₦airaland Forum

Former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, says there is no place for zoning captured in the Nigerian Constitution which does not recognize its existence.

Atiku, on Friday during a meeting with members of ‘Let’s Fix Nigeria’ group who paid him a visit at his Abuja residence, said the country is blessed with people with the right attributes who could lead the country regardless of where they come from, and advised Nigerians to look for such people to take up the mantle of leadership at all levels.

Atiku also faulted calls that political parties should zone their presidential tickets to particular regions of the country, saying the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not recognise zoning.”

“Fundamentally, the Constitution says all of us can run for elective positions. The Constitution has not barred any one of us. There is no zoning in the Constitution; there is none. I was a member of the constituent assembly that drafted the current Constitution and there was nothing like that.

“But then, as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, we felt that there should be a sense of belonging. We went and invented this zoning.

“Therefore, we went further to say there should be zonal representation. So, let me assure you that as far as I am concerned, I will observe and implement whatever will bring about the peace and stability of this country.

“Leadership is endowed by God. You can have a young man come and do better than an old man. So, it is an endowed attribute from God, therefore, we should try to look for such a person who has been endowed by God, who has those attributes and then give him leadership.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/atiku-abubakar-says-there-is-no-zoning-in-constitution/

Yoruba socio-cultural group, the Agbekoya Worldwide, has reiterated its call the government of Benin Republic to either release detained Yoruba Nations activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, legally or they would have no option but to use traditional methods to release the agitator.

The Agbekoya had, earlier in the week, threatened to use ‘juju’ to free Igboho from detention in the West African country if he was not released legally but with the revelation on Wednesday by Igboho’s counsel, Chief Yomi Alliyu that the Benin authorities were on the verge of increasing Igboho’s detention period by another six months, the group has once again, given the country a fresh ultimatum.

Disclosing this at a press conference in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Friday, the President-General of Agbekoya Worldwide, Chief Kamorudeen Okikiola, said this is the last warning they would be giving to Benin Republic to release Igboho or the group would employ traditional means of securing his release.

Describing Igboho’s detention as illegal, Okikiola noted that the group would no longer allow the agitator Igboho to continue wallowing in detention in the West African country.

“Today’s meeting is purposely for Sunday Igboho who has been in illegal detention in Benin Republic.

“If you all remember, the last time I told them in Osogbo that Agbekoya was going to release Igboho through traditional means, but some people thought it’s just a threat. We are here again in Ibadan. We came to discuss finally how we will secure the release of Sunday Igboho.

“I thank all Yoruba leaders who have intervened on the issue. Agbekoya is one of the oldest associations in Yorubaland.

“Who says we don’t have the power to release Igboho? The power of the olden days still exist till today. For now, we want to explore the legal means of driving home our demand, but if nothing comes out of it, then we may have no other option, but to toe the line of traditional way of releasing him from their custody.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/agbekoya-worldwide-will-use-juju-to-free-sunday-igboho/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says a nation will be measured ultimately by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.

Osinbajo expressed this view in his special address at the At Risk Children –Programme (ARC-P) Summit on Thursday, February 10, at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

He said that in 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari made two crucial policy statements — first was the plan of government to lift a hundred million Nigerians out of poverty within a decade.

The vice president said that the second was the strict enforcement of the laws on free and compulsory education for all children at the primary level.

“In 2016 the rule of law advisory team was established in the presidency.

“One of the team’s main tasks was to ensure that, following the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, there is an effective coordination of responses to cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

“Since then, the team has supported the establishment of SGBV Response Teams across the country.’’

Osinbajo said that in 2021, on the advice of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, the president inaugurated the National Poverty Reduction (NPRGS) Committee.



He said that the omnibus term of reference of the committee was implementing any other effort that would enhance attainment of the objective of lifting 100 million people out of poverty in 10 years.

“So the At-Risk-Children Programme ARC-P, domiciled in my office, is one of the independent initiatives of the NPRGS Committee, it is an important component of the variety of government interventions designed to complement and support existing initiatives of our administration in dealing with the problems of vulnerable children and young people.

“The programme will provide a safe space for the mentoring and training of these children with a specific emphasis on basic literacy and numeracy, health and nutrition, entrepreneurial skills, digital skills, sports and life-skills among other skills.

“At the heart of the At Risk Children Programme is the idea that every Nigerian child counts.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/osinbajo-details-fgs-plans-for-vulnerable-citizens/

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Africa is on track to control the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 if current trends continue, but vigilance will remain key.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said since the first case was identified on the continent nearly two years ago, Africa had faced four waves of COVID-19.

