₦airaland Forum

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Following the rainstorm and flooding that wreaked havoc in some parts of Katsina State, President Muhammadu Buhari will visit the state Friday to commiserate with the victims.

The rainstorm which was accompanied by heavy downpour destroyed over 600 houses, killed more than six persons and rendered thousands homeless.

The affected communities are Kukar-Gesa, Shinkafi ward A and B in Modoji village, Ambassadors’ Quarters, Makera, Company, and Kambarawa.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/06/28/buhari-visits-katsina-friday-to-commiserate-with-rainstorm-victims/

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has sent a delegation to the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawan Daura, over the arrest of the senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe.

It was gathered that the delegates comprised top leaders of the party and some state governors.

Secondus, who confirmed the meeting of the delegates with DG of the DSS, however, refused to give details of those in the delegation and issues slated for discussion.

He told Punch, “We have sent a delegation comprising our governors to the DG of DSS over the spate of arrests of our members.

“Yesterday, they picked up a former Governor of Benue State, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, and today, they arrested Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. We can’t reach them and even their loyalists can’t reach them.

“Now, the clampdown has indeed started. But how many of our members are they going to arrest, just because they (the government and the ruling party) are afraid of losing the (2019 presidential) election?

“Maybe they will arrest all of us and put us into jail. Nigerians are watching and the international community is also watching.”

Meanwhile, DSS is yet to release a statement on why Senator Abaribe was arrested yesterday.

DAILY POST reports that Abaribe was arrested in Abuja on Friday at a popular hotel located at Maitama District.


http://dailypost.ng/2018/06/23/pdp-sends-delegates-dss-arrest-senator-abaribe-suswam/

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

The stunning revelation by the Presidency that the National Assembly inserted personal projects worth N578 billion into the 2018 budget has stirred a serious dissension among members of the National Assembly, Vanguard learned, yesterday.


It was learned that many members of NASS who were unaware of the huge amount of money and phantom projects ‘built’ into the budget by the leadership, became very upset with the expose by the Presidency and have threatened to vent their anger on those who perpetrated the ‘cheating’ as soon as the legislature resumes.

The lawmakers are upset that most of them were allocated meagre projects and services valued at less than N50 million by the leadership of NASS, whereas each of them would have gone home with at least N1 billion allocation of the N578 billion.

There are 109 Senators and 360 House of Representatives members in the NASS and given the amount of N578 billion alleged to have been inserted into the budget, each member is supposed to have received at least N1 billion worth of project amounting to N469 billion, with a surplus of N109 billion for the top leaders of the legislature.

But one of the lawmakers from the South-West, who pleaded anonymity, said he was disappointed that the leadership of the NASS ‘actively short-changed’ some other members by allocating very small amount to them to service their communities but unjustifiably set aside huge amounts to themselves.

“We have to thank Mr. President for this eye-opening revelation on the padding of the 2018 budget by the NASS and we will take it from there when we resume in short while from now.

No security vote for State House —Udoma

In the meantime, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, has said there was no truth in the report by Amnesty International, entitled Camouflaged Cash: How ‘Security Votes’ Fuel Corruption in Nigeria, which “indicated, in part, that the Presidency was not only appropriating but “has also increased the number of security votes tucked into the Federal budget in the last two years.”

Answering questions during the budget briefing session, yesterday, in Abuja, the minister said it was necessary to state clearly that there was no line item as security vote in the State House budget.

Udoma said: “There are also provisions for military interventions in the North-East (insurgency), Operation Lafiya Dole, as well as other specific operations of the Armed Forces such as Operation Python Dance, Operation Crocodile Smile and very recently, Operation Cat Race, etc.

“Owing to the growing number of internal security issues, a provision of N75 billion was made for these exercises in the service-wide votes, not State House vote, in 2018.”


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/06/crisis-brews-nass-sharing-n578bn-padded-budget-projects/

Femi Makinde, Osogbo

The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife has announced the sacking of Professor Richard Akindele for allegedly demanding sex from Monica Osagie to upgrade her mark.

The VC announced the sack at a press conference in Ife on Wednesday.

He said the Governing Council sacked the lecturer having found him guilty of all the charges against him.

http://punchng.com/breaking-oau-sacks-professor-over-sex-for-mark-scandal/

The 33-year-old commissioner whose news of appointment in February 2018 received widespread commendation from youths in the state says he has resigned and is joining the APC because he lost his right to freedom in the PDP.

He said “I am a man of very strong character and you all know me for that. I don’t work with failure.

” So as a citizen of Nigeria, I have the constitutional right to choose the party of my choice. From today henceforth, I am for APC and goodbye to PDP.

Presenting the party’s symbol to the decampee, the leaders of the party, Chief Timipre Sylva that was represented by Hon. Isreal Sunny-Goli said “this is a sign that we are taking over from PDP.

“This means more persons would soon leave the PDP for APC. And when we take over we will wipe out poverty the PDP has brought upon Bayelsans.”

http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/151485/

…presents PDP candidates to Ewi of Ado

Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has placed curses on any politician, including himself, who is planning to bring violence into the state and manipulate the July 14 governorship poll with the aim of robbing Ekiti people of not only their peace but also a free will to chose their next governor.

The Governor said: “This state deserves peace, people of Ekiti deserves peace. anybody that brings violence to this state would come under the judgement of God. Anybody that attempt to manipulate this state would come under the judgement of God.
” We hand Ekiti over to God and we pray that anybody, including myself and any other politician that bring violence to this state would face the judgement of God, “he said.

Governor Fayose made the remarks while presenting the candidates of his party, Prof. Olusola Kolapo Eleka, governorship flagbearer, and 39-year-old Kazeem Ayodeji Ogunsakin, deputy governorship candidate to the Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi Adejugbe, monarch of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital and most populous town in the state.

Fayose , on Monday night, handed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidates to the Ewi-in-Council, body of traditional chiefs assisting the monarch, who in turn, presented them to the Ewi as tradition requires.

