Police operatives in Kwara State have arrested two men riding on a motorcycle with a fresh human head and hands in Kwara State.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Okasanmi Ajayi disclosed this in a press statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested by a team of policemen on patrol at Oke Oyi/Jebba road on Sunday, 24 April 2022 at about 11:30 am while trying to evade the officers on stop and search duty,

They were chased before they were arrested.

In the course of searching, the suspects, identified as Wasiu Omonose, 35, of Abioye compound, Share, and Akanbi Ibrahim, 32, of Sayo street, were caught with a bag containing a fresh human head and hands.

While being quizzed by the police, the suspects confessed that they were taking the fresh human head and hands to an Alfa in Ilorin for ritual purposes.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Tuesday Assayono, in the statement, assured that the suspected ritualists will be prosecuted as soon as investigation into the matter is concluded.

In the same vein, CP Assayomo warned criminal elements to relocate from the state as the police command would not hesitate in ensuring that any person or group of persons found in any manner, attempting to initiate the breakdown of law and order in the state would be arrested and made to bear the full wrath of the law.

The statement reads in part: “In furtherance of the unrelenting effort of Kwara State Police Command in ridding Kwara State of crimes and all forms of criminality, eagle-eyed policemen attached to Operation Harmony, while on patrol of Oke Oyi/Jebba road today 24/4/2022 at about 1130hrs, intercepted two men on a motorcycle.

“They attempted to evade the officers on stop and search duty, this aroused the suspicion of the operatives who consequently gave the suspects a hot chase and forced them to a stop. In the process of searching them, a bag containing a fresh human head and hands were found in their possession.

“On interrogation, the suspected ritualists by name , Wasiu Omonose ‘M’ aged 35yrs, of Abioye compound, Share and, one Akanbi Ibrahim ‘M’ aged 32yrs of Sayo street Share, stated that, they were taking the fresh human head and hands to an Alfa in Ilorin for ritual purposes.”

Apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has debunked the insinuations in some quarters that governors in Southeast are working against the emergence of Igbo presidency come 2023. Ohanaeze insisted that the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are still standing firm for the next Nigerian president to emerge from the Southeast region.

The group’s statement followed insinuations in several quarters within the Southeast that the governors from the region, especially those of the PDP are now leading the presidential campaigns of aspirants from other regions. Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his Abia State counterpart, Okezie Ikpeazu, had joined the campaign train of River State, Governor Nyesom Wike to Ebonyi State and the national headquarters of the PDP in Abuja respectively with some social media commentators accusing the governors of abandoning the quest for a presidency of the Southeast extraction.

But reacting to the insinuations in an interview with The Nation in Enugu, spokesman of Ohanaeze, Alex Ogbonnia said Ugwuanyi and other Southeast governors are consistent with the demand for a Nigerian president of the Southeast extraction in 2023. According to Ohanaeze, the governors’ outing with the Rivers State governor was mere camaraderie and fellowship in politics.

Ogbonnia said those criticising the governors are not well schooled about the way politics work. “Ugwuanyi has been consistent in saying that he would like zoning based on the principle of equity, fairness and justice. That is a statement he made publicly. By implication of that equity, he was talking about Southeast. So, that is where Ugwuanyi and his Abia State colleague, Okezie Ikpeazu stand”, Ogbonnia said.

He added, “So, whatever you see Ugwuanyi or any other Southeast governor doing is in the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship in politics. If they accompanied somebody to campaign, it’s just the spirit.”

The NDLEA has seized 1kg of cocaine and 511.3kg of Indian hemp in Kaduna State on Wednesday and Thursday, its Sector Commander, Umar Adoro, told a news conference on Saturday.

Mr Adoro said NDLEA operatives seized 1kg of cocaine and arrested two suspects at Mando Motor Park in the state capital on Thursday.

He added that on April 11, the operatives seized 441kg of Indian hemp from a suspect who was arrested.

On Wednesday, they seized 12.1kg also of Indian hemp and arrested yet another suspect. The two seizures and arrests were made on the Abuja-Kaduna Express Road, Mr Adoro said.

The sector commander also told newsmen that on April 17, NDLEA operatives seized 3kg Indian hemp when a suspect was arrested at Makarfi Road in Rigasa area of the state capital.

Also on April 21, operatives of the agency seized 10.6kg of Indian hemp and arrested a suspect at Kargi Village of Kubau Local Government Area of the state.

A day before that, 44.kg of Indian hemp was seized on the Abuja-Kaduna Express Road and one suspect was arrested.

Mr Adoro said a total of 511.3kg of Indian hemp was seized in Kaduna State between April 11 and Friday, April 22.

