The Akwa Ibom state governor has ordered that the body of makeup artiste Abigael Edith Frederick be brought back to the state for proper burial.

Abigai’s body was found on Thursday April 11 and reportedly buried at the bank of the river.

It was alleged that the villagers had insisted she must be buried there as her family members failed to perform a sacrifice to appease the river goddess before they can take her body away from the river.

Read the statement from the state govt below

REMAINS OF LATE AKWA IBOM BORN NOLLYWOOD ARTISTE TO BE BROUGHT HOME

[b]His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State, is aware of the tragic boat mishap, which occurred a few days ago, on River Nigeria, involving some Nollywood actors and other supporting crew members while on a trip to a movie location.

One of the victims of that accident, Ms. Abigael Edith Frederick, was a quintessential example of our young people who have harkened to our clarion call for them to Arise and shine.
She was a 24 years old graduate of Theatre Arts, who had found her passion as a make- up artiste.

We are deeply saddened by her painful passing and on behalf of the Government and people of AKwa Ibom State, we sympathize with her family, the Nollywood community and her friends and colleagues over this sad loss.

We have also followed and read the reportage, especially on the social media platforms surrounding her burial and wish to state categorically that, government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial.

His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, has consequently directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial.

As the famous theme song of the Liverpool Football Club goes, the bereaved family will not “walk alone”.

May her soul rest in peace.

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor[/b]

https://platinumtimes.ng/breaking-gov-umo-eno-orders-body-of-nollywood-make-up-artist-who-died-along-with-jnr-pope-to-be-brought-back-for-burial/

Philip Shaibu, the Edo state deputy governor, has been impeached by the State House of Assembly.

Platinum Times reports that the impeachment was sequel to the report submitted by Justice S.A. Omonua-led seven-man panel which investigated the petition against the deputy governor.

The panel in its reports said the allegation of perjury was not proved beyond reasonable doubt by the complainant against the deputy governor, while that of disclosure of government official documents was proved beyond reasonable doubt against the deputy governor.

At the plenary, 20 members attended,18 members voted in favour of the panel’s reports, while one voted against.

The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbrbaku directed that a clean copy of the impeachment decision by the House be sent to the Governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki for assent.

https://platinumtimes.ng/breaking-shaibu-impeached-by-edo-assembly-as-deputy-governor/

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has unveiled the Bank of Industry’s (BoI’s) palliative food programme in its bid to cushion the effect of challenges currently being faced by Nigerians.

The Honourable Minister, Dr Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, at the launch of the programme at BoI’s head office in Lagos, said the move is coming on the heels of the present administration’s effort to support the vulnerable.

The Minister stated that as a responsive government, it has announced a number of programmes aimed at ameliorating the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.
She pledged the government’s support for industries to enhance local production while also ensuring food security.

In her words, “The launch of the BOI Palliative programme is a strong commitment to food security. We are seeking ways to address the food insecurity issues currently being faced in the country. The federal government is aware of the skyrocketing food prices and is working with relevant stakeholders in the food value chain to address this challenge.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director, BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said the development finance institution is working closely with the federal government to ensure that the palliative gets to the targeted beneficiaries across the 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) starting in Lagos and Abuja.

The Bank will engage its food processing customers for the purchase of food items at affordable prices while also working with all the State governors for the sharing/donation of the purchased food items.

According to him, the food palliative programme is a clear demonstration of the Bank’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

It will be recalled that the bank recently launched the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS) which provides N50,000 grants to qualifying small businesses across various sectors nationwide.

https://platinumtimes.ng/hardship-boi-launches-palliative-food-programme/

The Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abuja has fixed January 15, 2024, to hear the petition of Patrick Tonye-Cole, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State in the 2023 general elections, against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Part of the prayers of Tonye-Cole is that the court should sack Fubara as governor for failing to resign as Accountant General of the state after emerging as the candidate of PDP in the last election.

Tonye-Cole has also argued that Fubara was not qualified to contest the last election, let alone be declared the winner of the election.

On another ground, the APC governorship candidate is asking the court to cancel elections in some local government areas over allegations of irregularities or he should be declared the winner of the election.

Tonye-Cole‘s suit was dismissed at the tribunal for lacking merit in all the grounds but won some of the grounds at the Court of Appeal court before proceeding to the Supreme Court.

https://platinumtimes.ng/rivers-guber-supreme-court-fix-date-to-hear-apcs-petition-against-fubara/

You are a petty fraudster...

Return somebody's money.

You fool

Abia State election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia has dismissed three grounds of prayers brought by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Okey Ahaiwe against Governor Alex Otti.


The tribunal which delivered the Judgement at about 1:20 pm, dismissed Ahaiwe’s case for lack of merit.

Ahaiwe had challenged the declaration of Otti as the duly elected governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.


In his prayers through his Lawyer, Paul Ananaba, SAN, Ahaiwe had urged the court to remove Otti and declare him the winner.

The PDP candidate said the electoral victory of Otti did not conform with Section 77 of the Electoral Act, among other prayers.

However, the tribunal threw away all the requests, for lacking in merit.


Platinum Times reports that the victory threw thousands of LP supporters who came from different parts of the State into spontaneous jubilation, as they danced in joy and celebration outside the Federal High Court complex.

Meanwhile the tribunal is presently handling the case brought by Ikechi Emenike of the APC against Otti.

