₦airaland Forum

Tragedy struck in Akure, as a retired Administrative Officer of the Federal Government Girls College Akure, Mrs. Esther Adeola, and her four grandchildren, aged nine, eight, and six, have died from suspected food poisoning, News360 Nigeria reports.

According to reports, the family consumed pap, after which they developed severe stomach aches. The incident took a devastating turn when they were taken to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure, where their condition worsened.

The children’s father, Mr. Ademola Adeola, expressed disappointment with the hospital’s response and care. He accused the medical staff of negligence, stating that the doctors failed to provide timely and adequate treatment, which could have saved their lives. Additionally, he criticized the hospital for mishandling one of his children’s corpses.

This unfortunate incident comes just two months after UNIMEDTH was implicated in another case of alleged negligence that resulted in the death of Mr. Adedotun Adebobola, a student from the Federal University Oye (FUOYE) in Ekiti State. The hospital’s management has yet to respond publicly to the latest allegations.

Adeola said: “The pap the children ate was poisoned, and I had rushed them down to UNIMED in Akure. The doctor on duty questioned whether I was certain they were poisoned and advised me to take them home and give them red oil. Since I knew little about health issues, I followed his advice. Around 6-7 pm that Saturday, the children began vomiting even more severely. We took them to Mother and Child Hospital, where they were attended to; but on the second day, we were told that they would be referred to the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, in Owo. Arrangements were made, but the staff later decided that one of the children, Ireoluwa, wouldn’t survive the journey to Owo. So, they referred us back to UNIMED in Akure.”

Adeola explained that at UNIMED, the doctor, who initially attended to the children, did his best but later handed them over to another doctor, who administered an injection that caused an adverse reaction.

He said: “After the injection, one of my children said he felt something entering his body but didn’t know where it was going. Immediately, they all started reacting abnormally. The doctor said it was just a normal reaction to the injection, but soon after, Inioluwa could no longer control himself.

The bereaved recounted that the doctor tied one of the children to the bed with a bandage, adding that he believed that the injection was responsible for their deaths.

“I also noticed that the second doctor kept checking his phone during treatment. Unlike the first doctor who stayed with the children and monitored them closely, the second doctor would only come out when called in for emergencies, and I overheard him complaining on the phone that he didn’t know what to do next.”

Appealing to the state government to set up an investigative panel to uncover the cause of deaths, the bereaved man said: “We are appealing to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to investigate this case. The hospital’s management treated us like nobodies, and we need answers.” Meanwhile, the state’s Health Commissioner, Dr Banji Ajaka, denied the allegations that the victims died out of negligence, insisting that the doctors and consultants did their best to save the victims.

Ajaka said: “I was with them at the hospital. There were four consultants and other doctors trying to save the lives of the children but unfortunately, they died. So, it is not true that the hospital lacks the facility to tackle such a case. It was not the fault of the doctors. Unfortunately, this happened.”

On its part, the management of UNIMEDTH also denied allegations of negligence, arguing that all necessary medical interventions were carried out swiftly and professionally in the treatment of the children.

The hospital’s spokesperson, Roseline Akeredolu, in a statement, said: “The children were brought to the hospital’s Children’s Emergency Unit on September 29, 2024, after being referred from Mother & Child Hospital, Akure. The children showed symptoms believed to be caused by the ingestion of pap containing an ‘unknown poison’. Their grandmother had also passed away days earlier after consuming the same meal.

Upon their arrival, they were immediately received and attended to by our medical team, which included consultants alerted by the referring hospital. Urgent resuscitation and critical care measures were initiated, and all necessary medical interventions—including resuscitation, toxicology testing, and hourly monitoring—were implemented in line with global best practices. Despite the efforts, the hospital disclosed that the children could not be saved.”

Faisal Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, son of former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has tragically passed away following a car accident along the Kaduna-Zaria highway on Saturday evening.

According to family sources, Faisal was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

News360 Nigeria reports that his father, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was present at the hospital. Faisal’s body has since been transported home for burial preparations.

Faisal, a civil engineer, had an impressive educational background, attending Kaduna International School, Adesoye College in Offa, Kwara State, and later completing his undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies at the University of Greenwich, London.

This marks the second tragedy to affect prominent Nigerian families this weekend, following the death of Fatima Kyari, daughter of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari, who passed away on Friday after a brief illness.

