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


Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday took on his Kano State counterpart, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, telling him that he would not be able to sway the voters in Edo State with his famed “illicit” access to the dollar in the September 19 governorship election.
Wike and Ganduje are heading the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign councils respectively.

“So, Ganduje, your dollar will not work in Edo State, we have integrity in our party,” he said in Abuja after he was inaugurated along with other members of the campaign council.
Wike was replying to the threat by Ganduje, that he would be isolated at an isolation centre for the APC to win the impending poll.

He said he was not the target of the isolation plan but the people whose votes the APC intended to manipulate with the help of the security agencies.
But Ganduje yesterday restated that the APC would win the forthcoming governorship election.

He said Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who is the PDP’s candidate in the election would lose to his APC’s rival, Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, because the governor had not done much to deserve a second term.

Speaking yesterday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja Wike replied Ganduje: “But let us understand the statement made by Ganduje; don’t look at it ordinarily. What Ganduje said is that they have concluded with security agencies to make sure that the people of Edo State do not protect and defend their votes; that they will not allow them to come out and before you know it, they will announce the result. So, he just used me to say that they will isolate me; no I am not at his level.

“What he was telling Nigerians is look in this election, we shall make sure that Edo people do not come out to vote; even if they vote, we will not allow them to protect and defend their votes.

“Edo people – now they have told you that they will not allow you to vote and even if you vote, they will not allow you to protect and defend your votes. It is a direct challenge to all of you leaders here from Edo State, because we members of the campaign council, we cannot vote because we did not register to vote in Edo State.”

Wike also warned security agencies not to take sides during the election.
He warned: “Any attempt to rig this election in Edo State, then we will all know whether it is better for us to remain here or not because Edo people have spoken and it is very clear. Let nobody make any attempt, Edo State has come back to the PDP.

“This election, we will win it and win it very well. Nobody can intimidate us.”
Wike said if anyone should be isolated; it must be Ganduje for his lack of moral integrity.
According to him, “A man who pockets dollar in babarriga from contractors is not isolated and you say that I should be isolated. In this country, where are we heading to?
“Let me tell you why they made Ganduje the chairman of the campaign council, it is because of the dollar they saw. But for dollar, Ganduje could not have been made the chairman of the campaign council. But what he doesn’t understand is that we from the Niger Delta, we shall chop his dollar and we will chop him into a comma.

“So, Ganduje, your dollar will not work in Edo State, we have integrity in our party.
“How do you think we shall lose the election in Edo State? In 2016, we never knew the candidate had a lot of problems and that was why the people of Edo State listened to Oshiomhole at that time – you can see a party that has no principle.

“A man that they said poured acid on another person’s manhood. I didn’t say so – it was Oshiomhole that said so. And to tell you that you can never trust this government, and they said that the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Anti -Corruption was the chairman of the panel that indicted their so-called candidate now. Prof. Itse Sagay, speak up now, tell Nigerians whether you are the one that indicted him or not.
“Oshiomhole said that this man that called himself a pastor is a terrible liar; so, they know that they have no candidate.”

He said he accepted to head the campaign council to ensure PDP’s victory in the election.
“Let me state that the terms of reference are very clear that we should make sure that the result is according to the will of Edo people, I want to assure you that by the grace of God nothing will stop us from victory,” he stated.

He commended the governorship aspirants for accepting to work together, explaining that is why Obaseki is not having a sleepless night, he can now rest well, no litigation and that is what is expected of an opposition party.

“I urge the leadership of the party to make sure that we have the same thing in Ondo State so that Ondo will be in the kitty of PDP come October,” Wike said.

Earlier in his speech, the National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said: “For us in PDP, the Edo election has been made easy going by the records of achievements of our flag bearers, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his running mate, Philip Shaibu. What we seek, therefore, is a level-playing field where the peoples’ votes will count.”
He added the PDP is demanding a free and fair election as was the case when Oshiomhole won the election twice from an opposition party.

“Let me warn that APC might be standing on the excitement of its previous rigged elections in Osun, Ekiti, Kano, and Kogi States in the past and think that their victory at the tribunal legitimises their underhand act but they forget to put into consideration the anger of God and the people to evildoers who refuse to change,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to rise and defend their votes.
He commended Oshiomhole for making the work of the PDP campaign committee easier having supplied the party with all the information needed to establish to the people of Edo State that Ize-Iyamu is not a suitable material for the position and that the PDP candidate is the one fit for the job.

Ize-Iyamu will Win Edo Governorship Poll, Says Ganduje

Ganduje yesterday said the APC would win the forthcoming governorship election as Obaseki has not done much to deserve a second term.
Ganduje, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Abba Anwar, said the APC would play the electoral game in Edo in total compliance with the Electoral Act.
He urged Edo people to vote for Ize-Iyamu for the state to develop.

Ganduje said Obaseki had too many hurdles that would inhibit his victory.
He said: “Obaseki has failed to deliver to his people. He would be shocked at the polls.
“The art of governance is to provide social and economic development, infrastructural facilities, peace, and stability.

“But all of these are lacking in Edo State under Obaseki.
“What has he put on the ground to show to Edo people that he deserves re-election?
“He has 53 cases in court and is busy fighting with his people. Apart from these litigations, he just cross-carpeted to another political party and abandoned the governance of his people. How can he be returned?”

Ganduje described Ize-Iyamu as a man of God whose commitment to the service of his people made it deserving for all his people to follow him to APC.
“Osagie Ize-Iyamu has his people at heart. Obaseki does not. When Ize-Iyamu joined our party he came with all his people.

“But when Governor Obaseki crossed over to PDP, he was followed only by his cabinet members. This is because the people did not see any reason why they would follow him,” he said.

SOURCE: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/08/your-dollar-will-fail-in-edo-wike-tells-ganduje/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il67BL5GKRI

The Nigerian man who was filmed being tortured by a dreaded Pakistani gang after he was used as collateral has been identified as Ekenedirichukwu Innocent Chima.



A video of him has been released to assure Nigerians of his safety after a group of wealthy Igbo men came to his rescue and contacted the gang leader, Nuruz, to let him know as they will pay to secure Chima's release. They also assured Chima that they will not abandon him in Pakistan.



Apparently, their video was shown to Chima and he also recorded a video of his own to thank the Igbo men working to save him.



He said he saw the video and thanked them for their kindness. He also thanked Nigerians and assured everyone that he's still alive.



Recall that Chima was used as collateral by a man named Andrew. However, Andrew absconded afterwards and the Pakistani gang tortured Chima and threatened to kill him on July 10 if Andrew doesn't return with their money.

SOURCE: https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2020/7/nigerian-man-held-as-collateral-and-tortured-by-dreaded-pakistani-gang-thanks-nigerians-for-coming-to-his-aid-video-2.html

CHIDINMALOVE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INtPNX9Ls10

Former Acting Managing Director of Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh has revealed how she was pressured to take oat of secrecy.

The former Acting MD made who this known when she appeared before Senate adhoc Committee investigating NDDC said she would have been jailed if she had succumbed to Akpabio’s ‘oath of secrecy’

Nunieh accused the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio of pressuring her to take the oath of loyalty, but she resisted
She explained that, the oath would have held her spell bound to be used to siphon the NDDC funds without being able to resist as a result of the oath placed on her.

Nunieh explained that Akpabio pressured her three times to place her under oath to the extent that they took the matter to the Villa, as she vehemently resisted.