Emenike is asking the tribunal to remove governor Otti, on the allegations that he did not resign his membership of the APC before joining the LP.


The APC candidate in the March 18 guber election is also claiming that Otti’s name is not in the register of the LP when he contested the election.

https://platinumtimes.ng/breaking-tribunal-affirms-alex-otti-as-winner-of-abia-guber-election/

A Ugandan businessman, Habib Nsikonnene, wedded seven wives on Sunday, September 10, in Uganda.

This was revealed in photos shared by Capital FM Uganda on X, formerly Twitter.

The names of the wives are Mariam, Madinah, Aisha, Zainabu, Fatuma, Rashida, and Musanyusa, who is said to his first wife and has been with him for seven years.

Two of the seven wives are also said to be biological sisters.

It was also reported that Nsikonnene bought brand new cars as presents for each of them, with each of them having their cars labelled with their own names.

In his speech at the reception, he commended his wives for being loyal to him, saying, "My wives harbour no jealousy amongst themselves. I introduced them separately and decided to wed them all at once to make one big happy family. I am still a young man and in the near future, God willing, I cannot say this is the end of it.”

https://platinumtimes.ng/ugandan-man-weds-seven-women-same-day/

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has won the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the Stockholm Diamond League, with an impressive time of 12.52s.

She beat Sarah Lavin who clocked a personal best of 12.73s for 2nd and Pia Skrzyszowska in 12.78s in 3rd place.

Tobi finished in second position in the 100 metres hurdles event at the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday.

Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn won the race with a time of 12.40s.

Amusan clocked a time of 12.47s equaling her personal best for the season.

The third position went to Tia Jones, who ran a time of 12.51s.

It was a slight improvement from Amusan, who finished in third position behind Camacho-Quinn and Tia at the continental tour event in Ostra on Tuesday.

https://platinumtimes.ng/just-in-tobi-amusan-breaks-another-record-wins-100-metres-stockholm-diamond-league-hurdles/

The Board of Directors, African Development Bank (AfDB), has approved a loan of 115 million dollars to support a major road rehabilitation project in Abia State, Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Nigeria Country Department of the bank on Saturday in Abuja.

It said the project would see to the rehabilitation of roads, erosion control infrastructure and preparation of solid waste management facilities in the state capital, Umuahia, and the commercial hub, Aba.

”Financing for the project estimated at a total cost of 263.80 million dollars, will come through an AfDB loan of 100 million dollars.

”A Canada–AfDB Climate Fund (CACF) loan of 15 million dollars; and a 125 million dollars co-financing loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

”The Abia State government will provide 23.80 million dollars in counterpart funding for compensation to people affected by the project and implementation of a Resettlement Action Plan,”it said.

According to the statement, the project, which is expected to be completed in 2029, has a total of 248.46 km of road.

It said it had 58.03 km of roads in Umuahia and 190.43 km of roads in Aba which would be rehabilitated to asphaltic concrete standards at varying cross-sections.

It said:” Erosion sites in Umuahia and Aba will be reinstated as well as preparatory studies were undertaken for private sector participation in solid waste management for the two cities.

”The project will also include capacity building, project management and development of social infrastructure.

”This includes the rehabilitation of schools and the provision of sanitation facilities in schools, community markets and hospitals.”

It said with an estimated population of 553,000 and 814,000 respectively (2022 estimates), Umuahia and Aba, the commercial hub, we’re currently facing serious infrastructure challenges.

The statement said this arose from decades of underinvestment amid rapid urbanisation and the situation was aggravated by gully erosion and the emergence of huge piles of solid waste on the roads.

It said when completed, the 1.37 million population in these two cities would benefit from reduced travel time, vehicle operating costs and lower transport cost.

”The project will also create 3,000 temporary jobs (30 per cent for women) at the construction phase, and about 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase.

”The permanent jobs will particularly benefit the youths, who will make up 50 per cent of the project.
”They will be trained in contract management by the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps for road maintenance, a body of young Abia engineers drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of the State,”it said.

Mr Lamin Barrow, the Director-General of AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, said the project would build resilience by providing the town access to urban infrastructure services, including economic and social amenities.

Barrow said: “the results from the implementation of the project will help expand access to economic and social amenities in the two cities, and thereby contribute to building sustainable and liveable cities.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AfDB’s portfolio in Nigeria comprises 48 operations worth 4.2 billion dollars.

The national (Federal and States) operations account for 90 per cent of the portfolio, for 41 projects amounting to 3.79 billion dollars. In comparison, multinational operations constitute 10 per cent for seven projects amounting to 0.41 billion dollars.

There are 24 Sovereign Operations, 2.36 billion dollars or 56 per cent of total commitments and 24 Non-Sovereign Operations (1.84 billion dollars or 44 per cent).

https://platinumtimes.ng/abia-gets-afdb-approval-of-115m-loan-for-erosion-road-projects/

The Cross Rivers State police spokesperson, Irene Ugbo, said the state commissioner had ordered a thorough investigation into the brutal burning of a woman identified as Madam Martina Okey Itagbor, over alleged witchcraft.

Platinum Times learnt that Nigerian journalist and activist, Agba Jalingo, shared the story via his Facebook page alleging that Itagbor, who is a member of the Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO), was killed by 14 youths led by Christopher Sunday Mbey after another woman at CWO, accused her of killing her two sons who died in a fatal accident.