Governor Fayose also explained reasons why he threw his weight behind the Deputy Governorship candidacy 39-year old Ogunsakin, stating that the fact that he came from Ado Ekiti which gave him the largest votes in 2014, and also a Muslim representing the Muslim community and most importantly, that he is a young man who would represent the Not-too-Young to run ambition are considerations that informed the support.

“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have supported Ogunsakin but for the fact that he has performed admirably well as Chairman of Ado Local Government Area and hails from the town, which gave me highest votes to re-elect me in 2014, and also the fact that he served well as Head of Due Process in my cabinet, and also that he is a Muslim who represents the interest of the hitherto neglected Muslim community in Ekiti and most importantly, I want to actualize the dream of our youths who have clamoured for concrete and active representation in government. I am not a kind of person who makes promise and not fulfill it. With 39-year old Ogunsakin, we have shown to the world that really want the youth to participate in government in support of the not too young to run law.”

Fayose who expressed confidence that the PDP candidates would get overwhelming support of the people of Ado Ekiti where Ogunsakin hails from and Ikere-Ekiti, being the second largest in population to Ado Ekiti in the state and where the governorship candidate, Prof. Olusola hails from, said: “I am a chief of the Ewi’s palace. Beyond that I am also the governor of the state. We have to do things properly and bring our deputy governorship candidate, 39-year old Kazeem Ayodeji Ogunsakin, who is an indigene of Ado Ekiti, and a Muslim from this community, to the Kabiyesi.

If you look at the impact we have made in this palace you would know that they would forever remember us for our giants strides.

Continuity is good for the state and for a professor who has made great impact for the state in education and also for Ogunsakin, they are a perfect combination to continue our good works and even do it better.”

Responding, The Ewi of Ado, thanked Governor Fayose profusely for the many capital projects he has put in place to beautify the capital city and prayed for him fervently.

The monarch who described Fayose as an uncommon man said he always pray to God to make his children have the kind of fortune that the heavens have bestowed on the governor.

Recalling that Olusola had worked assiduously to achieve success in the state education sector, the Ewi identified both Olusola and Ogunsakin as men of good nature, sound mind and well behaved.

His words: “Politics apart, if we examine our city, Ado Ekiti four years ago, we would all agree that Governor Fayose has performed very well. I have always pray to God that just as he has blessed Fayose with good fortunes, he should bless my children also. I also, pray for the well being of Fayose, his family and loved ones. He is God sent and has been delivering divine agenda in Ekiti. He has said God chose Olusola to suceed him and we accept it from him. We will continue to pray for Governor Fayose’s success. He will continue to excel and triumph over his enemies of his progress. You have done Ado Ekiti very well, Ado Ekiti will not forget you,” the monarch said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/06/ekiti-guber-fayose-places-curse-politicians-planning-violence-forjuly-14/amp/

Jones4190:
My father was one of Chief Abiola NCP agents during his presidential election. He deserve some accolades too

NCP or SDP?

President Muhammadu Buhari has formally made the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.

The conferment of the honour on the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola comes 25 years after the election, which is recognised as the freest in the country’s history.

It comes almost 20 years after Abiola died in detention after being jailed by military dictator General Sani Abacha for trying to claim his mandate.

Details later…

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/06/12/breaking-buhari-officially-confers-gcfr-title-on-mko-abiola/

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to the country after a two-day official visit to Morocco.

The President arrived in Abuja on Monday evening, one day after he left the country to meet with King Mohammed VI, at the invitation of the Moroccan leader.

At the meeting in Rabat, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering deeper bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco, with the signing of an agreement on gas transportation to the North African kingdom along the Atlantic coast.

They also appreciated the significant progress in various areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, fertiliser production, energy infrastructure and mining.

More to follow…

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/06/11/breaking-president-buhari-arrives-abuja-after-morocco-visit/

The Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, Humphrey Nwosu, has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and for honouring the memory of Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the 1993 election.


In a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Mr Nwosu, who presided over the polls later annulled by the military junta, said the conferment of national honours on Mr Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, “will rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better nation.”

The letter reads: “I thank His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria for recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and also honouring the winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola.


“Indeed, June 12, 1993 marked a turning point in Nigeria’s tortuous journey towards a democratic polity. It is an honour to the very hard-working men and women of the defunct National Electoral Commission under my leadership at this long awaited recognition. I humbly commend this action by the President.

“Undoubtedly, the democratic system of governance is the best especially for the multi ethnic nation like ours. I thank you for building on the foundation which my team and I labored strenuously to establish and actualize on June 12, 1993. It is our hope that expanding the frontiers of democracy of which all the people of Nigeria, regardless of ethnic group, will provide economic, social and developmental benefits that will certainly make Nigeria a great nation not only in Africa but across the world.


“Certainly, the scheduled event on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 will rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better Nation. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be present at the investiture ceremony as I am outside the country,” he wrote.

Lawrence Ojabo

Director, Information

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/271945-just-in-electoral-umpire-for-june-12-humphrey-nwosu-speaks-on-abiola-buharis-recognition.html

FOR including his name in the looter’s list, former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, sued Mr Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Fani-Kayode, through his lawyer, Mr Ferdinand Orbih, Monday told Justice Rilwan Aikawa, that his application against Mohammed was brought pursuant to the provisions of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, as well as the Court’s Civil Procedure Rules.

He said his application was seeking leave of the court, to serve the motion on notice, on the Minister of Information, on alleged acts of contempt.

Orbih (SAN), also told the court that the Minister had published a list of looters some weeks back, and had named Fani Kayode as number 19 on that list.

According to Fani-Kayode’s lawyer, the defence views such act very seriously, as it is an attempt to interfere with the proceedings before the court, and portray his client as already guilty of the charges preferred.

He, therefore, urged the court to grant the exparte application enabling the defence to serve the said motion on notice on the Minister in Abuja, by substituted means, as personal service may not be feasible.