She feared that she would go to five years imprisonment if under Godswill Akpabio’s oath she commits infraction on the Public Procurement Act and wasn’t able to speak out, while he will be going about a free man.

Nunieh said: “He told me to take an oath. Though he denied that, he told me, three times until we had a reconciliation at the Villa in the office of Mr Abba who is the S.A. to the President on domestics.

“In that meeting was Alhaji Maikano and he said the only condition is when I take the oath and I didn’t take the oath and will never take it.

“After that, he said, he was going to remove me and he started the campaign of calumny against me. I didn’t even answer him because the fact will speak for itself.”

On the procurement process, Nunieh said,“I refuse to go with him to the FEC meeting to deceive Mr. President and the reason is because the law says if I contravene a section of the procurement Act, it’s five years imprisonment without an option of fine.

“So if I had gone with him to deceive Mr. President I would have been in trouble because they said it’s 2020 budget, but Akpabio went and got approval when the budget was not ready.”

Nunieh further explained her position on the controversial contracts in the NDDC denying that she never made any payment without Akpabio’s knowledge.

“One of the issues raised against me was that I awarded contracts without them knowing about it. Am sure that is what they told you people yesterday.

“Apparently, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh never sit in the office, so he never know the workings and the bureaucracy of payments in the office.

“One, I am just a viewer of a platform that made payments in NDDC. There are different steps to take before payments are made in NDDC. One there is the issue of lassa fever which obviously they didn’t carry that one along.

“Nobody make payments in NDDC without Godswill Akpabio’s consent. When we first came to NDDC on the day of inauguration we were going to the camp, he told me Madam MD, if you don’t do what I said, the same pen I used in signing your letter; that is the same pen I will use in removing you.

Narrating further, Nunieh said: “He said the first thing I should do, when I get to Port Harcourt, is to change dollars in NDDC account into Naira. I told him, I am scared to do that. He claimed that I have poverty mentality that I was afraid of money. All of you knew he accused me on that, saying I am afraid to spend money.

“After two days, he came to Port Harcourt and told that what I should do is to change dollars and I said I cannot just do that. He said I remove Mr. Katulgo from legal and send me on compulsory retirement and he said we cannot have a northerner as head of the legal unit.

“I said, I cannot do that. I do not have the powers because I am just an IMC. It’s a criminal offence, and against public service rules for me to do that. He said I should repost all other directors that refused to take his instruction during my predecessor’s time, that is the person who was there before I came.

According to Nunieh, Akpabio wanted Senator Peter Nwaoboshi who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on NDDC and that of his House counterpart, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo implicated for their resistance to the idea of Interim Management Committee at that time.

“So, he came and ask me to draft a letter on my letterhead implicating Senator Peter Nwaoboshi for collecting contracts in NDDC. I told him that I will not do that I am a lawyer and who alledges should prove. He said Senator Nwaoboshi is giving us trouble and beside, he didn’t recognize the IMC. I said I will not do that letter. He said I was ungrateful and I refuse to do that letter.

“Dr. Cairo now said he will do the letter. He said if Akpabio asked him to kill, he will kill before he ask why did he kill and I said, for me, I will not do that. At that place, there was one Mr. Etiebet who was the only NDDC staff that was present at that meeting. He now asked Dr. Cairo to go and sent for letter headed from the office. They now went and send for the letter headed. Dr, Cairo now did a letter which I want to tender at the Ad-hoc Committee before I came late alleging that Senator Nwaoboshi had contracts and I said if I signed, any document from me seen by Mr. President, he will believe. So I will only write that EDP who should know about it.

“The next thing he told me is that I should make sure these people, leaves the procurement because apparently Akpabio before I came when himself and Festus Keyamo became Ministers, in their first meeting, they awarded 30 contracts of water hyacinths.

“Mr. Linus who was Director Finance refused to sign because it didn’t follow due process. He also said, I should implicate the Chairman, House Committee on NDDC because the Chairman of House Committee has gone to Ondo State to hold a meeting to plan against him. I said, I don’t know that one, I have never seen him. But for Senator Nwaoboshi, he was my classmate at the Law school and we were called to bar the same day, however, I didn’t see him since we were called to bar, I didn’t really remember him and that was about thirty years ago.

“When we finished that, Akpabio said I should bring all things and start pay, I said, I cannot pay for water hyacinths because the budget for water hyacinths was about 3 to 5 billion I cannot remember exactly the figure now.

“The NDDC before I came has overstretched for about 50 billion for hyacinths and so the National Assembly has written us that we should not pay for anything like that. Guess what, Akpabio never signed any documents. He will always refuse to sign, but tell you to go and commit fraud.

“For instance, he told me to go and raise a memo for an emergency contract for flood victims. You people remember that there was flood which we went to Channels AIT and all that.”

The investigation has been concluded with expectation that the report would be submitted to the Senate in two weeks time.

SOURCE: https://elombah.com/nunieh-how-i-resisted-akpabios-oath-of-secrecy/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtWSvNn9yjw

Apparently, thugs were even sent to disrupt her open confession. Our political leaders na wahh ooo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtWSvNn9yjw

Suspected thugs disrupted a press conference by Joy Nunieh, former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), on Friday.

Akpabio and Nunieh had appeared before a senate ad hoc panel investigating the alleged mismanagement of N40 billion by the interim management committee (IMC) of the NDDC.

At the hearing, Akpabio said he did not know the expenditure of the NDDC under Nunieh because she refused to give him briefings.

“She does not pick my calls until one day she came to my house and told me I have five minutes,” the minister told the senators.

The former minority leader reportedly pushed for the sack of Nunieh.

After the hearing, the minister, flanked by his aides and supporters, spoke with journalists. He denied that he got a N300 million fencing contract from the commission, an allegation levelled against him by Peter Nwaoboshi, chairman of the senate committee on NDDC.

After Akpabio left, Nunieh also spoke with journalists.

She alleged that while she was NDDC acting MD, Akpabio wanted her to take “illegal actions”.

“I challenge him to say that he did not give me any oath on the certificate of no objection that he has. I’m proud and I must encourage all Nigerians that we must save this country,” Nunieh said.

“He said I did not bring money and that I was talking to ministers against his presidential ambition. He gave me a list of people to employ, I said I will not employ them because the youths in our zone have not gotten jobs.”

While she was still speaking, the thugs disrupted the conference and this made journalists flee to safety.

SOURCE: https://www.thecable.ng/video-suspected-thugs-disrupt-press-conference-of-ex-nddc-md-at-senate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJY3xUueDJo

In the above video, a man who is from the South western region of Nigeria is seen calling on his brothers and leaders from the same region to wake up to the realities been with nested in the south west states.

While driving through a street in Lagos, the man noticed a number of young men trekking in the opposite direction.

According to him, the young men trekking are Igbo youths who despite little to no transportation available to take them to their various businesses, have decided to trek to their shops.

The man is heard in the video saying that most of the Igbo traders come from their villages with little or no money, but after years of dedication and hard work in their businesses, become billionaires and millionaires, while the Yoruba youths are being used as political thugs and touts at bus stops.

According to him, the Igbo men end up buying lands and properties owned by the Yorubas.

How true is this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm82W7I1rDQ


Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Prof. Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei, has vowed to quit his position if the ongoing Ad-hoc Committee probe proves any financial malfeasance against him.

He was speaking on oath on the second day of the Senate Committee’s public investigative hearing on Friday in Abuja, while also reacting to the submission by some stakeholders who alleged that the NDDC boss was involved in contract splitting, and kickbacks of 20 – 30 percent.