Jalingo said the deceased was brutally murdered by youths of Old Netim in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state in front of the village Catholic church while a CWO meeting was taking place inside.

According to him, one of Martina’s daughters, who is also a member of the CWO, was inside the church too while her mother was burning in the fire and wasn’t allowed to come out to do anything to help her mum.

Jalingo identified the alleged killers as Christopher Sunday Mbey (Leader); Festus Etim Umoh (Dep. Leader); Emem Etim Umoh; Enearokot Omonga Peter; Stephen aka Pompori; Obaji; Destiny Ime Brown; Joseph Omonga Orok; Eyu Adogo; Louis Bassey Peter; Orok Okon Orok; Mesembe Anembe; Malachi Sylvanus and Thelfa Okon Nyong.

In an interview with SaharaReporters, the state police spokesperson, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the names of the culprits have been released and they are working to investigate them.

Itagbor also debunked the claim that Martina was killed in the presence of police officers who did nothing to avert the tragedy.

She said, “Some names of the youths have been released and we are working to investigate if they are truly involved and the evidence against them.

“The allegation is not true. No policeman was there when they were carrying out their barbaric act. What they did is a jungle justice and there is a punishment for that in law and no police will be watching them doing that.”

https://platinumtimes.ng/alleged-witchcrafcy-angry-youths-sets-woman-ablaze-in-cross-river-state/

Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group remains the richest man in Africa, despite the volatility of Nigerian currency against the dollar.

Bloomberg in its daily top billionaire lists, released on Tuesday, revealed that Dangote with a wealth of $15.6 billion topped other Africans in the Index.

According to Bloomberg, Dangote, who remains the richest man in Africa for the 12th year running, was the only Nigerian on the list of the top 500 billionaires.

Africa’s richest man, with a net worth of $15.6 billion, controls Dangote Industries, a closely-held conglomerate.

The Lagos, Nigeria-based company owns sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest cement producer, Dangote Cement. It also has interests in sugar, salt, fertiliser and packaged foods. Dangote also recently commissioned the $19 billion petroleum refinery plant, which is now Africa’s largest refinery.

Dangote was also recently named among the topmost charitable man in the World by Richtopia, a digital periodical that covers business, economics, and financial news, based in the United Kingdom.

This recognition came after the endowed his foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) to the tune of $1.25 billion.

Aliko Dangote started his foundation in 1981, with a mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities.

Aliko Dangote Foundation was however incorporated in 1994 as a charity in Lagos, Nigeria. 20 years later, the foundation has become the largest private foundation in Sub–Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.

The primary focus of Aliko Dangote Foundation is health and nutrition, supported by wrap-around interventions in education, empowerment, and humanitarian relief.

Other Africans listed in the latest top 500 world billionaires list for the year 2023 include Johann Rupert and family of South Africa, now worth $13.3 billion, while Nicky Oppenheimer of South Africa, Nassef Sawiris of Egypt, Natie Kirsh of South Africa, and Naguib Sawiris are also worth $9.0 billion, $7.47 billion, $7.37billion and $5.93 billion respectively.

These are the only five other Africans that made the list.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index is a daily ranking of the world’s richest people. In calculating net worth, Bloomberg News strives to provide the most transparent calculations available, and each individual billionaire profile contains a detailed analysis of how that person’s fortune is tallied.

The index is a dynamic measure of personal wealth based on changes in markets, the economy and Bloomberg reporting.

Each net worth figure is updated every business day after the close of trading in New York. Stakes in publicly traded companies are valued using the share’s most recent closing price. Valuations are converted to U.S. dollars at current exchange rates.

Ellon Musk and Bernard Arnault are the richest in the world with $ 219 billion and $194 billion respectively in their kitties while Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates followed respectively with $151 billion and $130 billion. Larry Ellison was the fifth richest with $130 billion on the world’s billionaires’ chart.

Bloomberg is a global information and technology company, that connects decision-makers to a dynamic network of data, people and ideas.

https://platinumtimes.ng/bloomberg-says-dangote-is-still-africas-richest-man-with-15-6bn/

The Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal has struck out the petition filed by the All Progressive Congress (APC) following the withdrawal by the party’s counsel.

With this withdrawal, the governorship candidate of the APC, Tonye Cole remains the only petitioner against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Fubara Siminalayi.

Cole is challenging the victory of Siminalayi in the March governorship poll in the state.

Drama ensued at the Tribunal as the APC filed an application for change of counsel in their petition against the PDP and its candidate.

When the matter commenced, counsel for the APC, Solomon Umoh told the Tribunal that he would be taking over as counsel for the party following a motion for change of counsel before the tribunal.

Umoh also told the court that his clients would like their names to be struck out from the petition as applicants.

Jibrin Okutepa, who was the former counsel for Cole and the APC, told the Tribunal that he was not briefed on the new development by the party.

The three-man panel led by Justice Cletus Emifoniye, however, granted the application for change of counsel and also granted the motion as prayed by striking out the name of APC as a petitioner.

The APC’s withdrawal was brought pursuant to order 9 rule 15 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019.

One of the grounds for the application amongst others is that “there is the need to seek the leave of this Honourable Tribunal to strike out the name of the 2nd petitioner/applicant, as the applicant has no intention to participate in this petition.”

