₦airaland Forum

After criticising the German tactician, the former Super Eagle believes many of the players in the team are just not up to standard
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni believes coach Gernot Rohr and a significant proportion of Nigeria's national team players are not fit to wear the famous green and white shirt in the wake of their outing against Sierra Leone.

In the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Leone Stars, the Super Eagles surrendered a four-goal lead in the first leg to settle for a 4-4 draw, while the return leg in Freetown ended 0-0, with Rohr’s team looking off the pace in both games.

Even with the draws, the three-time African champions lead Group L with eight points from four games – although their qualification hopes for Cameroon 2020 is on ice.

Questions have been asked of those calling the shots in the Super Eagles squad and important decisions made on and off the field.

And Aiyegbeni, who is Nigeria’s third highest scoring player of all time believes the German tactician must take the brunt of the blame for the poor form.

“The coach is not good enough, let him go,” the former Maccabi Haifa, Everton and Portsmouth striker said on Lagos Talks.

“Some of the boys are not good enough, I don’t know where they are bringing them from. Who is inviting these players?

“Our football is getting worse every day. When I was there, people criticise us, but we’re way better than these ones.

“The coach is not good enough, no clue. Gernot Rohr is one of the worst coaches in our history. He is not good enough.”

Former Gabon and Etoile du Sahel manager Rohr replaced Sunday Oliseh as the country’s permanent handler in 2016. He led the Super Eagles to the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, where they crashed out of a group that had Argentina, Iceland and Croatia.

He was also in charge when Nigeria placed third at the Egypt 2019 Afcon - where they pipped Tunisia 1-0 for the bronze medal.

Gov Umahi defected to APC long ago before this unjustifiable move, which clearly has nothing to do with the interest of the Igbo nation.

This is a reflection of the type of leadership our country parades.

Though his action dampens hope for liberation, but I'm sure Nigerians will laugh last because sometimes, it will appear to have gotten so bad before it will begin to get better.

The Ebonyi caucus of the national assembly has distanced itself from the defection of David Umahi, Ebonyi governor, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Sam Egwu, senator representing Ebonyi north, said no member of the national assembly from the state is defecting to the APC.

All the members of the Ebonyi caucus — three senators and five house of representatives members — in the national assembly are members of the PDP.

On Tuesday, Umahi confirmed his defection to the APC from the PDP.

The governor said he left the PDP because of “injustice”, alleging that the party has refused to zone the 2023 presidency to the south-east.

“Not a single member of the PDP Ebonyi caucus of the national assembly is defecting to APC,” Egwu who is a former governor of Ebonyi said.

“The three senators and five house of representatives members remain proud card-carrying members of the PDP, the platform under which we contest and won elections in 2019.”

The senator said the reason Umahi gave for defecting to the APC is “indecent”.

“The major reason given by chief Umahi for defecting from the PDP to the APC is now in the public domain which is that the PDP has not been fair to the people of south-east on the issue of zoning for the presidency and vice-presidency,” he said.

“While we support that it is the turn of the south-east to fly the presidential flag of any of the major political parties come 2023, yet we consider it impolite, indecent and unwise to give ultimatum and conditionality in a bid to secure zoning.

“If there is any Ebonyi person who should remain eternally grateful to the PDP, that individual ought to be the Governor, David Umahi, a man who was appointed the Ebonyi state chairman of the PDP, made deputy governor of the PDP administration and was elected on two terms under the banner of the PDP as governor.

“As democrats, we concede Umahi’s rights to join any association of his choice however as federal Lawmakers we are not unaware of the Supreme Court’s decision that candidates are a product of the political parties.

“What it means is that political office holders are not at liberty to migrate from one political platform to another particularly when there is no division in their party.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has condemned, rejected, and call for immediate reversal of petrol pump price increase from N158 to N170.

It also called for a state of emergency in the petroleum downstream subsector.

The NLC in a statement said that there is no doubt that there is great disquiet in the land, over the extraordinary level of inflation in the country, noting that the recent increase in the fuel price to have only exacerbated the current level of pain and anguish in the country.

The statement signed by NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said that the increase is clearly against the spirit and content of what Organized Labour agreed with government at the last negotiations over the last fuel price increase.

