilise and vote for Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“A vote for Obaseki is moving the meat market in Edo State to the next level. Just like the Brazilian meat industry”, he said.
Responding, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Roland Osakue, commended the group for their peaceful disposition.
“I commend your effort for coming out to visit us inspite the rainfall. We are grateful to you.
“We have heard what you have said, please be peaceful as you go about your activities.
“Do not allow miscreants to infiltrate into your midst. We owe it a duty as Citizens to protect Government property which belong to all of us.
“Tax payers money must be used judiciously for the benefit of our people.
“It is your fundamental right to endorse any Candidate of your choice because it is your fundamental human right, he said.
Pop star Davido has paid a courtesy visit to Akima Hotel in Oshodi area of Lagos owned by Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV reports that Oluomo is the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos chapter.
The NURTW boss appreciated the ‘Fall’ singer for the visit.
He wrote: “David Adedeji Adeleke, who is better known as Davido and his team make a compliment visit to my hotel (AKIMA HOTEL, OSHODI).
“It was good to meet you, Your visit was a compliment to everyone around and Oshodi at large. Thank you so much for coming. @davidoofficial.”
Igbere TV reports that the popular MC Oluomo regularly receives visits from high-profile individuals.
Meanwhile, Davido has been off social media for months after saying he wanted to focus on himself.
A female talented makeup artist has gotten social media users talking as the photos of her handiwork pops up online, Igbere TV reports.
The makeup artist who has been identified a Jane Richard has shocked many as she used her talent along with her make up kits to transform herself to late movie star Chadwick Boseman.
Jane Richard took to social media to share photos of how she transitioned from being herself to the American actor, Chadwick Boseman with her make up kits.
Igbere TV reports that Richard Jane can be remembered for using her makeup to transform her face to look like President Muhammadu Buhari, Kanayo O. Kanayo, some times ago.
Chadwick Boseman died on Friday after battling with colon cancer for four years.
Igbere TV reports that he played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe.
A former Edo State governor and ex-national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole has revealed that one of two policemen who died in an accident involving his convoy only recently got married, Igbere TV reports.
Mr Oshiomhole said this on Thursday at the resumption of the party’s ward-to-ward campaign at Iruekpen in Esan West Local Government Area.
The former governor said the other policeman killed was about to get married before the tragic incident.
Igbere TV reports that Oshiomhole’s convoy was involved in an accident on Tuesday after a truck rammed into their vehicle in Oluku, Ovia North East Local Government Area.
Upon resumption of the campaign in Iruekpen, a minute silence was observed for the fallen police officers.
Oshiomhole prayed for their souls to rest in peace and urged Esan people to vote massively for the APC governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
The former APC national chairman’s team said it believed the accident was an attempt on his life.
Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy has laughed off a report that the Department of State Services (DSS) recently quizzed him and his former label signee Tiwa Savage, Igbere TV reports.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, the duo were invited to the DSS office in Lagos a fortnight ago for alleged utterances against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Tiwa Savage now signed to Universal Music was reportedly warned to stop her movement on Twitter known as “WeAreTired”, calling for more action on stopping rape incidents and police brutality in the country.
Her Twitter movement followed the rape and killing of a student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Uwa Omozuwa in May in a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish in Edo State, and the ‘accidental’ shooting and eventual death of a 17-year-old girl Tina Ezekwe by the police in Iyana Oworo area of Lagos also in May.
Don Jazzy on his part was also reportedly cautioned against his anti-Buhari social media posts.
However, the music executive in a video posted on Twitter on Wednesday laughed off the report, asking “What’s the meaning of quizzes?”
He also told a concerned fan that he was 100 per cent fine.
The online news platform further reported that Don Jazzy and Tiwa alongside singers Yemi Alade and Waje were also summoned by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Zubairu Muazu.
They were allegedly warned to desist from political comments in order not to incur the wrath of the Buhari administration.
The platform quoted an unnamed source in Tiwa Savage’s management team as confirming the incident.
Igbere TV reports that the source reportedly said Tiwa who recently dropped her album Celia remained adamant in stopping her call for accountability on the part of the government.
Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade and Waje had not responded to the report at press time.
Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai has presented a 3-bedroom house to an 85-year-old retired warrant officer, Paul Ojo, who was evicted from his home by the Kaduna State Government led by Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Igbere TV recall that Ojo was evicted from his former residence at Kabala Costain Kaduna on August 17.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna Maj.-Gen Usman Muhammad, Buratai said on Tuesday that he was moved by the unfortunate circumstances that led to Ojo’s eviction.
“I was emotionally touched by your plight and consequently directed that an alternative permanent accommodation be secured for you and your family,” he said.