The passing of Faisal Makarfi has cast a shadow of grief over the weekend, with heartfelt condolences pouring in for the bereaved families.

The Magodo Residents’ Association is embroiled in controversy as top officials, including Chairman Sheriff Daramola and an individual named Kunle, face accusations of embezzling millions of naira.

The allegations, which involve financial irregularities, unauthorized expenditures, and missing funds, were first brought to light by the association’s internal auditor, Lawson Adesokan.

In a memo dated December 13, 2023, Adesokan raised concerns about suspicious transactions and accused the chairman of approving additional security measures without the board’s consent.

He noted that Daramola’s decision to authorize N4.8 million per annum for four extra police officers exceeded his approval limits and lacked proper oversight, raising questions about accountability within the association.

The ongoing investigation has revealed gaps in documentation, making the association vulnerable to financial losses. Members are calling for greater transparency and accountability to resolve the issue.

“I understand payment of PR to the police commanders is not unusual, but if the amount is running over N10m, it should not be handled by only one person, which in this case is the security secretary.

“An additional N4,800,000 per annum and to be disbursed by only one person is prone to fraud, and it is a concern to me. Besides, the method of transferring the money out of the association is questionable.

“A fictitious payment voucher will be prepared and cash paid to a staff member by the name Moses Alawode who knows nothing about the intended purpose. The money will then be transferred by him to the security secretary. This to me is a red flag right there,” the auditor said.

Following the discovery, News360 Nigeria gathered that the estate’s Board of Trustees and the Magodo Residents General Assembly set up investigative committees to probe the involvement of Daramola and Kunle in the alleged mismanagement of the estate’s security funds.

Documents obtained by our correspondent revealed that investigations carried out by the committees identified discrepancies in police allowance payments, lack of documentation, and significant weaknesses in financial management practices.

Going through some of the documents, it was discovered that the security secretary received funds for police allowances without disbursing them to officers, while the chairman approved expenditures exceeding his authority.

The investigation also revealed that Kunle had been making the payments without disbursing the funds to the intended beneficiaries, raising suspicions of embezzlement.

In a report dated June 11, 2024, one of the investigative committees said it discovered that there was a lack of documentation and oversight in the disbursement of funds within the association.

The committee revealed that investigation conducted through interviews with different stakeholders including Divisional Police Officer and Station Officer showed that some payments made to police officers by the security secretary were not documented.

While recommending the suspension of Kunle over alleged mismanagement of funds, the committee suggested that the association’s chairman should receive a reprimand for lack of due diligence and oversight.

The report further read, “The investigation revealed significant weaknesses in the current financial management practices related to the payment of security allowances and public relations funds.

“The security secretary had disproportionate control over the process, with insufficient oversight and documentation, leading to potential mismanagement of funds.

“The mismanagement of funds has undermined the trust and transparency within the estate association, potentially jeopardising the security arrangements and financial stability of the estate.

“The lack of proper documentation and oversight has created vulnerabilities that could be exploited, leading to financial losses and dissatisfaction among the security personnel.”

Similarly, an ad-hoc committee report dated August 5, 2024, and sighted by our correspondent revealed that the security secretary received money from the association from May 2023 to August 2024 without disbursing the funds to police officers from the Isheri Division.

The committee said the security secretary “failed to report the above diversion of funds or provide documentation where the unused funds were utilised.”

It stated, “The Divisional Police Officer and Station Officer both of Isheri Division confirmed regular payment of allowances till May 2023, and thereafter no payment has been made to them till date. The Security Secretary, Mr Kunle Kosile, also admitted to receiving the payments from the MRA accounts department all through the year 2023 and did not remit the same to the officers in Isheri since May 2023 till date.

“The Security Secretary continuously included the DPO and Station Officer, Isheri, in the list of officers, which also included officers from the Magodo Station to be paid from the total sum of N175,000 payments monthly that was approved by the CMC Chairman — Mr Sheriff Daramola, from June 2023 till December 2023, thereby using their names to get approval for funds to be disbursed and same funds were diverted.

“The station officer in Magodo also testified that the monthly payments to Magodo Police post continued promptly till September 2023, but payments seized in October 2023 till the second week in December 2023 where all outstanding were paid with the station officer of Magodo testifying that the payments and gifts given to him from the Security Secretary were personal gifts not from MRA. However, records show payments from the MRA accounts were disbursed promptly every month for the same purpose.”