The statement said that the increase has also cast in very bad light organised labour’s utmost good faith with regards to government explanations, that it lacks funds to continue bankrolling the so-called subsidy payments, as such would sooner than later cripple the entire economy, throw the country into severe economic crisis and cause loss of jobs in millions.

Labour stressed that it will not accept a fait accompli of a monopoly of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, or the emergence of a cartel of Oligarchs, whose end game is mass pauperization.

Labour said that “…Nigerians cannot be made to bleed endlessly, for the failures of successive government, to properly manage our refineries, ensure value for money for the numerous Turn Around Maintenance, which were poorly executed…”

Labour added that in line with its recent agreement with government, it will be receiving updates in the next few days from affiliate unions in the petroleum sector and representatives in the electricity review committee. The outcome of these engagements labour said will determine its next line of action in the coming days.

I have approved the appointment of Osarodion Ogie Esq., as Secretary to the State Government.

This is the only political appointment to be made for now.

All other appointments are deferred to the first week of February, 2021

Thirty two Nigerians were on Friday repatriated from Germany for immigration and related offences.

The returnees all – males arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos from Dusseldorf Airport aboard a chartered aircraft belonging to Envelope Airline.

An immigration source who disclosed the information said the aircraft that flew the returnees touched down about 2.30 pm.

Immigration sources said the repatriation was facilitated by the German Embassy.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, will on Thursday be sworn into office for a second term at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the event would be held at the Tennis Court at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, adding that all necessary arrangements for the inauguration ceremony have been concluded.

He said, “The inauguration/swearing-in ceremony of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu will hold on Thursday, November 12 between 11 am and 1pm prompt at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Due to the prevailing realities of the coronavirus pandemic, we would be having only 750 invited guests at the venue.

“The inauguration is strictly by invitation as crowd control measures have been adopted in line with government’s guidelines to check the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). However, parties are to be held across the 18 local government areas of the state to celebrate the event. Party members are also expected to meet at the ward level to commemorate the event.”

He advised guests expected at the event to adhere to the guidelines regarding crowd control, noting, “Invited guests are expected to congregate at the pick-up spot at Edo Hotel on Okada Avenue, GRA, Benin City. Cars will not be allowed to access the venue of the swearing-in ceremony.”

Osagie also said provision has been made for virtual participation by Edo citizens and other supporters of the governor, adding, “The inauguration will be broadcast live on major television stations and social media platforms. COVID-19 protocols will be strictly adhered to.”

The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday presented a total sum of one hundred and nine billion, eight hundred and fifty-five million, fifty-four thousand, six hundred and forty naira (N109,855,054,640.00) as 2021 appropriation estimates to the State House of Assembly.

This is even as the Governor unveiled a bumper plan of his administration for the youth segment of the State’s population christened Youth Empowerment, Youth Engagement, Youth Enterpreneuship and Youth Education (4Es).

Christened Budget of Providence, the Appropriation Bill puts recurrent expenditure at N50,620,283,140.00 representing 46 percent, while capital expenditure was N59,234,768,500.00 representing 54 percent.

The breakdown of the budget indicated that the education and health sectors got substantial shares as N10,711,328,430.00 representing 18.08 percent was allocated for education sector while health sector received N10,647,909,910.00 representing 17.98 percent.

Similarly, N4,271,461,870.00 representing 7.21 percent was earmarked for infrastructure sector while Water and Sanitation sector got N4,220,446,550.00.

The sum of N3,404,734,560.00 representing 5.75 percent was budgeted for agriculture sector; N1,134,043,200.00 representing 1.91 percent for Commence and Industry sector; N1,515,122,570.00 representing 2.56 percent for Governance and Administration; N173,035,800.00 representing 0.29 percent for Economic Planning and Budget sector; N167,247,560.00 representing 0.28 percent for Environment sector; and N638,460,000.00 representing 1.08 percent for Social Development and Welfare sector.

Also, N1, 487,110,159.00, representing 2 percent of the total budget has been earmarked for youth related activities.

Furthermore, N134,379,500.00 representing 0.23 percent was budgeted for Security Justice sector and N155,830,830.00 representing 0.62 percent for Information and Communication sector.