No date has been fixed for the commencement of the pre-hearing of applications before the Tribunal.

https://netarana.com/tribunal-rivers-apc-withdraws-petition-against-pdp-inec/

“Gov Nyesom Wike, I’ll leave Gov SanwoOlu to respond to your banters. I’m now the President-Elect”.

Nigeria’s President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said while delivering his speech  at Rivers State.

Recall, President - elect Bola Tinubu is on a 2 day visit to Rivers State on invitation of Gov Nyesome Wike for commissioning of projects.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY8KWl5jsM4


https://netarana.com/ill-leave-sanwo-olu-to-respond-to-your-banters-im-now-the-president-elect-tinubu-tells-wike/

President Muhammadu Buhari has reappointed Abike Dabiri-Erewa for a second term as the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

The notice of her reappointment was contained in a letter written by the President to the Senate requesting the Upper Chamber to confirm her reappointment.

In November 2018, the President first named Dabiri-Erewa as NIDCOM chair. She was the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora before the appointment.

Dabiri-Erewa was also a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos from 2003-2015. While she was at the House of Representatives, Dabiri-Erewa chaired of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs.

Meanwhile, President Buhari also wrote a separate letter to the Senate seeking the confirmation of appointment of six federal commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to fill the existing vacancies in the states.

The nominees are Ayogu Eze, Peter Okpara, Hauwa Aliyu, Rajiya Ayuba, Kolawole Adebola and Ismailia Agaka.

Furthermore, the red chamber has mandated its committee on interior to investigate the circumstances causing the delay in the issuance and renewal of passports by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The Senate has also asked its committee on interior to probe the contract for the printing of passports by the NIS.

The Senate issued these directives to its committee on Interior at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday following a motion by Senator Uche Ekwunife who said Nigerians are facing hardship and stress in getting their passports.

She explained that despite the six weeks timeline given by the NIS to process passports, Nigerians now spend between three to six months to get them.

The lawmaker further noted that it has become extremely difficult for passports to be processed in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja and this is creating a situation where Nigerians who reside in those states now have to travel to other states in the country to process their passports.

https://netarana.com/buhari-reappoints-dabiri-erewa-as-nidcom-chair/

Seyi, son of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has assured Nigerians of a better country and a renewed hope in the incoming administration.

He gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja when he joined other supporters and admirers of his father at the Day 34 of the pre-inauguration hangout.

The daily pre-inauguration hangout which began on March 26, was organised by a political pressure group, Patriots in Defense of Democracy.

Mr Seyi, who arrived at the Unity Fountain, venue of the hangout along with his team, was ushered in with various scintillating cultural displays.

He appreciated all supporters present at the hangout and assured youths that the incoming administration would give priority to their needs in all areas, particularly in appointive positions.

The group’s convener, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, said the daily pre-inauguration hangout was in solidarity with the mandate freely given by Nigerians to Tinubu on Feb. 25.

He said the hangout was aimed at redirecting the ongoing narratives about the presidential election and the emergence of Mr Tinubu as the president-elect.

Mr Adeyanju said that the hangout would continue until May 29, when Mr Tinubu would be sworn in as the country’s 16th democratically elected president.

“The attendees had been here for 34 days now to chase out anti-democracy preachers as well as to stand on the mandate freely given to Mr Tinubu, the President-elect.

“We have had several events, including a medical outreach to bring health facility closer to the attendees as a way to adding colour to the hangout,” he said.

Mr Adeyanju said the hangout was being sustained by contributions from friends and Mr Tinubu’s well-wishers.

https://netarana.com/my-father-will-make-nigeria-better-seyi-tinubu/

The Vice President-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima, says the Bola Tinubu-led administration will observe the rule of law and also give priority to gender-based issues.

Mr Shettima made this known on Saturday in Abuja at the reading session of a book written by a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Usman.

The title of the book is “Stepping on Toes, My Odyssey at the Nigerian Ports Authority”.

Mr Shettima commended the author of the book while expressing the willingness of their administration to be gender-friendly.

He said: “She is an iron lady, I don’t think I have the courage to write such a book. Be that as it may, I am here in solidarity with our sister. We need to show empathy and support for our women.

“There is a popular saying among the people of Ghana that if you educate a man, you have educated an individual, if you educate a woman, you have educated a nation.

“Be rest assured that the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be gender-friendly.

“He was the first governor to appoint a female as his deputy; he is also the first person to appoint a woman as a chief judge of a state.’

He said, “Be rest assured that we will observe the rule of law.”

The Vice President-elect also encouraged Nigerians to imbibe a healthy reading culture.

He said: “We need to read to know what is happening in the world, our reading culture in this part of the world is poor, people hardly read.

“At times, I buy books just to show solidarity with authors. I spend up to N500,000 at once just in solidarity with authors, I buy books and share them with friends and family members.

“People find it easy to spend a fortune to buy Apple wristwatches and so on but hardly do we buy books. We may not be authorities on everything but we should be knowledgeable about everything.”

Also, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, commended the author for doing a great job by sharing her side of the story.

Mr Adoke noted that he could relate to his ordeal as he was also a victim of the same circumstances.

Earlier, the author, Ms Usman detailed her experience with the former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and other issues while heading the ports as the first woman to occupy that position.

She said that she knew that she decided not to be the victim that got accused of embezzling public funds.

