FORMER NIGER STATE GOVERNOR, BABANGIDA ALIYU DOCKED OVER ALLEGED N1BN FRAUD, GRANTED N200M BAIL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/former-niger-state-governor-babangida.html
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, arraigned former governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu in a Federal High Court, Abuja, on an eight-count charge of money laundering.
Aliyu was arraigned alongside his former Chief of Staff, Umar Nasko, while both were admitted to bail in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.


The judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, ordered that the two sureties could be businessmen or public servants; and where in the public service, must not be below a director.
The sureties must also own landed property in Abuja excluding the satellite towns.
Aliyu and Nasko are to also deposit their international passports with the court and must not travel without the permission of the court.
The judge, however, ruled that where the defendants could not perfect their bail conditions within 48 hours, they would be remanded in Kuje Prison until bail was perfected.
He adjourned the matter until July 6 and 7 to hear the preliminary objection and for trial.

The two defendants were accused of conspiring to launder ecological funds amounting to over N1 billion, released by the Federal Government to Niger government in 2014.
The offence according to the EFCC, contravened Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and is punishable under Section 15 of the same Act.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Mr Mamman Osuman (SAN), counsel to Aliyu filed a preliminary objection, challenging the hearing of the suit in Abuja, on the ground that there is a Federal High Court in Minna.
Osuman maintained that the defendants were already on trial on a six-count charge of breach of trust in Minna, and since the “ingredients” of both cases were the same, it was in the interest of justice to conduct both cases in Minna.
Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Ben Ikani, however, said that the case in Minna was different from the one in Abuja.

Ignore IPOB’S sit-at-home order, MASSOB tells Igbo
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/ignore-Igbos-sit-at-home-order-massob.html

The Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign States of Biafra has urged the Ndigbo to ignore the order by the Indigenous People of Biafra calling for sit-at-home on May 30.



MASSOB also accused IPOB of ignorance and lacking the knowledge of the circumstances and events of the struggle aimed towards actualising the independence of the state of Biafra

Addressing newsmen in Aba, on Monday, MASSOB‘s Director of Arts and Culture, Abia-South zone, Reuben Ekpem, flanked by the Director, Conflict/Reconciliation, Obed Chiedozie and the Director of Information, George Ejiofor, Ekpen stated that IPOB’s directive to Biafra people to sit at home on May 30, clearly suggests that the group was bent on inflicting more pains on the Ndigbo.

He said, “IPOB knows little or nothing about Biafra. Biafra Day is May 22, not May 30. We have been in the struggle since 1999 till date. IPOB should stop using propaganda and inquire from Uwazuruike about the details of the Biafra struggle. MASSOB encourages Biafra people to come out on May 22 to celebrate the new Biafra which Chief Ralph Uwazuruike inaugurated in Aba on May 22, 2000. They should ignore IPOB’s sit-at-home order.

“There will be no closure of markets, schools, banks and other business centres. Unlike IPOB, we cannot be seen to be inflicting pains on the same people we seek to liberate. It is a day of independence, a day of joy; not sit-at-home. Biafra people are free to come out to celebrate and enjoy.”

Lagos to install 13,000 CCTV cameras
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/lagos-to-install-13000-cctv-cameras.html

Lagos State Government yesterday disclosed that it has commenced installation of 13, 000 Closed Circuit Television, CCTV, cameras, aimed at boosting security in the state.



The government explained that the installation would be in phases, saying, we have commenced installation of 300 in the first phase.

Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Olufemi Odubiyi, disclosed the number of CCTV cameras installed at the 2017 Ministerial Press briefing to mark the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode’s second year in office.

He lamented that the government was forced to review the strategy for the installation of the CCTV cameras across the state, following scarcity and fluctuation of forex in the country. The government last year unveiled plans to install the CCTV cameras across the state.

Anenih’s son slumps, dies while playing Tennis in Lagos
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/anenihs-son-slumps-dies-while-playing.html


The son of Peoples’ Democratic Party ( PDP) chieftain, Chief Tony Anenih, Eugene slumped and died on Sunday at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos while playing Tennis



Until his death, Mr. E. E. Anenih was the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nova Finance &a; Securities Limited. This fifteen (15) years Investment Banking Experience personnel, was formerly the Head of Corporate Finance and Treasury Operations at A and Hatman Ltd before moving on to Nova Finance & Securities Limited as Chief Executive Officer.

He was an authorized Dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

Eugene holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biochemistry from the great University of Benin. He also attended the Programme for Management Development (PMD) at Harvard. An alumus of the Harvard business School. He also attended several courses in capital Market Internationally including Capital Equity appraisals suite courses with the New York Institute of Finance, New York.

He has led Nova Finance & Securities Limited on several issues in advisory roles and primary market just to mention but a few.

MY GOVERNMENT WILL NEVER BETRAY TRUST OF LAGOSIANS – AMBODE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/my-government-will-never-betray-trust.html

Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday graced the Lagos @ 50 Community Day and Carnival Celebrations, assuring that his administration will not betray the trust of Lagosians.
Ambode, who spoke at the Ago Hausa, Ajeromi Ifelodun local government area, one of the of the venues of the carnival, said his administration will continue to run an all-inclusive government where all Lagosians can have and feel a sense of belonging regardless of party affiliation, creed or colour.
The community day and carnival celebrations was held simultaneously in 20 venues spread across the local governments in the state and featured series of fanfare activities including parade of various street carnival, group parade, traditional dancers, children calisthenics display, dance competitions, among others.
He said that through the various infrastructural upgrades in areas that were hitherto neglected, government was demonstrating that Lagos is a state of inclusion in which all law-abiding, hardworking and honest persons will earn their fair rewards.
“Almost two years after you gave our party, the All Progressives Congress your vote, the majority who had their way and the minority who had their say can attest to the fact that our government has operated like the sun that shines brightly on everybody,” he said.
While pledging his administration’s commitment to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy, the governor attributed the successes the state has recorded in the last 50 years to the good citizens who see Lagos as “a collective responsibility, an unfinished business that is always developing capacity to serve the citizens by making them safer, happier and wealthier”
Ambode also said that the efforts of law abiding citizens have given his administration the confidence and courage to boldly combat the problems confronting the state.
“Whether it is crime, filth or social nuisance, we have left no stone unturned because you have entrusted to us your lives, day and night. I pledge, here and again, that we shall never betray that trust.
“So let us be merry even as we re-dedicate ourselves to the journey towards greater prosperity that lies ahead of us. Let our communities help our local council development areas and our local government areas to rise to the challenge of a greater Lagos of our dreams”.

FAYOSE APPOINTS 12 NEW EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES, GENERAL MANAGERS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/fayose-appoints-12-new-executive.html

Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State on Friday approved the appointment of 10 serving directors as executive secretaries in the public service of the state.
The State Head of Service, Dr Olugbenga Faseluka, said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado Ekiti that the appointments also included two general managers.
According to the statement, those appointed as Executive Secretaries are Mr Joseph Obaparusi, Mr Bamidele Arowosola, Mr Bola Akomolede, Dr Felix Ojo, Mr Adesola Babatunde and Dr Babatope Adeyemi.
Others are Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu, Mr Ajaja Gabriel, Mr Yakubu Oladele and Mr Vincent Omodara in acting capacity.
The governor also approved the appointments of Mr Dada Olutayo as Acting General Manager of Ekiti State Sports Council, and Mr Phillip Atere as Acting General Manager of the state Electricity Board.
The statement explained that all the appointments took immediate effect

BREAKDOWN OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S N125 BILLION BUDGET
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/breakdown-of-national-assemblys-n125.html
A total of N125 billion has been budgeted for the National Assembly in the 2017 Appropriation Bill.

Reports had said the lawmakers were pushing for increment of their budgetary allocation to N150 billion from N115 billion allocated to the National Assembly in 2016.



Breakdown:

Management- N14, 919, 065, 013;
Senate- N31, 398, 765, 886;
House of Representatives- N49, 052, 743, 983;
National Assembly Service Commission- N2, 415, 712, 873;
Legislative Aides- N9, 602, 095, 928;
Public Accounts Committee of Senate- N118, 970, 215;
Public Accounts Committee of Reps- N142, 764, 258;
General Services- N12, 584, 672, 079;
N/A Legislative Institute- N4, 373, 813, 596;
Service Wide Vote- N391, 396, 169.