Chairman of NDDC Contractors Association, Mr. Joe Adia after submitting a memo to the investigative panel had also in his oral submission explained that Contractors who agreed to part with 20-30% were those that got paid.

According to him, he has evidences to show to the Committee, noting that he was happy seeing the NDDC boss, Prof. Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei listening to him.

When asked by Senator Chukwuka Utazi, representing Enugu North Senatorial district and a member of the Committee, if he could substantiate, Adia said he wouldn’t do that openly to avoid intimidation and victimization of the affected contractors, but promised to make them available at a closed-door session.

The Association Chairman challenged the panel to call for NDDC boss’ bank account and compare figures with what he earns officially.

“Distinguished members of the Committee, I challenge you to order for the MD’s bank account to confirm what I am saying.”

“The IMC would ask for 20 or 30% depending on the contract sum and while some of my members would decline, if they agree, and also with Bank charges, nothing will be left.”

In his reaction, Pondei dismissed the allegations before the Senate Committee, saying: “If anyone has any evidence that I collected even one percent from any contractor, let him present it and I will resign instantly.

“We need to be very careful in making spurious allegations that distract the NDDC,” he maintained.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/10/nddc-n40m-alleged-scandal-i-will-quit-if-found-culpable-md-pondei/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3TI99Hps_I

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was established in 2003 by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. According to information gleaned from its website, the EFCC Act mandates the commission to combat financial and economic crimes and also to prevent, investigate, prosecute and penalise economic and financial crimes. The commission is as well charged with the responsibility of enforcing the provisions of other laws and regulations relating to economic and financial crimes, including: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act (2004), The Money Laundering Act 1995, The Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004, The Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 1995, The Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act 1994, The Banks and other Financial Institutions Act 1991; and Miscellaneous Offences Act.

The commission has a board comprising of the following: The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; a representative each of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Justice; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; Director General, National Intelligence Agency; Director General, Department of State Services; Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission; Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; Commissioner for Insurance; Postmaster General of the Nigerian Postal Services; Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission; Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Services; Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Services; Inspector General of Police; four eminent Nigerians with cognate experience in any of the following areas of human endeavours, finance, banking or accounting; and the Secretary to the Commission.

Since the Commission was established, it has had four chairpersons, namely, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (2003 – 2007); Mrs. Farida Waziri (May 2008 – November 23, 2011); Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde (November 23, 2011 – November 9, 2015) and the incumbent, Ibrahim Magu, who, until his suspension on Tuesday, was appointed on November 9, 2015. It is instructive that one thing common to all of them is that controversies trailed either their appointments or performances in office. Curiously, they were all alleged to have abused their office with some doses of corrupt practices.

Ribadu was not only removed from office but demoted from the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police to Commissioner of Police. He reportedly survived two assassination attempts. He was alleged to have been involved in abuse of human rights of suspects among other things. Instances were cited of the agency under him using a few members of the state Houses of Assembly to impeach Governors Diepreye Alamieyesiegha of Bayelsa State and Joshua Dariye of Plateau State in order to strip them of immunity and pave the way for their prosecution.

Waziri was allegedly removed from office for falling out with then Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, over the prosecution of cases that the commission brought before the court. It was also alleged that Waziri might have compromised the investigation into financial misappropriation against a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipreye Sylva, and that of former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion. However, former President Goodluck Jonathan in the Vanguard newspaper of February 11, 2020 claimed that he removed Waziri from office due to “disenchantment from many Nigerians and mounting international pressure against Mrs. Waziri’s continued stay in office”. As such, she was removed in the national interest.

As regards Lamorde, The Cable of November 9, 2015 reported that “One George Uboh had petitioned the Senate, alleging that Lamorde failed to remit more than N2.05 trillion, being funds recovered from corrupt leaders. He was also accused of diverting over N1 trillion recovered from the sale of confiscated properties belonging to convicted officials including the late Alamieyesiegha, and Tafa Balogun, a former Inspector-General of Police.” But he denied all the allegations.

Of the four chairpersons of the EFCC, the most controversial is the embattled Magu who was appointed to replace Lamorde. He was twice denied confirmation by the eighth Senate on the strength of an indicted memo against him by the Department of State Services. On Monday, July 6, 2020, he was dragged before a presidential probe panel headed by former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami (retd.). This newspaper in its July 7 edition reported that, “It was learnt that 24 allegations were levelled against Magu who has been acting as chairman for almost five years. Most of the allegations, it was learnt, emanated from a report by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and a DSS report which was submitted to the Senate in 2016 and 2017. The EFCC boss was accused of living above his means, fraternising with corrupt persons, diversion of recovered funds and many others. He was also accused of insubordination.”

Other allegations levelled against him by Malami include, “Discrepancies in the figures of funds recovered by the EFCC, disposing of assets, especially buildings seized from corrupt politicians and others, without approval, or knowledge of the AGF’s office, which is the supervisory ministry of the EFCC.”

Since the story broke, I have been on several media channels to discuss it. The media outlets include, Kiss 99.9 FM Abuja, Nigeria Info 95.1 FM Abuja, Family Love 99.9 FM Umuahia and Voice of America. My take on Magu’s probe, however, is that as desirable as it is, due process should be followed. I despise the manner of his forced invitation by the interrogators akin to arrest and his detention. Why should he be invited on the day he is supposed to appear before the presidential probe panel? The DSS knows his home and office and should have sent his letter of invitation to the panel there. Why ambushing him on the street and rail-roading him to forcefully go before the probe panel? Why was the probe panel secretly empanelled and its members and terms of reference not made public? Why were the media not allowed to cover the probe?

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (reed.), must have seen what most Nigerians cannot see in Magu. Interestingly, Nigerians had high expectations that he would be dropped and replaced when the DSS indicted him in its report to the Senate in 2016 and reconfirmed that report in 2017. However, Buhari kept Magu as the EFCC chairman in perpetual acting capacity. Even at that, according to Section 3 of the EFCC Act 2004, the tenure of chairman of the EFCC is four years subject to reappointment. Until his suspension, Magu was in his fifth year as acting Chairman of the anti-graft body and I never had that he was reappointed for the second term. Is this an error of omission or commission on the part of the President?

Magu, however, has done his own bit and there are reports that his achievements in office in terms of recovered loot, and conviction of suspects far outweigh those of his predecessors. It may well be because he is the longest serving chairman of the Commission. Under our jurisprudence, a suspect is deemed innocent until proved guilty. So, it could be safe to say Magu is deemed innocent and hoping he gets a fair hearing from the presidential probe panel. It will be a great injustice if his rights are abused and he’s humiliated out of office. Many keep wondering why all chairmen of the EFCC were embroiled in controversies. Is it a case of the oft repeated corruption fighting back?

Wherever this Magu saga will end, I hope it will not dampen the spirit of staff of anti-corruption staff in general and those of EFCC in particular. Rather, I hope it will boost their morale and strengthen the fight against corruption. We should be mindful of the fact that the international community is watching and will form their opinion on whether the Buhari regime’s anti-corruption fight is a ruse or real.

Beyond Magu and its travails, I align my thoughts with those of the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and representative of Transparency International in Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, that Nigeria needs a legal framework on asset recovery and management. Indeed, there is a need for a central database where all government agencies involved in asset recovery such as the police, Nigerian Customs Service, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission and the likes will register the assets they have recovered from suspects. Disposal of such assets should also be transparently done.