PRESS STATEMENT

VICE PRESIDENT ATIKU ABUBAKAR WAS NEVER A PARTY TO NORTHERN CONSENSUS ARRANGEMENT- SAYS TEECOM…URGES SUPPORTERS TO REMAIN FOCUSED AND UNITED

The Technical Committee for the Actualization of Atiku Abubakar’s Presidency in 2023, has been inundated with several calls and text messages from concerned party members, supporters and other critical stakeholders on the purported report of Consensus efforts amongst four Aspirants of Northern extraction within the Peoples Democratic Party.

Prof Ango Abdullahi CON, Magajin Rafin Zazzau released this purported report at a press conference in Minna on Friday, April 22, 2022. According to the purported report, the following aspirants presented themselves for the said exercise:
1. Governor Aminu Tambuwwal
2. Governor Bala Mohammed
3. Dr Bukola Saraki
4. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen

It must be stated categorically and equivocally that:
Waziri Atiku Abubakar MA, GCON Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999-2007 was NEVER a part of this purported consensus arrangement, neither did he at any time nor in any place, subject himself to any purported consensus process. Therefore, Waziri Atiku Abubakar is NOT BOUND by any of the recommendations and conclusions of the purported report.

As an avowed nationalist, Waziri Atiku Abubakar strongly believes that Nigeria has never been as divided as it is today. He strongly believes that any “consensus” arrangement premised on any regional, zonal, ethno-religious, and/or sectional gang-up will further deepen and widen this divide, and worsen the wounds that urgently need to be healed. Consequently, Vice President Atiku Abubakar is anxious to implement plans, policies and programmes that will rescue and rebuild Nigeria. This is his unwavering and resolute pledge and commitment.

Finally, as our great party, the PDP, prepares for the presidential primaries scheduled for Saturday/ Sunday May 28 and 29, 2022, we urge all our numerous supporters to continue with consultations and town hall meetings with delegates across the country. We urge them neither to be deterred nor distracted in our collective mission to rescue our nation.

God Bless the PDP.
And God Bless Nigeria.

High Chief Engr Raymond AA Dokpesi PhD,DSc,FCIT,FNSE,OFR
CHAIRMAN

The presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Peter Obi, has advised party delegates to vote according to their conscience and not continue to mortgage their future by allowing monetary and other materialism to influence their choice of candidate in the delegate election.

Obi while acknowledging that desperate politicians would go to any length to get the party ticket told delegated that ”Politicians will give you money during primaries, collect it and consider an aspirant who would change the country and make it better.”

Obi stated this on Thursday when he visited the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Owerri, Imo State.

Mr Obi who served as the governor of Anambra State between 2006 and 2014 under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance said,” When I became the governor nobody handed over to me and I operated without a government house.

“Everything that will make the country work is fastly collapsing. The country is functioning on a consumptive economy. The only solution to move the country forward is to have a formula for production. Our country is not productive.

Mr Obi said,” My pleading to you my delegates is to look at our children’s future. No county of this size is looking for money to feed itself.

His words, “Today when we wake up in Nigeria the only thing you here are killings, insecurity everywhere. There is no way you’ll not have a problem when you have 35 percent unemployment rate in the country.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that amid growing insecurity in the country, the creation of state police would be a better option than community policing.

Obasanjo made this disclosure when the leadership of the National Association of Ex-local government chairmen in Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi hinted the visit was led by the pioneer National chairman, Hon. Albert Asipa, the Ogun State chapter Chairman, Rt. Hon. Shoyemi Coker, Hon. Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju (Delta State) (Chairman BOT) and the traditional ruler of Odogbolu, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr) Toye Mojeed Alatise, Gbegande of Ososa, a former chairman of Ijebu Ode local government area of Ogun State among others.

Obasanjo, who commended the initiative behind the formation of the body, said that the development clearly showed that some local chairmen in the country were better than even the top elected leaders.

The former President while responding to one of the speakers, Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju’s submission on creation of community police to curb the wave of insecurity quipped that the idea needed to be changed.

“Our situation in Nigeria concerns everyone, particularly, the case of terrorism. The case has gotten over the issue of community police. It is now State police. It is from that State Police that we can now be talking about community police,” he said.

He also spoke on the need to strengthen the traditional system and the local government administration, “which I prepared during the popular Murtala/Obasanjo administration, because I believe that there is need to enable that tier of government to work truly as a local governmen. They have their own Executive, Judiciary and Legislature.

“They were working and they were very visible, building and managing roads, looking into education, health, local administration, agriculture, but they were all gone,” Obasanjo said.

He said that the experience the former chairmen had in local government administration was enough to aspire for higher posts, stressing that some of them have the competence, ability and integrity to get to these posts.

