₦airaland Forum

Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly lied that a big snake appeared at the chamber of the parliament during their sitting last week, SaharaReporters has learnt.

Facts emerged over the weekend that there was no snake appearance at the Assembly complex despite the media about the falsehood.

Last week Wednesday, there were reports that a snake dropped from the ceiling and fell while the legislators were preparing for the plenary.

The lawmaker, through their aides, went as far as circulating a picture of a big python, climbing down the ceiling to boost their fiction.

But the picture was fake, according to an image reverse check done by Sahara Reporters.

The incident made the lawmakers to adjourn sitting indefinitely last week Thursday.

Bamidele Oloyelogun, Speaker of the Ondo Assembly, lied that ‘a life snake’ dropped from the ceiling while members were planning to hold plenary.

He added that the incident forced lawmakers to abandon the sitting in the Assembly and called for an indefinite recess.

"For a live snake to come down, we thank God that the snake did not bite any of our honourable colleagues,” he had said.

Mr Gbenga Omole, the Chairman House Committee on Information, claimed that the “snake chased the lawmakers away from the Assembly as plenary sittings could not hold”.

However, It was authoritatively gathered that the Ondo Assembly lawmakers cooked up the lies at a caucus meeting of some selected lawmakers.

Findings revealed that a principal officer and top lawmaker at theAssembly sold the idea (lies) to other members, who immediately bought it during their meeting.

The main reason for orchestrating the lies by the disgruntled lawmakers was to call the attention of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to the dilapidated structures of the Assembly complex.

One of the lawmakers, who confided in our correspondent, revealed that the story about the appearance of a snake in the Assembly was a complete falsehood cooked by the parliamentarians.

The source said, “The main truth is that no big snake appeared from the ceiling at the chamber of the Assembly. It is just a cooked up story that we all planted for you journalists and interestingly the media fell for it.
“But why I am surprised is that we did not expect that the story could go viral immediately. We only called some selected reporters who are good friends of the Assembly to report this for us.

“And the main issue is that the Assembly complex is becoming an eyesore with many of the structures already dilapidated and ceilings caved in. The structure is becoming embarrassing to us.

“Even at our plenary, we have called the attention of the governor to the decaying structure which is not befitting but no convincing reply has been sent to us.

“We have been asking for autonomy over our finance. If we have our own autonomy, we would have carried out the repair and renovations at the Assembly ourselves.

“So, some of us met and concluded that we have to find a way to get out of this mess. It is a mess because we cannot continue to sit inside that dilapidated chamber and offices as lawmakers.

“When we met, some ideas were suggested but we all agreed to the particular lie about the snakes which we feel would attract the attention of the public.

“We agreed with the Speaker that in order to get the attention of Mr. governor, we would call the press that a big snake appeared during our plenary as a result of the decaying structures and ceiling."

SaharaReporters observed that some section of ceilings in the chamber are caving in.

The Assembly complex has been neglected for man years and left in deplorable condition with many of its buildings decaying and ceilings caved in.

Many of the wooden furniture in the chamber, which include the doors and tables, has been eaten up by termites as a result of lack of maintenance.

Sources at the Assembly confirmed to Sahara Reporters that both the past and successive governments had failed to intervene.

Akeredolu on Saturday night visited the Assembly and expressed disappointment with the lies orchestrated by the lawmakers.

The governor said the lawmakers had only made the attempt to blackmail the state and ridicule his government.

The angry governor, who was in the company of his Chief of Staff, Mr Olugbenga Ale, said his “government would not condone any act of blackmail”.

Meanwhile, Femi Emodamori, a lawyer, has lampooned the disgruntled lawmakers of the Assembly for peddling lies that a ‘mysterious snake’ appeared at the hallowed chamber of the parliament house.

Emodamori, in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters, said the Speaker (Oloyelogun) of the Ondo State Assembly should resign his position and tender an apology for bringing ridicule and shame on the state with the fabricated story.

He said, “The House of Assembly's snake invasion falsehood with the incalculable harm it has caused the reputation of Ondo State and entire Nigeria, is disgraceful, demeaning, dangerous and demonic.

“For those who called themselves honourable to have orchestrated the false mystery snake story as a basis to suspend the activities of an entire arm government indefinitely, depicts the tragedy of a nation in the hand of morally decadent supposed political leaders."

http://saharareporters.com/2019/07/28/exclusive-ondo-lawmakers-lied-about-snake-appearance-during-plenary-call-attention

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja on Friday for Monrovia, Liberia to attend the 172nd Independence Anniversary Celebrations of the country.

A statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), said apart from being the Special Guest of Honour at the event, President Buhari will receive “The Grand Cordon of the Knighthood of Venerable Order of the Pioneers,” Republic of Liberia’s highest national honour.

He explained that the award is presented by the government for outstanding and distinguished service in international affairs, government, religion, art, science or commerce, and also for singular acts of philanthropy and deeds of heroism and valour.

President Buhari will be accompanied by Governors Kayode Fayemi, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Mai Mala Buni of Ekiti, Kwara and Yobe States respectively, as well as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mustapha Sulaiman, and other top government officials.

He is expected back in the country later on Friday.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/229204/

Adamu Adamu, a ministerial nominee, says he worked as the speech writer of President Muhammadu Buhari between 1994 and 1999.

He disclosed this while responding to questions from members of the senate during the screening of ministerial nominees, on Wednesday.

Adamu is one of the 13 ministers re-appointed by Buhari.

He said his role as a co-speech writer for Buhari did not affect his job as a minister.