He argued that the court possessed powers to order that the motion is served on any responsible senior official of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, and therefore, urged the court to grant his application.

In a short ruling, Justice Mohammed Aikawa held: “I have perused the application including the supporting affidavits and I am satisfied that the application ought to be granted.

“The application is granted, save that it should be served on his confidential Secretary in Abuja,” he said.

In a related development, the Court also adjourned until October 2, the Money laundering trial of a former Minister of State for Finance, Nenandi Usman, Fani-Kayode and others, charged with N4.6 billion fraud.

Nigerian Tribune recalls that Usman, Fani-Kayode is charged alongside one Yusuf Danjuma, a former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and a limited liability company, Jointrust Dimensions Nigeria Limited, on a 17 count charge bordering on money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

All offences were said to have contravened the provisions of sections 15 (3) (4), 16 (2) (b), and 16 (5) of the Money laundering (prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/fani-kayode-sues-lai-mohammed-over-looters-list/

Ex-gov Adebayo, Mrs Fayemi on campaign list

By Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the July 14 election in Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Sunday announced ailing Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele as the director general of his campaign Council.

Fayemi, described the event leading to the shooting of Bamidele last week during a stampede at the APC secretariat in Ado Ekiti as very unfortunate, saying there was need to retain the party chieftain, having consented to serve in that capacity before the horrible twist at the rally.

Bamidele and five others were shot by a policeman who mishandled his rifle during a mob action in the midst of the crowd.

Fayemi made the announcement after inaugurating his Ekiti State campaign council that will work with that of the national, led by Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu that had earlier been inaugurated by the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for the success of the party in the July 14 poll.

Speaking after inaugurating the council in Ado Ekiti, Fayemi refuted the allegation that Bamidele had been flown to London for medicare, describing the media report as false and unfounded.

“Hon Bamidele has not been flown abroad, he is still in Lagos. I was with him till 1am today (Sunday). He is recuperating here in Nigeria and if there is need to take him abroad, we will tell the public.

“But let me state here that we are still retaining his position as the Director General of this Council, because he had already accepted to be DG of this council before that incident”.

He said the National body of the party will flag off the campaign in Ekiti on June 19 while the grand finale that will be led by President Muhammadu Buhari will hold July 10.

He said the his campaign will officially take off in Ekiti East local government, appealing to members to begin aggressive house-to-house campaign for the party’s acceptability to gain more traction among the electorate.

“Let me state here that the shooting incident should not be seen as a pointer to what will happen on July 14 election. We are committed to peaceful election and the security has assured us that they will be alive to their responsibilities.

“The intelligence report we got that the PDP was plotting to cause violence of various forms in every part of the state has been shared with security agencies and they are working on it”.

Fayemi said the party had been receiving defectors from the PDP in recent time, saying those that will join the APC in one week time will shock the state.

“We are happy that every contestant, I mean the governorship aspirants, is contributing to our campaign, so APC is intact and united. They are all eager to work for the victory of our party in this election.

“Unlike PDP that is disunited. You could see that Prince Dayo Adeyeye has formally joined us. Others will be joining us one after the other and before the election, Governor Ayodele Fayose will be alone”.
Fayemi charged members of the committee not to segregate or discriminate against each other, urging them to work together for the victory of the party.

The State Chairman of the party, Chief Jide Awe, said the campaign was decentralised to give more leverage for those at the units, wards and local governments to be able to work in the grassroots where the bulk of the voters are domiciled ..
Awe urged them to be vigilant and eschew undue discrimination as they perform the task for the party to be able to win the election.

Chairmen of the campaign council are: Hon Bamidele (Director General),Otunba Niyi Adebayo(Finance), Hon Femi Bamsile (Mobilisation Committee), Mrs Bisi Fayemi (Women Committee), Hon Wunmi Ogunlola (Welfare and Protocol), Hon Biodun Fasakin (Legal Committee), Mr Alaba Abejide (Contact), Dr Bayo Orire (Health), Femi Ogundare (Youth), Group Capt. Ropo Ayegbusi (Security) and Chief Awe (Special Purpose).

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/06/10/fayemi-appoints-ailing-bamidele-as-campaign-dg/amp/?

GOING by the resolution of the Senate that the winner of June 12 1993 election, Chief Moshood Abiola and his running mate, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, should be declared winners of the election and paid their entitlements, the Federal government may have to pay more than N400 million as compensation to the late Abiola’s family and Kingibe.

Both were the presidential candidate and running mate in the June 12, 1993 election that was annulled by the regime of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.


The Senate, at plenary on Thursday, resolved that Buhari should declare the duo ex-president and ex-vice president respectively and pay all entitlements due them.

Sunday Tribune conducted an investigation into how much the family of Abiola is likely to be paid as emoluments and entitlements duo in compliance with the resolution of the Senate.

According to the 2007 Remuneration Act for political officeholders, the president is entitled to an annual basis salary of N3,514,705, while the vice president earns N3,031,572.50.

Since the two officers are not entitled to monetisation of most of their allowances, they are only entitled to 50 per cent of their basic salary as hardship allowance, 10 per cent leave allowance, 250 per cent as constituency allowance and 300 per cent of basic as severance gratuity.

For Abiola, his emoluments for the four-year period of October 1, 1993 and September 31, 1997 will amount to N68,185,277 made up of: basic salary- N14,058,820; hardship allowance-N7,029,410; leave allowance- N1,405,882; constituency allowance- N35,147,050 and; severance gratuity- N10,544,115.

Kingibe, on the other hand, would earn N58,763,506.50 from: basic salary- N12,126,290; hardship allowance- N6,063,145; leave allowance- N1,212,629; constituency allowance- N30,315,725 and; severance gratuity- N9,094,717.

In addition, through Decree 32 of 1999, Nigeria commenced payment of entitlements to former presidents, their deputies and former parliamentary leaders.

This transformed into the remuneration of former Presidents, heads of Federal Legislative Houses and Chief Justices of the Federation (and other Ancillary Matters) Act of 2001.