Obasanjo, who was presented with a letter of a life patron, assured that he would look into their request, assuring further that he would be available on request for their needs at all times.

Ashipa had earlier told the former President why they decided to come together in all the 774 local governments in the country, declaring, “we can also contribute to the economy and political developments of the country.

“And realising your position as father of local government in Nigeria, we need you to actualize our goals, hence this all important visit. And to come and say happy 85th birthday celebrations. ”

Others present were Hon. Abayomi Tella (National Organising Secretary), Hon. Garba Fatai Adeniyi (National Auditor), Hon. Ayantoye Adekunle ( State Chairman, Osun State), Hon Tajudeen Oke (State Chairman, Oyo State), Hon. Akinwunmi Sowore (State Chairman, Ondo State), Hon Ogidi Akindele (State Chairman, Ekiti State) and Hon Nicholas Akinbiola ( Ondo State).

They also include, Hon. Adeniyi Fasanmi ( National Asst Fin Secretary), Hon Isikilu Makinde (Ogun State), Hon Gafar Balogun (Ogun State), Hon. Yayaya Olodeoku (Chairman, OGBC) and Hon. Tajudeen Salako (State Secretary, Ogun State).

Indispensable85:
It's curious to find governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State in this gathering. He's the only PDP governor present in this gathering.

What a great lost of our sacrificial patriot of the Nigeria Airforce in a military fighter jet that crashed today at Kaduna
The best trained at USA military flight School. Who are instructors in the Nigerian Airforce. May there soul rest with the lord

FLT LT Alkali from Yobe state
FLT LT Elijah karatu from kebbi zuru

The deceased were identified as Flight Lieutenants Alkali and Karatu, who recently graduated from the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA).

It was gathered that the pilots died after the aircraft, which was a trainer aircraft, crashed when they were on a training session at the NAF base in Kaduna on Tuesday evening.

#TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023:

GROUP A
Nigeria
Sierra Leone
Guinea-Bissau
São Tomé and Príncipe

GROUP B
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Togo
Eswatini

GROUP C
Cameroon
Kenya
Namibia
Burundi

GROUP D
Egypt
Guinea
Malawi
Ethiopia

GROUP E
Ghana
Madagascar
Angola
Central African Republic

GROUP F
Algeria
Uganda
Niger
Tanzania

GROUP G
Mali
Congo
The Gambia
South Sudan

GROUP H
Côte d'Ivoire
Zambia
Comoros
Lesotho

GROUP I
DR Congo
Gabon
Mauritania
Sudan

GROUP J
Tunisia
Equatorial Guinea
Libya
Botswana

GROUP K
Morocco
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Liberia

GROUP L
Senegal
Benin
Mozambique
Rwanda

Authorities of the Federal Capital Territory has sealed-off the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing located at Mabushi in Abuja.

The exercise, which is connected with its drive to recoup about N10billion owed the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, also affected the popular Murg plaza located just opposite the UTC Market, at Area 10, Garki, Merit House, and the Federal Character Commission, among others.

It was carried out early Tuesday morning by heavily armed security personnel drawn from the police, Civil Defense Corps, among others.

The Director of the Abuja Environment Protection Board (AEPB), Engineer Osilama Braimah, who doubles as Chairman of the Special Debt Taskforce, in company of the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Monitoring Inspection and Enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah, monitored the exercise.

Braimah said government Ministries, Departments and Agencies were owing to the tune of 10 billion Naira and this, he said, was not acceptable.

He, however, hinted that some ministries were making frantic efforts to pay, while others show signs of unwillingness to pay.

According to him, “The board got court orders to seal the premises.”

He said the exercise, which has just begun, will cover all public and private offices owing the board.

A senior magistrate court sitting in Wuse II, Abuja, had served the defendants with summons to appear before the court on March 30th, 2022, but they failed to honour the court.

“The debtors include: Federal Ministry of Works — N9,998,625.00; Federal Ministry of Defence –N17,220,775.00; Federal Character Commission—N10,128,906.25; Civil service Commission–2,451,649.50; and Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission—21,683,750.00.

“Others are Federal Ministry of Health —N14,204,843.75; Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment—N19,222,287.50; Federal Ministry of Education Hqtrs –N25,838,275 ; and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Wuse–N16,583,031.25”, he stressed.

TROOPS NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS IPOB/ ESN MEMBER IN IMO STATE

Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) on Sunday 17 April 2022 neutralized a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network(ESN) at Ihioma Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

Troops' on routine patrol encountered members of the irredentist group who fired sporadically at Banana Junction to enforce the illegal sit at home order on law abiding citizens going about their legitimate businesses. The IPOB/ESN criminals on sighting the troops, withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander towards Ihioma Community for reinforcement.