Moeti, in a statement on Thursday, February 10, said the continent had faced four waves of COVID-19, saying that each with higher peaks or more total cases than the previous one.

“These surges were mainly driven by new variants which, though highly transmissible, were not necessarily more fatal.

“On average, each wave was roughly 23 per cent shorter than the one before, with the first lasting 29 weeks, while the fourth ended in six weeks,” she said.

Moeti said countries had got smarter, faster and better at responding to each new surge.



“Against the odds, including huge inequities in access to vaccination, we’ve weathered the COVID-19 storm with resilience and determination, informed by Africa’s long history and experience with controlling outbreaks,” the WHO Director said.

However, she said Africa had paid a high price in the pandemic, with more than 242,000 lives lost and tremendous damage to economies.

COVID-19 has also pushed some 40 million people into extreme poverty, according to World Bank estimates.

Meanwhile, every month that emergency containment measures stay in place costs the continent roughly 13.8 billion dollars in lost Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Although COVID-19 will be with us for the long-term, there is light at the end of the tunnel. This year we can end the disruption and destruction the virus has left in its path, and gain back control over our lives,” Moeti said.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/who-reveals-africa-on-track-to-control-covid-19-pandemic-in-2022/

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, Nigeria has received a boost as FIFA finally cleared Leicester City striker, Ademola Lookman to play for the two times African champions.

Since Lookman has not been capped at competitive senior level for England, he is eligible to feature for Nigeria as early as their World Cup playoff game vs Flag of Ghana.

The London-born striker was born to Nigerian parents and raised in Peckham.

Lookman has now followed the footstep of Everton winger Alex Iwobi’s footsteps in representing England at youth level before going on to represent Nigeria at the senior level.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/boost-for-nigeria-as-ademola-lookman-completes-his-switch-from-england/

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has revealed the companies responsible for the supply of adulterated petrol in the country.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 9, by the NNPC Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, named MRS and three other dealers as the firms that imported the contaminated products into Nigeria. This was, however, in contrast to the posittion of MRS.

Kyari said, “On January 20, 2022, NNPC received a report from our quality inspector on the presence of emulsion particles in PMS cargoes shipped to Nigeria from Antwerp-Belgium.

“NNPC investigation revealed the presence of Methanol in Four (4) PMS cargoes imported by the following DSDP suppliers namely:

“Importer vessel name load port are; 1. MRS MT Bow Pioneer LITASCO Terminal, Antwerp-Belgium; 2. Emadeb/Hyde/AY Maikifi/Brittania-U Consortium MT Tom Hilde; 3. Oando MT Elka Apollon; 4. Duke Oil MT Nord Gainer.”

He said cargoes quality certificates issued at load port (Antwerp-Belgium) by AmSpec Belgium indicated that the gasoline complied with Nigerian specification.

Kyari said NNPC quality inspectors including GMO, SGS, GeoChem and G&G conducted tests before discharge also showed that the gasoline met Nigerian specification.

“As a standard practice for all PMS import to Nigeria, the cargoes were equally certified by inspection agent appointed by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has met Nigerian specification.

“It is important to note that the usual quality inspection protocol employed in both the load port in Belgium and our discharge ports in Nigeria do not include the test for per cent methanol content and therefore the additive was not detected by our quality inspectors.

“All defaulting suppliers have been put on notice for remedial actions and NNPC will work with the authority to take further necessary actions in line with subsisting regulations,” Kyari stated.

But MRS had on Wednesday denied any involvement in the imports of the adulterated products, as it explained that methanol was prohibited in petrol imported into Nigeria.
It said, “Due to current subsidy regime, NNPC is the sole supplier of all PMS in Nigeria. Consequently, NNPC through their trading arm Duke Oil, supplied a cargo of PMS purchased from international trader Litasco and delivered it with Motor Tanker Nord Gainer.

“This vessel discharged in Apapa between the January 24 and 30, 2022 and the following major marketers with receiving quantities were the recipients of the product: OVH, 10,000 metric tonnes; MRS, 5,000MT; NIPCO, 5,958MT; ARDOVA, 6,000MT; Total, 10,000MT.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nnpc-names-companies-responsible-for-supply-of-bad-fuel-slams-mrss-claims/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has revealed the reason behind the delay in the signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

According to him, “The bill itself has been the subject of robust engagement between the government and civil society. While some have expressed reservations about the time it is taking to enact the new law, we should remember that a truly inclusive democratic, deliberative process often takes time.

Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday at the 53rd Conference of the National Association of Law Teachers, held at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), with the theme; “Law, Democracy and the Electoral Process” noting that the delay was to ensure an improvement in Nigeria’s electoral system.