“I started working as speech writer to President Buhari in 1994 up till 1999. I later became his unofficial speech writer till he became president. Now that he is president, I think it is a collective responsibility and it doesn’t affect my job,” he said.

The former minister said the ministry of education under his leadership did everything possible to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

He said the state governments need to do more in advancing the reduction of out-of-school children.

https://www.thecable.ng/i-worked-as-buharis-speech-writer-for-five-years-says-ministerial-nominee/amp

Asari Dokubo, founder of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force has declared his support for the actualization of Biafra while calling on Niger Delta people to return home following threats from Arewa youths.

His declaration came on the heels of northerners asking herdsmen to leave the South and the suspended implementation of Ruga settlements in parts of Nigeria.

Dokubo made his position known in a meeting with leaders of Niger Delta states.

He said: "We, the people of the Niger Delta today, resolved to be part and parcel of the actualization the United States of Biafra.

"What has brought us here today is the dark cloud that is gathering. In 1967, we did not ask for war, war was imposed on us and millions of our people were killed. Our properties were destroyed and so many people until today are carrying the scars of that imposed war.

"Our people have not gone to Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Borno to ask that land be forcefully given to us or that our resources should be used to give us properties in the north.

"But northern organizations and northern individuals have come up to say we must surrender our land to them to create colonies on our land. Are you going to allow that?

"We will not surrender one grain of sand of our sacred land to anybody. We will stand on our land and wait for you to come and carry out your threat and inshallah by the grace of God we will defeat you.

"We have heard that you have called your people to come back home. They should all go, we will assist them to leave (because) this is what we have been looking for all along.

"We call on our people, Igbo, Ibibio, Ikwerre, Ijaw return back home. If anything happens to you and this coward spines on you, you would have yourself to blame. We would not continue to risk our integrity and our pride because of you, return home now.

"We extend a hand of fellowship to our brothers in the middle belt who are suffering the same pain and deprivation as we do. We are with you in your hours of grief and pain and we will stand with you to the end.

"To our Yoruba brothers in Afenifere, and the leader of Afenifere whose daughter has been gruesomely murdered by this Gambari invaders. We condole with you but this is the price we have to pay to wake up."

http://saharareporters.com/2019/07/19/united-states-biafra-asari-dokubo-urges-niger-deltans-join-south-east-slams-northerners

Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

The Senate on Thursday, approved the appointment of Mr Aliyu Abubakar, as a non-executive commissioner on the board of the National Communications Commission

Abubakar, from Bauchi State, was nominated to represent the North-East last week on the board by President Muhammadu Buhari for the same position despite his rejection by the eighth Senate because of low educational qualifications.

Other nominees confirmed by the Senate were Uba Maska (Executive Commissioner), Professor Millionaire Abowei (Non Executive Commissioner) and Abdulazeez Salman (Non-Executive Commissioner)

Details later.

https://punchng.com/breaking-senate-confirms-buharis-nominee-rejected-in-2016/

Awka- THE appointment of a member of the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Anayo Nnebe as the special assistant on political matters (South East) by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, has triggered disquiet among members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, South-East.

Nnebe, who was a member of the eighth assembly of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to APGA before the last general elections where he contested for the same position to represent Awka North and South federal constituency and lost to PDP candidate.

According to him, it was disheartening for the speaker to empower a member of the opposition political party who worked hard to ensure the defeat of APC in Anambra State during the last general elections.

The South East APC Young Progressive Forum also condemned the appointment, regretting that APC leaders in the zone had continued to empower those he described as the enemies of APC against the majority of qualified men and women of the party..

Leader of the group, Comrade Pascal Otimkpu, in a statement in Awka, demanded the reversal of the appointment, otherwise, South East APC youths would declare the speaker a persona non-grata in the zone.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/07/apc-fumes-as-gbajabiamila-appoints-apga-member-as-political-aide/

Noel1:
Your headline is not in sync. with the content. Your headline reeks of cloaking and you're doing the old man a disservice.

He never denied critixising Buharis's administration. What he said was that he never at anytime used the term "erosion of Buharis's achievement".

That message is simple enough to grasp.

You these bloggers should have conscience now...

Has Leadership Newspaper become a blog or you were referring to me as a blogger? I'm not getting your point

Nigerian music producer, gospel singer and proprietor of the popular Ibadan radio station, Fresh 105.9 FM, Yinka Ayefele, has finally confirmed his wife’s delivery of a set of triplets, two boys and a girl in the United States.

Ayefele reportedly broke the news on Tuesday during his live programme, “Let’s Talk About It” the programme he co-anchors with Enitan Olusegun Bamidele on his Fresh 105.9 FM.

Also confirming the news of the babies arrival to Tribune Online, David Ajiboye, the media aide to Yinka Ayefele, said the wife, Mrs Tope Ayefele, recently delivered the triplets in Maryland, US.

Ayefele had in June 2019 denied the story of the arrival of his triplets in US.

But speaking with Tribune Online, Ajiboye said his boss earlier denied the delivery of the babies because he doubted the credibility of the source who had contacted him for information on the matter.

Ayefele got married in 2000, three years after he was involved in a car crash where he sustained a spinal cord injury.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/226853/

GEORGE OKOJIE

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka on Tuesday denied comments attributed to him in a national Newspaper on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Soyinka said he never uttered words attributed to him by the newspaper, which sought to cite the plague of violence by nomadic herdsmen for the “erosion of Buhari’s achievements.”

The newspaper had reported that Soyinka lamented the growing challenges posed to the security of Nigerians by herdsmen, saying President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to resolve them has eroded his administration’s achievements.