Meanwhile, the President of the South West Zone, Magodo Residents’ Association, Nosa Ebomoyi, lamented that despite the committees submitting reports about what was discovered during fact-finding, no action had been taken.

Ebomoyi, in a letter to residents dated September 30, 2024, claimed that the residents paid N3000 for access control stickers, which remained non-functional.

While noting that the mismanaged funds belong to residents, including the elderly, retirees, widows, and widowers, Ebomoyi vowed to continue fighting for the truth.

He added, “Let me say that I am used to the shenanigans of having people come to the general resident’s meeting to defend allegations where evidence is superior. Please recall the issue of the shuttle bus cabal, where I worked with the interim committee and ensured buses were returned back to the zones which have increased revenue from N45m to over 1N35m for the past three years.

“This was also the same issue with gate takings at the Magodo gate, where the fraud was uncovered and revenue increased from N400,000.00 to about N4m monthly. If we multiply all these it is over N160m income for the Estate. Not forgetting the MRA Townhall, where I raised the issue of over-inflation of contracts which led to the emergence of Chief Akinseye Building Committee, which saved the estate of over N23m.

“With this MRA has to be very careful or the revolt of payment of dues will start because of the mismanagement of funds.

“The essence of this message to you, my good people of Southwest, is to keep you up to speed on what is going on and to get us prepared for the next General meeting which the BOT said is in two weeks from now. I will not give up on fighting and working for the truth.”

Reacting, the MRA Chairman insisted that due processes were followed in approving security funds and other money spent by his administration.

While attributing the allegations to ‘mischievous characters’ with selfish motives, Daramola denied approving any funds without consent from the association’s structure, which consisted of the board of trustees, CCC, and CMC, with 21 executives from different zones.

On the missing N4.8m, he argued that the reports from different committees found no evidence of his involvement in the alleged financial misappropriation.

He explained that the two committees only discovered that the practices in question were inherited from previous administrations.

“The committees’ reports showed that the approval process for security funds has been in place for years, even before my administration. The reports recommended improvements to the process going forward,” Daramola clarified.

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In a grand ceremony at Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, unveiled a golden statue of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, News360 Nigeria reports.

The event also marked the inauguration of other projects, including the 2.7km Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way, a grand pavilion, and a monument on the university campus—all donated by the monarch in her honor.

The Ooni praised Mrs. Tinubu for her exceptional leadership, commitment to education, women’s empowerment, and dedication to national unity.

He highlighted the symbolic significance of the statue, stating, “A golden statue is erected to immortalize her virtuous personality and showcase the strength of a teacher, mother, and wife at the very heart of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.”

“The biggest hostel and pavilion in the history of Obafemi Awolowo University, which bears her name, represent her efforts to create spaces for learning, development, and empowerment for all.”

At the event, Mrs Tinubu also pledged N1bn donation to the university’s horticultural landscaping.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to seek permission before using the national anthem, News360 Nigeria reports.

A statement by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu on Wednesday, said seeking permission was necessary to avoid misinterpretation.

He further announced that press conferences will be held across all states to initiate the sensitisation campaign on the agency’s new policies.

He, however, did not state in what context permission should be sought before the anthem could be sung, or its lyrics could be used.

“As custodians of Nigeria’s national symbols, the NOA is tasked with preventing all forms of misuse. The DG emphasised that permission must be sought from the Agency before using the National Anthem to avoid misrepresentation,” the statement partly read.

He also clarified that the Nigerian flag is simply green, white, and green, with the correct shade of green being Emerald 2.0.

He noted the transformation from the neglected state in which he met the agency, citing key achievements such as the establishment of audio-visual studios, the launch of an optimised NOA website featuring the CLHEEAN-NOA Artificial Intelligence voice and chat assistant, and the recent approval of institutionalisation policies by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), all with the full support of President Bola Tinubu.

The DG explained that previous administrations focused solely on infrastructure development while neglecting the critical role of value orientation, leading to the decline of social intervention structures like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, WAI Brigade, and even the National Orientation Agency itself.

However, he said the current administration recognised this oversight, with President Tinubu extending his support to the agency.

The backing he said, is reflected in the recent Federal Executive Council’s approvals, all of which revolve around value orientation and the National Identity Project.

Speaking on the newly introduced Citizen Value Brigade (CVB), Mallam Issa-Onilu advised Nigerians not to allow their children to search for heroes elsewhere, especially during their formative years.