“Pursuant to this, we were able to secure a more befitting house at No. 26 Yakowa Street Anguwan Galadima Kaduna.
“It is thus my pleasure to formally present this 3-bedroom house to you as a mark of goodwill and uncommon gesture.
“The Nigerian Army has always demonstrated its willingness to impact on personnel welfare and that of their families.”
Igbere TV reports in reaction, the retired officer thanked Buratai for coming to his aid, saying it was a demonstration that his services to the army and Nigeria were not in vain.
“I was ejected from my two-bedroom house, they scattered my things but today, the Chief of Army Staff has made it possible for me to live in the type of house I never hope I will be able to build,” Ojo said.
He prayed that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges so that the country can record economic growth and development.
The Kaduna State Ministry of Justice has countered claims of human right abuses made by some members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) against Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Igbere TV reports that the governor could not partake in the association’s annual conference which held virtually from August 24 to August 26.
His invitation to speak at the conference was withdrawn following outcry by some lawyers who said the governor stands against what the profession represents.
However, the ministry of justice, in a lengthy statement obtained by IGBERE TV on Monday, said the petition was baseless, adding that El-Rufai takes his grievances to court as is expected of him.
It also denied the reported abduction of Abubakar Usman also known as Dadiyata.
On its case against former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Prof Chidi Odinkalu, the ministry said: “Odinkalu has cases pending before the Chief Magistrate Court, High Court and Federal High Court, Kaduna. The facts are that on the 16th February 2019 while on Channels TV, he made serious allegations against the Governor of Kaduna State which were capable of inciting disturbance and the breakdown of law and order in the State.”
“The case pending before the Federal High Court, Kaduna, has been adjourned to 22nd October 2020 for Judgment. Meanwhile, the cases pending before the High Court No.12 and the Federal High Court, Kaduna have stalled the investigation by the police,” it added.
On its case against lawyer Audu Maikori and Luka Binniyat, it said: “Both cases are before the Kaduna State High Court 2 with Charges Nos. KDH/KAD/41C/2017 and No. KDH/KAD/38C/2017 respectively. Early in 2017, Audu Maikori claimed in a tweet that five students of the College of Education, Gidan-Waya, had been ambushed and killed by Fulani herdsmen. Based on Maikori’s false tweet, Luka Binniyat fabricated a news story in Vanguard newspaper, assigning names, place of origin and course of study to the alleged victims, including the claim that one of them was studying Mass Communication.
“Mr. Maikori has failed to appear in court for arraignment in his case and the court has issued bench warrant against him.
“Much has been made of the damages Audu Maikori was awarded by a Federal High Court over the circumstances of his arrest in Lagos by the police who were executing the warrant of arrest. The Kaduna State Government complied with the law in obtaining the necessary warrant of arrest, but it must rely on the police to execute it properly. The state government has appealed the award of damages.”
Minister of State for Labour and Productivity Festus Keyamo says the original formula for sharing the 774,000 jobs under the special public works (SPW) scheme remains unchanged.
Igbere TV reports that Mr Keyamo told newsmen that the Federal Government would retain the original plan of conceding only 15 per cent of the job slots to governors, National Assembly members, ministers and other interest groups.
He spoke in response to claims by the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Nasir Ladan that the job sharing formula would accommodate more concessions.
“The report on the sharing formula must have been a misapprehension of the instructions I gave to them to implement,” said Keyamo.
“I did not give any instruction on 40 per cent rise for them to implement. We are sticking to the original formula of 15 per cent concession to political office holders.
“There may be a few adjustments here and there depending on local circumstances.”
The minister said he had not received instructions from his superiors to change the existing plan, Igbere TV reports.
According to him, the ministry is working “harmoniously” with the NDE on the implementation of the scheme.
Keyamo added that the October 1 take-off date for the project is achievable.
.... says those responsible for this barbaric killing in Enugu today must pay
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has vowed to avenge the killing of its members following the bloody clash between security personnel and the group.
IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful made this known in a statement made available to IGBERE TV on Sunday.
According to the statement, IPOB said 21 of its members were killed while 47 were arrested.
IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful in a statement said the group would avenge the killing of its members.
The group said, “Today (Sunday), the Nigerian security personnel stormed IPOB meeting ground in Enugu and started shooting sporadically which consumed the lives of 21 members and 47 arrested for no just cause or provocation.
“Those responsible for this barbaric killing in Enugu today must pay for their actions against IPOB at the appropriate time. It is laughable for the DSS to be claiming that they lost five personnel in the hands of unarmed and peaceful people. It is clear to all that IPOB doesn’t carry arm.”