Soyinka in his full rejoinder made available to journalists stated, ’’Re: Misrepresentation of Statement by The Nation’s Reporter. I denounce, in very strong terms, the report in THE NATION of July 15, 2019, regarding my exchange with school pupils who visited me in Abeokuta, on Sunday, July 14, as part of the organized events on my 85th Birthday.

‘’I am appalled that such a twisted and unprofessional account could be disseminated by a paper that has earned itself a high level of public regard, not only for its reporting, but for the galaxy of perceptive contributors on national affairs and other issues of public interest. It is a gross disservice to truth and conscience, and the pursuit of the journalistic profession as a whole.

‘’At no time did I utter the words attributed to me by that paper, which sought to cite the plague of violence by nomadic herdsmen for the “erosion of Buhari’s achievements”. Indeed, at no time in that exchange did the “achievements” of Nigeria’s current government – real or fictitious –come under consideration. The headlining is especially gratuitous, fictitious, and dishonest.

‘’For the avoidance of doubt, a school pupil had requested my assessment of ALL past Nigerian governments. In order to enable these pupils develop as objective, all-round critics, constantly aware of the context in which opinions should be formed, I began by warning them that governance is a difficult undertaking.

‘’I went on to add that governing a complex nation space known as Nigeria is especially challenging. The NATION’s report has mischievously detached, then reattached that comment elsewhere in order to introduce achievements of his or her own conceiving.

‘’For good measure, comments on rampaging herdsmen were similarly displaced and relocated to provide Buhari’s government alibi for failures. This is crude, mind-boggling, propaganda, unworthy of any but suborned professionals.

‘’Such outrageous ploy is no different from the conduct of social media commentators – especially at election time –who, lacking the courage to propagate their personal opinions, impudently steal the identities of others – mine being a favorite — including pasted photographs, in order to participate in public discourse. It is sad to see this unprincipled conduct being adopted by the print media.’’

https://leadership.ng/2019/07/16/soyinka-denies-criticising-pmbs-administration/

The Court of Appeal has again granted bail to Sambo Dasuki. a former National Security Adviser (NSA), and order the Nigerian Government to pay him N5 million for violating his freedom of movement.

The fresh order came in a ruling delivered by the court of appeal on July 13. According to Premium Times, Ahmed Raji's chambers, those representing Dasuki, confirmed the new bail.

“Yes, it’s true. You know he had been granted bail several times by high courts and the bail conditions were excessive. Yet even after meeting the conditions, he was not released on bail,” said the lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, who had filed the application.

Adedipe explained that “the previous bail of N100 million cash was paid but the government did not release Dasuki.

He added that by the latest court order, “the N100 million noted by the court would be a bond, not a cash sum like the previous one".

According to the ‘enrolled order’ which was seen by this newspaper, Dasuki and his lawyers approached the appellate court on June 13.

Dasuki has been held by security operatives since December 2015 when he was arrested on allegations he diverted $2.1 billion from funds meant for the war against terrorism.

Several court orders for the release of the former NSA had been flouted by the Nigerian government.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/07/13/again-court-grants-dasuki-bail-despite-buharis-repeated-disobedience

The Oyo State Police Command on Friday paraded two men found in possession of human skulls in Ogbomoso town.

The command also on Friday paraded a man arrested for allegedly kidnapping a provision store owner, Mrs. Foluke Akinrinde in the state.

DAILY POST gathered that Akinrinde, was kidnapped on her way from market few weeks ago.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shina Olukolu, while parading the suspects and other suspected armed robbers, said that the duo of Abdullahi Basiru and Adekola Martin were arrested on 11th July 2019 for being in possession of human skull.

Olukolu added that Ahmadu Musa was arrested for allegedly kidnap Foluke Akinrinde in Eruwa, in Ibarapa East local Government area of the state.


Others, who were paraded, included a man; Tajudeen Olalere, a security man posted to a school arrested for allegedly defile about six students and forty six other suspects arrested in connection with various crimes.

Olukolu said, “On the 11th July 2019, at about 1600hrs patrol team attached to Ikoyi Ile/ Ogbomoso road led by inspector Benjamin Olayiwola intercepted Abdullahi Basiru and Adekola Martin both of Oja Funi Area, Ede Osun State with two human skulls. Upon interrogation, they were unable to give satisfactory account of the two human skulls. Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing.

“On the 1st July 2019, at about 2000hrs one Sunday Akinrinde of Oke-Olaborin area Eruwa reported at Eruwa Divisional headquarters that on the same date at about 1630hrs, his wife one Foluke Akinrinde was abducted by some unknown gunmen while coming home from Temidire market at gun point along Sunbare area of Eruwa Oyo state and abandoned her Toyota bus with registration no Osun KNR 670 XA. Sequel to this, the kidnappers put a call to the husband and demanded for ransom.

“However, men of anti-kidnapping squad swung into action with combine efforts of vigilante and hunters from Eruwa, the victim was rescued unhurt on 2nd July 2019. In the course of diligent investigation, one Ahmadu Musa, one of the confessed culprits was eventually arrested. He confessed to the crime while efforts are on top gear to arrest other fleeing syndicate members who are at large.

“On 27th June 2019, one Tajudeen Olalere, a security man posted to a school has been defiling girls in the school which has been happening for some years.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/12/police-arrest-two-possession-human-skulls-nab-suspected-kidnapper-others-oyo-photos/

A federal high court sitting in Abuja has struck out a suit seeking to halt the confirmation of Ibrahim Muhammad as the chief justice of Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari had asked the senate to confirm Muhammad as the substantive CJN.

Muhammad has been occupying the office in acting capacity since January when Buhari suspended Walter Onnoghen, former CJN, who was accused of false declaration of assets.