NAIRA STRENGTHENS, GAINS N2 AGAINST DOLLAR
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/naira-strengthens-gains-n2-against.html

The Naira on Thursday gained N2 against the dollar at the parallel market as it was traded at N386 to the dollar, stronger than the N388 it closed on Wednesday.
At the same segment, the pound sterling and the Euro closed at N495 and N425, respectively.
At the Bureau De Change (BDC), the naira was N362 to the dollar, while the pound sterling and the Euro exchanged for N492 and N423, respectively.
The naira was exchanged at N305.6 to the dollar at the interbank.
Currency traders said that the weekly offering of foreign exchange to BDCs by the CBN was paying off and restoring stability to the exchange rate.
Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, the President of Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), said that he expected the naira to continue to appreciate in the coming weeks.
Gwadabe said that BDCs had taken measures to ensure that they would not run foul of the law in the foreign exchange market.

WOMAN NARRATED HOW GOD SAVE HER CHILDREN FROM THE MYSTERIOUS FIRE THAT BURNT DOWN THE HOUSE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/woman-narrated-how-god-save-her.html

It was a sad experience at area one estate adura bus stop Alagbado Lagos State when a building caught fire mysteriously and the whole house was burnt down . According to Eyes Of Lagos who confirmed from the owner of the building narrated that around 11pm yesterday night the children came to her room that they notice something was burning in their room, i followed the children to their room but couldn't see any trace of what is burning or smelling so i told them to come and sleep in my room, not too long a big fire started inside the children's room and it was big we all ran out and escape from the house because the fire was big we called for help from the Lagos Fire Service, but the officials didn't respond until an hour which the later had challenges entering the estate, their truck tire got stucked on the road, so they had to leave ,the house continued burning for almost 4 hours till everything was completely burnt down.

Watch video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SizHjZRoFu8

SEX SCANDAL: I STAND BY ALL MY CLAIMS, STEPHANIE OTOBO REPLIES APOSTLE SULEMAN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/sex-scandal-i-stand-by-all-my-claims.html


Stephanie Otobo has countered a statement by Johnson Suleman’s aide that she claimed to have become ‘born again’ and withdrawn the $5 million lawsuit she filed against the controversial cleric in Canada.

Ms. Otobo stated her stance in a statement on Monday. It was signed by her counsel, Festus Keyamo Chambers.



Ms. Otobo said, “I wish to state the following in reaction. That I could not have promised to withdraw any matter here in Nigeria against Johnson Suleman as he is the one that got me arrested and charged to court in a criminal case. He is the one (as I have read in the Press) that has filed a N1 billion Naira defamation suit against me.

“So, I have no prerogative to withdraw any case here in Nigeria against him and I never said so.”
Ms. Otobo also expressed joy that the court granted her prayers and has summoned some persons and institutions to court to testify against Mr. Suleman in the criminal case he instituted against her.
One of those reportedly summoned is the Managing Director, United Bank of Africa who was reportedly asked to produce Statement of Account No. 2031068488 belonging to Ms. Otobo covering the period 2015 to date.

Also reportedly summoned is the Managing Director, MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, to produce and provide the call logs and text messages exchanged between mobile numbers 08160000616 (belonging to Mr. Suleman) and 07081454058 (belonging to Ms. Otobo) between 2015 and 2017.

The CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission is also to produce record of the identity of the person that registered sim card no. 08160000616 belonging to Mr. Suleman.


The Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria is also to produce and provide the call logs and text messages exchanged between mobile numbers 07081454058 and 08160000616 between 2015 and 2017.

Mr. Suleman was also reportedly asked to produce his International Passport detailing his international travels between 2015 till date, and his Black iPhone 4 which he used between 2015 and 2016.

The Inspector-General of Police was also asked to produce Samsung Phone, Note 7, which was “forcefully seized (without a court order) from me at UBA, Anthony Branch on Friday, March 3, 2017.”

Ms. Otobo added that “I am also moving the court to invite forensic experts to court to analyse all the nude pictures of his private part and our face-to-face chats of which I did screen shots during our numerous lecherous FaceTime chats. He has been telling barefaced lies that they are photo shopped.
“But I have since challenged him to produce the original pictures from which I “photoshopped” them, but he has been running from pillar to post. He will also explain what his pictures were doing in my private phone in the first place.”

Mr. Suleman’s camp fired the first salvo when they issued a statement on Sunday.

In the statement, the church’s Communications Manager, Phrank Shaibu, said they received with bewilderment the purported claim by Ms. Otobo that she has become born again and accordingly forgiven Mr. Suleman.

“After besmirching the reputation of a man that she has never physically met, Stephanie Otobo, who filed a suit for $5 million against Apostle Johnson Suleiman in a Canadian court in abuse of court process now claims she is born again and wants to put the whole saga behind her and forget the matter and withdraw the case?” Mr. Shaibu said.

“Not so fast. Where are the explosive incontrovertible evidence she, Festus Keyamo and their team of jeer leaders promised Nigerians? Where are the travel documents she promised to reveal? Where are the nude pictures she claimed to have?

“The 33 year old officially 23 year old girl who made history by being the only woman to miscarry a baby from her backside rather than her front side (as she claimed) now wants to forgive and forget? Her father called her a liar, her mother called her a liar, her best friend said she was a blackmailer and when given the chance to prove them all wrong she suddenly becomes born again?”
Ms. Otobo’s statement on Monday indicates she never withdrew her claims against the cleric.


But, despite Ms. Otobo’s claims, Mr. Suleman has denied having a relationship with her.
According to a statement by Mr. Shaibu, the pastor denied ever meeting the woman in person, or making any marriage proposal to her. He also denied being involved in Ms. Otobo’s reported arrest on March 3.

But, two letters published quoted Ms. Otobo’s lawyer, Festus Keyamo, as saying that the Canada-based Nigerian started a relationship with Mr. Suleman in 2015 and became pregnant for him in 2016.

$15.5M: COURT REFUSES TO UNFREEZE PATIENCE JONATHAN’S ACCOUNT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/155m-court-refuses-to-unfreeze-patience.html


Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday declined to unfreeze the $15.591 million frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly belonging to four companies linked to the former first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.
Justice Idris refused to give a verdict on the contentious case on the ground that the subject matter of the case cannot be determined by a way of an originating summons because it contained disputed facts that can only be resolved by oral evidence.
The judge therefore ordered parties to file pleading since issues have been joined as to the ownership of the money.
The judge held that all the defendants formulated different issues from that formulated by the plaintiff in the originating summons, which he said is unacceptable.
He also said, “The issues formulated by all the defendants are baseless. They go to no issue and will be ignored by the court.
“I hold that this court lacks the competence, lacks the competence to determine the issues raised by the defendants in their written addresses having abandoned the specific issues formulated by the plaintiff in the originating summons.
“It is unfortunate. I say this because the issues raised by the defendants appear on the face of it good and deserving to be considered on their merit. But I as I understand it to be the law, sentiment has no basis in the adjudicatory system,” the judge said.
Justice Idris further held that where processes are not properly prepared, any defect would render the proceeding fatal as the court cannot “re-formulate” the issues for determination.
The judge further held that there is a contention as to issues and facts as to the money’s ownership.
“In respect of this issue, the contention appears divided, and there is clearly an air of friction in the proceedings,” the judge said.
According to him, all the counter-affidavits filed by the defendants contain disputed facts that cannot be decided without oral evidence.
“I in the light of the above affidavit evidence, cannot in my view be rightly contended that there are no disputed facts of substance as to the ownership of the said funds and the law.

COURT ORDERS IG TO PAY N4M FOR VIOLATION OF RIGHT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/court-orders-ig-to-pay-n4m-for.html


An FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja on Monday ordered the Inspector-General of Police to pay N1 million each to four men for violation of their fundamental right.