“I am confident that the legislation that emerges will be one that reflects a broad consensus between all the stakeholders,” he said.

Osinbajo added that “while INEC continues to improve its capacity to conduct credible elections, particularly through the deployment of technology; we recognize that democracy is about much more than voting. It is also about constitutionalism, rule of law and respect for civil liberties. We must diligently work to uphold these principles.

“Our progress as a democracy must therefore also be prosecuted; in terms of the struggle to reduce the basic problems of ill-health, malnutrition, illiteracy, and famine which afflict our people. Where social and economic rights are unsecured, people are unable to fully maximize their civil and political rights.”

“Our progress as a democracy must therefore also be prosecuted; in terms of the struggle to reduce the basic problems of ill-health, malnutrition, illiteracy, and famine which afflict our people. Where social and economic rights are unsecured, people are unable to fully maximize their civil and political rights.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/osinbajo-reveals-reason-for-delay-in-signing-of-electoral-amendment-bill/

The former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has boasted about his achievements during his tenure noting that he gave the state more prestige due to the statues his administration built at Heroes Square.

Okorocha made this claim on Tuesday, February 8, on his official Facebook page while bemoaning the fact that he and his family have been under attack due to the false narratives and misconceptions that greeted the building of the square.

Some of the personalities with statues at the square include Nigeria’s first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe; former Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa; former military governor of the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria, Ikemba Ojukwu; first democratic governor of Imo State, Sam Mbakwe; former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma etc.

The lawmaker said, “For years I have endured hordes of lies and slander against my personality, and attacks on my family members because of the false narratives and misconceptions about the statues built during my tenure as governor of Imo State.

“For years I chose to stay silent, but I strongly believe that the New Nigeria must be built on truths and facts, not on misinformation and propaganda,” he wrote as the caption to a video titled ‘Here are the Myths and the Facts about the Statues story (Part 1).’

“The statues are innovations that I’m proud of. The innovations put Imo State on the map.”

Okorocha further said before he came into government, if an Imo citizen staying in America were to describe his state, he would cite its proximity to Rivers State because the state never had an identity.
He said, “We never had an identity because there was no tourism, there was absolutely nothing.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/okorocha-boasts-about-credentials-during-tenure-as-imo-gov/

Music connoisseur, Femi Kuti has revealed that he wants his body to be cremated when he dies.

Specifically, Femi Kuti is the eldest son of the legendary Afrobeats icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Speaking in an interview session gathered by News Round The Clock, Femi Kuti stated that it more healthy for his body to be cremated than to be buried.

He said:

“When I die, please cremate me, burn my body. It is the most hygienic way.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/femi-kuti-wants-to-be-cremated-when-he-dies/

The House of Reps has deliberated the raising of the academic qualification in order to contest for the office of President of Nigeria, governor of a state and other elective public offices.

This was raised on Tuesday, February 8, in the aftermath of a bill sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State, Adewunmi Onanuga, raising the bar to a university degree or its equivalent from a school certificate to degree or its equivalent.

The legislation, which passed first reading on Tuesday last week and second reading this week at the House of Reps, is titled; ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Cap. C23 Laws of the Federation 2004, to Review the Required Educational Qualification for Election into Certain Political Offices; and for Related Matters.’

The explanatory memorandum on the Reps legislation reads; ‘This bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Cap. C23 Laws of the Federation 2004, to review the required educational qualification for election into certain political offices.’

The Reps bill seeks to specifically alter Sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the Constitution.

Leading the debate on the bill during plenary at the House of Reps, Onanuga stated her belief that the proposal, if it becomes law, would; “among other things, place more value on education in our nation and its importance when considering politics.”
The sponsor said, “This is not a bill targeted at stifling the interest of Nigerians in politics; rather it is a bill that will help Nigerians to sufficiently prepare for the humongous task of political leadership.

“As we have begun to see, the race for elective offices at the state and national levels has become increasingly competitive.

“While this is good as a tenet of universal suffrage; it can also be counterproductive if people who are not sufficiently prepared educationally get into these elective offices.

“All the political offices affected by this amendment are very strategic in their own right. The state legislators are important for making laws to govern the state in the interest of the people. The office of the governor is the highest political office in the state. The federal legislators are important for making laws in the interest of the nation. The office of the president is the highest political office in the land.

“If a managing director who holds an equally strategic position in a company within this country cannot be employed without a university degree or its equivalent; why should the above political offices be held by people without a university degree or its equivalent?”