But the board of incorporated trustees of Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation had, in an exparte motion filed on April 15, urged the court to stop the appointment of Muhammad.

The plaintiff had asked the court to stop Muhammad’s appointment as the substantive CJN on the grounds that the constitution of the code of conduct for judicial officers was “violated” when the acting CJN was appointed.

The plaintiff further asked for an order of interim injunction restraining the senate from confirming Muhammad as the substantive CJN pending the determination of the substantive suit.

But delivering judgement on Friday, Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, held that the applicant lacked the “locus standi” (the right to initiate legal action) in the matter.

Ekwo said the applicant filed the case under the name of his non-governmental organisation, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He said the purpose for which the case was filed was beyond what the foundation was created for.

“The plaintiff exceeded the parameter of his foundation,” Ekwo said.

“It is the law that the suit must be struck out. I hereby make an order striking out this action.”

Ademola Babalola, Ibadan

Armed robbers on Friday morning invaded female hostel of the Obafemi Awolowo hall, University of Ibadan and carted away valuables.

The invasion of the female hostel, The PUNCH gathered, occurred around 1:30 a.m. and was carried out by armed men numbering about 10.

During the robbery operation, which lasted for several hours, the thieves made away with the students’ phones, laptops, cash and other valuables.

The Director of the Public Communication of the institution, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo confirmed the development in a telephone chat with our correspondent.


Oladejo said, “The unfortunate incident happened around 1:30 a.m. as 10 gunmen invaded the female hostel. They injured two students who were later rushed to our Jaja clinic for treatment.

“Our Campus Security Service with combined efforts of the policemen from Bodija, Sango and Ojoo and Operation Burst rushed there but the thieves had escaped,” Oladejo added.

He said investigations had commenced to track the fleeing robbers.

An eyewitness who preferred anonymity said, “My block was not affected, it was only Block A, B and C. Around 2:00 a.m., the thieves entered the hall, the seven of them, all males were armed.

“They were so familiar with the hostel, and they took people’s phones and laptops. A lady was assaulted with a sharp weapon and was sustained a deep cut. She has been rushed to Jaja (the university health centre) for treatment.



“The thieves threatened that they were coming back later. Our security men only came after the armed robbers had left.

“The school should provide us with proper security. They should employ uniformed and armed men who can protect us, not just people with whistles.

“I want to believe that the ban of bikes is the cause of the current security problem.

“Since the ban of the bikes, the rate of robbery has increased,” she added.

https://punchng.com/gunmen-invade-ui-female-hostel-injure-two-students/

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to calls for him to form his cabinet.

Addressing the leadership of the National Assembly during a dinner on Thursday night in Abuja, the President said he is under pressure to unveil his ministerial nominees.

“I am very much aware about it and I am under tremendous pressure on it,” he said.

President Buhari added, “The last cabinet which I had, most of them, a majority of them I didn’t know.

“I had to accept their names and recommendation from the party. I worked with them for three and a half years.”

More to follow…


https://www.channelstv.com/2019/07/11/ministerial-list-i-am-under-tremendous-pressure-buhari/

By Monsuru Olowoopejo Barely two days after clashing with security personnel at the National Assembly, Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, the Ibrahim El-Zakzaky group, stormed Lagos state to continue their protest.

The protest was in continuation of their demand for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been detained by the Federal Government.

In the protest held at Maryland intersection, Ikeja on Thursday, they chanted several songs demanding that the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration respect the court that ruled that the IMN leader be released.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/07/breaking-el-zakzaky-members-storm-lagos-demand-leaders-release/

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Wednesday picked the nomination and Expression of interest form for the state gubernatorial election at the All Progressives Congress (APC ) National headquarters Abuja.

https://thenationonlineng.net/photos-bello-picks-nomination-form/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, on Tuesday, arrested a fake native doctor, Fatai Olalere Aliu, who was alleged to be notorious for duping people under the guise of possessing spiritual power to solving their problems.

Aliu was arrested by the operatives of the Commission during a raid on his abode at Kisumu Estate at Odo-Ona Elewe of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Before his eventual arrest, the Commission had worked on several intelligence reports linking him to a series of fraud allegations involving large sums of money.

He was also accused of engaging in money doubling through which he would collect money from his victims with the promise of using his spiritual powers to multiply the sums for them, but would instead divert same to his personal use.
The raid led EFCC operatives to his shrines located in a thick forest around the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Expressway and Kobomoje area of the town where frightening voodoo items were sighted.

Items recovered from the suspect include three exotic cars – two Toyota Corolla and Honda Pilot.

He also has in his possession three luxurious buildings within Ibadan and land documents which were also recovered as exhibits. The suspect is said to be currently undergoing interrogation at the commission’s zonal office in Ibadan.

https://thenationonlineng.net/efcc-nabs-fake-native-doctor-in-ibadan/

By Ahmed Musa

Abuja – The House of Representatives may be poised to take over the affairs of the Edo state Assembly following the intractable crisis that hit the legislative house on June 17, 2019.

This followed a motion under matters of urgent public importance brought by Hon. Julius Ihovbare calling attention to the need to correct constitutional breach by the government of governor Godwin Obaseki.

Members speaking on the matter roundly condemned what they described as “executive rascality” demonstrated by the state governor who allegedly inaugurated 9 out of 24 members at about 10 pm without properly issuing the executive proclamation.

Details later…

https://www.independent.ng/breaking-reps-move-to-take-over-edo-house-of-assembly/

Facts have emerged how the immediate past Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, used “discretionary powers” to award cars worth over N1billion as exit package to himself, his deputy, the Secretary to the State Government and other principal officers of his government.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that most of the cars taken away by top officials of the past administration were purchased between January and February this year.