The men, Ozor Okolocha, Elvis Obiaku, Edward Onyenoknone and Imoni Micah hail from Ase-Omuku in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta. The respondents are the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police.
In his judgment, Justice Jude Okeke held that the respondents in the matter refused to renew the order of remand from the court which elapsed after 14 days.
“As compensation for the violation of their fundamental rights, N1 million should be paid to each of the applicants for the hardship and embarrassment suffered by them.
“The applicants were continuously detained at Keffi Prison without remand order, renewal and without charges preferred against them.
“This is a gross violation of their fundamental rights as provided by the provisions of section 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,” the judge said.
Okeke also held that the detention of the applicants and violation of their rights to liberty were not justified by the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
He also ordered that the respondents should refrain from arresting the applicants over the issues in the suit.
The applicants were arrested on Dec. 17, 2015 and Jan. 6, 2016 at their home town of Ase-Omuku in Ndokwa East LGA of Delta.
They were arrested and brought to Abuja by Inspector Tony Alabi and detained at Keffi prison on remand order from an Abuja Magistrate Court.
At the expiration of the order, no renewal was made until April 5, when the suit was filed.

$43M IKOYI CASH: AMAECHI LAMBASTS WIKE FOR FAILING TO GO TO COURT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/43m-ikoyi-cash-amaechi-lambasts-wike.html

Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has lambasted Rivers State governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike for failing to fulfill his threat of going to Court to claimed the $43 million recovered at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Wike has alleged that the cash, which was recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) belongs to Rivers State, kept at the Ikoyi Apartments by Amaechi, who is the immediate past governor of the state and threatened to go to court should the federal government fail to return the money to the state within seven days.
Amaechi, in a statement issued last night in Port Harcourt by his media office, described the Wike-led administration in Rivers State as in Rivers State as a government of lies, deceit, fraud and blood.
The former governor also threw his weight behind the call by Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka that in the fight against corruption, detractors, who deliberately create distraction should be criminalised and prosecuted.
The statement reads in part, “Nigerians would recall that on the night of Friday, April 14, during his hurriedly arranged shambolic press briefing, Wike had threatened the President Buhari administration with fire and brimstone, vowing the mother-of-all legal action against the federal government if the over $43million was not given to him within seven days.
“The seven-day ultimatum has long expired, yet no action, whether legal or otherwise by Wike to prove his malicious allegations and claim to the money. Again, on Friday, May 6, another wonderful opportunity was open for Wike to prove his frivolous allegations against Amaechi and claim the money, before Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court, Lagos.
“The Judge had on April 13, directed that anyone who owns the money should come forward to claim it. Neither Wike nor his Lawyers were any where near the court. Again, another no show. Wike’s failure to prove his allegations against Amaechi in a court of law or even in the court of public opinion clearly vindicates our position and completely exonerates Amaechi of any link or connection to the Ikoyi money and apartment.
“Wike’s failure to prove this his latest malicious outburst against Amaechi also clearly shows that all previous fake stories of allegations upon allegations of graft against Amaechi by Wike are all lies, like this Ikoyi silly lie from a sick and warped mind. Since he became governor, Wike sleeps and wakes up everyday, with a sole, one-point agenda to attack and denigrate Rotimi Amaechi, his erstwhile benefactor, no matter how ridiculous and silly he sounds.
“Everyday in Rivers State, there is one frivolous, false story of what Amaechi did or didn’t do. Same pattern, the same blatant lies with no proof, same old concocted stories of corruption allegations against Amaechi told with different flavours, just like this his latest Ikoyi money blatant lie. Sadly, what Wike is running in Rivers State today is not a government, by any stretch, but a contraption of lies, deceit, fraud and blood. He has bastardized and destroyed Rivers State.
“To stem this dangerous trend, this is why we are in full support of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s call that in the anti-corruption war, detractors who deliberately create distraction should be criminalized and prosecuted. Detractors of the fight against corruption like Nyesom Wike, and his lackeys and minions like Femi Fani-Kayode, Lere Olayinka, one Senator George Sekibo who like a clown, foolishly blew a whistle on the floor of the senate to push Wike’s false narrative of the ownership of the Ikoyi money etc, should not be allowed to go scot free with their politically motivated lies to distract the fight against corruption.
“Finally, we insist that Wike must go to court, like he vowed (as he goes, he can also take his minions and lackeys with him), to prove his frivolous claims that the over $43million Ikoyi money and luxury apartment belongs to Amaechi and were stolen from Rivers State by Amaechi; or be ready to face the wrath of the law (at the appropriate time; constitutional immunity for governors is not for life), the wrath of the people and ultimately the wrath of God, which no constitutional immunity can protect him from.”

FG SHOULD FIX ENERGY SECTOR TO STIMULATE SMES OPERATIONS – KIBAZO
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/fg-should-fix-energy-sector-to.html

The importance of energy to the growth of businesses cannot be over-emphasised. The Managing Director, FTI Consulting, Mr Joel Kibazo, in this interview with CHIKA IZUORA, says small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will help stabilise Nigeria’s economy
What does this publication ‘Companies to Inspire Africa,’ mean for Nigerian businesses?
Nigeria has been going through a difficult economic situation over the last two to three years. It looks as if the country is now coming out of it. But what this publication really shows is the strength of companies across the African continent, particularly the biggest contingent coming from Nigeria. It shows that there is hope and it shows that there are companies that are doing good work.
It shows that there are companies that are managing to succeed in spite of all the challenges that you find in Africa. These are audited companies, these are companies that have been scrutinized, and yet they have come out on top. For me, the biggest thing I would say is hope, excitement and the fact that we have a good story to tell as Africans.
What’s your assessment of businesses globally and Nigeria, in particular?
Well, in the face of turbulent economic environment that has equally taken the toll on global emerging markets over the last few years, Africa’s corporate sector has continued to flourish, with high growth companies helping to drive the regions’ economies.
Industries like technology, communications, financial services, manufacturing and agriculture are at the centre of this growth, not only providing employment and opportunities for Africa’s young and growing populations but also boosting taxable revenues for governments.
However, as Africa’s market continues to grow, it becomes even clearer that there is, in fact no such market. But for FTI, our multi disciplinary team can offer support across the business life cycle tailoring our services to match the clients’ specific requirements helping to build strong relations with prospective partners, government, communities and other stakeholders.
How can Nigeria manage the poor perception using public relations?
It does not only pertain to Nigeria. I work across the African continent and I have worked in many of the countries that have the same challenge of public relations. Governments just need to realize that communicating to their populace and them being able to be understood in terms of legislation, regulation and the systems is necessary.
There is need to have professionals do the job. As a law, many of these offices have a public relations officer so it is not by mistake that they have that. If you look in many western countries, what they have is an internal public relations officer and then they also have the external public relations officer who assists with the various programmes that you have to execute.
Sometimes, they assist but sometimes the person on internal communications also helps out in the external communications. There are different combinations that can work. But I think slowly as we as a continent grow, and get to know a lot more different things, we can also change.
What are the peculiar challenges faced by Nigerian businesses with regard to communication?
I don’t like taking Nigeria out of Africa because the challenges that you face here are not that different to my own country of Uganda. For instance, instability of power means that the business costs are much higher and if you are competing internationally, there is no way you can do it because your cost is much higher.
So whether it is power, whether it is in an environment that is fully regulated or the regulations are not yet in place, these are some of the challenges. However, these challenges are not only being faced by Nigeria, they are also faced by many other countries on the African continent. I think there is need to ensure that there is a conducive environment for businesses to operate whether it is taxation or regulation.
How will the affiliation with Caritas benefit companies such as the ones listed to inspire Africa?
For me the sort of companies to inspire Africa are all potential clients at some point. We must look at them like that. As these businesses grow, there will be need for our services whether it is communications, whether it is public affairs, they would want to use consultancy services.
So, that means that while we are happy that the publication is there, we are also hoping and thinking that some of them might want to use our services. So that’s the way in which I see it.
What informed the affiliation with Caritas?
We are a global firm that works with different companies. We have four thousand seven hundred employees working in 29 countries. The reason why you have partnerships locally is because you can’t always be on the ground in everything and sometimes even if you are on the ground, you will have specialism you may not be able to meet may be sitting in London, New York or Washington .
So we have a wide circle of partnerships across the African continent and so Caritas falls within that. We have been working with Caritas on quite a number of clients and businesses that are pertaining specially to Nigeria.