In it, former presidents and heads of state were entitled to N4.2 million annually, while past vice presidents and past chiefs of general staff were entitled to N3 million per annum for their up-keep.

“As from the commencement of this Act, all former-Presidents and Heads of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (in this Act referred to as “former Heads of State”) shall be-(i) paid the sum of N350,000 per month as up-keep allowance; and (ii) entitled to the perquisites of office specified in Part I of the Schedule to this Act; and (b)Vice-Presidents and Chiefs of General Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (in this Act referred to as “former Vice-Presidents”) shall be- (i) paid the sum of N250,000 per month as up-keep allowance; and (ii) entitled to the perquisites of office specified in Part II of the Schedule to this Act.”

The Act also made provisions for domestic staff, security aides, vehicles and up-keep allowances for families of deceased presidents.

Since he died on July 7,1998, Abiola would not be entitled to an officer not below the rank of a chief administrative officer; a personal secretary not below Grade Level 12; three to four armed policemen; one Department State Service (DSS) officer not below Grade Level 10 as an Aide-de-Camp to be attached for life and paid by the State Security Agencies; three vehicles to be bought by the Federal Government and liable to be replaced every four years; and drivers to be paid by the Federal Government and other benefits.

Kingibe, however, will henceforth be provided with: an officer not below the rank of a chief administrative officer; a personal secretary not below Grade Level 10, two to three armed policemen; one DSS officer not below Grade Level 8 as an Aide de Camp to be attached for life and paid by the State Security Agencies; two vehicles to be replaced every four years.

He will also have drivers paid for by the Federal Government; free medical treatment for them and their immediate families within Nigeria; treatment abroad where necessary; 30 days’ annual vacation within and outside Nigeria at Federal Government expense; a modestly well-furnished and equipped office in any location of their choice in Nigeria; a well-furnished three-bedroom house in any location of their choice in Nigeria.

According to the 1999 law, amended in 2008 and 2010, remuneration of the former leaders shall be subject to review whenever there is an increase in the salary of the serving President and Vice-President; and the Federal Government shall in its annual budget make provision for the remuneration of former Heads of State and former Vice-Presidents.

Abiola’s family would be entitled to the payment of the sum of N1,000,000 per annum, which would amount to N18 million calculated since 1999 for the up-keep of the spouse and education of the children his up university level.

The money spent on education of his children still in school when he died would also be calculated and paid.

In 2008 and 2010, the Act was amended to give Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, (RMAFC) the mandate to fix remunerations of the ex-leaders from time to time in line with economic realities, especially whenever the salary of the serving President is raised. Federal Government also make provision for the remuneration of former heads of state and former vice-presidents in its annual budgets.

In the case of death, the family of an ex-president is entitled to the sum of N1 million per annum payable in the sum of N250,000 per quarter, and the deceased former Vice-President’s the sum of N750,000 per annum payable in the sum of N187, 500 per quarter. The allowances applied to the upkeep of the spouse and education of the children of deceased former leaders up to the university level.


http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/amp/senate-resolution-fg-may-pay-abiola-family-kingibe-over-n400m

Some members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN ) burnt flags of the US and Israel in Abuja on Friday, sparking tension.

Chanting songs and waving flags, the IMN members said they were protesting the killings of their members in Palestine.

The protest marched from the National Mosque to the Julius Berger roundabout in the capital city.

Armed policemen mounted strategic positions to possibly prevent a breakdown of law and order.

‘Down To America’; ‘Free Palestine’; ‘Free Free Zakzaky’; were among the inscription on their placards.

The mob later converged under the bridge, where they displayed the flags of the two countries and set them ablaze.

Human and vehicular movements were disrupted along the popular Wuse market during the protest.

Many people also scuttled to safety when they sighted the aggrieved IMN members.

On different occasions, the sect members have clashed with the police while demanding the release of Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, their leader.

El-Zakzaky was arrested in December 2015 when some of his members allegedly attacked the convoy of Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff.

https://www.thecable.ng/tension-in-abuja-as-shiites-burn-us-israel-flags/

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, on Thursday dragged the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and the Senate to the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for declaring him as an enemy of democracy.

Idris through his counsel, Dr Alex Iziyon (SAN), is seeking the leave of court to challenge the Senate’s resolution of May 9, 2018, wherein he was declared as an enemy of democracy and unfit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria.

In the suit mark: FHC/ABJ/CS/554/2018, and filed on May 25, 2018, the Police boss is seeking a declaration that the respondents acted ultra vires its powers under section 88 and 89 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) in the votes and proceedings leading to the resolution contained in the gazette dated 9th May, 2018 imposing a penal sanction on the applicant.

Attached to the application, was an 18 paragraph affidavit, seeking, among others, an order of court quashing the entire votes and proceedings and by implication, the resolution of the Senate that led to the resolution contained in the gazette dated 9th May, 2018 declaring the applicant as enemy of democracy and unfit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by itself, or through its servant, agents and or privies, whatsoever from acting on the said resolution contained in the gazette dated 9th May, 2018 or causing same to be acted upon by any person or authority or government agency, or carrying out similar or like resolution against the applicant.

Some of the grounds on which the reliefs are sought are that the respondents lack the competence and or jurisdiction to impose penal sanction on the applicant under section 88 and 89 of the Nigerian constitution; that the court should consider the conduct of the respondents throughout the votes and proceedings that led to the said resolution contained in the gazette dated 9th May, 2018 as an act of: palpable bias, deep-rooted prejudice, visible hatred and undisguised contempt for the applicant.”and that the action of the Senate constitute a legislative judgment.

The applicant, in the affidavit in support of the motion averred that the applicant as a fact can carry out his functions by himself or delegate same to his subordinate officers in accordance with the law, adding that it is practically impossible for him to be in all places at the same time to answer to all summons at all times.

Idris, in the affidavit said that he received the respondents letter of 25 April, 2018, inviting him to appear before the Senate but because of his engagement in a trip involving the president, had to delegate his subordinate, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations and to others whom according to him had “adequate direct knowledge of the two subject matters” relating to the invitation.