He said the NOA had received approval to establish this social institution, which will instil Nigerian values in children, starting with 1,000 children per state and the FCT.

The initiative he said aims to cultivate homegrown heroes for future generations to emulate.

He also stressed the importance of creating local cartoon content to counter the influx of foreign values being conveyed to young Nigerians.

The Director General reiterated that both leaders and citizens share equal responsibility for national progress.

He explained that within the Nigerian Promise—a key aspect of the National Values Charter—there are principles of Equality and Meritocracy that the nation guarantees to its citizens, whether they are in positions of leadership or the general populace.

He warned that Nigeria cannot move without active participation and adherence to these values.

President Tinubu on the first anniversary of his office signed into law the bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem which was dropped by a military government in 1978.

The re-adopted anthem, which begins “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.

Several people have been injured, while others are still missing following a tragic boat accident that occurred on Monday, October 7, 2024.

News360 Nigeria gathered that two unregistered passenger boats collided in the middle of the lagoon near Imore Town, Lagos.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Command said the mishap resulted in the capsizing of both boats, each carrying 16 passengers, leaving several people injured and others missing.

According to the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, “a distress call was received at the Ilashe Division around 7:00 PM on Monday. Two unregistered passenger boats, both carrying 16 passengers, allegedly collided in the middle of the lagoon at Imore Town.

“In the process, both boats capsized, and the passengers, along with their goods, were thrown into the water.”

Explaining further, Hundeyin said a response team consisting of conventional and marine police officers, local divers, and other emergency responders were deployed to the scene.

“So far, 11 passengers have been rescued with injuries and were rushed to Naval Hospital, Navy Town Alakija, for medical attention,” SP Hundeyin added.

“While the rescue mission has made significant progress, the operation is still ongoing to recover the bodies of the remaining passengers who are feared to have drowned. We are working closely with all emergency services to bring this unfortunate situation under control.

“As of now, an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the collision, and authorities are urging boat operators to adhere to safety regulations, including proper registration of vessels and ensuring that passengers wear life jackets,”Hundeyin stated.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command is appealing to the public for any additional information that could assist in the ongoing rescue efforts or the investigation.

This tragic incident has once again raised concerns about the safety standards of water transport in Lagos, with many calling for stricter enforcement of maritime safety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz5fu2ER9jM?si=WhajD8Y-b4D1W2Cs

Chaos erupted at the Obio Akpor Local Government Council Headquarters in Rivers State as heavy gunfire was reported, with thugs allegedly taking control of the premises.

The violence was intended to prevent the newly appointed chairman from assuming office.

News360 Nigeria had earlier reported that Eleme, and Ikwerre Local Government Council secretariat were also set on fire in early hours of today.

Security personnel were also seen in the premises trying to repel the armed men.

This incident highlights the ongoing instability in some parts of Rivers State, especially regarding local government politics, where power tussles frequently lead to violent confrontations.

A part of the Ikwerre Local Government Council secretariat has been set ablaze, escalating tensions within the area.

News360 Nigeria had earlier reported that Eleme Local Government Council secretariat was also set on fire in early hours of today. 

The fire outbreak emerged shortly after the Inspector-General of Police asked policemen, who initially sealed the secretariats to avoid violence to withdraw from the facilities immediately.

So far, no arrests have been made, and the police have yet to release an official statement on the incident.

The situation has raised concerns about the potential for further violence, not just in Ikwerre but in other local councils across the state.

As investigations continue, the public awaits more updates on the unfolding situation.

A section of the Eleme Local Government Council secretariat has been set ablaze, News360 Nigeria gathered

According to a phone conversation with former Ambassador Oji Ngofa who hails from Eleme, the newly elected chairman Brain Gokpa came to the council secretariat accompanied by his councilors and supporters but discovered that a few of the buildings in the council had been set ablaze.

So far no arrests have been made and the police are yet to release any statement on the situation.

There is a palpable fear of a potential outbreak of violence in some councils of the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed a decisive victory in the October 5, 2024, local government election in Akwa Ibom State, securing 30 out of the 31 available chairmanship positions, News360 Nigeria gathered

The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) confirmed this in a statement released on Sunday.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won the remaining one local government area.

With the results now official, the elected chairmen and their vice-chairmen are set to be sworn in on Monday, October 7, 2024.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 8 am at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, and will be presided over by Governor Umo Eno in the presence of esteemed guests.