Why did you choose Caritas among several other agencies?
Caritas is not the only firm we have ever worked with in Nigeria or we work with in Nigeria. But Caritas in the context of the work we do in Nigeria has shown that it has the ability to execute the assignments to the level that we are able to feel comfortable and meet international standards.
We are a global firm so at the very least, what we look for in a partnership with local consultancies is the competence to deliver to the level at which our clients want. Caritas falls within that group.

STEPHANIE OTOBO BECOMES BORN AGAIN AFTER APOSTLE SULEIMAN SAGA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/stephanie-otobo-becomes-born-again.html

Following weeks of media brawl with controversial pastor, Apostle Johnson Suleman over an alleged sexual relationship, the preacher’s alleged traducer and Canada-based Stephanie Otobo just might have gone back to her first love, music. She recalled that as a child, she was at the forefront of children activities in the church and that strengthened her resolve to become famous through music. After releasing a single, ‘I depend on you’, Stephanie says she is less bothered about negative comments or being rejected by people who feel she should have buried her head in shame over the scandal that rocked her life. In an interview Miss Otobo had during a visit to The Sun Corporate Headquarters in Lagos, recently, she opened up on her sex life, music and other allegations preferred against her. She revealed that she is focused to making something out of her life by ministering to others through song. Here are excerpts from the interview; When and how did you get into music because what was being promoted about you during your controversy with the man of God was that Stephanie was a stripper in Canada? I have loved music since I was a child. During children functions at the church, I would take the lead roles. I did choreography and worship. Since then, I had loved to sing when I grew older and become a star. I was doing secular music beforeI came out with my gospel single. Last year, while I was in Canada, I tried to make music but it didn’t have the Nigerian taste in terms of the production of the song and the music itself. Over there, their songs lack that distinct Nigerian flavour. I care about afro music, which is taking more of African music into the western world. I travelled to Nigeria and made a song entitled ‘My Girlfriend’ using my stage name Kimora. I came to Nigeria to make a gospel song because I have always loved gospel songs. Having been in church since I was a child, I had wanted to flow with that passion. I met with some people I was supposed to work with and they explained to me that if I go into gospel songs, I would be wasting my time. They told me that my song might be everywhere but I won’t make money. They said the best it would get me was popularity but nothing else. They said nobody would invite me for shows because I don’t attend any of the big churches in Nigeria nor belong to any famous choir. I was told that I won’t make money because people don’t know me. They explained to me that later on, I can go back to gospel songs because I am still very young. In life, you don’t have to rely on your own wisdom alone, you have to listen to the people who are in the business. It made sense to me that secular music was okay for now and later I can change to gospel, but originally, gospel was my thing. Immediately, I changed to secular music. I got into the secular lifestyle. I started music last year officially. At what point did the issue of stripping in clubs come in? I don’t know if it’s because I’m an entertainer. Generally, as you sing, you are not just singing, you’re dancing and using your body to attract others and entertain your fans. I don’t know if that was why people claimed I was a stripper. I was just an entertainer. So you were never a stripper? No, I wasn’t. My life currently is like a whole new experience. Whatever I had done or practised didn’t please God. I don’t do them anymore. I left them all behind in the pool of the drama with the man of God. Old things have passed away and this is a new me. Now that you’re doing gospel songs, how did you get the inspiration? What really inspired me was my experience in jail in Nigeria. It was the fear and terror I lived through while in jail in Kirikiri prison. I live in Canada and if I was a thief, one day I would expect to go to jail. If I was a killer, one day I would expect to go to jail. I have never done anything that would make me think that I could ever go to jail. So, going to jail in Nigeria was terror. I remember what my father came out to say some things about me then when I was in jail. Even though he couldn’t do anything to help me, knowing that I have his support meant everything to me. The experience in prison made me ask God for mercy and for His help to scale through. Why are you running back to God seeing that you were disappointed by a man of God, and someone who represents God hurt you? What I understand about God is that if you are in God, you don’t have the heart to do things that you ordinarily want to do to please your flesh. If you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit will tell you what to do and not you going to do that because you want to. Now, instead of me facing my old life on this man like I used to do, I have changed and I have to face God. I see all these people insulting me and calling me names as still facing the man of God and treating him like God. I took him like God before but when I saw the truth that this man is not God but just a man that deceived me, hurt me and broke my heart, I had to face God. It is now that I have come to know God for myself. Have you also thought about the acceptance of your music based on your story, do you think people will accept your gospel songs? Before I came out with my song, I have confidence in God’s ability to do things. God is a miraculous God. If you know His words, He will make things happen for you. I know there are fears about people not accepting my songs, but there are some people right now who have also accepted my song. I believe those are people that know the word of God which is His ability to change someone’s life at the snap of one’s fingers. AD: 2 powerful ways to satisfy any woman in bed & last up 25 mins — See Here After one has gone through a night of tears and sorrow, the morning comes. I went through this horrible experience of going into jail and it drew me closer to God. Now you are a Christian, how prepared are you for rejection from the church? I am not going to blame anybody who is negative to me or finds it hard to accept me. I won’t blame anyone who is not on my side now. I know what the word of God says and I know that if they know what the word of God says, they won’t be deceptive about it. Don’t accept me but accept the word of God. There’s a misrepresentation of you out there about the way you dress. An average Nigerian has a mentality that a Christian should dress in a particular way, but it didn’t take you a while to change, how did you transform so fast? My moving forward so fast came from what Jesus said about dying for my sins and shame. If I am not ashamed anymore, why won’t I move forward with my life? Why will I stay home and wait for the world to continue judging me? If the Spirit of God wants me to start my life afresh, why do I have to hide from people because of what they will say? I am not ashamed of the things I have been through because God has used it to change my life. When you released your music video, some people alleged that you started the controversy with the Apostle just to create publicity for your upcoming song, how true is this? Maybe he saw my future and tried to make that possible. He is the one closer to God and he’s supposed to see the future, not me. Even if I had planned to do all of these for publicity with a man of God, how possible would it be in the long run? Who knows tomorrow, me? No matter what you plan today, it doesn’t mean it would work out tomorrow exactly the way you planned it. I can’t take such a risk. I can’t risk my whole family. I can’t risk my father coming out to talk about me because I know who he is and how he behaves. Some of my family members rejected me. My friends rejected me because of this issue. They are all ashamed of me. I won’t risk all of that just to sell my music. And secondly, he started it. I didn’t start the whole issue. If I did, bank statements would show it. I would be caught collecting money. I wasn’t blackmailing him. He froze my account just to get back at me. I went to get money from my account and got arrested, maltreated and pepper sprayed. I was embarrassed and handcuffed, so how could I have planned all these just for music? You are coming out a different person, but were you into sex, drugs and prostitution in Canada as alleged by some people? I am just a normal, young lady. People get lost and that’s why God said only the truth can set you free. It means you have to be lost in order to be free. I wasn’t really into these things but I know I had lived a normal life. I go to club once in a while. I enjoy my weekend but I don’t know anything about sex, drugs and prostitution. What do you do in Canada? I am fully into music. I was working. I tried to move on because I like to go round and experience different cities. I worked; I stopped working. I went to school, I stopped school. I even went to beauty school for a couple of months. I have tried many things. At your age, how were you able to cope with the stress of what you have gone through? The word of God is my shield and buckler. Everything I have gone through have brought shame and disgrace to me and my family but I am better now because Jesus Christ died for them. I don’t have to hide myself anymore from the world. When I knew that Jesus died for my humiliation, my pain, my ugliness, I held onto to Him and He helped me. How was your childhood like? I went to church a lot as a child. I grew up in a Christian background. My mom would always take us to church in Warri. I was born in Lagos but my family moved to Warri when I was little. I grew up mainly in Delta State. My dad and mom separated. My dad was in Warri and my mom was in Sapele. At what point did you leave Nigeria? I was almost 16 when I left Nigeria for Canada. A family member adopted me. I didn’t leave on my own. Growing up, what kind of child were you? I was a happy, beautiful and outgoing child. I was always in front during children functions in church. People loved to see my face and I loved it too. I enjoyed the attention I got as a child. Where do you see yourself in five years time? I see myself closer to God and doing the things He approves of. Given that people don’t expect God to be so magnanimous with me, it would be a beautiful thing to serve God well. I want to live my life to the glory and praise of God’s name. I want more of Him and less of me. In this part of the world, there’s a dress code for gospel singers and you are a sharp contrast to that with your hair colour and blings, how do you intend to make your music acceptable in Nigeria given your look? I believe that as time goes on, I will adapt to what is acceptable here in Nigeria. I adapt well and I believe that God will give the power I need to move forward. Have you reconciled with your parents now? I was not happy with what my mother did but I wasn’t angry with her. I saw her and my friends differently. I saw that they thought they were doing what was best for me and I was not angry. I would offer them forgiveness. What kind of man catches your fancy? I know many girls would go for a cute face and handsome looking man. I want any man I can handle being around me and I can handle being around him. Along the line, it’s tolerance that matters. How you can be with the one you have chosen and not be tired of him. I don’t want to be with someone who will get tired of me or who I will get tired of living with.