He said the respondents however refused to accept his representatives and adjourned plenary to 2nd May, 2018, “with a stern warning that the applicant must appear or face the consequences”.

He added that based on the above development, the respondents passed the said resolution declaring him an enemy of democracy and unfit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria.

Delivering ruling on the application, Justice John Tsoho said, the applicant has shown sufficient interest to be granted leave of the court to move the court action against the respondents.

Justice Tsoho also, ordered that the processes be served on the respondents through the Clerk of the National Assembly and adjourned till June 27, 2018 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/amp/igp-drags-saraki-senate-to-court-for-declaring-him-as-enemy-of-democracy/

*Insist Senate President must appear before Force Intelligence Response Team

*He’s culpable and has case to answer-FPRO

*Saraki not aware of our operations, suspected gang leader confesses

By Kingsley Omonobi & Joseph Erunke

THE Police, Wednesday, denied that it withdrew its earlier invitation to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to appear before the Force Intelligence Response Team, in Abuja, to answer questions following his alleged involvement in Offa banks robbery and the gruesome killings of over 33 people in Kwara State by some political thugs loyal to him.

The police insisted that contrary to the claim by the Senate President that its invitation to him had been withdrawn, nothing as such has emanated from it.

To this end, it insisted that the Senate President must appear before the Force Intelligence Response Team, at Guzape, Abuja, to respond to allegations of his involvement in the operations.

The development came as leader of the suspected gang that carried out the operations, Ayoade Akinnibosun, told journalists yesterday, that the Senate President was not aware of their dastardly acts contrary to insinuation to that effect.

Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood,at a media briefing where he re-paraded the Offa banks robbery suspects, added that Saraki going by confessional statements obtained from the suspects was culpable in the robbery and killings and therefore, has case to answer.

But he did not give deadline to the Senate President to appear before the police investigation team even as he remained evasive on possible action against the Senate President if he fails to appear as directed.

Moshood, who disclosed that additional two suspects in connection with the acts have been nabbed by the police and have made confessional statements in custody, where they are being held implicating the Senate President in the banks robbery.

In a veiled response to accusation from the National Assembly that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, was framing perceived opponents of President Muhammadu Buhari with criminal cases and consequent vote of no confidence of the police boss last Tuesday, Mr Moshood said the police will not be cowed or succumb to intimidation from any quarter.

Hear him:”The Nigeria Police Force will not be cowed or succumb to intimidation from any quarter in carrying out a thorough and discreet investigation into the Offa banks robbery where significant successes have been recorded.

“The ongoing investigation will be driven to a logical conclusion.

“Meanwhile, the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki is still under investigation in connection to the Offa banks robbery and the Nigeria Police Force will do everything possible within the ambit of the law to ensure that justice is done in this case.”

Meanwhile, the leader of the suspected gang, Ayoade Akinnibosun, told journalists that the Senate President was not aware of their dastardly acts, saying they were merely political thugs of both the Senate President and the Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/06/offa-banks-robberypolice-deny-withdrawing-invitation-saraki/

Principal suspects in the April 5 killings in Offa, Kwara State, have confessed that they joined the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, during his condolence visit to the Olofa of Offa town in connection with the bank robbery.
In an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, suspected leader of the raids on five banks, Mr. Ayoade Akinnibosun, alleged that he and three others were also present when the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, as well as the senator representing Kwara South, Dr. Rafiu Ibrahim, paid a condolence visit to the town.

Akinibosun was among 13 suspects paraded at the Force Headquarters on Sunday, over their alleged involvement in the Offa bank robbery, which culminated in the killing of 33 people.

Other suspects, who spoke with our correspondent at their detention camp yesterday, included Aro, Edet and Murphy.
They were among over 20 others arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).



The IRT, which is led by Mr. Abba Kyari, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), has continued to record huge successes, one of which was the arrest of a suspected billionaire kidnapper, Evans.
Giving account of what transpired two days after the daring robbery, Akinnibosun said: “I was at home when a friend of mine called me. His name is Shamsudeen Bada; he is a boy to Bukola Saraki too. We have a platform, but I did not quickly see the message on the platform. So, he now called me and said the Senate President would be going to Offa. I now called Aro and Adex and asked them where they were; they said they were at the saw mill, that we should meet at home. We now moved from our house to Offa. On getting there (Offa), it was just 15 minutes the Senate President had been inside already. So, we didn’t stay much and he left.

On his way going, Shamsudeen now called me that Senator Rafiu was on his way back, but the Senate President had already gone; that we should wait until Senator Rafiu comes. When he came, we now went inside, as we got inside, the Olofa was in; we all stood there with him. When he left, we now followed Senator Rafiu. On getting to one small village, that was where Senator Rafiu stopped and wanted to ease himself.”
Akinnibosun claimed that the lawmaker gave them N50,000.

The suspect added that Governor Ahmed released N250,000 to youths of Offa community.

Akinnibosun disclosed that the said amount was disbursed through the governor’s political aide, who is also in the custody of the police.

He now gave us N50,000 all the youth that were following him; because that is how we normally do. He sent one of his boys to give me N50,000; I now shared it to everybody that was there. After the Senator left, we all left to our place of living, which is Oro. Somebody now called; I have forgotten the person’s name, to say ‘they said Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed will be going to Offa’. The person now said, ‘look at his convoy’; the convoy is even coming. That was how I called Adex and Aro again. So, we now met and moved to Offa again, with the governor,” Akinnibosun said.

Asked how many of them went to the Olofa’s palace to meet Saraki, he responded: “It was four of us – me (Ayoade Akinnibosun), Aro, Edet and Murphy.”
Asked to clarify the alleged largesse from the governor, the suspect said: “The governor did not give me money; he gave N250,000 to the youth of Offa; all the youths in Offa through his Personal Assistant (Political).”