APC wins in Akpabio's LGA

Usoro Ntiedo Effiong, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been declared the winner of the October 5 Local Government Elections in Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

This victory is significant as Essien Udim is the home of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Effiong’s win further strengthens the APC’s presence in the area.

The Rivers State Government will swear in the 23 chairmen declared winners of Saturday’s Local Government Council elections this afternoon (Sunday), News360 Nigeria gathered.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced that the Action Peoples Party (APP) won all 23 local government area chairmanship seats in the election.

The State Government also confirmed that the election has concluded, and it will swear in the winners today.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Wenike Danagogo, it was announced that the chairmen would be sworn in at 4 pm.

The statement read: “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Governor of Rivers State, will today, Sunday, October 6, 2024, swear in the newly elected Council Chairmen at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, by 4pm.

The newly elected Chairmen, along with one (1) guest each, are expected to be seated by 3:30 pm.”

A 30-year-old man, Motunrayo Olaniyi, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his wife and setting her body on fire in their apartment at Amazing Grace Estate, Elepe community, Ikorodu area of Lagos, News360 Nigeria gathered.

The newlywed couple was engaged in a disagreement that degenerated into a fight at about 1 p.m., on Friday.

The man was said to have accused his six-month pregnant wife, Olajumoke, of infidelity, alleging that one of his brothers was responsible for the pregnancy. But she denied it

Before Friday’s tragedy, neighbors told Vanguard that he had attacked her earlier in her mother’s presence.

A neighbor, who pleaded anonymity, said: ‘They did their traditional marriage three months ago when Jumoke was three months pregnant. Then, all of a sudden, problems started.

“He was accusing his wife of being promiscuous. He said the pregnancy she was carrying was not his, but his younger brother’s.

“Earlier in the week, he attacked Jumoke in the presence of her mother, who came visiting. She (Jumoke’s mother) took him to church for deliverance prayers because they suspected he was possessed and needed deliverance.

“This second attack happened after Jumoke’s mother left.’”

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin, confirmed the arrest and explained: “On Friday, October 4, a distress call was received at the Ikorodu division that Olaniyi and his 25-year-old wife, Olajumoke, allegedly engaged in a domestic scuffle in their apartment.

“In the process, the husband stabbed the wife to death, locked her in the room, and set it ablaze, while he inflicted wounds on himself.

“Based on the report, a team of detectives visited the scene, where the fire was put out, and the lifeless body of the wife was found lying on the floor with wounds on her abdominal part.

“The husband was rescued with injuries, rushed to a nearby hospital, treated, discharged, and taken into police custody.

“Upon interrogation, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect stabbed his wife during an altercation between them and gave himself mild stabs.

“Meanwhile, the corpse has been deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Investigation is in progress.”

A bill to establish the South South Development Commission passed second reading in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, News360 Nigeria reports.

The proposed Commission, according to the bill sponsored by Senator Ekpeyong Asuquo (Cross River South), “was meant to receive and manage funds from the Federation Account Allocation and other sources, donations, aids, grants for integration, development, resolution of infrastructural deficit, militancy, communal crises as well as tackle ecological, environmental problems; and for related matters”.

Similar bills concerning five other geopolitical zones have been signed into law.

Speaking on the bill, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa Central) maintained that the South South Development Commission, if approved, would develop the region.

According to him, the South South Development Commission is distinctly different from the Niger Development Commission, which some Senators compared to it in terms of developmental responsibilities.

He said the NDDC was a resource based Commission, as only states with oil could benefit certain percentages of oil production. According to him, not all states in the South South are benefiting from the NDDC.

He said: “The NDDC is a resource based Commission and that is the reason OMPADEC was scrapped and replaced with NDDC. It is interesting to note that Ondo in South West, and Imo and Abia in South East, are beneficiaries of NDDC despite not being South South States.

“States in the North Central have the North Central Development Commission, despite having HYPADEC because they have water bodies generating electricity.

“The South South Development Commission is created based on geopolitical zones and I plead that senators should support this bill as it is often said, what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

“Also not all states in the South South region are benefitting from NDDC. For instance Cross River did not get anything after the court judgment some time ago, but if there is a geopolitically based Commission, they would get something.”

Senator Suleman Kawu (Kano South) and Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), leveraging on Seriake Dickson’s explanation on the differences between NDDC and South South Development Commission, supported the bill.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio thanked the sponsor of the bill for this foresight and commended senators from other geopolitical zones for their understanding.