MEET BANKYW CUTE YOUNGER BROTHER FUNMI WELLINGTON
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/meet-bankyw-cute-younger-brother-funmi.html

Photos of bankyw younger brother funimi wellington

OUR HOPE, OUR FUTURE: WHEN LUST TAKES OVER
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/our-hope-our-future-when-lust-takes-over.html

My day started in the most uneventful way and ended with tears of pain. I came online on Facebook at about 5:00PM to stay updated but the first thing I saw on my news feed broke my heart. It was a link to an eye witness account of a crime that happened in the heart of Lagos on the 3rd day of May, 2017; an account that explains what happens when lust takes over the hearts of our future, the younger generation. Some may have read the account already but for the sake of those who are just hearing this for the first time, I am going to give a brief summary of the account before proceeding to write what I have to say. Please see the link at the end of this article to read the full witness account.

A group of high school boys, probably teenaged just finished their final exams and were in a celebratory mood. They decided to take the celebration to another level and express their joy by attempting to molest some of the female students of another school close to theirs who had just finished their final exams as well. These boys stole the cellphones and transportation fare of their victims. They expertly used scissors to rip their skirts and spandex, in an attempt to rape them in broad day light. What is worse is that there were several onlookers, their fellow school boys, cheering these boys on and some of the security officers were said to have been videotaping the gruesome incident instead of performing their duties; providing security for these girls or calling for help. It took the courage of a woman, Michale Matthew to prevent whatever intent they had.

Let me pause here and ask this;
What future is there for our country Nigeria or the world at large when wickedness has already begun to take root in the hearts of the younger generation? There is a part of this story I still cannot seem to wrap my head around and I feel the need to address. Two of the boys attempted to rape one of the girls at the same time, one attempting to penetrate from the front and another from the back. Where did our children learn to do such disgusting act? They even knew where to cut with the scissors for ease of access, for their pleasure. This is the extent to which pornography is wrecking the lives of the younger generation; turning boys into lustful beings and teaching them to see girls as sex objects, instruments to utilize for the purpose of achieving sexual satisfaction. In the average Nigerian home, the word pornography does not exist. Needless to say, anything sex-related is hardly ever discussed openly. Somehow, for whatever reason, parents do not see the need to talk about anything bordering on sex with their children. These children, out of curiosity, start to explore their sexuality on their own from all the wrong sources. Most children are no longer taught to guard their hearts [i.e. to be mindful of the things they watch and listen to] and so it is not a surprise that our boys do not even know how to regard our girls anymore. What is worse is that if this is left unchecked, these boys will grow into men and eventually, fathers who will then go ahead to raise sons with the same mindset.

This is a call to action on the part of the Nigerian parent, teachers and everyone else. We all have a role to play. The threat that pornography [and even sexually suggestive music videos] pose to the younger generation is very real. I think its high time we stopped religionizing these things; blaming the evil acts on the devil and deal with this issue from the root. This is what happens when lust takes over; when their thoughts see an opportunity to express themselves in actions. Every action that happens today was first a thought and thoughts are formed as a result of what we sense; our 5 senses especially what we see and what we hear. What do your children watch? What do your younger ones’ watch? Who are their friends? Who do they listen to? It is true that you cannot follow these ones around and monitor their every move but how much do you pray for them? Please do not say that the ones who committed this atrocity are not your children or siblings therefore you choose to ignore this by saying it is not your business. It is your business and if you do not start to watch out, it could happen to you as well. If the lady who stopped her car to save those girls, who were not even her biological children had driven off and ignored the noise, the story would have been different and even worse because these boys had already stolen the pocket money and cellphones of their victims. We need to rise up and take charge in whatever way we can. So many comments yesterday got me thinking. One of them suggested a secondary school outreach where we take out time from our busy schedules to visit schools and impart positively in the lives of these young ones. If you feel you do not have the time for that, the greatest service you can do is to pray for the younger generation but please do not look the other way. It is your business. The time for silence on these matters is over.
Before I draw the curtain on this, I’d like to ask where the sanity and sympathy of the Nigerians has gone too. Has our love for each other grown so cold that we now prefer to update our status with live videos and pictures of a crime in progress instead of looking for a way to help? It is good to have video evidence of a crime but since when has video evidence taken precedence over a human life? God bless the woman, Michale Matthew who stopped her car to help. God bless all those who took out the time to see those girls to safety. An update on the story indicates that the Lagos government has taken up the case and are doing something about it. To read the full eye witness account, please click here I do hope that we all learn the right lessons from this and help out in the way we can. Do something right. Be a voice that guides these ones the right way.


God bless Nigeria

RAUF AREGBESOLA DENIES INFLATING CONTRACTS COST
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/rauf-aregbesola-denies-inflating.html

Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola has debunked the insinuation that he inflated the cost of contracts in the state and insisted that the roads he constructed were cost effective.


Speaking during a nightlong interactive session tagged 'Ogbeni Till Day Break', live on television; Aregbesola said those that were accusing him of inflating road construction contracts were not fair to him.

While responding to questions, the governor made frantic efforts to clear the air on the accusation that he inflated the cost of road construction.

His words: "We are not inflating costs of projects in Osun as speculated by some people. We are prudent in the way we finance the roads we constructed. We constructed our roads at reasonable costs."

"We cannot specifically give the cost at which we constructed roads per kilometer because certain portions of the roads required special treatment. The structures of our roads are very superb and we cannot give the cost per kilometer.

"Check the cost of road construction in other states and compare it with the cost at which we are constructing roads in Osun. The roads we are constructing in Osun are the best and we built them at reasonable”

"Those that are accusing me of inflating contracts are not fair to me. As a governor of this state in the last six years, I don't have a house in my hometown and I don't spend money on women and other frivolities. I don't eat too much and that is why I'm lean. As you can see, I'm not sick and yet I'm very lean. How many governors are lean like me. That tells you that I'm not stealing money."

The governor used the event to give a stewardship account of his administration and maintained that no government had performed like him since the creation of the state.

FALSE ASSETS DECLARATION: I’VE NO CASE TO ANSWER – SARAKI TELLS CCT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/false-assets-declaration-ive-no-case-to.html

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who is facing trial over allegation that he falsely declared his assets, on Thursday, told the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja that he has no case to answer.
Saraki, through his lawyer, Mr. Paul Erokoro, SAN, notified the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal of his intention to make a no-case-submission in respect of the 18-count corruption charge the Federal Government preferred against him.
He is contending that FG failed to establish a prima-facie case capable of warranting the tribunal to compel him to enter his defence to the charge.
The defendant is equally contending that none of the witnesses linked him to the commission of any offence, adding that the prosecution could not substantiate the ingredients of the charge.
Erokoro, SAN, secured permission of the CCT panel to file the no-case-application on a day FG closed its case against the defendant having produced a total of four witnesses that testified before the tribunal.
FG had in the charge with suit No. CCT/ABJ/01/15 alleged that Saraki made false/anticipatory declaration of assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau operated foreign accounts while in office as Kwara State governor between 2003 and 2011, as well as collected governorship salary four years after his tenure had elapsed.
Meanwhile, before the case was adjourned till June 8, the last prosecution witness, Mr. Bayo Dauda, who testified as the PW-4, narrated how Saraki took loan of 375million in 2010 to acquire a property in the United Kingdom.
The witness, who is a banker with the Guarantee Trust Bank, said he was Saraki’s relationship/account officer in 2003.
He told the tribunal that Saraki was newly elected into office as the Governor of Kwara state when the said account was opened in April 2003.
According to the witness, the defendant was offered loan by the bank on three occasions spanning between 2006 and 2010.
He said: “The first one was N380million which was offered on October 11, 2006. The next one was also N380m granted on January 30, 2007, while the third one was N375million which was granted to the defendant on February 10, 2010”.
Reading from exhibit-48 before the tribunal, Mr. Dauda said there was an agreement for the loans to be repaid through five equal quarterly installments of N76million in addition to the accrued interest.
“From the statement of account, the first quarter repayment on May 2, 2007 was N81, 309,589. As of July 29, 2007, the defendant had paid (principal and interest) a total sum of N81, 309,589. N76m represented the quarterly principal repayment while the remaining was the interest”.
Mr. Dauda told the tribunal that the loans were repaid through cash lodgments, cheque deposits and transfers.
“Major cash lodgments that were above the approved threshold which as a banker looked suspicious were reported by the bank to the appropriate authority”, the witness added.