The Reps added, “We all know that after a university degree or its equivalent in this country; comes the compulsory National Youth Service Corps; without which it would be difficult to get into any employment especially within the public sector.

“Invariably, by leaving the qualification of these political offices to remain at School Certificate level; we are implying that the NYSC is not a requirement to hold political offices but it is a requirement to secure a job in the Public Sector.

“This bill will reflect the premium this 9th Assembly places on the quality of education that interests our youths vis-à-vis their desired political ambitions; and it will in turn affect the quality of candidates who run for elective offices in this country.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/reps-seek-to-raise-academic-qualification-for-office-of-president-gov-others/

Haruna Abdullahi Aliyu, a popular recording artiste in the Northern part of Nigeria has revealed that he regrets supporting and voting for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

Aliyu specifically performed at numerous political campaigns and rallies to support Buhari’s presidential ambitions in 2015. He was also a top performer during his re-election in 2019.

In a new video that has been circulating across social media platforms, Haruna was seen nagging about Buhari’s leadership. Speaking in his native Hausa language, the singer stated that the “President has failed Nigerians.”

The musician said further:

“I deeply regret singing support songs for President Buhari because he failed Nigerians.
He has not kept his campaign promises.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/buhari-a-huge-disappointment-northern-musician/

It is time for the Nigerian church to desist from being judgmental and respect people for who they are. This article is pertaining to the perception of the average church-goer in our country.

In the Nigerian constitution, everyone has the fundamental right to choose and express themselves the way they desire.

This opinion piece is specifically inspired by a young Nigerian creative individual and social media expert identified as Fiyin Audu or Mr. Perspective on the microblogging site, Twitter.

What’s the issue?

A young man braided his hair, and I can disgustingly tell you that he has been receiving backlash from the church and Christian community for his maverick styling.

Someone dear and personal to me reprimanded him for his hairstyle and it infuriated me. According to the person, “Christians should not braid their hair.”

The person said further, “As someone who was well brought up in the church, he should be modest and lose the hair as soon as possible.”

Very disheartening and judgmental statement if you ask me.

Christians and churchgoers most specifically need to take the spec off their eyes and give people the opportunity to express themselves and become who they want to become.

We grew up together and I know how God has used him immensely to touch and influence people’s lives. He is a great leader, and his hair should not be used to define his propensity in his walk with God almighty.


I am a Christian, albeit, oftentimes, I prefer not to communicate with some other Christians because they are always usually so critical of other people which is not fair.

Attending a Christian private institution made me understand that most moralistic religious ‘prim and proper’ people are the most hypocritical set of individuals on God’s beautiful earth.

Live and let live, braiding of hair for a man isn’t a sin. It is unfair when people are always obstructing the expressionism of others simply because it is not ‘Christian enough’.


Yes, the young man’s hair is braided, but his brains have brought him big bag of money. You are not his mother, neither are you his father, you don’t feed him, rest with your myopic perspective on how people should look.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/church-vs-expressionism-whats-wrong-with-being-a-stylish-christian/

Nollywood actor, Uche Maduagwu on Friday, February 4 shared a video of himself protesting in a market place for the emergence of an Igbo president.

The Nollywood actor created a scene in a market place in Lagos State demanding for an Igbo representative to become the leader of the country.

In the video that the controversial actor shared on social media; he had his signature red bra with him and his eccentric behaviour raised eyebrows as he made his demand.

Sharing the video on Instagram; the actor alleged in his caption that some celebrities received the sum of N70 million from a certain ‘South West Lord’ for the campaign.

Maduagwu went on to state that he is prepared to support any Igbo leader who chooses to come forward as a presidential aspirant.

Maduagwu wrote on his Instagram page:

“Some top music and Nollywood celebs don collect 70 million and 15 million naira respectively to support south west Lord of politics for 2023 my people.

“Shine your eyes; this Na wetin love for money over conscience do.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/uche-maduagwu-protests-demands-emergence-of-igbo-president/

Renowned Nigerian social activist, Charly Boy real name Charles Oputa has admonished women to contribute more in relationships.

In a post shared on the social media platform, Instagram on Friday, February 4, the veteran Nigerian media personality mentioned that women should endeavor to bring more than coitus into relationships.

Charly Boy had this to say;

“A lot of girls complain that guys walk away from them simply because they refused giving them Sx. Some have even turned into Sx toys just to keep their man.

Let me be very open here…….
S*x might not be the reason these guys walk away

Remove s*x from a relationship and see that most girls don’t have anything else to offer their man”

The social activist continued;

“Can you support him Spiritually

Can you Support him Physically/Financially

The concluding part of the narrative reads;

“How about Mentally?