The bill was passed for second reading through voice vote and was referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, 2024, as public holidays to allow residents to travel to their communities for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, News360 Nigeria reports.

In addition to the public holidays, Governor Fubara also announced a strict restriction on vehicular movement from midnight on Friday, October 4, until 5 p.m. on Election Day, aiming to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.

The governor made this declaration during a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The announcement was also confirmed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, which was shared with journalists.

The statement read, “My dear people of Rivers State, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the Chairmen and Councilors of the 23 Local Government Councils on June 17, 2023, I lawfully instituted Caretaker Committees to temporarily administer the councils pending the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s conduct of Local Government elections.”

He highlighted a Supreme Court ruling, delivered in July 2024, which outlawed the administration of local government councils by unelected officers.

The judgement mandated an immediate halt to statutory allocations to councils without democratically elected officials.

“With Mr. President’s intervention, the period for compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgement was extended by three months, which expires on October 31, 2024,” the governor said.

Based on this extension, Fubara directed RSIEC to make definitive plans to conduct the local government elections across the state.

He confirmed that the electoral body had completed all necessary preparations for the elections, which would take place on October 5, 2024.

“The legal standing of RSIEC to conduct these elections was further solidified by a Rivers State High Court judgement on September 4, 2024, which directed the use of the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Voters’ Register,” the Governor added.

Fubara emphasized that 17 out of the 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, had demonstrated their willingness to participate in the elections by submitting candidates.

“Over 10 states have conducted local government elections using the 2023 INEC Voters’ Register since the Supreme Court’s judgement, and Rivers State cannot be an exception,” he said.

The house of representatives has rejected the planned conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the green chamber, News360 Nigeria reports.

During plenary on Wednesday, the house said it is unacceptable for Tinubu to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), while reserving CFR for Abbas.

The house passed the resolution following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Philip Agbese, lawmaker from Benue.

In his Independence Day speech, Tinubu said Akpabio and Kekere-Ekun will be conferred with the GCON, while Abbas and Barau Jibrin, deputy president of the senate, will get CFR.

The president also said Ben Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, will receive the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Tinubu did not disclose the date for the conferments.

No speaker has been conferred with the GCON in the history of the national honours.

‘IT’S DISCRIMINATORY’

While moving the motion, Agbese said the national assembly is constitutionally established as a bicameral legislature comprising two equal chambers the senate and the house of representatives.

The lawmaker said it is discriminatory for the senate president to be conferred with a higher national honour than the speaker.

“There is an ongoing and inappropriate culture of discrimination against the house of representatives, often portrayed as inferior to the senate, through language that consistently refers to the senate as the ‘upper chamber’ and the house of representatives as a ‘lower chamber’. This terminology misrepresents the legal status of both chambers and diminishes the house’s standing,” the legislator said.

“We note that the conferment of the title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the president of the senate and the conferment of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the speaker of the house of representatives and deputy president of the senate, perpetuates the inappropriate subordination of the speaker to the president of the senate.

“The chief justice of Nigeria, who is lower in protocol ranking than the speaker of the house of representatives, was also awarded the title of GCON, further exemplifying this culture of discrimination against the leadership of the house.

“The constitution, in promoting a balanced and equal bicameral legislature, clearly provides that bills passed by one chamber must be concurred with by the other in the same form for them to become law, thus affirming the equal status of both chambers as essential components of the legislative process.

“While the constitution assigns specific responsibilities to the senate, such as confirming certain presidential appointments, it implies greater authority for the house of representatives over appropriations and the power of the purse.

“These distinct roles are designed to maintain a system of checks and balances within the legislative arm rather than establishing the superiority of one chamber over the other.”

THE DEBATE

Contributing to the motion, Sada Soli from Katsina, said some Nigerians who never occupied elective office or occupied the seat of the speaker — Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote group; and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) — were honoured with the GCON.

Babajimi Benson from Lagos said the motion calling for the speaker to be honoured with GCON is “putting democracy right”.

“Injustice to one is injustice to all. This injustice has gone on for too long,” Benson said.

Oboku Oforji from Bayelsa said it “gives us heartbreak that the speaker is honoured with CFR while CJN is honoured with GCON”.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Abbas, the presiding officer.

Consequently, the house set up an ad hoc committee to be chaired by Julius Ihonvbere, leader of the house, to interface with the ministry of special duties and ensure their demand is considered.