As contained in a document exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the “Exit package” for the former governor include a Lexus jeep with registration number, 10SG; Land Cruiser SUV with registration number, OY 02 A01 attached to the ADC to the governor and a Hilux Toyota with number OY 608 A01 attached to the Escort Commander.

Other cars in the former governor’s fleet, which were taken away, include five Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs; a Toyota Prado SUV; An LX Lexus jeep and a Nissan Pathfinder SUV.

The Deputy Governor went away with a Toyota Land Cruiser and three Toyota Hilux D/C Pick Up.

The Secretary to the State Government, Ishmael Alli, went away with a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser and a Prado SUV 2018 model.

Similarly, the erstwhile Speaker was also awarded a Toyota Land Cruiser GX-R (2016) Full option. The Head of Service also went home with a Toyota Prado SUV and Toyota Hilux Pick-up.

The former governor’s wife, Mrs Ajimobi, took with her two Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, a Toyota Avensis; two Hyundai Saloon cars and a Renault Latitude saloon car, making a total of six cars carted away by the former first lady.

PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed that the Oyo State government procured the SSG’s cars for N40million each. The OYSG 1 is a treated car worth N140 million. The value of the other vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux and the Land Cruiser SUVs is about N30million each.

The Proposal

In a letter dated May 4, 2019, Mr Alli, as the SSG, wrote a letter to Mr Ajimobi, a copy of which was obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, requesting that the principal officers be allowed to go home with their official vehicles as an exit package.

Mr Alli cited certain legislations, including the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to back up his request, suggesting that the governor could by law, use his discretionary powers to approve his request.

He also cited the tradition of state governments in the south-west which allows state principal officers to allow the cars in their fleet to be taken away at the expiration of their tenure.

The letter, titled, “Exit Package for Principal Officers of Government” reads:

“Further to my earlier submission at page 1-2 with attachments from pages 3-14 to your Excellency on the above subject and the imminent end of the tenure of the administration, I like to state as follows:

“Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Constitution(as amended)makes provision for the pension of gratuity of governor and deputy governors who are not removed from office as a result of impeachment.

“Oyo State Law 2007 amended the remuneration package for political office holders in Oyo State,

“On the policy of the disposal of vehicles to government functionaries and others, His Excellency, the governor can exercise discretionary powers to approve the first right of purchase of their official vehicles and equipment on the expiration of their tenures or otherwise, at the depreciation values that may be determined by the board of survey or based on the exercise of discretionary powers of the governor(page 11 of file).

“According to Land Law; 1978, the governor has statutory rights of occupancy easements appoument to statutory right of occupancy, to wave, wholly or partly, except as otherwise prescribed.

“Observed tradition and findings in the southwest states where principal officers were allowed to go with the fleet of their official vehicles vide page 14

“Feelers around the southwest zone confirmed similar trends.

“Based on the above, I am recommending for your Excellency’s consideration and approval that the governor, the deputy governor and any other principal/political appointee be considered as deserving of such an exit package free of charge as may be approved by your Excellency.

“Your Excellency is graciously requested to consider the above for further directives and necessary actions, sir.”

The memo was promptly approved by the then governor “as recommended.”

Mr Ajimobi also approved the request of the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, A. O. Makanjuola, in a letter dated April 18, for her to take away her official vehicle as an exit package.

Mrs Makanjuola wrote: “This is to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state via my appointment under your leadership, as the Chairman of SUBEB.

“May I humbly request your approval for the allocation as an exit privilege, of my official car – Toyota Highlander – 2014 Model, Reg No. 06D14OY, Chassis No. 5TDBKRFH7 S025504 and engine No. 2GRE632241X, Colour Blue, free of charge in line with the exercise of your Excellency discretionary power on the request.”

PREMIUM TIMES has been reliably informed of a policy of the state government that gives political office holders the right of first refusal to purchase vehicles within their fleet, for which they would be required to pay up to about 30 per cent of the value of the vehicles.

But Mr Ajimobi, even though the laws cited by his SSG also noted that he had the powers to decide the value of the cars and what the users could pay, chose to give them out free of charge, of which he was the greatest beneficiary.

The cars were taken away as exit package in spite of the extraordinarily lavish severance allowances available to former governors, deputies and other political office holders.

The Oyo State Pension Law 2004 provides that a former governor and his deputy are to collect a pension as long as they live.

The law stipulates that the pension for life will be paid at a rate equivalent to the annual salary of the incumbent governor or deputy governor of the state.

The breakdown of the pension and allowances includes furniture Allowance which is put at 300 per cent of the annual basic salary, leave allowance is 10 per cent of annual basic salary, severance allowance will be 300 per cent of the annual basic salary.

Oyo State’s new governor, Seyi Makinde, on assuming office, had directed that the cars taken away to be returned to the state government. His ultimatum to the former governor and his aides is yet to receive any attention, as no vehicle has been returned to the government, PREMIUM TIMES learned.

In responding to the allegations that he and his aides took away cars belonging to the state government, Mr Ajimobi said Mr Makinde should focus on governance and not look at “mundane issues.”

“I heard them say that members of our cabinet carted away government cars. We have served and left. He should stop looking at mundane issues,” he said.

Justifying further the action of Mr Ajimobi, the man who served as his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Tunji Bolaji, told PREMIUM TIMES that the issue of cars given to principal officers of the last administration had been laid to rest given the fact that the action of the governor followed due process.

“Everything was legally done. All due process was followed. If anybody went away with his official vehicle, he did so in line with due process,” Mr Bolaji said.