“When you call out big people that have networks, automatically know that you will always come under verbal attacks everywhere.

“So, I decided that I had to tell that story rather than keep quiet and be fingered as the person who looted the NPA.

“I felt it was important that I put the records straight in the public space. I had to put this out there to encourage others; I love to read memoirs across the board.”

(NAN)

https://netarana.com/shettima-our-administration-will-observe-rule-of-law/

The 86th richest man in the world, who alone controls up to 25% of all African billionaires’ fortune, would reportedly conclude a transaction of 10 million euros to acquire the French Ligue 2 team.

The French media outlet, Entreprendre, claimed that the Nigerian, who serves as CEO of the Dangote Group, the biggest industrial conglomerate in West Africa, would acquire the club’s 60% ownership, according to soccernet report.

The club, which was established in 1913, has a lengthy history of winning the Ligue 2, the Championnat National, and the Championnat de France amateur.

However, the French side is now ranked 15th in Ligue 2, which suggests that they are not doing very well in the 2022–23 season campaign. Nevertheless, an acquisition made by the wealthiest black man might propel them to the next level by signing the best legs and revitalising the team as a whole.

Similar to how Shola Akinlade, CEO of Paystack, purchased the Danish club Aarhus Fremad, as reported by Lolade Adewuyi, managing editor of Soccernet.ng. Lolade has, however, employed his social media handle to disclose the potential Dangote acquisition.

The Nigerian businessman Dangote tried to buy a controlling share in Arsenal in 2010, but his bid was unsuccessful. However, if the media claims are genuine, Dangote will ultimately own a football team.

Recall that Kunle Soname purchased Portuguese second-division team Clube Desportivo Feirense to become the first Nigerian to own a prominent European football club.

Dozy Mmobuosi, another billionaire from Nigeria in the technology sector, is on the verge of acquiring English Football League team Sheffield United for £90 million.

These efforts imply that several Nigerian billionaires, like Dangote, Akinlade, and Mmobuosi, are moving closer to focusing their attention on investing in sports and putting Africa on the map of the globe.

Akinlade said that his goal in owning a part share of Aarhus Fremad was to provide possibilities for African talents, and this would apply to Nigerian business tycoons given the amount of potential in Africa.

https://netarana.com/dangote-set-to-purchase-french-ligue-2-team-valenciennes/

A former president of Guinea, Alpha Conde on Sunday revealed how the Nigeria President-elect, Bola Tinubu got his Guinean citizenship

Conde in a video call with African Union Ambassador, Ousmane Yara, who was been interview by Daily Sun, however, stated that the recognition was as Ambassador extraordinaire (special envoy) of Guinea.

He promised to reveal more details on how Tinubu was made Ambassador Extraordinaire in the country in due time.

The ex-president described Tinubu as the biggest pan-Africanist, adding that Tinubu had always supported African presidents.

Speaking on his relationship with Tinubu, he said: “Tinubu is the biggest pan-Africanist I have seen. Before I met Tinubu, I had noted his accomplishments, right from when he was governor. I see him as a ‘Lion of Africa’ because of his contributions towards the stability and development of Africa. He has always supported African presidents who were pan-Africanists in disposition and others.”

The former president expressed confidence in the ability of Tinubu to do well as president.

Conde said, “I am convinced that Tinubu’s leadership will be good for Nigeria. Nigeria is a country other West African nations look up to. I am happy for Tinubu. Anything he may require of me to make his government successful, in my personal capacity, I will willingly do. He helped us in Guinea and I will never forget that. Nigerians should pray for the success of Tinubu’s government because his leadership will be impactful.”

https://netarana.com/ex-president-of-guinea-reveals-how-tinubu-got-guinean-citizenship/

A female voter in Saturday’s supplementary elections in Kebbi State has claimed that the “broom” party gave her N3,000, two wrappers, and packs of pasta for voting the party.

Another lady said “the broom” party gave her the same as well as others for voting for them.

The two voters spoke in Hausa with Channels Television at the Baban Dutsi Model Primary School which has three polling units namely: Karyo, Umijin Nana and Baban Dutsi.




INEC had during the February 25 and March 18 elections declared some governorship, National Assembly and state assemblies’ polls inconclusive and directed a rerun.

Widespread violence, voter suppression and inducement had marred the February 25 and March 18 polls, especially in states like Lagos, Rivers, amongst others as thugs unleashed terror on voters at polling units, fuelling voters’ apathy.

In Kebbi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 388,258 votes as against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s 342,980, leading the Returning Officer in the governorship election, Professor Yusuf Sa’idu, to declare the election inconclusive.

He said violence, destruction of election materials, disruption of electoral proceedings, and over-voting played a role in the decision.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bTQEIhNErs


https://netarana.com/video-kebbi-women-claim-broom-party-gave-them-n3000-for-voting/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe State has declared Ibrahim Bomai as the duly elected Senator representing Yobe South Senatorial District.

Announcing the result on Saturday at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum, the Returning Officer, Abatcha Melemi explained Bomai of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 69,596 votes to defeat his closest opponent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Halilu Mazagane who polled 68,885 votes.

INEC had earlier declared the election in zone inconclusive resulting from over voting at Manawachi polling unit in the Fika Local Government Area of the state.