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/magus-travails-and-efcc-controversial-chairmen/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n18VEDop3JA


Police operatives attached to the Special Tactical Squad have arrested a seven-man criminal gang that attacked and robbed three comm​ercial banks in Ondo and Ekiti between 2019 and 2020, killing innocent citizens including six policemen and carting away several millions of naira.

Investigation reveals that the armed robbers -- Tunbosun Ojo, Ismaila Ojo, Victor Oyeyemi, Dele Ariyo, Shola Oladimeji, Olubodun Folayemi and Adeniyi John – carried out the robbery of a commercial bank in Ile-oluji, Ondo State on February 7, 2020 where four policemen were killed.

Similarly, they were also involved in the robbery of a microfinance bank in Idanre, Ondo State in December 2019 and a commercial bank at Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State where two policemen lost their lives.

Efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang still at large and to recover other sophisticated weapons used in the operations, Force spokesperson, Frank Mba,.said in a statement.

In a similar vein, 23 other suspects were also arrested by the police operatives for their involvement in various crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, car snatching at gun point, amongst other offences.

The following were recovered from the suspects: one AK49 rifle, one AK47 rifle, two pump action guns, five locally made guns, 19 locally made short guns, 125 cartridges, 145 AK47 ammunition, locally fabricated explosives and a Toyota Corolla vehicle with Reg. No. LSR 490 GC.

The suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

SOURCE: http://saharareporters.com/2020/07/09/seven-persons-arrested-multiple-bank-robberies-ondo-ekiti-others

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8958OUtijMo


The Senate ad-hoc committee investigating the N40 billion corruption allegation against the interim management committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was stunned on Thursday when an official accused unnamed members of the parliament of ‘hijacking’ the commission’s budgets over the years.

In his submission, at the hearing, the acting deputy director, projects, NDDC, Cairo Ojougboh, said the budgets of the commission ”have always been hijacked by the leadership of the committee on NDCC from both chambers for their personal gain”.

He asked the National Assembly ”to let the commission function in peace.”

“The budget(s) of the NNDC from 2001 till date, has (have) always been hijacked by the two chairmen of the committee; the chairman in the house and the chairman in the Senate,” the angry official said. ”Not one kobo has been misused since the coming of the IMC.

“We want to beg the National Assembly that they should allow the people of the Niger Delta to grow. Since the inauguration of the IMC, we have not known peace. It has been one false allegation after another.

“Some contracts supplied to ‘an NDDC warehouse’ along Benin-expressway. The warehouse belongs to Peter Nwabaoshi (a senator). About 2900 emergency projects were awarded and Mr Nwabaoshi collected 1000 of them saying he will distribute them among senators and House of Representatives members. But when asked, lawmakers denied receipt. We are being accused because we are working for the region and because they want to take over the commission.

“NGOs were paid N50 billion but they (chairmen, committees of both chambers) cut it to N49 billion each. They want us out to put people they can control.”

Tense session

The Senate and House of Representatives are probing an allegation the NDDC interim committee ‘squandered’ N40 billion within three months. They also seek account for other financial transactions within this period.

At the investigative hearing on Thursday, the lawmakers grilled members of the board who appeared before the committee over alleged discrepancies in the budget submitted by the commission, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The chairman of the committee, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, pointed out that while the commission said it spent N81.5 billion, the AGF submitted N82 billion and CBN submitted N92.2 billion between October 2019 and May 2020.

The committee sought explanations as to how other allocations in the budget were implemented. They include:

Condolences – N122 million, Consultancy – N83.3 million, N3.14 billion – COVID-19, N486 million – Duty Tour Allowance (out of which the current EIMC spent N305.3 million between February and May 2020).

Others are N1.9 billion – Lassa fever intervention spent by both IMCs, N900 million – Legal Services, N61 million – Logistics, N2.6 billion – medicals.

Defence

Although there was no tangible explanation for the differences in the budgets submitted by the commission, the AGF and CBN, the Acting Managing Director, Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei, however, said the EIMC ”inherited so much debt that needed to be cleared upon assumption of office.”

He also said allowances like duty tours were not paid to staff for years hence the need for such allocations.


He further said the NDDC has not awarded any contract apart from the COVID-19 contract awarded by the president.

“We refused to do so, so as not to add to the confusion. The major interventions for COVID-19 were medical, palliatives, publicity,” he said.


Mr Ojougboh also denied allegations that the commission sacked some of its staff.

“Anyone who has said they have been sacked or suspended let him bring the letter. We have not sacked or suspended anyone. No one is being witch-hunted. Staff on leave are receiving full salaries,” he said.

Earlier, a representative from the Office of the Accountant General, Slyvia Okolie, said the OAGF submitted the NDDC’s audit report from 2016 to May, 2020 to the committee.

He said in 2017 – N64 billion, 2018 – N71 billion, 2019 – N71 billion, January – May 2020 – N34 billion has been released to NDDC.

Quarterly releases were suspended since June pending the outcome of the investigation, he said.

The investigative hearing will continue on Friday, the chairman said. All invitees are expected to be present – including the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, who failed to show up.

This is not the first time the lawmakers would be having a faceoff with another government official over the activities of an agency or ministry.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the minister of labour, (state), Festus Keyamo, accused lawmakers of trying to manipulate a recruitment process to their advantage.

SOURCE: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/402100-nddc-budgets-hijacked-by-nigerian-lawmakers-official.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n18VEDop3JA


Police operatives attached to the Special Tactical Squad have arrested a seven-man criminal gang that attacked and robbed three comm​ercial banks in Ondo and Ekiti between 2019 and 2020, killing innocent citizens including six policemen and carting away several millions of naira.

Investigation reveals that the armed robbers -- Tunbosun Ojo, Ismaila Ojo, Victor Oyeyemi, Dele Ariyo, Shola Oladimeji, Olubodun Folayemi and Adeniyi John – carried out the robbery of a commercial bank in Ile-oluji, Ondo State on February 7, 2020 where four policemen were killed.

Similarly, they were also involved in the robbery of a microfinance bank in Idanre, Ondo State in December 2019 and a commercial bank at Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State where two policemen lost their lives.

Efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang still at large and to recover other sophisticated weapons used in the operations, Force spokesperson, Frank Mba,.said in a statement.

In a similar vein, 23 other suspects were also arrested by the police operatives for their involvement in various crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, car snatching at gun point, amongst other offences.

The following were recovered from the suspects: one AK49 rifle, one AK47 rifle, two pump action guns, five locally made guns, 19 locally made short guns, 125 cartridges, 145 AK47 ammunition, locally fabricated explosives and a Toyota Corolla vehicle with Reg. No. LSR 490 GC.

The suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

SOURCE: http://saharareporters.com/2020/07/09/seven-persons-arrested-multiple-bank-robberies-ondo-ekiti-others

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahD86bgVOCE

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has appealed to residents of the State to take personal responsibility to curb the spread of Coronavirus, as he imposed curfew on Bonny Local Government and Onne Community.

He also cautioned that with the commencement of inter-state travels and domestic travels, residents must be cautious in relating with friends and relatives coming from heavily impacted areas like Lagos and Abuja in line with the established protocol of 14 days Isolation.

Wike made the appeal in Port Harcourt today in a state-wide broadcast.

He stated that to sustain the progress made in the state, the State Security Council has imposed a night time curfew from 8p.m to 6a.m on Bonny Local Government and Onne Community in Eleme Local Government with effect from July 10, 2020 until further notice.