It will be recalled that the state government presented a total sum of one hundred and nineteen billion, five hundred and fifty million, four hundred and one thousand and forty naira N119,550,401,040.00 as 2020 Budget which was later reviewed, thus reducing the total size to eighty-two billion, two hundred and twenty nine million and seventy thousand, seven hundred and sixty naira N82,229,070,760.00

Presenting the 30th Annual Appropriation Bill before the members of the State House of Assembly, Governor Oyetola said the 2021 Draft Budget was crafted based on the State of Osun Development Plan (2019-2028).

He said that the appropriation bill was also crafted in line with the Medium Term Sector Strategy (2021-2023); the administration’s manifesto; “Thank You Tour report” as well as the Citizens’ Need Assessment carried out in the 30 Local Governments plus one Area Office of the State.

Speaking on the main features of the budget, Oyetola said inputs were sought from various stakeholders in the process of the formulation of the Appropriation Bill being presented.

He called on the residents regardless of status to support the government in its efforts to jerk up the Internally Generated Revenue.

On his plans to provide jobs and the good life for the citizens and the youth, Governor Oyetola said, ”Despite the current economic situation, the Government will remain undaunted and resolute to provide sustainable livelihood and economic mainstay for the citizenry, most importantly, our teeming youth population.

”In that direction, I have recently flagged off the commencement of the International Trade Centre, Dagbolu. The Trade Centre, commencing from the next two months, will generate not less than 10,000 new jobs, 80 per cent of which will go to our youths in the State through the Dry Port, Car Marts, sundry commodity merchandises, ware housing and logistics.

”In view of the fact that the youthful population of Osun State is one of the greatest assets of the State in its economic diversification agenda, it is pertinent for Government to mainstream them into the State’s socio-economic activities. Thus, the State is poised to vigorously promote the Youth Export Development Programme (YEXDEP) in the State to enhance the contributions of the State’s youths to the non-oil export sub-sector of the economy.

“To show our government’s seriousness and commitment, a sum of N1, 487,110,159.00 has been earmarked for youth related activities in the 2021 Budget proposal,” adding that the interventions will be in Mining, Agriculture, and Skills upgrade and Entrepreneurship Development programme for youths (supported by MSME/BOI Fund) among others.

He also disclosed his administration’s plan to construct a flyover bridge at the popular Olaya junction in Osogbo, the State capital, in continuation of the government’s massive infrastructure development in the State.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, said the legislative arm of the State government was impressed by performance index of the 2020 budget, which was 85.4 percent as at September ending, describing it as a laudable feat.

He maintained that the 2020 budget, tagged “Budget of Restoration”, did not betray its nomenclature particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that the government was also able to embark on numerous capital projects, fulfill its obligation and make life meaningful for the people.

He also commended the administration for prompt payment of salaries, pension, and the recent increase in workers’ salaries across the State.

Kenechukwu Okeke, an activist, has filed a criminal suit at the FCT High Court against 50 persons who participated or promoted the #EndSARS protest online.

POLITICS NIGERIA reported how the protest against police brutality and the misdemeanours of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) attracted attention from across the globe.

Several peaceful demonstrations were held in major cities in the country to show the displeasure of the youths.

While the federal government has promised to implement the demands of the protesters, weeks after, it launched a clampdown against promoters of the protest.

This paper had reported how international passports of some persons were withheld, some persons’ bank accounts frozen and scores arrested. These moves have been largely condemned by rights activists and members of the international community.

However, in court documents obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, Aisha Yesufu, Deji Adeyanju, Ayo Sogunro and some other activists have been dragged to court by Mr Okeke.

Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Centre, hip hop singers; Damini Ogulu known as Burna Boy, David Adeleke, popularly addressed as Davido, Folarin Falana, Yemi Alade amongst others were also joined in the suit as defendants.

Others include social media personalities and good governance advocates.

Mr Okeke claimed that between the October 28 and October 30, 2020 the defendants, via their twitter accounts, conspire amongst themselves to “commit misdemeanor, to wit promoting or acting in such a manner with intent to assist in the promotion of an unlawful assembly under the guise or composition of “#EndSARS”.