All you do is Demand Money for Bags, Shoes, phones, Clothes, and Outings. Making him spend unnecessarily. What are you even bringing to the table

Have you ever sat him down and helped him plan about his future

https://newsroundtheclock.com/charly-boy-lampoons-women-who-offer-nothing-in-relationships/

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says it would soon embark on an indefinite strike to press home their demands one month after it suspended a nine-month-old strike.

Dr Lazarus Maigoro, ASUU Chairman of the University of Jos chapter of the Union, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

The ASUU suspended a nine-month-old industrial action in December 2020 due to the failure of Federal Government to address all the issues raised in the 2009 agreement it entered with the union.

Maigoro, who described the Federal Government as an “unfaithful spouse”, said the union would not relent until the standard of education is uplifted in the country.

“The government’s pattern of response to issues is that of a serial promise breaker.

“Like an unfaithful spouse, they are unable to match their words with action which is affecting the education sector negatively.

“We are tired of their deceit and it is time for us to take actio; so we want to inform Nigerians that we are tired of fruitless meetings with the Minister of Labour; Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Chief of Staff to the President; among others.

“If they ever want us to listen to them; they should first of all act on the promises they have already made,” he said.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ASUU-announces-impending-nationwide-strike/

Veteran Nigerian media personality, Onyeka Onwenu has revealed in a recent interview that she is a divorcee.

During the interview session with Kikilomo Atanda-Owo on her show “Real Talk with Kike“, Onyeka Onwenu made the shocking revelation. The mother of two mentioned that her now ex-husband failed to carry out his responsibilities as a father.

The veteran recording artiste and former NTA broadcaster revealed that she had to leave her marriage because she could have been ‘killed’ if she never walked out.

Onyeka who is a mother of two revealed that she supervised and paid for the tuition fees of her children from nursery until tertiary level; including their Masters Degree program.

“I went through it. It was difficult because I really didn’t want my marriage to end but I could not take it anymore. It would have killed me. I always say and that is the truth,” she said.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/onyeka-onwenu-reveals-she-left-her-marriage/

Nollywood actor, Samuel Ajibola in a recently published Instagram page revealed how fatherhood has transitioned his life.

The former ‘The Johnsons’ star shared a video of himself and his son on his Instagram and he explained that fatherhood has made him to appreciate his parents more.

Speaking further, Samuel Ajibola mentioned that his involvement in the life of his child has made him to see life from a different perspective.

He wrote on his Instagram page:

“My Life has completely changed since I had my first kid.

I mean, is this what parents go through? I now partake in daily night vigils and sleep with him during the day so I can run my shift with him at night.

“Before you get him to sleep, you’ll carry him till your arms are weak.

You’ll sing, stand, dance and even pray for his eyes to close but the moment you are convinced that he has started sleeping and you try to lay him down so you can rest, boom! his eyes are wide open and he is crying all over again!!”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/samuel-ajibola-nollywood-actor-explains-how-fatherhood-has-transitioned-his-life/

Brand ambassadors, Toyin Abraham, Odunlade Adekola, Broda Shaggi and Testimony Jaga are under fire amid allegations of fraud against Revolution Plus, a real estate company.

On Tuesday, numerous customers accused the company of not allocating properties to them after they made full payment.

On Wednesday, via a post on their Instagram page, the company dismissed the allegations, stating that; “the firm was built on integrity and trust.”

The company in a statement, assured all their customers that they will be attended to in due course, adding that allocations are usually done in batches.

“We wish to state that, as it is with every business entity, there will always be a few dissatisfied customers, but we wish to make some clarifications on the series of complaints and allegations levelled against us as this will enable us resolve all underlying issues,” it read.


“As a result of the high volume of subscribers who subscribed to our estates. Allocations are often done in batches and often times we may exceed the time frame given for allocation.”

Part of the caption also says that, “The statement further exonerated the company’s brand ambassadors; Odunlade Adekola, Toyin Abrahams and Broda Shaggy of any wrong.”

In an Instagram post, Abraham said she has already reached out to the company and dismissed claims that she had left the real estate brand.

“I am not leaving the brand, as I can say they keep to their words, it’s just that we have issues that need to be resolved,” she wrote.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/broda-shaggi-odunlade-adekola-and-toyin-abraham-face-criticism-as-customers-call-out-revolution-plus/

A popular rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has disclosed that Bola Tinubu; an All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential aspirant, was flown to London in an air ambulance.

Sowore made this claim on Wednesday through a Facebook post saying Tinubu’s Presidency was dead on arrival.