“As at July 8, 2020, the COVID-19 status of our State is as follows: Total samples collected: 4573, Total samples tested: 3871, Total confirmed cases: 1235, Total discharged cases: 810, Total active cases: 382, Total death: 43, New cases: 30.

“From the first days of this virus, we took serious measures and literally set the pace in our country to slow down the spread.

“We have noticed that most affected people are resorting to self medication instead of presenting themselves for treatment at the State’s Treatment Centres.

“Those who experience symptoms of fever, cough, loss of smell or taste and shortness of breath, among others should present themselves for appropriate treatment at the expense of the State Government.

“Furthermore, in the face of increasing infections and systemic risk to public health and safety, most residents have continued to disregard the mitigating protocols with reckless abandon.

“Public and private transporters, business owners and churches are refusing to adhere to the relevant protocols,” he said.

Government, he said, is also appraising the prospect of opening markets as soon as it is satisfied that it is safe with appropriate guidelines on social distancing, hand washing and wearing of face masks.

Wike announced the setting up of a Joint Taskforce made up of security and civilian personnel to enforce the wearing of face masks.

The Governor assured all health workers, including doctors and nurses that government would continue to cater for their welfare as they continue to serve the state at grave risks to their own lives.

He added that government would not fail to do whatever it takes to slow down the spread of the virus.

SOURCE: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/07/08/covid-19-wike-imposes-curfew-on-bonny-onne/

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

Buhari seeks Senate’s replacement of 2 non-career Ambassadors-designate

The Senate on Wednesday received a request from President Muhammadu Buhari for the replacement and confirmation of two non-career ambassadors-designate.

The request was contained in a letter read during plenary by President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan.
The president sought to replace the earlier nomination of Mr Oboro Akpabio and Brig.-Gen. Bwala Bukar from Akwa Ibom and Borno.

The letter reads: “In accordance to Section 171(1)(2)(c) and subsection (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Mr. John Usanga and retired Air Commodore Peter Gana from Akwa-Ibom and Niger State respectively, as non-career ambassadors-designate.

“The Senate is kindly requested to recall my earlier submission of Mr Oboro Akpabio and Brig.-Gen. Bwala Bukar from Akwa Ibom and Borno vide letter dated June 17.

“I substitute Mr Oboro Akpabio with Mr John Usanga (Akwa Ibom ). I replace Brig.-Gen. Bwala Bukar (Borno) with Air Commodore Peter Gana (Niger).”

But coming under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Philip Aduda, protested the exclusion of a non-career ambassador from the FCT.

According to him, the only FCT indigene presently serving as a non-career ambassador in Sierra Leone, Hafiz Obada, was not re-appointed.

“For the ambassadorial nomination for the non-career, nothing has been said about the one for FCT.

“It has been silent and we have an ambassador who is already sitting in Sierra Leone, his name is Ambassador Hafiz Obada.

“We don’t know what becomes of his fate because other states have been told to remain in their stations or they have been re-appointed.

“My issue is that is it at this time FCT will now lose an ambassador. It is worrisome to me and the people of the FCT. Sitting here, names have been called for all other states except FCT and we have one.

“Now that particular non-career ambassadorial slot for the FCT is being taken away otherwise we are also entitled to have, and that is what I have consistently said since this list came out.

“So, Mr. President, I hope something can be done to this to help the people of the FCT. We don’t get Ministerial nomination, we don’t get so many of these things, but the small ones that we have is about to be taken away which should not be so”, Aduda said.

Lawan, in his remark, described the lawmaker’s complaint as valid, saying it was constitutional for an indigene of the FCT to be appointed as a non-career ambassador by the President.

“I sympathise with the FCT but I know there were 12 non-career ambassadors who were retained.

”I don’t know if you have an FCT indigene among those 12, probably you should check that to see if you would see any FCT indigene, but your complaint is very valid.

“What I’m going to advice is maybe we need to take more political action, so that it doesn’t always come like it is an after-thought.

“The FCT is to be treated like a state, that’s what the constitution states, so you deserve one like any other state deserves”, Lawan said.

SOURCE: https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/buhari-seeks-senates-replacement-of-2-non-career-ambassadors-designate/1sslm79

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh7ixqtVN8Q

SPECIAL REPORT: Unforgettable timelines in the battle to sack EFCC boss, Magu

The nation’s media space was agog Monday with the reported arrest of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Though the DSS has since denied arresting Magu, just as another piece of report indicated that he was only facing a presidential panel, the way and manner his invitation to the panel took place speaks volume, underscoring the various controversies that have trailed his tenure as the helmsman of the anti-corruption agency.

According to reports, operatives of the DSS had accosted Magu while he was about driving out of the Wuse II Abuja annex office of the EFCC, informing him of an invitation to the panel. Efforts made by security details to thwart what was seen by many as his arrest could not save the anti-graft czar from being whisked away.

For keen followers of the chequered tenure of Magu as the EFCC helmsman, the new turn of events may not come as a surprise as Magu’s tenure has continued to generate controversies.

From open spat with top government officials, including ministers, heads of arms of government and the refusal of the National Assembly to confirm his appointment as the substantive chairman of the EFCC, Magu has been in the face of the storm.

Ripples Nigeria presents some events that have defined his tenure and some pointers to the fact that a day like this has long been in sight.

December 15, 2016

The Senate, which is saddled with the power to confirm nominees by the President, on this day rejected the nomination of Magu as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC.

The reports reads:

The Senate, on Thursday, rejected the confirmation of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

Ripples Nigeria had earlier exclusively reported that out of anxiety, Magu had recruited Ali Ndume to intensify lobby of lawmakers who can sway the pendulum in his favour.

The report also noted that senators were in possession of a damning report from the Department of State Services (DSS).

Also earlier, before the screening exercise, Ndume, obviously in defence of Magu had engaged his colleague from Kogi State, Dino Melaye, in war of words over the confirmation hearing of Magu.

Spokesman of the Senate, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, who briefed National Assembly correspondents, confirmed Ripples Nigeria report that the rejection of Magu was based on ‎a ‘worrisome’ security report, made available to lawmakers by the Department of State Services (DSS).

March 15, 2017

After the initial rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the EFCC chairman, President Muhammadu Buhari, again, re-presented him for confirmation by the Senate. He was however again, rejected on March 15, 2017.

The report reads:

The Senate has again rejected the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Magu was first rejected on the 15th of December, 2016 based on a report submitted to the Senate by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Lawal Daura.

This was the second time the Senate was rejecting Magu since he was appointed in an acting capacity since November 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The rejection followed a heated questions and answers session between Senators and Magu. The question and answer session was part of the confirmation process for Magu.

Magu was grilled on issues of human rights abuses, abuse of court processes and judgments, as well as loss of human lives in EFCC cells.

Magu responded to questions on a report of the Department of State Services (DSS) which claimed that he corruptly enriched himself since he joined the commission in 2004.

He also dispelled claims that he accepted to stay in a house rented for him by a former Air Force officer who is currently facing corruption trial in one of the courts in the country.

The second rejection of Magu was based on another report from the DSS which maintained the same position that he would constitute a problem to the ongoing anti-corruption fight.

Announcing the rejection after an hour 30 minutes grilling by the Senate, lawmakers claimed that another report from the DSS again indicted Magu.

In the letter signed by an operative of DSS, one F.O. Adams on behalf of the Director-General, the Service said the only difference between the old and the new report is the cover note.

In the cover note of the new report, sighted by Ripples Nigeria, the DSS boss reinstated his earlier position, saying that the Service was standing by its earlier claims.