NYSC MEMBER ARRESTED WHILE ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTING TO BREAK ATM, STEAL IN KOGI
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/nysc-member-arrested-while-allegedly.html

A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC member, identified as Aka-Jude Tersoo, has been arrested alongside an accomplice while attempting to break into and rob an Automatic Teller Machine, ATM, in Kogi State.
The suspect was caught with a locally made gun.
Tersoo was among the 36 suspects arrested in the last one week in the state.
The police also apprehended five persons said to be members of the Boko Haram sect were apprehended by the officers and men of the command.
Addressing journalists on arrested criminals yesterday in Lokoja, the Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, said that the culprit, Akah Jude Tersoo, who was posted to the state for the one-year national service, was caught alongside an accomplice, Godwin Idih, on April 26th around 2.30am.
Inalegwu said the arrested men were caught while attempting to break the ATM belonging to the EcoBank with digger and axe with the aim to rob the bank.
“My men who were on patrol duty noticed suspicious movement at EcoBank branch, Ganaja junction, Lokoja, and stopped to observe.
“On close examination, they saw two individuals who were later identified as Godwin Idih and Aka-jude Tersoo breaking the ATM with digger and axe.
“The police team promptly intercepted and arrested the suspects with the exhibits. But sadly, one of them is a serving corps member.”
Commending operatives of the command for their gallantly, Inalegwu said 15 notorious armed robbers were also arrested across the state in the week under review; while an additional eight persons were also arrested for being the receivers of stolen vehicles.
He listed other items recovered from the robbers as AK 47 rifles, live cartridges, charms, a cheque of N8.4m submitted by Abimaje Yakubu at First Bank Lokoja but belonging to the manager of Fava travels, Mr. Victor Edomwande.

STOCK MARKET RESUMES TRADING IN MAY WITH 0.80% GAIN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/05/stock-market-resumes-trading-in-may.html

Transactions opened on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for the first trading day in the month of May on a bullish trend with the All-Share Index gaining 0.80 per cent.
In summary, the All Share Index (ASI) gained 206.67 absolute points, representing an increase of 0.80 per cent to close at 25,965.18 points. The market capitalisation gained N62 billion, to close at N8.975 trillion.
The upturn was significantly impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; FBN Holdings, Oando, Zenith Bank, Seplat, Stanbic IBTC, Nestle, UBA, Guaranty Trust Bank, Total and Nigerian Breweries.
Analysts said that with a better first quarter performance results than expected, 2017 budget likely to be approved by the national assemble this month, the CBN’s readiness to sustain it intervention in the FX market and the reserve still looking robust, there is a likelihood of improvement in the stock market for the month of May.
Market breadth was positive, with 22 gainers versus 12 losers. Fidson and NPF Micro Finance Bank recorded the highest price gain of 9.09 per cent each, to close at N1.20 and N1.44 per share, respectively, while FBN Holdings followed with a gain of 5.36 per cent to close at N3.34 per share.
Presco went up by five per cent to close at N47.25, while Eterna Oil appreciated by 4.95 per cent to close at N3.18 per share.
On the other hand, UACN led the losers’ chart by 4.98 per cent, to close at N13.75 per share. Jaiz Bank followed with a decline of 4.35 per cent to close at N1.10, while Forte Oil declined by 4.23 per cent to close at N43 per share.
Aiico Insurance depreciated by 3.77 per cent to close at 51 kobo and FCMB declined by 3.13 per cent to close at 93 kobo per share.
However, the total volume traded depreciated by 47.87 per cent to 191.024 million shares, worth N2.13 billion, and traded in 3,392 deals. Transactions in the shares of Zenith Bank topped the activity chart with 34.3 million shares valued at N524.34 million. Guaranty Trust Bank followed with 25.65 million shares worth N690.03 million, while Wapic Insurance traded 18.4 million shares valued at N9.21 million.

'Do not protest in Abuja' - Police warns IPOB
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/do-not-protest-in-abuja-police-warns.html

Mr Musa Kimo, the Commissioner of Police of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against its planned protest in Abuja.




Kimo gave the warning in a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, Mr. Usen Omorodion, in Abuja on Sunday.

He said as a professional organisation, the command would not fold its arms and watch criminal elements hide under the guise of such protest to cause breakdown of law and order.

Kimo advised residents to go about their lawful duties without fear and molestation.

Mercy Aigbe Drags Husband To Women Affairs Ministry
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/mercy-aigbe-drags-husband-to-women.html

There are indications that Lanre Gentry, husband of popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe may be prosecuted for wife battery as Lagos State government has begun investigation into the matter.

It was gathered that the Edo State-born actress has dragged her hotelier husband, Gentry, to the Lagos Ministry of Women Affairs for investigation and prosecution over alleged battery and assault.
A top official with ministry who doesn’t want his name mentioned, revealed that the case has been brought to the attention of the body; stressing it is a matter of urgency due to the mandate given to the ministry by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to crack down on domestic violence especially against women.
“I am commenting on this based on your manner of approach, so please I’d like my privacy to be respected. Truely, the case is with us here. Telegraph reports
It was reported here by the victim herself, and because of the governor’s zero tolerance for domestic violence, we are as a matter of urgency investigating the whole drama. It is a good thing that it has also been brought to the public eye.
We’re still very much on top of the matter and we’ll get it to its logical conclusion,” he said.
Human rights activists Esther Ijewere, who was the first to render help to the actress, stressed that there is no justification for domestic violence.
“There is no justification for domestic violence, at all.
You as a man, if you can’t stand the heat, then take a walk out of the kitchen. Real men don’t hit their wives; celebrities are human, we should not be too quick to judge.
She has taken a bold step; the best we can do is pray for her and support her in any possible way we can,” Esther said.
The actress had allegedly tried to mend the cracks in her marriage since last year but was said to be physically abused by her husband recently and is recuperating at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.
Clearly trying to effect damage control, Lanre Gentry posted a picture of himself and his wife on his Instagram account declaring the love he has for her.
“I love my wife so much. Well I know my wife did not have hand in this because I have never beaten my wife and I will never beat her because I love her so much,” he wrote on his social media account.
Though Mercy has been quiet about the reports making the rounds about her issues with her husband, fresh pictures posted on social media shows where the embattled actress is undergoing a CT scan which confirmed that the actress indeed suffered from a head injury.

Adamawa Speaker Denies Assaulting Police Sergeant
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/adamawa-speaker-denies-assaulting.html


Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Kabiru Mijinyawa has described reports of him assaulting a police sergeant attached to his office as false and mischievous.
The Speaker made the comment in an exclusive interview with select journalists in Yola, yesterday.
According to Mijinyawa, he has utmost respect and regard for the rule of law and will not carry out such an act against anybody, let alone a police officer attached to his office.
“There were two police officers attached to my home and one gets to spend the night on duty in my house and the other doesn’t”.
“On this particular night, the absentee policeman left his official rifle in the room they stay at my house and the other policeman who spent the night locked up the rifle. So when the absentee policeman came the following morning, the policeman on duty refused him access to the room to get his rifle”, the Speaker narrated.
“And that was the beginning of the problem, the issue almost turned into a physical combat and I was called to resolve the dispute and I went there and separated the fight. And I reported the case to the Area Commandant and district officer, Mijinyawa added.
“Sadly for me, the next day, there was a story in the newspaper that I assaulted a Police Sergeant. Which is totally not true and mischievous. It is sad that no journalist has reached me to even get my own side of the story”, he lamented.