Tinubu recently informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election.

The former governor of Lagos State, however; said he was consulting with relevant stakeholders across the country.

But, last week, the APC National Leader traveled to London, where he is running his presidential campaign.

Sowore, in a Facebook post, wrote: “Three weeks ago you would think the election had been decided when Jagaban of Corruption; Bola Tinubu “declared” his intention to run but soon as he discovered that his ambition was dead on arrival, he took his ambulance and fled to London!.”

Meanwhile, Tinubu, over the weekend, hosted Ade Omole, leader of the United Kingdom (UK) chapter of the party and the Nigeria Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA) team in London.

AbdulRasaq Danjuma, Mr Omole’s Personal Assistant, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the meeting was to consult with the NDA and “critical APC stakeholders” in the UK on Mr Tinubu’s 2023 presidential aspiration.

Danjuma said that contrary to media reports, Mr Tinubu was hale and healthy.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/tinubu-sowore-says-apc-leaders-presidential-ambition-dead-on-arrival/

The Kaduna State Government on Tuesday, February 1, released a security report, saying 1,192 lost their lives to banditry and other forms of violence in 2021.

This was stated by Samuel Aruwan, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, when he presented the report to Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the Kaduna Government House Executive Council Chamber.

According to the report, 3,348 people were equally kidnapped during the period under review in different parts of the state.

Receiving the report, Governor El-Rufai said the summary showed that an average of 9 people were kidnapped in Kaduna State on daily basis, a situation which he notes is worrisome.

He, however, appealed to the federal government to establish a military theatre command in the north west to deal with banditry; and other emerging security challenges in the North-West; as was done in the north east region against the Boko Haram terrorists.
“The tragic events of 2021 reported today to reinforce the importance of collaboration as a security tool. Governors of five frontline states in the North-west zone and Niger State continue to share information and press for the security agencies. This is for a sustained campaign of continuous operations against the terrorists across our vast region,” the Kaduna Governor said.

“The states implemented several measures including the telecoms shutdown as recommended by the security agencies to enable kinetic operations.
“We commend our people for the sacrifices they made during the shutdown. I want to reiterate that some of the measures like the prohibition of (a) the sale of petroleum products; (b) operation of weekly markets in selected areas, and (c) use of motorcycles remain in place until we see clear progress in the fight against the terrorists.

“We are in no doubt that there must be an urgent national effort to strengthen our security forces. The military and police need modern technology, advanced armaments, equipment and more boots on the ground.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/kaduna-govt-issues-grim-report-over-1000-lives-lost-to-banditry/

Former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode has admonished Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) ahead of the emerging 2023 general elections.

Ambode, who served as the state governor of the most populated state in Nigeria from 2015 to 2019 reemerged on the social media platform, Instagram on Tuesday afternoon after taking a hiatus from the platform.

The former Governor who stated that “God has been faithful after all we’ve been through”, thanked those that endorsed his administration’s modest contribution to the growth of Lagos.

Here is what the former Lagos State governor wrote;

After all we have been through, God has been faithful.
Thank you for the overwhelming endorsement of our modest contributions to the growth of Lagos.
It can only get better for Lagos, and indeed Nigeria.
The youths are coming.
The power is in their hands.
Go and get your Permanent Voters Card (PVC) ready.
Your future is NOW!”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ambode-ex-lagos-gov-writes-about-2023-elections/

Nigerian music producer, Unlimited LA in a tweet published on the microblogging site, Twitter has admonished young men to find a way to make money legally.

Taking to his Twitter account on Tuesday morning, Unlimited LA frowned at recent reports of young men indulging themselves in ritual practices so as to make money fast.

Specifically, a couple of days ago, three young men were nabbed in Ogun State for beheading a teenage girl for ritual purposes.

Reacting to the recent societal upheaval, the music video director, Unlimited LA stated that young man can also make money legally and honestly; because there are people who have made it without indulging in heinous means.

Unlimited LA had this to say.

“I think it’s time we let these young boys understand that honest/legit workers are also making money too.

We just too busy to show off; Before dem use everybody do rituals finish”

In other news, the 18-year-old boy who connived with three of his friends to kill his girlfriend, Sofiyah; for suspected money ritual purposes has said that he learnt the practice through Facebook.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/unlimited-la-music-video-director-advises-young-men-to-make-money-legally/

Former beauty queen, Precious Chikwendu has recounted how she was physically assaulted by her estranged husband, Femi Fani-Kayode four months after she gave birth to her first son, Aragon Femi-Kayode.