“We want to reiterate our earlier position that we stand by our report, dated 3rd of October, 2016. Everything in the earlier document stands,” part of the cover note of the new report read.

March 25, 2017

In a move that may have been aimed at justifying the rejection of Magu, the office of the Attorney General of Federation confirmed the receipt of the damning report of the DSS on Magu.

Ripples Nigeria reported it as follows:

The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) is now in possession of the Department of State Security (DSS) report that sealed the fate of Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Magu recently failed Nigerian Senate’s screening for confirmation of his appointment, having been renominated a second time by President Muhammadu Buhari after a failed previous effort.

Buhari, rejecting the initial DSS report and relying on the advice of the AGF, Abubakar Malami, had told the Senate that Magu was without any blemish that could stop him from picking up the strategic portfolio.

However, the DSS, in a report laden with 12 documents, laid the facts of Magu’s breaches of the trust of office before the AGF.

Signed by Folashade Bello, on behalf of the Director-General of the DSS, the report noted specifically that:

“This is a copy of the confessional statement of Air Commodore Mohammed Umar (retd.), a suspect hitherto detained and currently being prosecuted by the service.

“The statement confirms his ownership of Valcour SA Nigeria Limited, a company awarded the contract of securing and furnishing an official residence for Ibrahim Magu by the FCTA. Investigations revealed that this was facilitated after Magu was earlier shown the residence by one Uche Aleka, a close business associate of Umar who was introduced to Magu by the former.”

Alleging that Magu was in the habit of sharing top secret documents with the said Umar, the report added, “This is a copy of progress report with reference number SH/COS/24/A/7277 dated 25th May, 2016 on NNPC/NLG Brass Investments Accounts in Nigeria commercial banks from Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari, to the acting Chairman of the EFCC chairman. The letter is an official/classified document of the EFCC, which was duly received by the commission as indicated by the stamp on the document. However, it was recovered at Umar’s residence.”

It concludes, “It has exposed Magu as a fraudulent officer and betrays the high confidence reposed in him by the President.”

March 25, 2017

Basking in the euphoria of denying Magu a confirmation, the Senate, through its then spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdulahi, released a statement, saying the upper chamber of the National Assembly had been justified.

Here is the report:

The Senate says it’s position on EFCC’s acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, and why it refused to confirm his appointment has been justified.

Spokesman of the Senate, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi has stated that the leaked report of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) sent to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, on the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Magu has vindicated the decision of the legislative chamber to reject his nomination as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement he signed Saturday in Abuja, Abdullahi stated that: “Following several calls made to me today by journalists seeking my comments on the leak report on Mr. Ibrahim Magu which was more damning than the one submitted to us, I can only say that myself and my colleagues have been vindicated.

“From that report which is now public, it is obvious the DG SSS even tried to give Magu soft landing in the report that was sent to the Senate. The recent report is messier and shows that our decision not to confirm his nomination was right.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians to continue to have full confidence and trust on the Nigerian Senate as it discharges its responsibilities according to the letter and spirit of the Nigerian constitution”, he stated.

August 24, 2017

Magu’s problems was not just with the Senate, as he has had a number of spats with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who is supposed to be his supervising minister.

Malami on this date accused Magu of playing ignoble roles that led to the suspension of Nigeria from the Egmont Group.

Below is the report:

The feud between the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, took a new turn for the worse as the AGF on Wednesday alleged that Magu’s “ignoble role” was what led to the suspension of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) from the Egmont Group.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Malami alleged that Magu had frustrated efforts geared towards making the NFIU independent of the EFCC as required by the global body of financial intelligence units.

It will be recalled that following Nigeria’s suspension from the Egmont Group earlier in the year owing to what the group cited as lack of independence of the NFIU owing to perceived undue interference largely from the EFCC, the Senate hurriedly passed the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency bill which will grant full autonomy to the body, separating it from the EFCC.

The EFCC had criticized the move, interpreting it as a calculated effort to limit its powers, a position shared by some civil society groups but one which is opposed by the AGF’s office. The AGF had praised the move as a wise and timely intervention by the lawmakers.

This development is coming as Magu and Malami are still locked in bitter disagreement over non-release of requested corruption case files. Magu had despite repeated requests by the AGF declined to send over case files resulting in heated public exchanges, a situation which some say merely reflects a deeper issue.

Many will read these new comments by the AGF as further confirmation of his widely speculated long-held sentiments against the EFCC boss, and perhaps the clearest sign yet of a festering long-drawn fundamental disagreement.

In the statement, Malami observed that “the threat of expulsion from the Egmont Group” that might follow the suspension, “calls for a thorough review of the NFIU.”

He added that it also warranted a review of “the manner in which the EFCC leadership has manipulated and misused intelligence to the detriment of the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.”

The AGF narrated different instances where Magu had frustrated bills sent by his office aimed at enhancing the anti-corruption fight and making the NFIU independent.

The statement which was titled, ‘EFCC ignoble role that led to Nigeria’s Egmont suspension’, stated in part as follows:
“…It is a sad tale to tell how the Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu-led EFCC has frustrated these efforts and even had to resort to blackmail in some instances oftentimes, alleging that the AGF and the ministry were all out to impede the government’s anti-corruption drive. Magu and other EFCC officials; and atimes through online publications; had at one time or the other accused the minister of trying to compromise the war.

“They have always perceived the Office of the AGF as a threat instead of addressing the issues related to the best strategy to fight corruption advocated by the AGF.

“For instance, during the House of Representatives Committee review session on 18th April, 2017, Magu vehemently rejected the new Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2016 submitted by the President; which according to him, as reported by some national dailies; might prejudice President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption agenda. He even went on his whimsical best by surmising that passing the bill into law now will affect Nigeria’s application for the membership of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). What parody!

“In likewise, the EFCC is now in a state of paranoia, as it dreads the effort of the government to have an independent NFIU which it has stood against stoically since 2006.

“As it presently stands, the NFIU members of staff are all deployed by the EFCC to serve in the interest of whoever is its current chairman.

“This has to stop if it must conform to the new thinking and global best practices. Nigeria cannot be an island of its own.”

It noted that the EFCC “cannot fight corruption in isolation.”

February 9, 2018

Malami was not the only minister that had disagreements with Magu or queried his work at the EFCC.

A former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun had queried Magu on the figures the EFCC had been quoting in the media as monies recovered by it.

In a February 9, 2018 letter, Adeosun wrote to Magu: “This is to notify you of the records of cash asset recoveries in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from May 2015 till date based on information available to the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (attached),” the letter read.

“It has, however, come to the notice of the ministry of finance, the use of recovery figures in media reports by the EFCC that do not reconcile with the records of the ministry.

“You are, therefore, kindly requested to clarify where these cash recoveries have been deposited and provide accompanying evidence.”

June 19, 2020

In what many say may have been the final onslaught against Magu that led to the events of today, July 6, 2020, the Attorney General, Malami, in a damning report, accused Magu of several infractions, 22 in number, emphatically recommending his sack to President Muhammadu Buhari, who has solidly insisted on Magu’s stay in office.

Here is the report:

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, has written to President Muhammadu Buhari to have the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Ibrahim Magu relieved of his office.

The AGF listed 22 offences allegedly committed by Magu, for which he should be sacked.

Magu has been in acting capacity since the National Assembly twice refused to confirm his nomination to head the anti-graft agency after the president sent his name to the federal lawmakers on both ocassions.