In the fire fight that ensued during the operation, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray. Troops are combing the general area in a follow up operations to track down the fleeing dissidents.

Having suffered casualty and effectively denied freedom of action by the troops, the irredentist group have resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments by circulating a doctored video on the social media alleging troops complicity in their mindless atrocities. This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
18 April 2022

RE: VIRAL CHRISLAND SCHOOL VIDEO

⁃We Have Commenced Investigations - CP Alabi

The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to an alleged rape video purportedly depicting students of Chrisland School Lagos, going viral on social media.

2.The Command has commenced investigations into the matter with a view to establishing the identities of the players in the video, the true incident in the video, the geographical location of the incident, the alleged threat to life against a student of the school and circumstances surrounding the alleged repeated pregnancy tests conducted on a student without parental consent.

3.The Command is equally taking cognizance of the cybercrime angle to the whole episode and would not hesitate to enlist the support of the Interpol should the need arise. For a holistic and unbiased investigation, the Command shall be working with relevant ministries, departments, agencies and non-governmental organizations.

4.Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, fdc, mnim, psc has assured that due diligence will be observed to ensure that there is no miscarriage of justice.

SP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra
Police Public Relations Officer,
Lagos State Command,
Ikeja-Lagos

April 18, 2022.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS: IGP PROCURES ADDITIONAL ASSETS FOR STRATEGIC DEPLOYMENT, AGGRESSIVE PATROLS
*As IGP Steps Up Police ICT Platforms*

In a bid to restrategise for better security networking in Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba psc(+), NPM, fdc, has acquired 55 additional Lorries, 5 water tankers, 2 coaster buses and 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to aid strategic deployment of tactical squads to tackle Insecurity across the length and breadth of the country, especially in the crisis affected areas.

The IGP, who has reiterated his commitment to continually provide necessary welfare and safer environment for police operatives at the forefront in crisis areas, immediately directed that the logistics and assets be made available for the ongoing serial operations being executed by the police at strategic locations in the county.

In the same vein, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has released adequate funds to upgrade the police ICT platforms to the required status, capable of combating the present security issues and realities in Nigeria as such will go a long way in alleviating the operational challenges of police troops on various tactical operations in Nigeria.

He equally directed the Police Airwing to step up its platforms and logistics to provide air support to the ground troops whenever they are on operation in the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.

The Police boss however appealed to the general pubic not to panic in view of the heavily armed Police tactical squads who have been deployed for various operations, as they have been warned to be professional, civil and to operate within the ambit of the law. He also sought for maximum cooperation with the police operatives in many areas especially information sharing, in order to make the operations successful.

The IGP emphatically restated his zeal to fight criminal elements who are bent on neutralising and truncating the security system, peace and harmony we deserve in this country.

CSP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr,mipra
Ag. FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS ABUJA
17TH APRIL, 2022.

Operatives of the EFCC, Enugu Zonal Command on Wednesday April 13, 2022 arrested 16 internet fraud suspects in Asaba, Delta State. The suspects are Esievoadje Isaac, Utogbo joseph, James Chibueze, Ogboru Celdric Mudaga, Edet Ifeanyi Drie, Ayomor Ikechukwu Godfrey, Gray Osekwuni and Enegide Ifeanyi Kizito.

Others are Godwin Okiemute, Okoh Joseph, John Odedekuma, Precious Agbavito, Efe Odedekuma,Brian Adigwu, Okoro Daniel and Josephine Christian .

They were arrested following intelligence on their internet related fraud activities which included defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, mostly foreign nationals, through the internet.

Items recovered from them include several mobile phones, laptops and cars : Mercedes Benz GLK 350 with registration number KSF 208 GT, one Lexus ES350 with registration number WWR 564 TD, one Toyota Camry with registration number ABC 492 FW , one Toyota Venza with registration number KWL 878 BE, one Mercedes Benz GLK 350 with registration number ABJ 515 D, a Mercedes Benz GLK 350 with registration number YAB 286 BT, one Mercedes Benz ML 350 with registration number KUJ 387 BR and One Toyota Camry with registration number AKD 123 GD.

OSINBAJO’S DECLARATION IS RCCGISATION OF THE POLITY – MURIC

12th April, 2022

PRESS RELEASE:

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, joined the growing list of presidential aspirants yesterday, Monday, 11th April, 2022. However, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described Osinbajo’s declaration as unethical and purely evangelical.

MURIC made this assertion in a press statement signed by its founder and director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Tuesday, 12th April, 2022.

The statement reads :

“The Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday declared his intention to run for the post of president in the coming 2023 general elections. This declaration, to our mind, will not pass any ethical screening. It is purely evangelical.