Five suspects arrested in connection with the April 5 bank robbery in Offa, Kwara State, had confessed to their alleged links with Saraki and Ahmed.

The suspects, who were arrested in the wake of the robbery incident, had made confessional statements alleging that they were political thugs of the Senate President, who were sponsored with money and firearms.

Parading the five suspects, and eight others in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Jimoh Moshood, said they operated under the name of Youth Liberation Movement aka Good Boys.

https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/06/killings-we-were-part-of-saraki-govs-condolence-teams-to-offa-suspects/

Enyioha Opara, Minna

The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, on Tuesday evening disclosed that he did not make any promise to the people of the state during his 2015 governorship electioneering campaign.

Bello also said that he has decided to seek reelection next year following clamour from various quarters in the state for him to do so.

He made the remarks in Government House at a media event.

“I did not make any promise while campaigning in 2015. One thing we did during our campaign was that we made sure we did not make promise to the people

“If we had promised heaven on earth, we would have faced problems from the public because there
were a lot of problems.”

The governor added that he did not make any promise to the people because “there was high expectation from the people; adding, “we realise the high expectation, so we did not make promise.”

Bello said that his administration experienced poor revenue at inception to the extent that the income from the Federation Account dropped to as low as N2b monthly.

“With this, we could not do anything. We thank God that we did not make any promise. We would not have been able to fulfill any promise.”

He said that he would seek re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress next year, following the requests for him to seek a second term by people of goodwill across the state.

“We will go for re-election; it is good to have a second term. By God’s grace we will win,” he said

Defending his decision to seek re-election Bello said, “A lot of things which we planted cannot mature in four years. We need more time to make them to come to fruition.

“We appeal to ‘Nigerlites’ to re-elect us so that we can complete what we have started because I don’t feel accomplished.”

http://punchng.com/i-didnt-promise-anything-during-my-2015-campaign-bello-says-seeks-re-election/

Dr. Kayode Fayemi has resigned his appointment as Minister of Mines and Steel Development to concentrate on defeating Kolapo Olusola, Governor Ayo Fayose’s deputy, at the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Fayemi tendered his resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari three weeks ago, but it officially takes effect from Wednesday, May 30.

Fayemi, who will be the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer in the election having won a rescheduled primary of the party on May 12, will be in office today to address a press conference where he will give account of his stewardship in the ministry and finally sign off at 12:00pm.

To become the Ekiti APC candidate, Fayemi polled 941 votes.

The aspirants who came closest were Segun Oni (481 votes), Kayode Ojo (281), Olufemi Richard Bamisile (179), Oluyede Oluwole (121), and Aluko Daniel Olugbenga (86).

Fayose has already boasted that an “electoral disaster” awaits Fayemi in July, saying: “He will suffer the worst defeat of his political career… after the July 14 election, he will go into political oblivion.”

http://saharareporters.com/2018/05/30/fayemi-resigns-minister-focus-defeating-fayose’s-deputy

The Indigenous People of Biafra Tuesday debunked alleged news form a national secretariat of IPOB urging people not to sit at home.

According to a statement issued by Emma Powerful, Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, such a report should be ignored because it didn’t emanate from the group.
“We hereby warn the public to disregard such statements because they were fabricated by DSS and Lai Mohammed’s Ministry of Information to sow seeds of confusion in the minds of Biafrans who have started observing the order to sit at home from this evening.

“Enemies of Biafra in the north and traitors in Biafraland think that such childish gimmicks will sway the cast iron determination of Biafrans to observe the sit-at-home order as directed by our Directorate of State. For purposes of clarity, IPOB does not operate a national secretariat formula. What we have is the Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra headed by Mazi Chika Edoziem.

“Every IPOB family member knows there is nothing like a ‘national secretariat’ in IPOB structure, so those behind this latest gimmick are wasting their time and will end up making a mockery of themselves. No amount of subterfuge, betrayal, treachery or outright sabotage by criminal elements set up by DSS calling themselves Biafra Coalition will derail our collective effort to honour our heroes with a sit at home.

“What this act of desperation confirms is that IPOB is on the right track as always and Nigeria jittery because despite Operation Python Dance that cost millions of dollars to execute, IPOB is today more formidable than ever.

“We expect more outlandish statements from the defeated reprobates within Nigerian government and their agents in Biafraland but their antics doesn’t faze IPOB anymore. We are IPOB and 30th of May sit-at-home directive is sacrosanct.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/05/disregard-fake-news-asking-not-sit-home-may-30th-ipob/

Traders in Ebonyi who obverse the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra on Wednesday, May 30, will permanently forfeit their shops, Governor David Umahi said on Tuesday.

Umahi, who made the declaration in Abakaliki while addressing the people at the 2018 democracy day celebration, noted that such order would not be observed in the state.

He said that the state was terribly marginalised during its days in the old Anamabra, Enugu and Abia and was now making efforts to “find its feet.”

“We do not need distractions or second colonisation as we continue to believe in God to change our narrative with no man born of a woman setting us back.

“Any trader that closes shop on the day will forfeit it forever and any protest will be decisively dealt with.

“Ebonyi indigenes should go about their businesses peacefully and safely and if the South-East governors say we don’t want IPOB activities, it does not mean that we are happy with the zone’s marginalisation in the country,” he said.

The governor noted that “the manner in which IPOB was pursuing its cause is not right,” as the Ohaneze Ndigbo took the right action in the comity of Igbo sons and daughters.

“We call on the Federal Government to look into the plight of south-east and address the issue of marginalisation, because we believe in one Nigeria that will enshrine justice and fairness.

“We also believe in the sanctity of human lives and call on the citizens to co-operate in ensuring the growth and development of the state and country,” he said.

(NAN)

http://punchng.com/traders-who-observe-ipobs-sit-at-home-order-will-forfeit-shops-umahi/

A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has accused members of the National Assembly of seeking for bribes to carry out their constitutional duties.