The AGF, among other things, accused Magu of insurbordination, and discrepancies in the figures of funds reportedly recovered by the EFCC.

He was also accused of disposing of assets, especially buildings seized from corrupt politicians and others, without approval, or knowledge of the AGF’s office, which is the supervisory ministry of the EFCC.

Although the EFCC boss is said to have supporters at the presidency, who have been speaking in his defence and giving reasons why he should not be sacked, there are feelers that the president may be forced to act on Malami’s complaints, and set up a body to look into the allegations against Magu.

SOURCE: https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/icymi-special-report-unforgettable-timelines-in-the-battle-to-sack-efcc-boss-magu/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzsgJ6ZdhSg

A woman is seen in this viral video, thanking God for saving her life and that if her family,after the watermelon they bought exploded when they went to cut it open.

She claimed she bought the watermelon from an Aboki the previous day. They decided to eat it the next day.

After morning devotion the following morning, when they got to the kitchen to peel the watermelon, they found out the watermelon had exploded and its contents had spilled on the floor.

Rather than count her losses on the money spent buying the fruit, the woman thanked God that they had not eaten the fruit the previous night because they don't know what made the fruit explode in the first place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7qwilTk0Co

172 Evacuees from Uganda and Nairobi arrive Nnamdi Azikiwe Int’l Airport, Abuja at 10:20 am local time via @flyairpeace Flight B777-200 from Nairobi today, Wednesday, 1st of July, 2020.
Some of the Evacuees will disembark in Abuja while others will proceed to Murtala Muhammed Int’l Airport, Lagos.

The exercise was put together by our Mission in Nairobi, Kenya in collaboration with the Mission in Kampala, Uganda.

All Evacuees tested Negative to #COVID19 and will now proceed on 14 days SELF-ISOLATION as mandated by @NCDCgov, @Fmohnigeria and PTF on #COVID-19.

https://twitter.com/nidcom_gov/status/1278263499081334785?s=19

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6u4OLvYh4E

Unfortunately, they had no face masks on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeCqnX2lPnM

''It was hell'' Peter Okoye shares his experience after himself, his wife and daughter tested positive for COVID19

Singer, Peter Okoye, this afternoon revealed himself, his wife Lola and their daughter Aliona, tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.

In a video he posted online, Peter said he was the one who first tested positive with the virus.

''For the past three weeks, I have been ill and most people didn't even know what was wrong with me. I kept it to myself. It has been three weeks of hell for me and my family.

I had COVID19 for about three weeks and it happened to me.

I was sick and I tested positive.

The reason why I came out to say it is because I am going to encourage a lot of people concerning this whole social distancing, getting used to sanitizing your hands, disinfecting your environment, wearing your face mask and all that.

It's been hell for this family in this house. Not just me. Even two of my domestic staff.

After a week, my daughter caught the virus as well. It was sad that when she caught it, the doctor insisted that she has to be self isolated in her own room but my wife did something very courageous. She said no.

I was sick and I was being self-isolated in my guest room. I couldn't even see my sick daughter and I was feeling so bad. I felt so bad because I felt that I am the one who actually brought the virus to the house. It was so bad that I had to be calling her on video, checking on her.

The next day, my wife did someting very courageous. She picked our daughter from her room, held her and took her to the master bedroom and she called me and she started crying. I asked her what happened and she said I cannot live this girl alone. I would rather be infected and be with her.

Five or six days later, my daughter was pronounced negative. When she was pronounced negative, we knew it wasn't going to end there. The next day, Lola became positive. It has been hell but we had a bad experience.

I just want to tell everybody that this COVID19 is real. Don't take it for granted.

I am happy to announce that my wife, myself, our daughter and two of our domestic staff all of us are now negative''he said

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NfxbcTh8TE


Abiola Ajimobi has tasked Muslim faithful and Nigerians, in general, to reflect on the essence of the holy month of Ramadan and its message of tolerance as well as forgiveness of sins.

He also speaks about death and heaven in this video.

Never knew he was such a spiritual man. May he rest in peace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBL8_y7rma4

No fewer than 2,178 workers of the Lagos State Management Waste Authority (LAWMA) from 66 routes of operations at the weekend protested and quit their jobs in demonstration against their two months unpaid salaries.

The peaceful protest led by the LAWMA contractor, Mrs. Ola Williams, popularly known as Iron Lady, held at the State House, Marina, Lagos, called on the new LAWMA Managing Director, Ibrahim Odumboni, to pay them their pending salaries of May and June as well as for April for some workers.

According to Williams, despite giving in their best in discharging their duties as sweepers of the state, even during the lockdown, those manning the 66 routes under her care from the 673 routes in Lagos are being maltreated.

“We are not treated well. Why would the 66 routes under my care be neglected? They are widows, single mothers and the aged, and left without money to care for themselves.

“We will go nowhere. We must get our salaries. I am ready to die for my people,” she protested.

Unanimously, she and all her workers, who sat on the ground outside the State House, chanted: “We quit. We are no longer interested in working. Pay us our salaries.”

While the officials, mostly aged women, decried being neglected and left to starve, they called on the First Lady of the state, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, to come to their aid as a fellow woman.

“Our First Lady, Mrs. Ibijoke, as a fellow woman, please come to our aid. We need your intervention,” Willians lamented before the officials and armed security men manning the State House.

While speaking to the female government official, who addressed the leader of the protesters, she said: “All we want to know is when he is paying us. We have heard this before. We are no longer working. We resign, and we want to know when he paying us.”

One of the women, Sherifat Yusuf, 60, decried profusely: “I beg you in the name of God, Mr. Governor, please pay us our salary. I have a sick husband to care for. He has stroke. Please pay us our money.”

While expressing her grievance, another woman, Mrs. Selimot Yusuf, 77, called on the state governor to have mercy on them, adding: “Have mercy on us, and pay us our money. We are hungry. Please have mercy on us.”

And in their final submission, the entire workers unanimously dumped their uniform at the State House to further express their grievances.

Speaking to journalists, one of the protesters, Mrs. Olayemi Dada, said: “This act of dumping our uniforms symbolises that we are fed up. We quit. Give us our three months salaries.

“Some of us are widows, single mothers and aged, yet we worked hard. We will continue to fight for our rights.”

Among the 66 routes of their operation are Mile 2, Ibeju-Lekki, Ile-Epo, Berger, Alimosho, Ojo among others.

SOURCE: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/06/22/2178-lawma-workers-resign-demand-two-months-unpaid-salaries/

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

The governor of Imo state, Sen Hope Uzodinma, has boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not only field candidate for the Edo state governorship election but will also win the election.

Governor Uzodinma, who is also the chairman APC primary election committee, however blamed enemies for the current crisis rocking the ruling party, arguing that they are merely envious of the growith of the party.

Speaking while accepting the responsibility assigned his commitee, Governor Uzodinma, described the APC as a party to beat in any part of the country today.

“It is my honour on behalf of my Committee to accept this very rare confidence reposed on us by our great party to go and conduct this process that will produce our guber candidate for the forthcoming Edo governorship election.

“I want to thank the Almighty God even when I know that this is coming at a time that our party is greatly challenged by some handiworks of our enemies and those who think the party has grown into national envy. I want to assure the leadership of the party and indeed the entire membership in the country that we will go and do justice to this assignment and we will not disappoint all reasonable expectations.