Gunmen kidnap eight sailors in Bayelsa
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/gunmen-kidnap-eight-sailors-in-bayelsa.html


Gunmen kidnap eight sailors in Bayelsa
EYES OF LAGOS TV 12:14 AM crime



Naval troops are making frantic efforts to locate the whereabouts of eight sailors kidnapped in the Atlantic Ocean close to Brass waters in Brass Local Government Area Bayelsa State.


It was gathered that the victims identified as employees of Tethys Nig. Ltd and Sylver Global Ltd were abducted on April 19 about 17 Nautical Miles off Brass terminal.

The unidentified gunmen were said to have forcefully boarded the vessel after firing gunshots in the air to scare the sailors.

The victims were identified as Smart Kungborde, Isaiah Ebiewe, Christopher Wisben, Gabriel Enayon, Sylvester Ovwigho, Mathew Enegbuma and Kelly Shaka.

The abductors were said to have stolen all their victims’ valuables, hounded them into their speedboats and drove them to an unknown place.

It was however gathered troops of the Forward Operation Base (FOB) Fomoso at Egweama in Brass were making some efforts to free the captors.

Navy authorities in the state kept mute on the matter following an indication the affected vessel belonged to a powerful politician and retired senior naval officer from the state.

But the politician with the companies was said to have established contacts with the gunmen and gone far in negotiation for a ransom to free the abductors.

A senior security source, who spoke in confidence, confirmed the development and said the victims were still held by the kidnappers.

DAY OF DOOM FOR ABUJA CATTLE RUSTLERS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/day-of-doom-for-abuja-cattle-rustlers.html


Cattle rustling has become one of the major crimes facing the country and despite all efforts put forward towards tackling the menace, the crime continues to thrive. EJIKE EJIKE, in this report, writes on how the Nigeria Police dislodged some of these rustlers in Abuja.
Worried by the continuous activities of cattle rustlers across the country, especially in the northern parts of the country, a gallant team of police operatives attached to Kwali Divisional Headquarters on patrol in a Kwali village, dislodged and recovered one pump action gun, two live cartridges, 109 cows and 29 sheep from a dare- devil armed robbery syndicate which specialises in cattle rustling.
The syndicate which was reported to have rustled some cows and sheep from a community in Niger State were intercepted in a Kwali village on April, 26, 2017 at an ungodly time of about 1:00am, where a fierce gun battle ensued between them and the police patrol team.
The FCT Police PRO, DSP AnjuguriManzah, who confirmed the report said, “As a result of the professionalism, gallantry and superior gun power of the police patrol team, one of the hoodlums was shot dead while five of his accomplices fled the scene with varying degree of bullet wounds.”
Also, the commissioner of police FCT, CP Musa Kimo who commended the police operatives for their bravery and gallantry that led to the dislodging of the notorious cattle rustling syndicate, ordered for a massive manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
It could be recalled that the Nigerian Army also recovered about 300 cattle from rustlers in various parts of Zamfara.
Brig.-Gen. GinikanwaNwosu, Commander, 1 Brigade, who disclosed this, when he addressed newsmen said “the recovery was part of the myriad of successes recorded by the military in the fight against cattle rustling, kidnappings and other forms of armed banditry.
“We are recovering an average of 500 cattle from the rustlers weekly and we will sustain the tempo,” he said.
Nwosu further revealed that the military recently deployed more troops to various parts of Zamfara State to reinforce the fight against cattle rustling, kidnappings and armed banditry.
According to him, “Though there are some isolated cases of cattle rustling and kidnappings for ransom, the ugly situation will soon be history. We are doing all we can to combat the menace and very soon the situation there will be pacified.”
Recall that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, had inaugurated a 27-member implementation committee on the curtailment of cattle rustling in the country.
Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, IGP Idris charged its members to come up with policies and strategies to enable the police stamp out the menace of cattle rustling in the country. According to him, “I believe with proper coordination and synergy the problem of cattle rustling will be a thing of the past in Nigeria.”
He said the setting up of the committee was overdue, adding that cattle rustling and kidnapping were part of security challenges confronting the country.
With the enactment and enforcement of these laws, we will stamp out cattle rustling in Nigeria,” he said.
The police boss said that the standing committee was expected to advise the police from time to time on how to tackle cattle rustling.
The assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Animal Branch, Charles Ugomuoh, said that the committee would in exercise of its functions, set up other committees as the need arises.
The members of the committee in partnership with the police had the capacity to stamp out cattle rustling in Nigeria.
“This inauguration is a bold step on the police community partnership and collaboration for enhancement of community policing in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the members, GarbaSharubutu, pledged the commitment of the members in discharging their responsibilities based on the committee’s terms of reference. Ande urged the members to remain committed to the task assigned to them.
“We need to remain committed to our motherland and nothing will stop us from achieving result,” he said.
Also, part of the efforts made by the police to tackle this menace was the deployment of security dogs to remote and flash points areas of the country as part of efforts to curtail cattle rustling and boost the security situation in the country.
This move, according to the police, is expected to help combat this type of crime in the country.
According to AIG Charles Ugomoh, the IGP had approved the strategy, among others, that will curb cattle rustling.
“The Nigeria Police Force is giving zero tolerance to cattle rustling in Nigeria and, as part of its effort, the IGP, in furtherance to other machineries put in place, has approved the implementation of the communiqué for the curtailment of cattle rustling.
“With the acquisition and commissioning of three fully powered air conditioned dog trailers, the K9 operations would now be extended to remote areas and other flash points in the country to fight crime and criminality and to facilitate the Nigeria Police Force’s zero tolerance for cattle rustling,” he stated.
Speaking on the importance of dogs to security, the AIG said: “Today, we are witnessing a new trend of terrorism and other organised crimes. Trained dogs are indispensable in the deployment and sniffing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), narcotics, arms and ammunition, airport luggage compartment, among others. Dogs have proven to be dynamic and, when well-trained, use their natural odour instincts to march down the tide of crime and criminalities.”

Finally, Presidency Opens Up On Magu
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/finally-presidency-opens-up-on-magu.html

After maintaining what had been described as awkward silence for weeks, the presidency has finally made public its position on the rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the Senate.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who made the position known said whether he is confirmed by the Red Chamber or not, Magu can remain EFCC chairman.

we recalls that the rejection of Magu by the Senate had rekindled speculations about the seeming frosty relationship between the executive and the legislature

It became more apparent that the lawmakers were indeed set for a show down with the presidency when the Senate further refused to screen nominees for resident electoral commissioners (RECs) on the ground that Magu must first be removed as acting chairman of EFCC.

The upper chamber had also vowed that it will no longer consider Magu for confirmation if his name was sent to it again by the president.

But speaking with a group of select online newspapers on Tuesday night, Vice President Osinbajo declared that the acting chairman of EFCC enjoys his confidence and that of the president.

“The President reserves the right to say ‘this is who I want’. I am fully in support of Magu as the EFCC chairman just as the president is”, he stated.

Osinbajo who is a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) expressed the views of another learned silk, Chief Femi Falana (SAN) that there was no need to send Magu’s name to the Senate for confirmation in the first place.

Citing section 171 of the 1999 constitution to back up his assertions, he argued that although the EFCC Act requires that an EFCC chairman be sent to the Senate for confirmation, part of Section 171 of the constitution, which is superior to the act, does not mandate such Senate confirmation.

He said, “It is up to the Senate to make their judgement and it is up to us to say what we want to do. If our candidate is rejected, we can re-present him. No law says we can’t re-present him. And again, there is the other argument, whether or not we need to present him for confirmation and that is a compelling argument from Femi Falana.

“His (Falana’s) argument is that under the constitution, section 171, and if you look at that section, it talks about the appointments that the president can make. They include appointments of ministers, ambassadors and heads of agencies such as the EFCC. In that same section 171, the constitution rightly said that certain appointments must go to the Senate such as ministerial and ambassadorial appointments.

“Those of heads of agencies like the EFCC do not have to go to the Senate. That is what the constitution says. But the EFCC Act, which of course as you know is inferior, says that EFCC chairman should go to the Senate for confirmation. I am sure that even a pocket book lawyer knows that when a legislation conflicts with the constitution, it is the constitution that prevails”.