“As a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Osinbajo is simply carrying out his own part of the RCCG instruction dished out a few weeks ago on the creation of a political department in all parts of Nigeria. We see Osinbajo as the arrow head of the RCCGisation of the Nigerian polity. His declaration must therefore be seen as a demonstration of his own loyalty and obedience to the directive which came from the RCCG headquarters.

“But MURIC cannot keep quiet after Osinbajo’s declaration because it is not in consonance with our agenda for the South West. We have never hidden this agenda from public view as it was made public as far back as February 2021 when we declared our preference for a Yoruba Muslim president.

“We anchored our cassus belli for this preference on the persecution of Yoruba Muslims by their Christian neighbours and we rationalised that we need a Yoruba Muslim as president of Nigeria in order to liberate Yoruba Muslims from decades of marginalisation, impoverishment, oppression, persecution, tyranny and injustice. This is a struggle we cannot abandon at this crucial stage.

“Can Osinbajo tell us he is unaware of the persecution of Muslims in the South West all these years? Was he not the attorney general in Lagos State when Muslims in the state were forced to take the hijab case to court? Was he not the attorney general in the state when the lower court did its judicial somersault? Can he, in good conscience, wash his hands off that case?

“Is Osinbajo also unaware of several incidents of religious oppression against innocent Muslim students in public schools spread all over Yorubaland since he became vice president? Has he ever commented on these cases? By the way, what is the vice president’s view on the right of Muslim women and Muslim female students to use hijab now that he wants to be president in a country with a majority Muslim population? This is a special question for the vice president. Nigerian Muslims want to know.

“If he has always pretended not to know about the persecution and marginalisation of Muslims in Yorubaland, will his ascension to the highest office in the land not worsen these incidents of humiliation and intimidation of our mothers, our wives and our beloved daughters? Won’t our traducers grow a thousand times in impunity and cruelty knowing fully well that central power is in their hands now that a pastor is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

“Osinbajo’s declaration presupposes that Yoruba Christians are born to rule. It gives the provocative impression that Yoruba Muslims are ‘children of slaves’ (a la Ishmael and Isaac storyline) who should never taste power. As we have argued in earlier press statements, all the four Yorubas who have been in Aso Rock were Christians: Olusegun Obasanjo, Earnest Shonekan, Oladipo Diya and the incumbent vice president Yemi Osinbajo.

“If Osinbajo is basking in the born-to-rule syndrome of the RCCG, he should remember that a Muslim, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, brought him to limelight when he served under him as a commissioner in his cabinet. No matter how much they try to rewrite history, nobody can wish that fact away. The same Tinubu brought up your name ab initio in connection with his current position in Aso Rock.

“If the above is true (and it is), the fact that Tinubu declared on 22nd January, 2022 when he met President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock makes Osinbajo’s declaration look like a stab in the back. The vice president cannot claim to be unaware of what even a three months old baby knows already. Or is this how to repay goodness and mentorship? There is something immoral about Osinbajo’s declarationIt stands in contradistinction to a cardinal Yoruba concept, the ‘omoluabi’ concept. . It is absolutely ‘unomoluabi’.

“Even the RCCG angle now becomes more interesting. Osinbajo’s declaration comes across as pure evangelisation particularly in view of the declaration of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) directing all its parishes to open political offices in support of its members seeking political posts. The proselytization of the presidency by no other person than the vice president himself is an unprecedented and dangerous development. No high level candidate in a general election has ever done it in this country.

Osinbajo’s political party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) should watch it. Nobody should underrate the perspicacity of Nigerian Muslims. We will reject any party that promotes Redeemisation by forcing an RCCG pastor on Muslim electorates. MURIC is not in alliance with any political party. It is already certain that APC will lose the votes of Yoruba Muslims if it fields an RCCG pastor. We need no rocket science to know that.

The Yoruba people and the political parties should also consider another interesting angle in this matter, namely, the preponderance of Ogun State indigenes among those Yorubas who have been in Aso Rock. All four are from one state (Ogun State). Three were from Abeokuta to be precise. Osinbajo is from Ikenne. Why must all Yoruba rulers of Nigeria come from Ogun State alone? What happened to spread? What happened to balancing? Where is inclusivity in the monopoly of leadership by one state?

MURIC is not worried by this but we think Osinbajo should mellow down and give someone from another state the chance to rule. Asiwaju Tinubu is definitely not from Ogun State. By being vice president for good eight years, Osinbajo has had a good taste of the pudding.