In an Instagram post written to celebrate her first son, Aragon who turns a year older today, Tuesday, February 1, the mother of four levelled more accusations against the former Aviation Minister.

“What haven’t we weathered together? You witnessed so many in my womb and when you arrived this world, you were barely four months old when you witnessed your mother being beaten like a puppy,” part of her post read.

“You were in my arms that night at the wheatbaker hotel after he was released from ikoyi prison, it was all laughter at first then prayers of Thanksgiving and next punches.”

Precious Chikwendu continued:

“You were dragged from my arms like a little bag of cake and I held on so tightly, the look in your eyes was that of so much fear , I looked into your eyes and I could read you clearly it was more of “Never Let Me Go mum” .

https://newsroundtheclock.com/precious-chikwendu-ex-beauty-queen-recounts-how-she-was-assaulted-by-former-aviation-minister-ffk/

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday, welcomed the released of four of the 22 women recently abducted by insurgents in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno.

NRTC reports that 22 women and two men were abducted by insurgents in three separate attacks on Pemi, Kautikari and Korohuma areas of Chibok last month.

A statement by Information Officer, UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, Folashade Adebayo, said the organisation has urged for the immediate release of all captives.

“UNICEF is very relieved for the released girls and their families. After their harrowing experience; it is good news that the girls are back with their families and friends.

“But sadly, dozens of children in north eastern Nigeria remain in captivity; the victims of an armed conflict they have nothing to do with. This is unconscionable.

“Children have the right to a safe environment, health, education and freedom from abuse and torture; all of which remain compromised when they are in captivity;’’ the statement quoted Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria as saying.

It decried how children in Nigeria continue to face violation of their rights; including abductions, torture, killings, recruitment into armed groups, and forced marriages, among others.

It said from that from 2014 no fewer than 1,000 children have been abducted with about 100 still missing or unaccounted for.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/unicef-expresses-relief-at-release-of-four-chibok-women-decries-spate-of-abductions/

Rafael Nadal came from behind in the Australian Open men’s final on Sunday in Melbourne, to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev despite losing the first two sets.

The 35-year-old Spaniard who rallied from the jaws of defeat to win arguably the most dramatic final of his career by coming back to beat Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5.

This victory in the Aussie Open 2022 makes Nadal the first ever male tennis player to win 21 grand slams ahead of his rivals, Djokovic and Federer.

“I don’t know what to say guys. For me it is just amazing. Nadal said in his post-match interview.

“I did not know if I would be back on the tour playing tennis again. You don’t know how much it means to be back here. You are amazing and thank you so much for all of your support.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/australian-open-2022-mens-final-nadal-fights-back-to-clinch-record-21st-title/

Arsenal are the likely favourite to beat Liverpool and Newcastle to the signing of Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen.

According to a very reliable source, a deal is now likely that would see Osimhen move to North London.

The Gunners are desperately on the look out for a forward considering that, Eddie Nketiah and Alexandra Lacazette’s contracts runs out in the summer.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/arsenal-transfer-news-napolis-osimhen-is-set-to-undergo-medical/

The ongoing Africa Cup of Nations 2022 (AFCON 2022) is getting to the stage where boys are being separated rom the men as hosts, Cameroon set to face debutant, the Gambia in the first quarter-finals.

No one gave the Gambia any chance of progressing to the next round being a debutant. The West African country shocked many by winning their group and moving to the last 8.

The Scorpions challenge will np doubt the Indomitable Lions.

It has been proven that anyone can be beaten in this competition, knowing what happened to favourites like Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria and recently Ivory Coast.

Meanwhile, five-time champions Cameroon is surely the favourite here. To achieve progress to the last four, they have to face an emerging force in continental football, The Gambia.

Getting to this stage means that the Gmabi can’t be taken with levity. They have a lethal striking force of Ablie Jallow and Moussa Barrow who netted twice each to the moment.

This is also a good opportunity for Cameroon to win their 6th AFCON.

Having recorded three wins and a draw till this stage, captain Vincent Abubakar is expected to lead by example again. The striker has scored six goals in four games, to become the first player since 1998 to reach this milestone in the AFCON finals.

Burkina Faso v Tunisia
This is another mouthwatering clash between to top African sides.

Tunisia will be relishing the moment of beating Nigeria had a hundred per cent record in the tournament prior to the last 16 clash to get here.

It is another opportunity for them to pass through a Burkinafaso side that have not been sparkling. The 2004 champions will hope for a second title in their history.

The North African team sure has a game plan and they know how to execute it.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/2022-afcon-the-gambia-set-for-cameroon-test-tunisia-lock-horns-with-burkina-faso/

Leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Pa Edwin Clark, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of destroying the peace the oil rich region had been enjoying before he came into power.