This according to him is an offence punishable under Section 97 (2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That 1 to 50 accused persons with intent to carry out some common purpose, assemble in such a manner, or, being assembled under the composition of “#EndSARS”, as to cause persons in the Federal Capital Territory. Abuja to fear on reasonable grounds that such assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion may provoke other persons tumultuously to disturb the peace.

a. Properties (movable) belonging to the complainant was egregiously destroyed by some riotous and tumultuous person (s) instigated and incited by the 1 to 50 accused persons.

The averments as espoused in this complaint is not intended to be a complete recitation of all the applicable facts in issue or relevant facts relating to the conspiracies to assist in the promotion of an unlawful assembly (#EndSARS) riots, and shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver or relinquishment of any of the complainant’s constitutional right to fair hearing all of which are hereby expressly reserved including complainant’s right to tender all available computer-generated evidence by virtue of Section 84 of the Evidence Act,” the court documents read.

Having initiated criminal proceedings against the #EndSARS riots promoters at exactly 1052hrs WAT, 09/11/2020, we shall ensure that same is diligently prosecuted in the interest of defence, public safety and public order.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is country of laws.
There is a motion (ex parte) praying the magistratus for an order directing that the charges and other subsequent court processes in relation to the criminal proceedings be effected on the accused persons by posting, publishing and sharing same as they become due via @Twitter.
Having regards to the case of Esso West Africa Inc. vs. T. Oyegbola (1969) NMLR 194 (198) wherein the Supreme Court of Nigeria opined, thus:

“The Law cannot be and is not ignorant of modern business methods and must not shut its eyes to the mysteries of the computer."
@AishaYesufu @OzzyEtomi @Sam_Adeyemi @YemiAladee @FakhuusHashim @TemiOanu @savvyrinu @PeterPsquare @rudeboypsquare @Jollz @lailajohnsonsal @Symply_Tacha @duchesskk @papilokanu @oxladeofficial @Ojahbee @AdeyanjuDeji @DrJoeAbah @BankyW @UcheJombo @Mochievous @kikimordi
@burnaboy @TiwaSavage @AYCOMEDIAN @Phynofino @_Taaooma @falzthebahdguy @AyoSogunro @davido @UnclePamilerin @Omojuwa @2niteFlavour @DonJazzy @YulEdochie @official2baba @MrMacaronii @fkabudu @ItsLaycon @wizkidayo @darlingdami @iRuntown @aproko_doctor @LayoOgunbanwo @MrOdanz
@Iam_smalldoctor @TopeAkinyode @IreAderinokun @OgbeniDipo @DebolaLagos @MobilePunch @Channelstv @SaharaReporters @HeraldNG @DailyTimesNGR @VanguardNGRNews @thesunnigeria @IndependentNGR @NigeriaNewsDesk @Nigeriagov @MalamiSAN @PoliceNG @DefenceInfoNG @HQNigerianArmy @FKeyamo

Fleeing residents of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno state have revealed that armed Boko Haram sect have on Sunday night launched an attack on the town with fear of severe casualties.

Gwoza is one of the Council areas declared as Boko Haram caliphate until it was liberated.

The incident according to sources started at about 10pm with heavy sounds of gunshots and explosions from the side of the terrorists and security operatives.

Argentina legend Diego Maradona was admitted to hospital on Monday and had been said to be recovering well after being anaemic and dehydrated; The 1986 World Cup winner is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time

Diego Maradona will undergo surgery for a subdural hematoma on Tuesday evening in Buenos Aires, the Argentina legend's doctor has confirmed.

Maradona had been hospitalised since Monday night for anaemia and dehydration, though his condition had been improving, his personal doctor said earlier on Tuesday.

The Lekki Concession Company (LCC), operators of the Lekki tollgate, has submitted video footage recorded by its surveillance camera on the night of October 20, 2020, when soldiers allegedly opened fire on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate.

The Managing Director of LCC, Abayomi Omomuwa, submitted a hard drive containing the footage on Tuesday.

Omomuwa’s submission was made to the Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government to probe the Lekki shootings, as well as complaints of human rights abuses against members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

“I can confirm that inside here is the video footage that our surveillance camera was able to record for the 20th of October,” Omomuwa said.

According to Anakle CEO, Editi Effiong, who is at the hearing, “LCC is being led in testimony by a member of the LASG legal team. A hard drive has been admitted in evidence as containing the footage from the toll gate.

“LCC is also tendering press releases in which they denied the company was bribing in police to disrupt the protests.”