“We are resolved not to vote for the rallying point of our oppressors. More importantly, Northern Muslims will not vote for the candidate of the RCCG particularly after the RCCG made so much noise about creating a political department a few weeks ago. It was an audacious, contemptuous and repugnant confrontation. Osinbajo’s declaration is not only a concretisation of RCCG’s temerity, it is a ludicrous attempt to ‘RCCGise’ or ‘Redeemise’ the polity. We advise Osinbajo to ‘undeclare’

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

The Transport University, Daura will take-off in September, Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, expressed optimism today after inspecting the level of work at the university, in company of his Permanent Secretary and other management staffers of the ministry.

Ahead of his declaration for presidency in 2023, which is likely expected this week, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will meet with the 22 governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) in Abuja today.

The meeting, THISDAY learnt, is part of his consultations with critical stakeholders ahead of his declaration to contest for the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the ruling APC, which he is expected to announce this week.

This is coming as the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday declared his ambition to contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the APC.

Presidency sources told THISDAY that Osinbajo’s meeting with the APC governors would hold at the Akinola Aguda official residence of the Vice President located within the precincts of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting billed for 7p.m. will also serve as fast breaking for the governors as adherents of Christianity and Islam, the two major religions, are currently observing fasting as prescribed in the Holy Books.

THISDAY learnt that the vice president would use the forum to intimate the APC governors led by Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State of his intention to contest for the APC’s presidential ticket in the forthcoming presidential primaries of the party.

According to the sources, the meeting with the governors is a continuation of series of consultations being held by Osinbajo with critical stakeholders in the ruling party about his desire to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023.

The presidency sources also told THISDAY that all is set for the vice president to publicly declare his intention to contest for the APC ticket this week.

THISDAY gathered that the ceremony will take place in Abuja with governors, federal and state legislators, ministers and other APC top shots already invited for the grand ceremony which may take place either on Monday or Tuesday.

Meanwhile, after months of speculations over his political ambition, the Minister of Transportation, Amaechi yesterday declared his ambition to contest the 2023 presidential election.

Amaechi, who made the declaration in what was initially tagged a “thanksgiving service” at the sprawling Adokie Amesiemieka Sports Stadium at Igwuruta area of Rivers State, vowed to fight insecurity and promote the stability and unity of the country if elected president in 2023.

In his speech titled: ‘Forward with Courage,’ delivered at the special thanksgiving organised by the APC in Rivers State, the presidential aspirant said he arrived at the decision to contest for the highest level of leadership in the country after intensive consultations.

Amaechi noted that he has served the country for about 23 years in different capacities, ranging from being a Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of the state and presently, Minister of Transportation.

He said he is enriched with the governance system and understands the meaning of good leadership, adding that he would contribute to the development of the nation.

Amaechi acknowledged that the insecurity and other challenges facing Nigeria may be global problem, and vowed to tackle these challenges.

He noted that the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has done well in building a better Nigeria, and promised to do more by improving the economy of the nation and complementing on the existing projects of the federal government.

The minister said that his aspiration is not about fulfilling any personal ambition but a moral duty to serve the country.

“I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next president. My aspiration is not about fulfilling any personal ambition. I am contesting for the office because I believe that it is my moral duty to give what I can in the service of my country.

“To sustain and intensify present efforts at solving our national problems, our democracy must ensure the emergence of a leadership that is equipped with broad experience in governance to ensure stability and continuity. To sustain our democracy and preserve our unity, we need a steady hand and a passion for success in a nation that remains united to pursue prosperity for all Nigerians.

“It is this combination of experience and patriotic passion that I bring to the table. I have been in the political arena for 23 years. I have served at every level of government – local, state, and federal. I have served both as a political appointee and an elected official. I have served both as an executive – as Governor of Rivers State and as a legislator – as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

“The current administration under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has planted many such trees in Nigeria’s future. We have invested billions in infrastructure, human capital development and made reforms that will pay off over time in terms of socio-economic growth and stability. We have invested heavily in projects and initiatives that will secure a brighter, better future for Nigeria.

“Today, I stand as an aspirant to the position of President because of that same passion for people; that same drive for results. More than ever before, I am burning with the zeal to make a decisive difference in the lives of all Nigerians.

“I pledge my heart, mind and soul to the task of building a Nigeria in which every child can go to school, every young person can find work or support to start a business, every citizen can travel safely around the country and sleep at night knowing that law and order prevails and every Nigerian feels included, heard, and respected.

“I have never been the type who folds his arms and complains about inadequacies I see around me. I have always jumped in with both feet to do whatever I can to help, to try and bring relief to those suffering, to work to make things right where I see wrong. If you elect me as your President, I promise to play my part to the best of my ability. Every day I will rise and go to work for you. I will never forget the fact that I am there to serve you,” the minister explained.

In their various goodwill messages, a former National Chairman of APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole; Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Hon. Simon Lalong; Deputy Speaker of House of Representative, Hon. Idris Wase; federal ministers and other leaders of the ruling party at the event lauded the minister for taking the step to run for presidency.