Agreeing with Falana categorically that there was no need in the first place to have sent Magu’s name to the Red Chamber, the VP said, “We did so and it was rejected by the senate, but I believe that it can be re-presented.

“ I don’t think there is anything wrong about the fact that Senate has rejected him. Senate has acted in its own wisdom to say ‘no, we don’t want him’ and we can say, ‘this is our candidate…, we like the gentleman and we want him to continue”, he added.

On the Department of State Security Service (DSS) report which indicted Magu, Osinbajo described it is “a robust expression of our institutions of government”.

He said it was an indication that the Buhari administration does not interfere in the works of its security agencies.

The VP continued: “We should commend the president for not interfering with what the DSS said. The DSS came up with a report and the man who was accused refuted it. PHe explained and gave a reason. When that happened, the president looked at what Magu said and what the DSS wrote and he said ‘I am satisfied with what Magu said’.

He then decided to retain Magu as the nominee for EFCC. I don’t see any reason why that should be contested. The president has not interfered with what the DSS said. If he wanted to interfere, he would have ordered the DSS to keep quiet. He didn’t do that, but he said ‘I don’t think the DSS report is meritorious enough to withdraw his nomination”.

Work on Lagos-Ibadan rail begins April 14 – NRC
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/work-on-lagos-ibadan-rail-begins-april.html


The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) says that the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail would begin on April 14.


The Managing Director of NRC, Mr Fidet Okhiria, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos.

Okhiria advised those who had encroached on the NRC land to start packing their belongings, to avoid their property being destroyed by bulldozers.

“Those that are due for compensation will be compensated because it is part of the contract.

“But those who encroached on the land have to leave the premises as soon as possible because the constructions will begin on Friday.

“We intentionally did not give permits to so many people because we know that one day, the land will be required.

“So we have already mapped out those places we need to remove and they are aware. We have told them to remove their valuables before the bulldozers start work,’’ he said.

The MD said the projects would bring lots of socio-economic development to communities and major town along the axis.

According to him, the NRC will deliver consistent services that will attract lots of commercial and social activities that will serve as employment to the teeming youths of the various communities.

The standard gauge is going to have two stations along the axis; we will have stations in Omin Adio and Moniya in Ibadan.

“The project will bring a lot of developments to the communities and improve the standard of living of people in the area,’’ Okhiria said.

The NRC boss also appealed to indigenes of the various communities to cooperate with the construction workers in the course of their duties.

He advised the people to give adequate support to workers, whenever the work gets to their villages.

Okhiria advised the people to have positive minds towards the projects, adding that government was determined to improve rail services in the country to international standard.

Andy Uba’s “forged” Certificates are with me -Lawyer

http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/andy-ubas-forged-certificates-are-with.html



A private investigator and Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Uwajeh has reacted to a petition written against him by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Andy Uba alleging blackmail, extortion and threat to life.



Speaking with journalists Wednesday in Abuja, Mr Uwajeh who is the subject of a petition before the Inspector General of Police IGP, said he never blackmailed the senator as there are pieces of evidence to question the fidelity of the lawmaker’s certificates.


“This is a case that is already in court, that is going through the judicial process. One of the things I sought in my plea in court‎ was for an order directing Sen. Andy Uba to collect the originals of his academic certificates being the doctorate degree in Buxton University, degree certificate in science from Concordia University Montreal, Canada, his WAEC certificate and the document from his Boys High School, Awkunanaw. All the originals are with me. Let him come and collect his originals and pay me my money”, he explained.


Uwajeh who paraded several documents including copies of Sen. Uba’s passports, said he is ready to testify against the Anambra senator, asking him to pay him his legal fees of £1.9 million pounds rather than trying to use state power to silence him.


“If I am not close to Andy Uba, I won’t have copies of his American and Nigerian passports which he gave to me in the process of working for him to get the UK authorities to lift the travel ban placed on him since 2008.


“In the process of trying to prove that he is a genuine character, he presented lots of documents to be presented to the United Kingdom authorities which included some forged documents, WAEC certificates and others which were part of the documents that were filed in court. So, it has become a public document especially as they have also been published in the media and when we wanted to verify the issues, WAEC confirmed that the certificate that Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba is parading is a forged one and I expected the authorities to look into this issue vehemently because the issue of forgery in the national assembly is now something of alarming proportion”, he said.


“In his newspaper interview, he alluded that I fought with Farida Waziri of EFCC and a host of other persons. I was engaged by EFCC, I had issues with them and was taken to court and I was discharged and acquitted. The issue he is bringing is irrelevant.


“The issue that concerns his certificates, I am not ready to go into it now but if the authorities want to investigate; if I am invited by the IGP, DSS or presidency to come and tender the originals of Uba’s (forged) certificates and let things be put right, I am ready and willing to do that”.


“I have never blackmailed Andy Uba, I have three powers of attorney signed by him and myself and I have done the job he asked me to do, to lift the ban on entering into the United Kingdom and after I have done everything, he has refused to pay me my legal fees of £1.9 million pounds”, he stated.


Sen. Uba had on Tuesday accused the lawyer of trying to blackmail him, urging the IGP to treat his petition “with your characteristic urgency and meticulousness”.


“As I stopped all communication with Mr. Uwajeh, his telephone calls and text messages even became more desperate and threatening. He would go between pleading for financial help to threatening in desperation. These text messages were sent vide mobile telephone number 0705155518 and +447424924346. These messages remain available for verification should the need arise.


”The character of Mr. Victor Uwajeh is not in question as there have been very strong allegations of similar nature against this man. The same allegations I make today were made by late Prof. Dora Akunyili, Mrs Farida Waziri, Mrs Cecilia Ibru among others”, Uba had alleged.

I'll resign if we don't make the World Cup - Rohr

http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/ill-resign-if-we-dont-make-world-cup.html

Gernot Rohr has promised to resign as Nigeria coach if he fails to guide the team to the 2018 World Cup.



The Super Eagles are top of Group B on the road to Russia 2018, having beaten Zambia and Algeria in their opening two matches.


Their next challenge is a double-header against new Africa Cup of Nations champions Cameroon in late August and early September - potentially decisive clashes in the pool.


The 63-year-old German acknowledges that the Indomitable Lions will be tough opponents, but is adamant that he will walk away from Nigeria if they stumble in the qualifiers.


“If we don’t win the World Cup ticket, for me I’ll say is goodbye, ” Rohr said on a SuperSport show, as quoted by Allnigeriasoccer.com.


“Though it is difficult against Cameroon, it is a challenge that am willing to take. However, if I fail, I’ll leave.”


Rohr has been in charge of Nigeria’s national team since August 2016.

BE READY TO FACE JUSTICE FOR VIOLATING ELECTORAL LAW – APC TELLS FAYOSE

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has vowed to snatch power from Governor Ayodele Fayose as the 2018 poll draws nearer.‬

‪The party also declared that Fayose must be ready to face justice for allegedly violating the electoral law in the 2014 governorship election.‬

‪The state APC Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye, who spoke on Tuesday at a rally organized by the party for members in Ado Ekiti Local Government said Fayose was being haunted by crimes allegedly committed against the constitution.‬

‪She said: “Fayose has been saying that he is about to be removed from office and we in the APC are saying a resounding amen to his prayer. We are taking over power from him and we are determined to chase him out of office. He is afraid of his own shadow.

‪”If he likes let him call thousands of press conferences. Ekiti people are tired of his government, civil servants, artisans, market women, youths, students, all of them are tired and they are waiting for APC to give them better life.”‬

APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said Fayose was being haunted by the alleged crimes committed against the constitution, saying the governor must be ready to face justice.‬

‪He said: “Fayose is jittery and he is being haunted by his past as regards to the 2014 election which he knows was manipulated through the muzzling of civic power of the people, using military apparatus and enemies of democracy to foist himself on Ekiti people.‬

‪”Fayose is an agent of destabilization in the Nigerian federation; his past is haunting him. You will recall that he took on the Judiciary in the past by beating up judges in the temple of justice, tearing tearing court record.”‬

source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/04/be-ready-to-face-justice-for-violating.html