“Don’t forget that we are talking about a governor, who has the power to take such decisions.”

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/339606-exclusive-how-ajimobi-awarded-self-wife-others-n1bn-worth-of-states-cars-using-discretionary-powers.html?

Ade Adesomoju, Abuja

An agent of the Peoples Democratic Party, on Monday, Mohammed Tata, told the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, in Abuja, on Monday, that he was forced to sign the result sheet for the February 23 presidential election in his polling unit in Jigawa State.

Tata, the petitioners’ fifth witness testified at the instance of the Peoples Democratic Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who are by their petition challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress.

Under cross-examination by the lawyer representing the Independent National Electoral Commission, Yunus Usman (SAN), Tata said there was no election in his polling unit.

He said results were merely allocated and he was forced to sign the result sheet or be removed as a beneficiary of the N-Power Scheme.

He said the 700 votes which the INEC’s lawyer said the APC scored in the unit was false.

He said, “All the people signed because they were asked to sign. They said they will remove me from N-Power if I did not sign.

“‘We signed the results because of harassment and intimidation.
“I don’t know if the agent of APC signed because there were no elections in my polling unit sir.”

Responding to the claim that APC scored 700 in the polling units, Tata said, “It was not scored because there was no election in that polling unit.”

He debunked INEC lawyer’s suggestion that he appeared in court to testify because he was aggrieved by the outcome of the election.

He said, “Sir, my lord I’m Muslim I believe in destiny.

“Whether PDP or APC wins is not my concern, what I need is justice in my country.”

Asked to respond specifically if he was happy with the outcome of the election, he said, “I’m not happy with what happened.”

But fielding question from Buhari’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN), the witness said he was still benefiting from ‎the N-Power Scheme.

https://punchng.com/tribunal-i-was-asked-to-sign-results-or-lose-n-power-membership-pdp-agent/

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and six others.

The six others are Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwadi, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Abdul-Majid.

They had been summoned on Thursday by the NWC over the role they were alleged to have played in the minority leadership tussle at the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

According to the NWC, their action was an insubordination, hence they are to commence a month-long suspension.

https://www.channelstv.com/2019/07/05/breaking-pdp-nwc-suspends-elumelu-others/

Leke Baiyewu

Two Peoples Democratic Party caucus members, Mr Kingsley Chinda and Ndidi Elumelu have emerged factional Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives.

The factional leaders emerged after a rowdy session in the green chamber.

The Speaker, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila had told the House, he received a letter from opposition members and wanted to read it, when a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Kingsley Chinda, raised a point of order but the Speaker ruled him out of order.

Plenary turned rowdy thereafter, forcing Gbajabiamila to adjourn.

Several PDP lawmakers protested against the planned announcement contained in the letter.

https://punchng.com/chinda-elumelu-emerge-factional-reps-minority-leaders/

*calls for translation of research to impact

By Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan

Just two days after declaring that the state is indebted to the tune of at least N150billion, Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday said the state government is technically bankrupt with his administration still looking at ways to salvage the situation and run the government.

He said the situation is so critical that, if the state was to be a private entity, he won’t lend a dime to the state government but would advise them to start winding up proceedings.

This is as he also promised to make a pronouncement on how to turn around the hitherto moribund Agbowo shopping Complex which he described as eyesore and security threat to both the university and neighbouring communities within the first 100 days of his administration so that it would be of benefit to the state in general.

The governor made the revelation while playing host to the members of the Governing Council of University of Ibadan who were in his office on a courtesy call.

Noting that UI is an important member of the community, the governor said his government will collaborate with the institution especially in the areas of Public-Private Partnership which will endear a kind of synergy between academia and the government.

He appealed to the visitors to ensure that many of the research outcomes on the university shelves are brought out to the government to be utilized to better the lives of the people.

Makinde said “The University is a very important member of this community. We will like to collaborate with the university especially in the area of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and for us, there should be a serious synergy between the academia and the government because the majority of the very good research outcomes stay on the shelf in the university.

“We want those to come out for us to work together to utilize those research outcomes to better the lives of our people. The government of Oyo state is keen and ready for such a partnership.

“The Agbowo shopping complex in front of the university is an eyesore. It is a lot of money that was sunk in there and we are not getting any value. As a matter of fact, that structure is a security threat to the university community. We are looking at it and I am sure before we mark our 100 days, there will be a pronouncement on how we intend to turn that shopping complex into something that brings benefit to the university community and residents of the state in general.

https://thenationonlineng.net/oyo-is-technically-bankrupt-says-makinde/

murphybo:
Sometimes I wonder what excactly is our problem in Nigeria...UAE has nothing but a good leader while Nigeria has everything but lack good leaders, yet our leaders visit these countries yet they learnt nothing from them, no power, no roads, no water, no hositals yet we have resources to put them in place. Not until we stop recycling leaders before we can stop ourselves from suffering

It is quite pathetic my brother

ChiefkeefGB4:
Dubai Sheiks and leaders are all billionaires. They made sure as they were accumulating their billions they gave their country the best infrastructure money can buy-good road networks to drive their Rolls Royce and Lamborghini on, world class hospital for when they get sick, 24 hour electricity to power their air conditioners from the intense heat. If only fantastically corrupt Nigerian leaders reasoned the same way.

No, they will rather oppress here than embark on developmental projects that can better people's lives

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is currently in Dubai with some of his associates.

Timi Frank, a former deputy spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is among those with Atiku.

Reno Omokri, a former aide of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, tweeted pictures of Atiku’s visit to the oil-rich city.