In an open letter addressed to the President on Friday, Edwin Clark said Buhari’s actions is the cause of renewed restiveness in the Nigeria Delta, knocking claims by the President that his regime had fostered lasting peace in the oil-rich region.

Clark, a leader of the Ijaw Nation, said Buhari’s predecessors like the late President Musa Yar’adua and Goodluck Jonathan, should be credited for any peace enjoyed in the South-South and not the present regime.

“There is no doubt that a good amount of peace has come to the Niger Delta in the past few years. However, your claim as having been the main architect that brought the peace does not properly convey what transpired,” the PANDEF leader said in the letter.

“If you will recall, your excellency, before your government came on board, insecurity which had reduced substantially during the tenure of your predecessor, resumed at a very alarming rate.

“The period saw the emergence of a new group, the Niger Delta Avengers, which virtually held your government hostage, oil production went down to as low as about 800,000 barrels per day.

“Your government adopted a military approach to quell the agitations, by deploying the so-called ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in August 2016, which did not in any way solve the problem.

“Mr President, may I make it very clear to you that the area is sitting on a keg of gunpowder, and any attempt to scrap the amnesty programme may produce unpleasant consequences to all.”

“Our people are very conscious of the developments that your government is carrying out in other areas of the country with monies derived from oil exploration in their area.

“We repeat, our agitation against the use of money looted from our area by the late Gen. Sani Abacha, which was recovered from the United States of America, exclusively for the construction of the so-called mega projects by the Federal Government.

“Mr. President, you have failed to deliver on different promises, including building modular refineries to replace the local refining carried out by youths, relocation of the operational headquarters of the oil companies to the Niger Delta, and the Ogoni clean-up.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/edwin-clark-accuses-buhari-of-destroying-niger-delta-peace/

A 37-year-old man, Samuel Adebamigbe, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, after he was found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl.

According to the prosecution, Adebamigbe had abducted the victim while running an errand for her mother and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

The charge as presented to the court by police prosecutor, Kunle Adeyemo, read:

“That you, Samuel Adebamigbe, on November 3, 2020, at Ado Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of the court, did rape a 13-year-old girl, contrary to Section 31(2) of the Child’s Right Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.”

In her statement to the police, the teenage victim said she was sent by her mother to deliver a loaf of bread to the defendant on request.

She said when she got to his residence, Adebamigbe told her that he wanted to buy pepper soup around the Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti.

“He asked me to sit in a room till when the pepper soup would be ready. When he came back, he locked the door and had sexual intercourse with me twice.

“I shouted for help but there was nobody to rescue me. He later gave me N1,500 and warned me not to tell anybody,” the victim said.

The girl said when she got back home, she narrated her ordeal to her mother who reported the case to the police, leading to the arrest and arraignment of the convict.

The prosecutor called called five witnesses and tendered the statement of the victim, her birth certificate, a medical report, among others, as exhibits, while Adebamigbe called three witnesses.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ekiti-man-bags-life-imprisonment-for-rape/

The outlawed Igbo separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has warned former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, to mind his utterances and comments against their incarcerated leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The group said recent disparaging comments credited to the founder of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force against Kanu and the Biafra cause, was quite unfortunate, coming from a self-acclaimed freedom fighter.

IPOB also cautioned Dokubo to mind what he says as he is neither a member of IPOB nor a Biafran.

In the past few weeks, Asari Dokubo has been in the forefront of those urging the Federal Government not to release Kanu, claiming that the Biafra agitator had been instigating violence and killings in the Southeast.

But in a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary on Friday, the group denied declaring war on Dokubo as he has been claiming and would be held responsible if any IPOB member dies in the coastal areas or hinterlands.

“We the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to put the whole world on notice, particularly the Izon people, of the unguarded and nonsense statements coming out from Asari Dokubo against the people of IPOB and our leader because when it will starts, nobody should blame us.

“Asari Dokubo numerated how he sabotaged and planned how our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was abducted and extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya to Nigeria.

“Asari Dokubo should know that he is not an Igbo man, and should stop portraying himself so. Igbos believe in equity and justice and Igbos don’t need a traitor like Asari Dokubo.

“Asari Dokubo should equally remember that IPOB never declared war against him since he started his nonsense statements against IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu. We don’t want to be distracted or join issues with him.

“But we want to make it categorically clear to him that if any IPOB member, both in the hinterland and coastal region of Biafra, dies as a result of his threats, he will understand what IPOB is capable of doing.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ipob-warns-asari-dokubo/