Senators are not about to back pedal in their opposition to the nomination of the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), The Nation gathered last night.

Senators from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are understood to have joined forces to stop the nomination of Onochie.

Some senators have also received video clips of interviews granted by Onochie from some interest groups to back up their opposition to her nomination.

Lobbyists are having a tough time trying to convince the lawmakers to accept Onochie’s nomination for the South-South slot.

In deference to the President, senators have made an informal representation to some principal officers to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to present a new candidate from the South-South.

But some governors have stepped in to save Onochie who they claimed has been doing only media job.

Buhari had on October 13 nominated Onochie and three others as INEC commissioners – Prof. Muhammad Sani Kallah (National, from Katsina State); Prof. Kunle Cornelius Ajayi (Ekiti) and Saidu Babura Ahmad (Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC (Jigawa).

The letter said: “Pursuant to Paragraph 14 of Part I (F) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following four Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

The President’s letter however generated tension in the Senate with some PDP senators leading the opposition to Onochie.

According to investigation, the tension generated by the nomination of Onochie informed the “delay in referral or committal to the appropriate committee in the next legislative day after Buhari’s letter was read.”

It was learnt that some APC and PDP Senators met in Abuja on why Onochie’s nomination would not fly.

A ranking Senator in APC confirmed that some of his colleagues had been meeting informally on Onochie’s appointment.

He said while the senators would not want to confront Buhari, they have been sending emissaries to some principal officers to prevail on him to review the nomination of Onochie.

He listed the options available to the President as follows:

Leaving the Senate to determine her fate, which will lead to the rejection of the presidential nominee.

A win-win situation by prevailing on the Senate leadership to advise the President to review Onochie’s nomination.

Giving the slot to another state in the South-South instead of Delta
Insisting on her choice by the President will heat up the polity unnecessarily.

Retain Onochie, pollute INEC ahead of 2023

He said: “We have met with some of our colleagues in PDP based on public resentment against the nomination of Onochie.

“Even many Civil Society Organizations do not want her.

“It is interesting that APC senators are joining forces with PDP on this case.

“We do not want any crisis with the President but we have resolved to prevail on our leadership to ask the President to make a fresh nomination.

“So, there is probability that we will reject her. Most opinions do not favour her.”

A Senator from the North-West said: “Going by Section 14(2a) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution as amended, ‘a member of the commission shall be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity.

“But I, as an APC senator, know that she is positively partisan. She has been giving PDP sleepless nights.

“We cannot shy away from the truth at all. Let her remain in the office where she has been doing a good job to protect this administration from the opposition.

“Some of us will surely oppose her nomination despite the fact that we are in APC.”

A PDP Senator said although the nomination of Onochie is yet to be referred to the appropriate committee, her “fate is sealed.”

He said: “The PDP caucus will stop her at all cost. We will not walk out. We will ask the President of the Senate to subject her nomination to vote.

“Some lobbyists have been reaching out to senators, including myself. But in this age, we have video clips and statements portraying her as partisan.

“Although the excuse we got was that she made those utterances in the line of duty, we have also told these lobbyists that she does not need to change her job which she is doing excellently well. Her stay in INEC will be perilous.”

Notwithstanding, some governors have been lobbying to ensure the confirmation of Onochie.

“Some of these governors claimed that Onochie has been doing only a media job, not a partisan assignment.

“They said the candidate has a very rich experience which should not be sacrificed on the altar of bias.

“This is the situation as I talk to you. We are waiting for the President to refer the nomination to the relevant committee,” a Senator added.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the resumption of all civil servants on salary grade one to 12.

This was contained in a circular by the by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, on Saturday.

In the circular with Ref. No: CIR/HOS/20/Vol.1/115, the civil servants were asked to resume on Monday, November 2, 2020.

The PUNCH reports that civil servants on grade level 12 and below had been asked to work from home since March in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

The circular read, “Sequel to the informed recommendation of the Presidential task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 and the state ministry of health advisory on same, it is hereby notified for general information that Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved that all public servants on salary grade 1-12 who were directed to work from home since March 2020 resume at the office with effect from Monday, 2nd November, 2020.

“Furthermore, in order to ensure physical distancing in respective MDAs, accounting officers are to maintain attendance duty roster and ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols in the workplace”.