IPOB warned that its silence and maintenance of peace should not be misconstrued as weakness on its part.
“We are warning and asking the Nigerian government and its security operatives to stop this atrocity. Why have they refused to confront Fulani terrorist herdsmen, Boko Haram terrorists, Ansaru group, Fulani bandits, ISIS and other groups ravaging the country and busy killing innocent and unarmed citizens of IPOB?” the group questioned.
First Lady of Kaduna State Hadiza El-Rufai is celebrating her 35th wedding anniversary.
Hadiza on Monday said that the governor Nasir El-Rufai has been a good husband since they wedded 35 years ago and that she would love him forever, Igbere TV reports.
“On this day (17 August) 35 years ago, the LOML and I married each other. It’s been quite a ride. Alhamdulillah. Happy anniversary @elrufai.
“You’ve been a good husband and I’ll love you forever,” wrote Mrs El-Rufai.
The first lady had once said although she was married to the governor, she was not part of the government.
Mr El-Rufai was yet to celebrate his wedding anniversary on social media at the time of filing this report.
The duo got married on August 17, 1985. Their marriage is blessed with children and grandchildren.
El-Rufai Accuses Southern Kaduna Leaders Of Inciting Killings To Enrich Themselves
Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused Southern Kaduna leaders of inciting trouble in the area in order to reap financial benefits.
Mr El-Rufai condemned the leaders of the area during an interview on Channels Television’s programme, Sunday Politics monitored by Igbere TV.
“I have no time for nonsense. I will not appease criminals. I will not appease idle people who have nothing to do but to raise a spectre of genocide. They do that to get money into their bank accounts and get donations from abroad instead of standing up,” he said.
Igbere TV reports that recently, a lawmaker representing Zagon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency Amos Magaji accused the governor of taking sides in the clashes between various ethnic and religious groups in Southern Kaduna.
However, El-Rufai said in the interview that the region’s leaders have been employing the same tactics for over 20 years in order to get ‘brown envelopes’.
He said: “Anyone that is moderate anyone that is promoting peaceful co-existence between various ethnic groups is considered a sellout. And a governor like me, who does not appease them because they are used to being appeased, they cause troubles, they organise these killings and then, their leaders are invited by the governor, they wine and dine and they are given brown envelopes. That’s what they have been doing for 20 years.”
The governor further said: “Most of the people saying that have no means of livelihood; they were living off the governments. The governments before us were paying them money every month, they called it peace money. We stopped it. This is why they say I am taking sides. Whatever they say, I take it. I am the governor of the state. If they don’t abuse me, who will they abuse?”
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki says he did not get anything from his eight-year work for his predecessor Adams Oshiomhole.
Igbere TV reports that Mr Obaseki who was chief of staff to Mr Oshiomhole stated this on Thursday during his ward-to-ward campaign to ward 10 in Apana, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.
The ward happens to be that of Oshiomhole who is also a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obaseki urged the people to vote on election day. He said: “Ward 10 is a special ward. This election is special. It will show who is in charge of politics in Edo state, Igbere TV reports.
“For all my eight years in government, you know what I did for Comrade Oshiomhole. He said it with his mouth.
“I supported him to be the Governor. I raised for him. I worked for him and Edo state for eight years without receiving a dime.
“On September 19, 2020, use your Permanent Voter cards (PVCs) to pepper them.”
The police in Apapa Area Command of Lagos State have intercepted a 40-foot container laden with drugs suspected to be Tramadol and codeine.
The container was intercepted on water and taken to a bonded terminal in Apapa.
A team of officers from Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) joined the Area B Commander, Olasoji Akinbayo, on Thursday for inspection.
The Area B Commander has recently intercepted similar imports and has transferred the case and two suspects to government prosecutors.
The latest intercepted container is expected to also be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
On Tuesday, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, hinted that drug trafficking was one of the factors fueling insecurity across the country.
Drug addiction and trafficking were one of the major issues the Federal Executive Council, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, discussed at its last meeting, according to Monguno.
According to him, Nigeria has moved from a transit hub to a drug production centre.
He noted that 17 meth labs were recently shut down in the country and called for a wholesome national approach to stopping the drug menace.
Two Children and six adults reportedly lost their lives in a road crash on Saturday at Urkhuosa area on the Benin Ekpoma-Auchi road, BlitzPaper reports.
The tragedy which occurred involved a Toyota Haice bus and an articulate truck as residents living around the area weep helplessly over the horrible sights.
It was further gathered that the accident happened when one of the vehicles dangerously overtook another and had a head on collision with an oncoming vehicle.