Speaking while delivering the year’s Democracy Day lecture at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Monday, Mr Jega said he has “spoken to quite a number of chief executives who complained of high demand for bribes from members of the National Assembly in the name of so called oversight functions.”

The professor of Political Science, told the gathering, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen and other top government personalities that “some chairmen of committees at the National Assembly are notorious for seeking for bribes.”

The position of the former INEC Chairman confirms a story earlier published by PREMIUM TIMES in which some heads of government agencies complained of how National Assembly members were harassing them for bribe.

Details later…

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/270056-just-innational-assembly-members-notorious-for-bribe-seeking-jega.html

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

The Presidency on Saturday said that it was the Peoples Democratic Party led government under former President Goodluck Jonathan that brought shame to the country and made her a laughing stock in the comity of nations.

This is coming on the heels of the comments attributed to former President Jonathan where he was quoted as saying that he was ashamed that Nigeria has joined comity of countries used to illustrate bad governance.

The former President who was at the inauguration of the first bridge built by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state in Ado Ekiti on Friday, allegedly said that Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari has become a reference point for negative things.

Jonathan was said to have cited recent instances when the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo allegedly mocked the poor state of security in Nigeria and the naira’s weakening status.

He was quoted to have said, “He (Nana Akufo-Addo) said Ghana is not like Nigeria where cattle roam the streets. At another occasion in the United Kingdom, he made scathing remarks about Nigeria’s currency.

“I feel ashamed as a former President that the President of a neighbouring country used Nigeria as negative examples.

“If a neighbouring African President will use Nigeria to make negative examples, then we as leaders must know certain things are wrong in the country.”

But the Presidency has told former President Jonathan to give the Buhari-led administration a breathing space to clean the mess of his administration.

Speaking to Sunday Vanguard while reacting to the allegation by Jonathan against Buhari’s government, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that Nigeria was a paria nation under the previous administration but that the country has started gaining back respect in the government.

She said, “Who put us there. He is the one in the mirror, who put us there? The picture is of himself. Let him look at the mirror. So what else does he want to see.

“President Buhari is trying to clean up the mess and he is doing a good job of it. please they should allow him time to do this thing.

“We are gaining back our respectability globally even the citizens when they travel out of the country, they are better respected than they were before. It was a big shame but we are happy that Mr. Jonathan himself is realising this and hope that his political party will own up what they did to the country.

“He made Nigeria a laughing stock, if other countries are laughing at Nigeria, who put us there? Are they not the one?”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/05/jonathan-made-nigeria-laughing-stock-presidency/

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

The Presidency on Friday evening confirmed the receipt of the 2018 Appropriation Bill from the National Assembly.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, confirmed the development to State House Correspondents at about 8.30pm on Friday.
“I have received the budget on behalf of the Presidency. I am transmitting it now,” the presidential aide simply said.

With the development, officials of the Executive arm of government are expected to scrutinise the document alongside the one submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly last year.

The scrutiny will be done on ministry-by-ministry basis after which the Ministry of Budget and National Planning will then advise the President whether to sign the bill into law or return it to the National Assembly for amendment.

The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, had on Thursday said the National Assembly would transmit the 2018 Appropriation Bill to President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.

Saraki said this in an interview with State House correspondents after breaking the Ramadan fast with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

http://punchng.com/breaking-presidency-confirms-receipt-of-2018-budget/

An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has closed the case of a former Peoples Democratic Party spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, in his absence.


Mr Metuh is facing trial for alleged diversion of N400 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

His is being tried alongside his company, Dextra investment.

Mr Metuh fell while proceeding to the dock on May 21 and has not appeared in court since that day. His lawyer, Emeka Etiaba, had asked the court to adjourn the matter, following the incident, adding that the first defendant required time to recover from his ill-health.

Mr Metuh was diagnosed as having spinal cord injuries, a development which reportedly worsened after he fell from a chair during a meeting of his party members three months after his trial began in April, 2016.


Mr Metuh, who first appeared on a stretcher in February, has also requested the leave of court to travel abroad for medication.

Following Mr Metuh’s fall on May, 21, Mr Etiaba indicated his decision to recuse himself from the matter after the judge, Okon Abang, decided to continue the trial with Mr Metuh lying on the floor.

Mr Etiaba’s request to withdraw was, however, refused by the court which described it as an attempt to delay the trial.

Mr Etiaba also repeated the request for a long adjournment on May 22, accusing the judge of favouritism.


The court, on May 23, overruled Mr Etiaba’s request for the long adjournment after Mr Abang declared that Mr Metuh’s fall was a mischievous ploy to delay the trial and ”a blatant disregard for court orders”.

After the ruling on May 23, Mr Etiaba has not appeared in court.

On Friday, the court completed its hearing of the testimonies from the 11th witness for the first defendant and discharged the witness, after ruling that Mr Etiaba has relinquished his rights to re-examine the witness.

“The first defendant on January 19 filed for an adjournment to call additional witnesses. On February, 20 the court said it would not grant further adjournment to allow the first defendant present his witnesses. The proposed witnesses shall be in court at all times.


“The first defendant’s counsel is not in court. Again there is no application from the first defendant for an adjournment. No excuse was given. In fact, it is an independent decision by the first defendant’s counsel not to appear in court,” Mr Abang said.

Citing a previous Supreme Court decision, Mr Abang said the apex court had ruled that: ”where no excuse is offered by a counsel, no adjournment should be granted.”

“The first defendant’s counsel abandoned proceedings,” Mr Abang ruled.

The judge further said Mr Etiaba himself would not have succeeded in propelling the court to grant an adjournment.

“Even if the first defendant’s counsel was in court, it would have been an uphill task. It would have been easier for the first defendant’s counsel to lay claim to becoming pregnant, than for him to seek an adjournment on the matter.

“The case of the first defendant is hereby closed.”

The court also addressed a legal representative of Channels Television, Kelechi Nwaiwu, on the allegations made against the station and a defence counsel, by the prosecution.