The Lagos State House of Assembly is set to pass into law a bill for a law to establish the Lagos State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law and for Connected Purposes.

This was disclosed on Friday by the Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, at a day public hearing, held at the Assembly Pavilion in Alausa, Ikeja.

The bill, when passed into law, according to Obasa, would make public officers earn more public trusts by improving public transparency and accountability in all spheres of governance in the state.

The Speaker who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Sanni-Eshinlokun, disclosed that when the bill becomes a law, it would underscore the stature of the bill as not just germane towards ensuring further accountability and trust.

He said, “The current bill seeks to create the Lagos State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission in Section 2 of the bill.

“For clarity purposes, the objectives of the commission are elaborately spelt in Section 8 while the general functions are itemised in Section 14 of the bill.

“To ensure diligence, the bill creates a clear administrative structure; offences under the scope of the commission; the jurisdiction; the commission’s modus operandi; funds management and disciplinary procedures.”

He added that the law was a public conscience, hence, regardless of how well it is drafted, it remains sacrosanct to hear from and incorporate the conscience and thought of the public to make a good law.

The Speaker said the bill would further adequate security because there was public trust in the leadership, public satisfaction would increase and conversely decrease crime rate as witnessed in the EndSARS protest.

Obasa also noted that public hearing and stakeholders’ consultations were essential features of a good legislative process that engender progressive governance

“This is because it provides a platform to cumulate the agitations, curate the wisdom of relevant stakeholders and reflect various interests in the actual legislation.

“To my mind, this showcases the true definition of government as described by Abraham Lincoln being government of the people, by the people and for the people.

“Therefore, a good legislation must not just be a reflection of the yearnings of the populace but also the aggregate of the common interests of the majority,” he said.

He, however, added that a good legislation must be the sum interest of the people, not as perceived by the lawmakers but as articulated by the representative of the public through fora like this.

Earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Victor Akande said the essence of the bill was to bring sanity and accountability to governance in the state.

Akande, who is the Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Public Petition, Human Rights and LASIEC, said, “With this bill, the administrative bottleneck that people usually encounter while dealing with government officials would come to an end; this will also put an end to bribery and corruption in public office.

“The commission would be saddled with the responsibility of beaming search light into government activities. The commission will also receive petitions from people who have any complaints and they will be able to seek redress.”

Akande added that the bill gives immunity to the commission members from prosecution as this was done to give them a level of independence to be able to do their job unhindered.

According to him, if we don’t do it that way people will just be dragging them up and down and that will not allow them to concentrate on the job they have been appointed to do.

OKONJO-IWEALA: PRESIDENT BUHARI IN VIDEO CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday held a video conference with Mr Charles Michel, President of the European Council, during which the latter reiterated Europe’s support for Nigeria’s Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The President is leading Nigeria’s charge for Okonjo-Iweala, the country’s former Minister of Finance, to emerge as the first Black and female WTO DG.

President Buhari thanked the European Council for its support for Nigeria’s candidate.

Also discussed during the conference were issues bordering on debt relief for Africa, EU-African relations and recharge of the Lake Chad, which has currently shrunk to less than one-third of its usual size, and throwing about 130 million people who depend on the Lake into dire straits.

Recharge of the Lake Chad is an issue the Nigerian President had vigorously canvassed at diverse global fora in recent time.

President Buhari expressed appreciation to Mr Michel for expected positive developments on the issues.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 30, 2020

BREAKING: Having been consulted by friends & colleagues, I've filed court processes to challenge @adamugarba's lawsuit against @jack & @Twitter. Jack's support for Nigeria's cause is commendable. We'll protect our freedom of expression & resist the move to ban Twitter in Nigeria

When a tweet from @TopeAkinyode came up, I worry at how much Nigerians take their country.

To defend @Jack, who violated your sovereignty by calling for a donation to sustain a protest that lead to damages to our country, after the President acceded to Protesters request. Sad!

I hope Mr. @jack pay you for this service, because, at-least, if he refused to invest in Nigerian Youth, except help propagate fake news, that lead to Trillions of Naira lost, then i will be glad if he pays a Nigerian Lawyer for his defense to failure in the Courts. He has to PAY

I really do hope he pays you in dollars that he takes away from this country without corresponding investments, except to encourage mayhem and disorder.