Witness told BlitzPaper that eight person died on the spot while those that injured were taken to the hospital by the police.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Edo Command, Mr Henry Benamaisia, said eight persons died in the accident while four other who sustained injuries are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
He said the police carry out the rescue operation, noting that investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the accident.
He advised motorists to exercise caution while on the road, especially during wet season.
The Nigerian Government is planning to carry out detailed design for new water scheme in Ogoniland, Rivers State which had been polluted by oil spill and silt.
The Federal Ministry of Environment disclosed this in a paper; “Ogoni Clean-Up: Achievements in Three Years,” which was released by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Mohammed Al-Sagir in response to the repeated calls by Amnesty International, Environmental Rights Action and Friends of the Earth (ERA/FoEN) and other organizations, which had drew the Government attention to harmful effects of the spill and shoddy work by the firm that is handling the project.
He said the initiative would compliment ten existing water schemes that will be rehabilitated and provide supply of about 10,950,000 litres of water per day to the Communities across the four Local Government Areas in the State.
Recall that in 2018, procurement processes commenced for remediation of the Ogoni clean-up in line with the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
The Director also stated that seventy per cent of the first phase of contract work on the Ogoni clean-up exercise is expected to be completed by the end of August 2020 while the other 30 per cent is expected to be finalized by the end of November 2020.
He further said some more remediation sites were handed over to 29 contractors in February 2020 and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) HYPREP had commenced to enable contractors access remediation site and commence operations.
Mohammed said stressed that HYPREP has also carried out a survey of the water reticulating distances in the four LGAs for the supply of potable water in the Communities.
“Ten existing water schemes will be rehabilitated across the four LGAs and are expected to supply about 10,950,000 litres of water per day to the Communities.
“We are also in the process of engaging consultants to carry out detailed design for new water scheme in Ogoniland. The tendering processes are ongoing,” the paper said.
Mohammed, said the 21 contractors who are at various stages of the remediation processes had continued to achieve tremendous success despite delays caused by inclement weather, terrain, and Community issues.
The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II has condoled with traders at Oba market who lost their stock in the fire disaster that occurred at the early hours of Monday.
Chief Eduwu Ekhator, the Obasogie of Benin who led palace functionaries during a visit to the market, delivered the message from the monarch to representatives of Oba market Leader, Madam Yemisi Omoregie and Edo State market Women Leader, Mrs Blacky Ogiamien.
In a Press release signed by Mr Victor Ogiemwanre, Acting Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin monarch on Wednesday, said Oba Ewuare II, was “full of appreciation for the prompt action of the Governor of Edo State and for his promise to build the market and assist the traders” who lost their stock in the midnight inferno that lasted for several hours, as reassuring.
The traditional ruler, prayed God and the ancestors to comfort and provide for the traders whose lost their livelihoods in the disaster.
He thanked God that no live was lost in the inferno which affected a large portion of the market, shops and buildings
The Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and a member of the delegation, Mr Frank Irabor, informed the traders that the Oba of Benin “is grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for directing the relevant agencies to assist the victims of the fire incident” via a statement by his Presidential aide on Monday.
Addressing the representatives of Oba Ewuare II, the Oba market Women’s Leader, Mrs Yemisi Omoregie briefed the delegation about the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
On her part, Edo State market Women Leader, Mrs Blacky Ogiamien, stated that the traders that were affected by the inferno are those who deal on Livestock, Textile, Cosmetics, Boutique and jewelry among others.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu not to be carried away for emerging as the All Progressives Congress, APC Candidate for the Edo State governorship election, stressing that Edo people have lost confidence in his party.
The PDP spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, said APC has “turned the party into a butt of street joke as well as a new metaphor for disdain for the people”.
He said that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is not a match for any of its aspirants for the State governorship election.
The PDP claimed that Ize-Iyamu emerged as a Candidate through the crudest governorship election primary ever, in the history of Nigeria.
According to him, the ruling party Edo State maintained that failure awaits APC during the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Olagbodinyan said: “Already, on the streets of Edo state, Ize-Iyamu has become the new lexicon for APC’s crude attempt to suppress and lord it over the people of Edo State.
“From all indications, only failure awaits the APC in the September election. This is because, going by the figures announced from the direct primary, which the APC conducted to produce Ize-Iyamu, it is clear that the totality of the members of the APC in Edo is far below 40,000, in a state where the membership and support base of the PDP soar well above three million”.
On Friday last week, the incumbent Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki decamped into PDP, days after him and his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu formerly announced their resignation from the All Progressives Congress after a protracted political battle with his predecessor and the national Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole.