The Returning Officer, who could not entertain questions, told journalists that his mandate was just to declare the winner.

https://netarana.com/bomai-of-the-apc-wins-the-yobe-south-senate-election/

Six people have died in a fatal accident along the Ogoja – Ikom segment of the Calabar – Ikom – Katsina-Ala federal highway on Tuesday, says the Cross River State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC.


The Sector Commander of the corps, Mr. Abdullahi Hassan says one person was also injured in the accident, reports the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

“We have eight male adults and one female adult in the vehicles. One male adult sustained injury, while those who died were six, consisting of five males and one female,” Mr. Hassan said.

The vehicles involved were a Toyota Sienna vehicle with Registration Number; Rivers AFM 810 NK and a truck typically used in transporting livestock, goods and foodstuffs which Mr. Hassan says has no license plate.

"The registration details mean the Sienna was registered in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Both the injured and those who died have been taken to the General Hospital in Ogoja by officers of the FRSC,” Mr. Hassan said.

He further advised motorists to desist from wrongful overtaking and speeding on highways.

https://netarana.com/tragic-auto-crash-claims-6-lives-in-cross-river/

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received another batch of 144 stranded Nigerians from Niamey in Niger Republic.

Dr. Nuradeen Abdullahi, NEMA Coordinator at Kano Territorial Office, received the returnees at rhe Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on Monday.

Abdullahi, represented by NEMA Kano Head of Human Resources, Mr Suleiman Sa’ad-Abubakar, said that the returnees arrived at the airport at about 2:30 p.m

“The returnees were transported into Nigeria by SKY MALI Airlines, operated by Ethiopian airline B737-400 with registration number UR-CQX”

He said that the returnees were brought back under the care of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) from Niamey through a voluntary repatriation programme.

“The programme is for the distressed, who had left the country to seek greener pastures in various European countries and could not afford to return when their journey became frustrated,” he said.

He said that the returnees included 106 male adults, 16 female adults and 22 children (10 female and 12 male).

Abdullahi noted that the returnees are from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Abia, Sokoto and Edo among others.

According to him, the returnees will undergo training in various skills.

”My advice to Nigerians is that they avoid endangering their lives by travelling to seek greener pastures in other countries, adding that no country is better than Nigeria,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agency between February and March received 300 stranded Nigerians from the Niamey Niger Republic.

Speaking to newsmen, one of the returnees while recounting her ordeal, Fatima Muhammad, a widow and mother of two said she travelled to Algeria to seek greener pastures with her kids

“I had no one to cater for me and my children. I decided to seek greener pastures. I regret embarking on the ill-fated journey. I thank God we came back safely

“Nigeria is far better than where we went in our quest for better lives. We suffered” Muhammad said

NAN reports that the returnees were also received by officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, Red Cross Society, Department of State Services and of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps among others.

Mr. Obiajulu Uja, the air passenger arrested for opposing the inauguration of Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president-elect, aboard an Ibom flight from Abuja to Lagos, has been remanded in prison custody, shortly after his arraignment before the Zuba Magistrates’ Court.

Uja was on Friday evening carried off the airplane after he started a lone protest, demanding that the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, must never be sworn in as president on May 29.

Airport security officers evacuated him after disrupting the Ibomair flight for close to an hour.

A copy of the charge sheet showed that Obiajulu Uja was charged with “public nuisance, resistance to a lawful arrest, threatening violence and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace contrary to sections 396, 267,188,172 and 144 of the Penal Code Law.”

His lawyer Ejike Ugwu, told the journalists on Monday that he was arraigned at the Zuba Magistrates’ Court “after they deceived us because yesterday he was taken to Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, Area 11 Abuja.”

He confirmed that Obiajulu, who is said to be mentally challenged, was admitted to the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, adding that the hospital did not have a psychiatrist doctor and psychologist that to examine him.

“While we were there, it was around 3 pm they told us that they wanted to arraign him in Zuba Magistrates’ Court.

“We reminded the court that the same police invited the doctor to examine him, and the same police instead of waiting for the doctors to examine him hurriedly charged him to court.

“Even with the test we did, we spent almost N40,000 at the Police clinic, all the tests they conducted we abandoned all of them; they have not prescribed any medicine.

“The way the police are handling it is as if they have an interest in the matter because you took somebody to a police clinic, you are coming to court to tell the court you want the person to be remanded in prison because you want to continue the investigation.

“Until now we do not know the result of the test that was conducted in the hospital because they hurriedly took him away from the hospital,” the lawyer said,

He noted that Mr Uja’s bail application will begin on Thursday.

Ifeoma Uzor Kalu, wife of former governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has died.

A statement personally signed by the former Abia State governor said Mrs. Ifeoma died in the United States of America.

Kalu wrote, “With a heavy heart and pain, we announce the passing on to the eternal glory of Mrs Ifeoma Ada Kalu aged 61.

“She was a woman of virtue who was committed to the service of God and humanity.

“A memorial service in her honour is scheduled to hold in the United States of America.”

He urged the public to remember Mrs Ifeoma and her loved ones in prayers during this difficult period.

https://olive.ng/breaking-sen-orji-kalus-wife-is-dead/

Ali Ndume, lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, has claimed that politicians have already started “buying” political positions ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.

The Borno lawmaker made this claim while speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

“There should be Unexplained Wealth Act so that if you display wealth that is not in tandem with your income, you should be investigated and (the wealth) confiscated and if it is extensive, you should be prosecuted,” he said.