He will have to pay $1Bn to Nigeria and settle all the victims that have been affected by his intransigent orchestration.

We’ll meet in Court, No long talk.

#TwitterLawSuit

The United States has explained why it is against the election of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

In a statement issued by the office of the US trade representative on Wednesday, the world power said the WTO is in dire need of reform and must be “led by someone with real, hands-on experience in the field”.

“The United States supports the selection of Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee as the next WTO Director-General,” the USTR, led by Robert Lighthizer (pictured above), said.

“Minister Yoo is a bona fide trade expert who has distinguished herself during a 25-year career as a successful trade negotiator and trade policy maker. She has all the skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organization.

“This is a very difficult time for the WTO and international trade. There have been no multilateral tariff negotiations in 25 years, the dispute settlement system has gotten out of control, and too few members fulfill basic transparency obligations.

“The WTO is badly in need of major reform. It must be led by someone with real, hands-on experience in the field.”

OKONJO-IWEALA: I’M A TRADE EXPERT
The argument against Okonjo-Iweala has always been that she has no direct trade experience. But while addressing the WTO in July, the former minister of finance in Nigeria refuted the claim.

“I am a development economist and you cannot do that without looking at trade. Trade is a central part of development. So, I have been doing it. My whole career at the World Bank, I was working on trade policy reform in middle and low-income countries at the bank,” she said.

“As finance minister, the customs service in my country reported to me. And that is all about trade facilitation. I helped my country’s negotiation with my trade minister on the ECOWAS common external tariffs. I don’t know how much more trade you can have than that.

“So those who say I don’t have trade, they are mistaken. I think the qualities I have are even better, because I combine development economics with trade knowledge, along with finance, and you need those combination of skills to lead the WTO. I think I have the skills that are needed. I am a trade person.”

On Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala had won the popular vote to become the next DG and had the nod of the three ambassadors saddled with the responsibility of picking the next leader of the trade body.

But at a WTO delegates meeting to discuss the appointment, the US expressed opposition to her election — the US was the only country opposing her election.

Keith Rockwell, the spokesman of the WTO, said just one member country did not support Okonjo-Iweala.

“All of the delegations that expressed their views today expressed very strong support for the outcome, except for one,” he said.

The WTO reconvenes on November 9, 2020 after the US election to decide who becomes the next DG.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said the number of deaths recorded from last week’s Lekki Toll Gate shootings in Lagos State has not risen above two.

DAILY POST reports that some End SARS protesters in Lekki were reportedly shot by men said to be in military uniforms.

There have been confusion over the number of protesters who died as a result of the shootings as government and protesters claimed contradicting figures.

While speaking at a Peace Consolidation Meeting of Stakeholders with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Adeleye Oyebade, at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Tuesday, Gov Abiodun said those peddling fake news on the social media deliberately increased the figures to sew the seed of discord.

Abiodun recalled that “there was someone who was at the scene of the incident that day that was on live video, broadcasting that 70 people have died, hundred people have died, there’s blood all over the whole place.”

According to him, he was worried and put a call through to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to confirm if truly many people have died as being reported by people on the social media.

“That night, we started going round to all the hospitals around Lekki, Ikoyi and the Island; we went to all the morgues; called for people who have missing corpse to come and report. First day, second day, third day and up till now, the number of deaths, I don’t think it has gone past two. I am not sure it has gone past two,” Ogun governor said.

Abiodun added further that “Since that day, nobody has come to say we are reporting a missing person; and some people continue to plant that seed of discord. We need to stop. We need to be more patriotic, this is not who we are. We should also be more circumspect,” he stated.

Meanwhile, he condemned in its entirety, the shooting of peaceful protesters or any other, saying, “We condemn the shooting of anyone – civilian, police or military. We do not believe the military should come and shoot people who are protesting. We did not support it in any language. It is not tenable and not acceptable.”

The Osun State Police Command on Tuesday paraded 86 suspected suspects in connection to the looting of Government and public property in the state last Saturday.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Undie Adie at the State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Ajibola Hamzat said police would embark on a manhunt of the suspects after the expiration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s 72 hours amnesty, which expired tomorrow, Wednesday, October 28.