The Governor had been disqualified by Mr Jonathan Ayuba led APC screening panel for Edo Governorship election over what it termed discrepancies in the documents to the panel.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says the demolition of the Nigeria Embassy in Ghana has exposed the leadership failure of the ruling All Progressives Congress government in Nigeria.
The party in a statement issued by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan described the incident as embarrassment the nation’s respect and honour and highlighted the poor rating of the Buhari Presidency by other nations.
The Nigeria Embassy in Ghana was demolished on Friday in compliance with a Ghananian court ruling; a development that has continued to elicit diverse reactions across the land.
According to the party, the action, “exposed its lack of capacity to exude our nation pride as well as its failure to meaningfully engage other world leaders on diplomatic issues.”
The statement further reads: “The PDP describes as disheartening that since the incident, President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC have not demonstrated the littlest effort to preserve our nation’s integrity, beyond the tepid statements by our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema.
“Our party holds that the demolition of our nation’s embassy is a huge contempt, which the Buhari Presidency could have stopped through engagements at the highest level of diplomatic relations, but failed as a result of sheer incompetence and incapacity to articulate our national pride before other world leaders.
“This situation has further explained why attacks on Nigerians and Nigerian interests in foreign lands had escalated under the Buhari administration, with Nigerians being harassed and killed in various parts of the world by assailants, who take advantage of the incompetence and weaknesses of the current government in Nigeria.
“The PDP particularly recalls how the Buhari administration exhibited unpardonable weakness and failed to protect innocent Nigerians who were being killed in violent xenophobic attacks in South Africa last year.
“The PDP, therefore, calls on President Buhari to wake up both to his domestic and international responsibilities and save our nation from further embarrassing situations across the globe”, he said.
The suit challenging the membership of All Progressives Congress (APC) as an aspirant in the party’s Governorship primaries suffered a minor setback on Wednesday, following the failure of the defendant to file his response to motion on notice, MegaMeek reports.
But, Justice Emmanuel Ahamioje, the presiding judge however gave the defendants 24 hours to file their response before he adjourned hearing until June 19, 2020.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Counsel to the first and second defendants Victor Ohiosumua told newsmen that they were supposed to take their first and second preliminary objections and then take the originating summons itself together.
‘But unfortunately, as we were moving for the first and second preliminary objections, we were just served today by the Clerk and the rules of court is very clear on the subject that we need time to file our response; because of that the case could not go on today,’ he explained.
The court had earlier refused to grant an ex parte application seeking to restrain the APC from recognising Osagie Ize-Iyamu as an aspirant in the party’s governorship primary election which has been scheduled to hold Monday, June 22.
The suit instituted in the court by Kenneth Asekomhe, the State factional deputy chairman of the party, Benjamin Oghumu, Mathew Ogbebor and Unweni Nosa, is challenging the membership waiver granted to Ize-Iyamu.
But the defendants in the suit – APC, National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and Osagie Ize-Iyamu – are saying the court has no jurisdiction to meddle in the internal affairs of the party.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, has hinted on on why he is yet to join any political party after he resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The Governor dumped his party after a meeting with Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday to pursue his re-election bid on another political platform.
But Shortly after the governor announced his quitting of the APC, the appeal court upheld the judgment of a high court suspending Adams Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the party, said in a tweet on Wednesday, a few hours after Oshiomhole stepped down.
Obaseki said he is yet to join any party and that his focus is to control the spread of COVID-19 in the State.
We had reported that Abiola Ajimobi, former governor of Oyo State, was named as acting APC national chairman.
But governors elected on the APC platform had said they would ensure internal democracy is at play in the selection of candidates for Edo governorship election scheduled for September 19.
Obaseki was disqualified from the APC primary election in Edo by a screening panel for alleged defective certificate.
There has been the speculation that he may join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after his meeting with some governors elected on the PDP platform at the weekend.
It is not clear if he is reconsidering his resignation from the APC following the suspension of Oshiomhole.
A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal has affirmed the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Mohammed Lamido, the three-man panel who delivered the judgement on Tuesday, dismissed Oshiomhole’s appeal for lacking in merit.
The panel accordingly upheld the decision of an Abuja High Court which had in early March ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole as APC National Chairman.
Fresh details have emerged on the communal clash between Umumbo and Omor communities in Ayamelum local government area of Anambra State, over land dispute with invasion on Wednesday by Omor warriors into Umumbo.
An eye witness told IGBERE TV that many people were feared dead, while no fewer than 300 farmers sustained various degrees of injuries and properties worth hundredsvof million naira were destroyed during the clash.
TV/Movies › Erica's Interview With Dele Momodu: "I Can Take A Bullet For Kiddwaya'' (Photos) by Abdulazeez99(op): 7:37am On Sep 21, 2020