“Now, you can see what is happening, they are trying to buy the position. The position in the leadership of this country is becoming those that belong to kleptocrats and plutocrats. Democracy is no longer there.”

Ndume also said he would have won the Senate President seat in 2019 if he had money.

He said, “They are buying it already. Didn’t you hear the accusation that they are sharing money? And I was even thinking in the last election, if I had more money, I would have won. I don’t have money.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker who has been in the National Assembly for 20 years pushed for an “Unexplained Wealth Act” to deal with corrupt politicians with suspicious wealth.

Recall that the ruling APC won majority of the legislative seats during the elections with over 55 Senate seats out of 109 and over 160 out of 360 House of Representatives seats.

After the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections, many APC legislative member-elect have been jostling for the highly coveted positions in the red and green chambers.

The foremost contenders for the leadership of the Natioanal Assembly include Orji Kalu, Jibrin Barau, Godswill Akpabio, Dave Umahi, Ahmad Lawan, Abdulaziz Yari, Osita Izunaso, amongst others.

https://olive.ng/ndume-politicians-already-buying-positions-ahead-of-10th-assembly/

The President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the 44 ministers in the Federal Executive Council will soon start declaring their assets ahead of May 29 when their tenure will end.

The Special Adviser to the CCB Chairman on General Duties, Dr Mustapha Musa, confirmed to The PUNCH on Sunday that the necessary arrangements had been made for the issuance of the assets forms to the outgoing officials and their successors.

Also, the outgoing presidential aides, 28 state governors and their cabinet members, National Assembly and state assembly members and local government chairmen will equally obtain the assets declaration forms from the Code of Conduct Bureau and submit the same to the CCB in line with the 1999 constitution.

This complies with the provision of the constitution which stipulates that all public officers shall declare their assets and liabilities on the assumption of office and at the end of their tenure of office.

However, the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, the vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima and 28 incoming governors and their cabinet members as well as the state assembly members have three months to submit their assets forms to the CCB.

They are also required to state all properties and assets acquired within or outside the country with the value of the said assets in the currency of the country where the property is situated.


The CCB chairman’s aide explained that the concerned officials were required to obtain the forms from the CCB office and declare all their assets, including money, landed property, vehicles, shares, bonds and others and the sources of the assets.

Musa stated, “They (officials) are expected to declare all their assets at the point of exit, at the point of leaving office. That’s what the law says. They will submit the forms when leaving the office, you cannot submit assets declaration forms while in office.

‘’So, it is at the point of entrance and point of exit. That is what the constitution says, that is what the Code of Conduct Bureau Act says under section 15. The same thing applies to those who are about to come into government but they have three months to declare.’’

The SA disclosed that the assets declaration forms were available online, adding that the bureau would soon digitalise the declaration process.

“The officials are expected to get the forms from the bureau and in fact, they can even go online. We cannot stop issuing the forms because they are online but very soon, we will stop the hard copy and ask them to make their declaration online,’’ Musa noted.

When asked if the outgoing officials have been coming for the forms, he said, “It depends on the mindset but because the law says at the point of exit, so if they pick it now, they cannot submit it until they are about to leave the office. They still have two months to go, so even if they fill out the forms now, they cannot give them to us.’’

On the prosecution of defaulters, the official asserted that many ex-governors, former ministers and other officials were facing trial for under-declaring their assets after leaving office.

He added, “We are prosecuting and we are securing convictions. We prosecute in thousands. We have hundreds of cases before the tribunal. We prosecute daily. The Code of Conduct Bureau is the only body empowered by the constitution to prosecute cases of breaches of the code of conduct for public officers.

“At the tribunal, it is only the judiciary body that has the power to prosecute public officers. So, the tribunal is always our hope. I cannot give you the figure but there are many including all erring public officials.’’

Musa stated that the CCB has been enlightening public officials on the imperative of complying with the law, stressing that the CCB was focused on ensuring compliance rather than prosecution.

“What we do majorly is to see that public officers keep to the code of conduct of public officers. We enlighten public officers where we target local, government, state government and MDAs. We are targeting them for compliance, not for prosecution. However, the power to prosecute is there. The tribunal is there,’’ he said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a CCB official disclosed that the issuance of the forms would commence before the middle of April or early May.

He added, “Because of difficulty in tracking those who might disappear after leaving office, we do start the issuance of form CCB1 before the expiration of the term of office. We will start issuing forms this month for the incoming (officials) who could fill and return completed assets declaration forms before they are sworn in. The process will most likely commence middle of this month or early May.’’

According to the guidelines published on the CCB website, failure to declare the assets may result in removal from office; vacation of the official seat in any legislative house, as the case may be; imposition of fine; disqualification from membership of a legislative house and from holding of any public office for a period not exceeding 10 years and seizure and forfeiture of any property acquired in abuse or corruption of office.

‘’The law states that the sanctions mentioned above shall be without prejudice to the penalties that may be imposed by any law where the conduct is also a criminal offence,’’ the statement said.

https://olive.ng/may-29-buhari-osinbajo-44-ministers-governors-to-begin-asset-declaration/

Gunmen suspected to herdsmen in the early hours of Sunday reportedly invaded the Christians Pentecostal Church located at Akenawe, Tswarev in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State where they killed a worshipper and abducted the pastor of the church and other worshippers.