The committee will report back to the house within three days.

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Turji Bello, a notorious terrorist operating in Zamfara State, has called for peace dialogue with the federal government to address the ongoing violence in the region, News360 Nigeria reports.

In a video released on Monday, which quickly went viral, Bello criticized both the current Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and former governor and current Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle, for politicizing the insecurity in the state.

Bello’s call for dialogue comes amidst intensified operations by security forces, which have led to the deaths of several of his fighters and the surrender of others.

In the five-minute video, Bello appeared armed and seated on a motorcycle in a forested area.

He stated that peace would only return to Zamfara if the Fulanis, a group often involved in the violence, were no longer targeted by security forces and vigilante groups.

His appeal for dialogue marks a notable development, particularly as security forces continue their campaign to end the reign of terror in Zamfara and other northern regions.

“Governor Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle labelling each other as terrorists (sponsors) will not help. I want the people of Zamfara to understand that they are just politicians without the interest of the people of Zamfara in their hearts.

“When (Mr) Matawalle was the governor who was sponsoring us? Similarly, when Abdulaziz Yari was the governor who was sponsoring us? Nobody is sponsoring us except God.

“It was during the administration of Yerima that the government sold out the grazing reserve and legalised the killing of the Fulanis. When Muhmud Shinkafi came on board, he tried unsuccessfully to address the problem. Abdulaziz Yari came and empowered the vigilante, but we are still struggling.

“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Guns and airstrikes will not stop us because we are not afraid of death,” he said.

The terrorist leader also confirmed the killing of his “master”, Halilu Sububu, another terror kingpin neutralized by airstrikes from the Nigerian Air Force, noting that his death had emboldened the younger generation of fighters to continue with their bloodbath on the people.

“Kachallah Halilu Sububu is not the first person to be killed; several others were killed. The killing of Halilu Sububu will not deter us from doing what we are doing unless you stop killing our brothers in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger states.

“Your only plan is to exterminate the Fulani race while God has been protecting us. Even if you kill us, it’s God who ordained that to happen, but it’s not by your power,” said Bello.

On Monday, September 30, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned former Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, alongside Bello Yero, the former permanent secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

News360 Nigeria reports that the arraignment took place before Justice S. C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The two are facing a 15-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and the misappropriation of public funds amounting to N27 billion.

These charges are part of a wider investigation into alleged financial misconduct during Ishaku’s tenure as governor of Taraba State.

Both defendants have been accused of diverting public funds meant for development projects in the state.

One of the charges reads: “That you Darius Dickson Ishaku whilst being the governor of Taraba State and Bello Yero whilst being the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State between July, 2015 and May, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and in such capacity entrusted with dominion over certain property, to wit: an aggregate sum of N1,138,082,097.71 (One Billion, One Hundred and Thirty-Eight Million, Eighty-Two Thousand, Ninety- Seven Naira, Seventy-One Kobo), which sum formed part of the 2.5% contingency fund belonging to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property, when you dishonestly diverted the said sum to your own use and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria 2007 and punishable under the same section.”

Another reads: “That you Darius Dickson Ishaku whilst being the governor of Taraba State and Bello Yero, whilst being the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State between July, 2015 and May, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated certain property, to wit: an aggregate sum of N1,138,082,097.71 (One Billion, One Hundred and Thirty-Eight Million, Eighty-Two Thousand, Ninety-Seven Naira, Seventy-One Kobo, which sum formed part of the 2.5% contingency fund belonging to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria 2007 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Act.”

They pled “not guilty” when all the charges were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN to ask the court for a trial date as well as accelerated hearing on the matter, while Paul Haris Ogbole, SAN and Oluwa Damilola Kayode, counsel to Ishaku and Yero respectively made oral bail applications which Jacobs opposed, insisting on formal applications.

Justice Oriji, adjourned the matter till Thursday, October 3, for hearing on bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC’s custody. Both defendants were arrested on September 27, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu officially swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) during a ceremony held at the Council Chambers of Aso Rock Villa on Monday, News360 Nigeria reports.

Following her Senate confirmation last week, Justice Kekere-Ekun becomes the 23rd CJN and only the second woman to hold the prestigious position in Nigeria’s history.

She had been serving in an acting capacity since August, succeeding Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired.

The swearing-in marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s judiciary, with more updates expected on her plans for the role.