Mr Nwaiwu told the court that he had come with a copy of a programme reportedly aired on channels where the said allegation took place.

Mr Abang subsequently adjourned the matter saying the court will entertain testimonies from the second defence witness on July 2.


https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/269770-court-closes-olisa-metuhs-case-in-his-absence.html

fortune1968:
Where is death ? Surely ,you can't see beyond your nose .You should know that judicial decisions are precedence .More or less like a law .The issue really goes beyond Jibrin ..It curbs legislative arbitrariness and a new strength for democracy .

Thank you for this concise explanation

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared unlawful the 2016 decision by the House Representatives to suspend one its members, Abdulmumin Jibrin for 180 days.

Justice John Tsoho, in a judgment on Thursday, held that the House of Reps, in suspending Jibrin beyond the 14 days allowed under its Rules, violated the House’s Rules and Jibrin’s constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and fair hearing.

The judgment was on a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/CS/595/2016 filed on October 14, 2016 shortly after his suspension in September.

The judge described as laughable the decision by the House of Reps to suspend a member on the grounds that he reported cases of corrupt practices against its leadership to anti-corruption agencies.

He said, in a democracy, the lawful option opened to the House”s leadership, against who such allegations were made, was to go before the agencies to clear their names rather than resorting to undemocratic tactics.

http://thenationonlineng.net/court-voids-house-of-reps-suspension-of-jibrin/

Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi could not hold back their tears during the mass burial of two Catholic Priests, Rev Fathers Joseph Gor, Felix and 15 others in Benue on Tuesday.

They were among those killed by gunmen believed to be herdsmen in Gwer East LGA of the state last month.

Donned in a black kaftan, Osinbajo who tried to fight back emotion during his speech, consoled with people of the state over the unfortunate incident.

The VP who was recently in the state, reassured people of the state that the federal government was doing all within its power to end the senseless killings of innocent citizens in the state and other parts of the country.

He sympathised with the state governor, Samuel Ortom and the people of the state over the sad and unfortunate incident.

He also prayed God to give the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Amaechi, on his part broke down in tears as he sighted the caskets being lowered into the graves.

He was seen repeatedly using a handkerchief to dab his tears.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/05/22/mass-burial-osinbajo-amaechi-weep-benue-photos/

The embattled lawmaker, Ovie Omo-Agege, on Tuesday told an investigative panel he would not comment on the subject he was invited for.

The panel was set up by the Senate and the House of Representatives to investigate the Senate invasion and mace theft last month.

The committee invited Mr Omo-Agege to give a brief on his role in the saga after he was accused of leading the hoodlums.

Mr Omo-Agege was alleged to have led the hoodlums to the Senate chamber. The thugs carted away the mace, the Senate’s symbol of authority. The mace was later found by the police.

Mr Omo-Agege told the committee that he has filed a court order restraining the public hearing and that speaking about his role will only amount to a subjudice.

The chairman of the committee, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, challenged him on the court order he was referring to.

Mr Omo-Agege in response said he has instituted a court process in which Mr Na’Allah and others are party to.

A copy of the court paper cited by PREMIUM TIMES had the Senate, the Senate President, Mr Na’Allah and other members of the ad-hoc committee, the clerk of the Senate, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and the State Security Service as parties.

The proceedings with the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/531/ 2018 was filed on May 21.

Mr Na’Allah said he was not served any court paper, hence the hearing can proceed. Other lawmakers on the panel queried Mr Omo-Agege on the authority he is relying on for making such move.

Mr Na’Allah specifically wanted Mr Omo-Agege to say if it is right for a lawmaker to institute court proceedings just to stall Senate probe.

“Does that mean that if someone is not happy with the budget, he can go to court,” he questioned.

“The issue is none of us here who has been allegedly put on that court order had been served,” he added.

Again, Mr Omo-Agege replied that he would not answer the question posed to him because of the court process. He said he is relying on Order 3(5) of the Senate standing order for his decision.

The order restricts the Senate from probing a case that is already in court.

Mr Na’Allah in response said he holds the authority to decide whether the matter will amount to subjudice or not.

“This is not a proper authority to rely on,” he said. “You are taking my role as chairman. I have the right to decide whether an issue will be subjudice.”

The co-chairman of the committee and member of the House of Representatives, Betty Apiafi, insisted Mr Omo-Agege must give his account.

Quoting section 62 the Nigerian constitution, she said the senator’s court proceeding does not stop him from speaking before the committee.

“The constitution does not give legal rights to stop our processes,” she said.

Ruling, Mr Na’Allah said there is ‘nothing legally stopping’ the committee from proceeding. He, however, said Mr Omo-Agege will be allowed to choose whether he would speak or not.

Mr Omo-Agege said he would not speak until the matter is settled in court.

He read the title and parties to the case to put his action “on record.”

He said further, “I want to state one more time that in respect to the summons, I appeared today. But I have decided because I have a pending action in court, which action was commenced yesterday…

“All of the parties I named have been duly served and I have a proof of Service.

“As a consequence of this, I have decided that i will wait until the outcome of this before I give any testimony.”

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/269320-just-in-mace-theft-i-wont-answer-your-questions-omo-agege-tells-investigative-panel.html/

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday held a meeting with leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio political group, Afenifere, in Akure, the Ondo State capital over matters affecting the state of the nation.

The meeting held behind closed doors at the residence of the Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti.

Although details of the meeting which lasted for about 20 minutes, were sketchy, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr Obasanjo canvassed issues that would improve the situation in the country beyond the 2019 elections.

It was also gathered that the state of insecurity in some parts of the country dominated the discussions.

Mr Fasoranti described the visit of the former president as historic, ”and the first in about 20 years”.

He said that the Yoruba group was in support of Mr Obasanjo’s moves to achieve a peaceful and virile Nigeria.

Afenifere and Mr Obasanjo have had a cold relationship since his election as President in 1999.

Details later…

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/269210-2019-obasanjo-in-closed-door-meeting-with-afenifere.html/