Speaking earlier, Lalong said that the North was very comfortable with Amaechi, adding that he was shocked to see the crowd that attended the event, having been told that there was no APC in Rivers State.
On his part, Oshiomhole commended Amaechi for the unity and reconciliation in Rivers APC, and called for stronger bond among party members.

Oshiomhole said: “Let me appreciate the man who has invited us for the thanksgiving and for the reconciliation of the party in the state. I want to appreciate the Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi, who has extended his invitation.

“I am excited that we have united our party in Rivers State. I am here to witness the unity of APC in Rivers State. May God help us to uphold this unity, and service and remove bitterness in every heart and position us for victory,” the former Edo State governor said.

Uncertainty is mounting in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governors of Southern States last night maintained their stance on the selection of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate from the zone. 

Rising from a meeting held at the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro,  Abuja,  they vehemently stressed the need for the main opposition party to stick to its founding principles of equity and justice. 

Present at the meeting were the host governor, Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). 

Ikpeazu spoke to journalists after the meeting, drawing the attention of the world to the earlier position taken by the Southern governors on the zoning of the presidency to the South. 

He said the governors are standing firm on the resolution, which he said no reason to change. 

Ikpeazu stated: “Gentlemen, we have watched with keen interest the developments in our party, especially concerning zoning. 

“Our position is that first, we are committed to the unity of our party and we have worked hard to make sure that this party remains a strong and viable vehicle to rescue Nigeria come 2023. 

“Be that as it may, we want to draw your attention to the fact that we have agreed as Southern Governors in Lagos and also in Delta that this party has to respect the zoning principle as enshrined in our Constitution, and to that effect, we feel that the best thing to do is to zone the presidency to the South, and we stand on that position. 

“We have not seen any reason to change our position, because the Party was founded on the basis of equity and justice. And we also think that equity and justice are important pillars that will ultimately stabilise our politics towards our journey in rescuing Nigeria. 

“This is our position and that is why we have met today.” 

He dismissed suggestions that opening the ticket will enhance the PDP’s chances of winning the 2023 presidential poll, saying, “You haven’t told me why zoning we not give us victory.” 

The governor however refused to be drawn to speculation as he insisted: “We don’t want to work on speculation.” 

He also pushed back on the idea that having already allowed aspirants from all sections of the country to purchase nomination forms, it will be unfair to zone the presidency to a particular section, the stating: “Let me tell you something, if you want to take a position of policy, you don’t look at problems in their face and take a decision. 

“You take a decision and remain firm on that decision. We think what this country is lacking today is our ability to dispense equity and justice. It may be difficult, it may be a bitter pill but we need to stand by the truth. 

“See, I speak and I want to reiterate the position of the Southern governors. It is not my duty to speculate on what others are doing. But you must ask yourself, what is the truth? What it is, is that if we do it today  we serve with fairness, equity and justice.” 

The governors’ latest remarks come amid the inability of the Governor Sam Ortom-led Zoning Committee to arrive at a definite stance on the issues.

After its deliberations,  the Committee recommended three options to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party including zoning the presidency to the South,  throwing the ticket open or allowing the NEC to take a final position on their own. 

Fourteen aspirants in all have so far purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms to vie for the PDP presidential ticket.

TODAY: FOUR STUDENTS OF SENIOR STATE HIGH SCHOOL, OYEWOLE AGEGE REMANDED FOR ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT

Four students of State High school, Oyewole Agege have been accused of having unlawful
sexual intercourse with a female student of the same school.

It was reported that the serial assault occured on four occassions at different locations.

This was as a result of the fact that the students recorded the first assault, and used the video to blackmail her subsequently.

The case was first reported at Alabo Police Station on March 31st, 2022 and thereafter
transferred to the Lagos State Police Command, Gender Desk.

The suspects were arraigned before Her Honour, Mrs. O. A Layinka on 7th April, 2022 at Samuel llori Court where the prosecutor prayed that the perpetrators be remanded, pending legal advise from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The Case was then adjourned to June 2nd, 2022.

Meanwhile, the affected child is receiving psycho social support from School Social Work Department, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, with the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education assuring that her education would not be truncated.

The Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency also pledged to ensure that justice is served whilst
reiterating the state government's zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the state.

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency

7th April, 2022

The All Progressives Congress Wednesday in Abuja denied any involvement or knowledge of a proposed primary election timetable widely circulated on social media and some conventional media platforms.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed this to journalists at Buhari House, the party’s national secretariat, saying the National Working Committee had begun deliberating on the matter on Tuesday but had not reached a final decision yet.

Morka also noted the party would inform stakeholders and all Nigerians when the actual timetable is finalised.

Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo will not be declaring to run for presidency on Thursday, DAILY POST can report.

There are reports making the rounds that the VP will formally announce his intention to join the battle for the sole presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Thursday.

An associate of Osinbajo was said to have disclosed that the Vice President was ready to make his intention public.

However, a government source told DAILY POST that the Vice president will not make such a declaration on the said date.

According to the official, “VP will not be declaring on Thursday.”

The Vice President has left Nigerians in suspense as to whether he would be joining the presidential race or not. This is despite his posters and other campaign materials appearing on different streets in the country.

Meanwhile, the Vice President’s former boss and chieftain of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has since declared to run for the presidency come 2023 and has continued his consultations in earnest .

There are notions in some quarters that Osinbajo will not be among those that will battle APC’s ticket with Tinubu.

A lecturer in a foreign university used the Nigerian president as an example during one of his courses.

The lecturer at Robert Gordon Universiry in Aberdeen, Scotland, was teaching his students a course on leadership.

When talking about bad leadership, he used President Muhammadu Buhari as an example of a bad leader.

He shared photos of Buhari on the screen alongside a message that reads: "Don't be like Buhari."

Will Smith resigned Friday from the motion picture academy following his Oscars night slap of Chris Rock and said he would accept any further punishment the organization imposed.

Smith in a statement released Friday afternoon he would “accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate. I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.

“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work,” his statement said. “I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.

“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” Smith concluded in the statement.

The resignation came two days after the academy’s leadership board met to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct.

On Sunday, Smith strode from his front-row Dolby Theatre seat on to the stage and smacked Rock, who had made a joke at the expense of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Moments later, he went on to win the best actor award for his role in “King Richard.”

Rock, who was about to present Oscar for best documentary, declined to file charges when asked by police. He has only briefly addressed the attack publicly, saying at one comedy concert in Boston this week that he was still “kind of processing what happened.”

Smith shocked the theater crowd and viewers at home when he took the stage after Rock joked: “Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it.”

Pinkett Smith, who suffers from the hair loss condition alopecia, had a closely shaved head similar to that of Demi Moore in the original movie.

It is a great pleasure to welcome @BankyW to the biggest and most democratic party in Africa. May the odds always be in your favor.

#TalkandDo
#NewEra

Tomorrow we declare. Then we move. DM @thebworg if you'd like to join us tomorrow, we need as many people as possible. We need you. We must engage with Nigeria where it is, not where we prefer for it to be.
The time for just talking is over. It's time to #TalkAndDo. Pls join us.

We must engage with Nigeria where it is, not where we prefer for it to be.

In 2019, we planted the seed. In 2023, by the grace of God, and with your support, we will win the seat. The time for just talking is over. It's time to #TalkAndDo. I hope I can count on you. We move.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation on Thursday evening announced that another of its train has derailed in Kaduna, claiming the life of the driver, three days after terrorists attack on a train bound for the same state from Abuja.

Malam Abdullahi Alhaji, Public Relations Officer, Northern Regional District of the Nigeria Railways Corporation (NRC) told the News Agency of Nigeria that the narrow gauge train travelling from Lagos to Kano derailed at Farin Ruwa, near Jaji in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He said the cargo train was conveying soft drinks from Lagos to Kano before it derailed in Kaduna.

The Public Relation Officer identified the loan casualty in the train accident as Bala Kawu, the driver of the train

He attributed the accident to vandalization of the slippers and other accessories of the rail track in the area.

Alhaji said rescue efforts are currently ongoing to recover the remains of the deceased to salvage the situation for the train to continue its journey to Kano.

Terrorists had on Monday attacked a train traveling from Lagos to Kaduna at Dutse village in Chikun Local Government Area, just a few kilometres from the Rigasa train station, the last transit point of the train.

The terrorists had used IEDs to blow off the rail tracks, an action which led to the derailment of the train.

They had subsequently attacked launch an attack on the train, shooting the passengers and kidnapping scores of other.

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi said about eight persons have so far been confirmed dead and 41 hospitalised in the attack on the Kaduna bound train.

Amaechi, who made the disclosure while inspecting the scene of the attack, described the situation as devastating.

”We dont have all the figures of missing persons, kidnapped and those injured at the moment.

”The numbers we have is that there are eight casualties. There are about 41 persons in different hospitals and the total number of passengers who got tickets are 398.

”So, we have have to wait on the security, the Kaduna State government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation.They are all trying to make contact with those on the manifest.

”There are few persons who are not on the manifest like the staff of the NRC, staff of the cleaning contractor, they are not on the manifest and we may not be able to completely account for them but those on the manifest, calls are being made to reach them,” Amaechi said.