The attackers also injured several of the victims among them the traditional ruler of the community, Zaki Tyokase Ingyutu.

Olive News gathered that the invaders stormed the church during a night vigil when a healing service was being conducted by the Resident Pastor, Rev. Gwadue Kwaghtyo

A community leader and President, Gaambe-Tiev Youth Association, GYA, Dr. Hemen Terkimbi who confirmed the attack said “one person was killed during the attack, five others sustained injuries while four worshippers including the Resident Pastor, Rev. Gwadue Kwaghtyo were captured and taken to an unknown destination.

“Among those that sustained severe injuries was the Acting Kindered Head of Akemkpa, Zaki Tyokase Ingyutu who was wounded on the head. They are currently recieving treatment at different hospitals in Ugba and Anyii.”

Dr. Terkimbi who condemned the attack described it as barbaric and unacceptable.

He said it was unfortunate that innocent and defenseless worshippers could be attacked on a Palm Sunday while worshipping God.

He appealed to secutity agencies to comb the entire community to ensure the arrested of the masterminds of the attack.

Confirming the development, Chairman of the LGA, Mrs. Salome Tor said ” it happened very early in the morning at a church in one of the wards where our people went for night vigil; they were praying when they were surrounded by Fulanis. They killed one boy and butchered some others. Some of them are in the hospital already. They also took away some of the victims.

The matter has been reported to the Police.”

Effort to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene was unsuccessful.

https://olive.ng/herdsmen-invade-benue-church-kill-one-abduct-pastor-other-worshippers/

Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali, the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has resigned from his position.

In a letter to the National Secretary of the party, Alkali said he was stepping aside as the National Chairman of the party in order to give room for fresh hands to take over and build upon and improve on their modest contributions.

Alkali in the letter dated Thursday, 31st March, 2023, copied the National Leader of the party and Presidential candidate of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Chairman, Board of Trustees NNPP, Elder Chief Boniface Aniebonam and Secretary, Board of Trustees, NNPP, Engr Buba Galadima

The letter titled, ” Letter of stepping aside from the post of National Chairman, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP”, read, ” I am pleased to write and convey to you that I have Stepped Aside as the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with effect from today, Friday 31st March, 2023.

“Following keenly the events before, during and after the recent General elections held on 25th February and 18th March 2023, it is my humble view that our party, the NNPP, has a great future and potential to emerge as the leading political force that is capable of winning the Presidential and all other elections in 2027.

“To achieve this, we must think ahead and plan ahead. And the time is now. Our great party, the New Nigeria People’s Party will require major and fundamental structural and systemic changes and reorganization at all levels of the party in order to strengthen its base, improve its operational capabilities and generally enhance its competitive advantage over and above all the other 17 political parties on the INEC nominal roll.

“Since, we as a party, all believe in and aspire to bring in a better Nigeria though the astute leadership of our Leader, His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, I believe, no sacrifice is to much from each and every one of us.

“I am convinced, this change must start from me. This is precisely why I have decided, with all sense of responsibility, to step aside from the office of the National Chairman of our party to give room for fresh hands to take over and build upon and improve on our modest contributions. I wish, I have done more.

” By this letter, I also wish to inform our National Leader and Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and our entire members nationwide that I am still and will remain a bonafide member of our party and I pledge to serve and offer support to our Party at all levels to ensure the continued progress and advancement of our party.

” I wish to also extend my special appreciation to our National Leader Sen Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who in the last three years, offered me unique and rare opportunities to serve in various capacities from the formative stages of The National Movement (TNM) and after the merger between the TNM and the old NNPP was ultimately consummated. This rare privilege, I can not take for granted.

“I wish to therefore extend my special and sincere appreciation to our National Leader, His Excellency Sen Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Ph. D. FNSE, our amiable Vice Presidential Candidate Bishop Isaac Idahosa, our elder and Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) Chief Boniface Aniebonam, my Brother the Secretary of BOT, Elder Buba Galadima, members of the National Working Committee, our Gubernatorial and National and States Houses of Assembly Members and all our members nationwide for your goodwill, support and encouragement during my sojourn as National Chairman of our great party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). All honour and glory belongs to God and God alone who makes everything possible.

“I Pray, May God Bless and Reward You All With His Bountiful Mercies and Blessings. Long Live the New Nigeria People’s Party. Long Live The Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

https://olive.ng/ahmed-alkali-resigns-as-national-chairman-of-nnpp/

The lawyer of the anti-Tinubu passenger aboard an Abuja-Lagos flight has disclosed that his client, Mr Obiajulu Uja, is battling mental illness.

Olive News had reported that Uja announced that the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, must never be sworn in on May 29.

In a video obtained by this newspaper, the man stood in between the passengers’ seat in the middle of the aircraft and could be heard threatening that Mr Tinubu must not be sworn in as Nigerian president next month.

“You all are sitting here, and Tinubu is about to be sworn in as President. Tinubu must never be sworn in. He must never be President. I am a PhD holder in law and I’ll keep saying what I am saying,” ” he said.

His conducts and utterances attracted the attention of other passengers aboard the flight, while some other passengers asked him go to court. It was observed that no fewer than six airport security officers removed him after he held the plane for more than an hour.

https://olive.ng/anti-tinubu-ibom-air-passenger-is-mentally-challenged-lawyer/