The last time Atiku was seen publicly in Dubai was in the buildup to the 2019 elections. Below are pictures of his recent visit.:

https://www.thecable.ng/photos-atiku-cools-off-in-dubai

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused former Senate President Bukola Saraki of diverting N12 billion from the treasury of the Kwara State Government illegally while he was governor of the state between 2003 and 2011.

The commission said the money was withdrawn in cash, the Punch Newspaper reported.

The money, EFCC said, was allegedly used by Mr Saraki to offset a N1.36 billion bank loan he used in purchasing homes at 15, 15A, 17, 17A and four flats on Macdonald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, hence, its decision to seize the properties.

The EFCC had in May, marked the said properties placing inscriptions ‘EFCC, Under Investigation’ in red on the walls and the fences of the houses.

It said Mr Saraki purchased them from the Presidential Implementation Committee for the Sale of Government Property through shell companies.

In a counter-affidavit to Mr Saraki’s originating motion with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/507/2019, the anti-graft agency asked Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to rescind the ex parte order preventing the commission from investigating and prosecuting Mr Saraki.

In a counter-affidavit deposed to by Ojilibo Stanley on behalf of the EFCC, the agency said it had established a case of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and conspiracy by the immediate past Senate President.

The EFCC said Mr Saraki, through his companies had taken loans worth N1.36 billion from the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Intercontinental Bank (now Access Bank) between 2005 and 2006.

In a bid to offset the loan, the ex-governor “began to divert N100 million from the coffers of the state monthly,” the commission said.

Allegations

The affidavit stated that on February 28, 2005, the Presidential Implementation Committee on the sale of Federal Government Landed Properties wrote a letter to Mr Saraki conveying the approval of the then minister of lands and housing for the sale of properties at 15 and 17 Macdonald Road, Ikoyi.

The EFCC said, sequel to the letter, Mr Saraki wrote to GTB on March 8, 2005, requesting N200 million loan to finance the acquisition of the properties and on March 24, 2005, GTB approved the loan to partly finance the purchase of the properties.

The agency said on October 11, 2006, another loan of N380 million was granted to the ex-Senate President by GTB to partly finance the acquisition of properties located at 17 and 17A Macdonald Road, Ikoyi.

And on January 30, 2007, a personal loan of N380 million was again granted to the former governor to partly finance the same properties, it said.

According to EFCC, another loan of N400 million was obtained by Mr Saraki to develop the same properties on April 28, 2009.

“The personal loans used to acquire the properties were later liquidated with the proceeds of the applicant’s (Mr Saraki’s) criminal breach of trust or misappropriation of funds of the Kwara State Government.
“The applicant (Mr Saraki) procured one Abdul Adama, who was his personal member of staff to receive cash from then Controller of Finance and Account of Government House, Kwara State, Mr Isiaka Kareem, on a monthly basis, the sum of N100 million.

“While the applicant was the governor of Kwara State, the total sum of N12 billion was withdrawn in cash from the Kwara State Government House’s account domiciled in Zenith Bank,” the affidavit read.

No bias – EFCC

The EFCC further denied being controlled by the All Progressives Congress.

It said the ‘fresh investigation’ was different from the one conducted by the Code of Conduct Bureau, which had once arraigned Mr Saraki.

Saraki’s defence

In an earlier reaction, Mr Saraki had said the acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, was on a revenge mission because of the role he (Saraki) played in blocking his confirmation as EFCC chairman.

“Apart from the instigation by my political adversaries, my close contacts have confirmed to me that the 4th respondent (EFCC) renewed its harassment as a way of punishing me for the decision of the Senate not to clear acting chairman of the EFCC, Alhaji Ibrahim Magu, to be appointed as the substantive chairman of the commission,” he said.

He said the EFCC was also pained because he was in charge of the Senate when the legislative arm of government ensured the creation of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit “to Magu’s annoyance”.

He had also alleged that he was being witch-hunted by the anti-graft body because he emerged as the Senate President against the wishes of certain elements in the APC in 2015.

According to him, the allegations levelled against him were not new as he had been charged before the CCT and emerged victorious.

He said the aggrieved elements in the APC were using the EFCC agency to harass him.

The case has been adjourned till July 2, 2019.

https://www.independent.ng/efcc-to-arraign-saraki-for-allegedly-diverting-n12bn/

Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, has come out to defend Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of the Common Wealth of Zion Assembly, over rape allegation by Busola Dakolo, wife of popular musician, Timi Dakolo.

Nigerians went frenzy on Friday morning as a video by Mrs. Dakolo took over the media space revealing how she was allegedly raped by the COZA pastor when she was 16 years old in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

Mrs. Dakolo claimed that she was raped multiple times in her parent’s house when the Abuja-based church founder started his career in Ilorin.

In her revelation, Busola said "The house was a duplex so big that if you are in a room upstairs you won't know what's going on downstairs. So I came down normally, it was 6:30 am to 7 am pretty early, and I heard a knock. Ah, who's that, Pastor Biodun. I couldn't say anything because what he doing here this early?.

"Immediately I opened the door, he just pushed me. He didn't say anything, didn't utter any word, he just pushed me to one of the chairs in my living room and I saw him, he was removing his belt.”

Her story was greeted with many condemning the pastor.

However, Omokri stated that Mrs. Dakolo's story did not add up and strong enough to nail the pastor.

In a thread of tweets on his verified Twitter page, Reno said, “I have NEVER liked Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA for reasons that I will not say publicly. However, I am mature enough to divorce my emotions and be led by logic. And I counsel those now condemning him to do the same.

“The average Black African is easily moved to hysteria by excitable emotions. This is why it is RIDICULOUSLY easy to manipulate Africans with the media Satan does his best work with such people, who can’t suppress emotion in preference to logic.

“Think. Don't emote. A pastor comes to your house early in the morning. He does not know who will open when he knocks, or who is at home. He knocks and immediately you open he pushed you to a chair and raped you in your pyjamas. Do people think?

“Even the most USELESS movie director won't accept such a plot in a B rated Hollywood/Nollywood/Bollywood movie. A movie has to have PLAUSIBILITY. I don't like pastor Fatoyinbo, but I won’t suspend my intellect because of my dislike of the fellow.

“After he allegedly raped her, she kept quiet for enough time for him to go to his car and get a soda drink for her? It does not ADD UP. My dislike for Biofun Fatoyinbo won’t make me become a SLANDERER by default. This story rings very FALSE.”

Omokri added that though he did not support immorality and rape, the story could not stand up in court.

He also warned Christians to be wary of the plot by the devil to manipulate the minds of Christians.

“I am an advocate of morality. For years, I publicly preach against premarital and extramarital sex. I pastored a congregation in Abuja for years. I will NEVER, EVER, support RAPE. But Satan is going about like a roaring lion seeking whom to consume!

“Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo is SLEEK. Too sleek for my liking. What type of sleek man will rape an underaged girl in HER PARENTS HOUSE? While HER SIBLINGS are AT HOME. And then leave her to go get a drink from his car. Is this mass HYPNOSIS?

"Do we Black African of the Nigerian variety think at all? Do we only exist in the soulish realm? I have a Masters in Law from England. The story CANNOT stand up in court. The story CANNOT stand up in the light of cross-examination.

“I give you my word that if you gave satan 10 minutes to manipulate the minds of Nigerians, he will get a sizeable number of Nigerians to believe that Jesus is evil and the Satan is good. We are too gullible, excitable and emotional. #ForTheBodyOfChristNotForFatoyinbo.”

http://saharareporters.com/2019/06/28/rape-allegation-reno-omokri-defends-coza-pastor-biodun-fatoyinbo-says-rape-story-busola

The General Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Baba Uthman Ngelzarma, says Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo’s office is helping the herdsmen to create Ruga settlements across the country.

Ngelzerma boasted that when the programme has been successfully completed, Nigerians would fully enjoy the benefits of animal husbandry.

The settlement secretary said this on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television.

Southern socio-cultural groups including Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo; as well as the Middle Belt Forum have all rejected the Ruga initiative.

However, Ngelzerma said not only Fulani men were herders, adding that herdsmen of all tribes would benefit.

He said, “This Ruga settlement model is a component part of the livestock development and transformation plan that is being implemented under the Office of the Vice-President. It is a component part of it.

“All must agree with me that the crisis we are facing today has become a multi-dimensional one and so the approach must also be holistic. It was the desire of the Federal Government to take a holistic approach that gave birth to the Ruga settlement model and it is not only for Fulani herders.

“In southern Kaduna, there are natives who are also herders. Even in Plateau, there are other groups that are herders. It was intended for the herders as part of efforts by the government to come up with an economic model of solving this crisis.

“This is an integrated settlement that will bring about the production of pasture grass, water, schools, markets, meat and milk processing and where it can create a sub-sector of the economy. This is something that if done properly, it will create a lot of employment.”

He urged Nigerians to support the model and give peace a chance even as he claimed that only states that approved of the model would have Ruga settlements.

When asked if it was right for the government to spend taxpayers’ money on what would benefit herders alone, Ngelzerma argued that crop farmers had similarly benefitted in the past.

He said southerners benefit from animal husbandry more than the northern herdsmen who rear the cattle.

https://www.independent.ng/osinbajo-helping-us-create-ruga-settlements-miyetti-allah/

A coalition of eight pro-democracy groups say it is a “slight” on the intellect of President Muhammadu Buhari to say he is being controlled by a cabal.

Reacting to a protest against Abba Kyari, Buhari’s chief of staff, and other associates of the president on Monday, Solomon Adodo, national convener, Guardians of Democracy and Development, said a careful study of the president would show that he cannot be “controlled by external forces”.

Adodo said Kyari, Mamman Daura and Ismaila Isa Funtua are long standing associates of the president “who have proved their mettle of trustworthiness”.

“A careful study of the person of President Muhammadu Buhari will show any discerning mind that he is not one to be subjected to the unwieldy control of any external forces,” he said at a press briefing in Abuja.

“However as a true democrat, he believes in consultation with patriots. It is therefore a slight on the intellect of Mr. President to adduce that he is being controlled by an imaginary cabal.

“The recent decisive actions by the government geared at fostering fiscal transparency at the local government level thereby bringing development to the grassroots through financial autonomy for the local governments would not have been possible if we did not have a strong-willed and focused President in Muhammadu Buhari as these misguided critics would have the public believe.”

He said those behind the protest are plotting their political pathways towards the 2023 presidential race.

“They should therefore leave Mr. President and his co-stewards out of their permutations,” Adodo said.

“It is too early in the day to start sacrificing the more important issues of governance and development for political exigencies.

“The warning should be reiterated for an umpteenth time that we shall not relent in using all strategies within the precincts of the law in combating all those who seek to cripple the good government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

The other groups are APC Youth Solidarity Network, Independent Public Service Watch, Transparency and Accountability Initiative, Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria and Concerned Democrats for Equitable Representation.

https://www.thecable.ng/its-insulting-to-say-buhari-is-being-controlled-by-a-cabal/

stanley000:
Awon blogger blogger ,keep up the lies just to get your traffic

I'm not a blogger, and I want to believe you saw the source before you made your comment