“I want to remind all of us that APC is the party to beat anywhere in Nigeria. The party is growing from strength to strength on daily basis. The tendency for people to become envious and the process want to create distraction has also become very high but we must rise to the occasion to do just all that will make our party be what the people expect.

Events of the past few days have shown that some people are after us and we must buckle our seat belts. We will face the turbulence but I am confident that our aircraft will get to the destination. We must field a candidate and our party must be ran by those elected to run the party by us. And by the Grace of God, we will win the election in Edo,” he said.

Fielding questions from newsmen after the inauguration on the state of the party, the Imo state governor said: “The purpose of disagreement is to agree. As we trying to disagree in our great party, we are disagreeing to agree. It therefore goes to show that the party is growing from strength to strength.

“All the internal disagreements, the party Constitution is fashioned in a manner that it has provided for ways and means of resolving these disagreements. And this that has just happened a couple of days ago will not be an exception. I think in our usual manner, working with the party leadership, we will resolve all areas of disagreement and we will all be united together and stronger to go into the election in Edo state.

“In their wisdom I have been appointed to chair the committee to conduct the primaries, I have been given the guidelines to drive the exercise. You are aware there is also global pandemic, COVID-19 and there are some local legislation in Edo state, there is a law that does not allow more than 20 people to gather at a place, that is the beauty of direct primary.

“When we get to Edo, we will deploy the necessary manpower to the various polling unit with instruction that will not violate the local legislation that will enable our members not to gather more than 20 people at a place and by so doing, with a segmented apporach, we will conduct a free and fair primary and our party will be happy that we did,” he assured.

SOURCE: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/apc-ll-field-candidate-win-edo-election-gov-uzodinma/

EzzyCarter:
The main prayer is may we not jam agbako . No matter how careful one is, na God fit save person. Imagine bringing her over in the afternoon and something happens to her. Although OP definitely has a point. Bringing a girl to pass the night in times like these is high risk asides the whole girl dying scenario, consider your own safety as well.

Had this experience with a lady. We weren't dating but we used to hang out and feck each other's brains out. So she came to sleep over that night (her first time). We kept chatting and stuff and aunty kept asking me when I'd sleep. Lmao. As a real gee, I never sleep with my two eyes open. She later slept off and then I did too. Woke up by midnight to see her bending over me in bed checking to see if I was still sleeping. So I pretended I was still sleeping. (I even gave her fake snore) . She stood up and tip-toed to where her bag was. She took out a razor blade and a small paper and came over to the bed. She softly grabbed a few strands of my hair, trying to cut it with the blade. Twas then I held her hand and I shoved her and rose up then she started begging and all. She said she was pranking me. What kinda prank is that? The rest is history sha.
I cant imagine what would av happened if she had succeeded in stealing my hair tho... be careful out there guys. Not every lady you see is an angel . God save us all..

Guy.... Your own na still JJC compared to my experience.... Mine did not need a blade..

I was in my final year in the uni then and this babe who thought I was drunk after drinking some bottles of big stout, used their hands to pluck my public hair and threw it in her mouth when I opened my eyes . ...... Na so I grab her throat.... She dey form say she dey choke. ..... I didn't care, I told her the only way I would leave her throaty was that she spat all the contents in her mouth out.....

What exactly them dey even use person hair do?

TONYE001:
Everyone in this video should be isolated immediately.

The cameraman too.

There was no need for them to even wear face masks in the first place

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GxYB-Kt4PU

Four men couldn't even put him into an ambulance.... The man strength reach Samson own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQI7XWhxNbI

According to NCDC boss Chikwe Ihekweazu who was grilled by Reps members, So far, FG has released two tranches of funds to the NCDC. The first was preparedness release before the outbreak reached Nigeria of N620Million. In addition, 5 billion was released to NCDC to enable response activities.

Details of expenses

N380Million on procurement medical and laboratory supplies,

N258Million in the deployment of rapid response teams across the country

N192Million in the emergency procurement of medical equipment

N142Million in the engagement of ad-hoc staff

N101Million on surveillance and response activities

N41Million on various repairs reconstruction work

N34Million on training

N22Million on supporting the supply chain

N6Million in risk communications

N41Million on tax

In total they NCDC has spent a total of N1.2Billion in the response of Covid-19 in Nigeria. Of the remaining funds, the NCDC boss says that they have mapped out some of the funds for various activities such as increase lab capacity, among others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wt6IpAVpGk

Boko Haram/ISWAP: Nigerian military gives update on troops operation in last one week

The Nigerian army has provided the latest update on troops’ operations in the North East and other parts of the country in the last seven days.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have been on the offensive against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists mainly through the Land and Air components of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The statement read: “This morning, I will be briefing you on operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies across the country, in line with our routine. Categorically, the various operations have progressed successfully in all our theatres of operations in the last week.

“In the North East, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have been on the offensive against the terrorists mainly through the Land and Air components of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. The significant feats achieved in this theatre include deletion of key BHT/ISWAP commanders, destruction of their logistics bases and cutting off their supply routes. Equally, their camps have been in disarray as a result of the killing of some of their key commanders through airstrikes and artillery bombardments on their identified locations. This is additional to the aggressive mobile clearance operations and air interdictions. Thus, the terrorists now carry out attacks in depleted strength on soft targets which are being effectively countered by the gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

“Following closely, in the North West and North Central parts of the Country, the gallant troops through land and air offensives successfully neutralized 392 bandits since the commencement of Operation KATSINA, which seriously degraded the bandits and other criminal elements in the two zones. Consequently, those bandits that escaped resorted to reprisal attacks on civilian targets.


The Nigerian army has provided the latest update on troops’ operations in the North East and other parts of the country in the last seven days.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have been on the offensive against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists mainly through the Land and Air components of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.


The statement read: “This morning, I will be briefing you on operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies across the country, in line with our routine. Categorically, the various operations have progressed successfully in all our theatres of operations in the last week.

READ ALSO: Crisis in Aso Rock: Presidency backs Buhari's aide against Aisha
“In the North East, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have been on the offensive against the terrorists mainly through the Land and Air components of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. The significant feats achieved in this theatre include deletion of key BHT/ISWAP commanders, destruction of their logistics bases and cutting off their supply routes. Equally, their camps have been in disarray as a result of the killing of some of their key commanders through airstrikes and artillery bombardments on their identified locations. This is additional to the aggressive mobile clearance operations and air interdictions. Thus, the terrorists now carry out attacks in depleted strength on soft targets which are being effectively countered by the gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Gov. Wike issues warning to Bonny Kingdom
“Following closely, in the North West and North Central parts of the Country, the gallant troops through land and air offensives successfully neutralized 392 bandits since the commencement of Operation KATSINA, which seriously degraded the bandits and other criminal elements in the two zones. Consequently, those bandits that escaped resorted to reprisal attacks on civilian targets.


However, Operation ACCORD was preemptively planned by the High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to handle this situation. In this regard, the Chief of Defence Staff ordered the commencement of Operation ACCORD from 1 June 2020.

“Let me state here that, Operation ACCORD is a joint operation involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies. It is a concomitant operation by all the theatres of operations in the North West and North Central regions of the Country targeted at tackling banditry and other criminal activities. In this regard, all identified hideouts and hibernations of the enemies will be decisively cleared through land and air combat actions. This can easily be achieved through the provision of credible information that can translate to actionable intelligence. Thus, the general public is hereby requested to avail the various operational outfits in their locations with this highly desirable information, to enable the Nigerian Military and other security agencies to achieve the set objective.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2020/06/04/boko-haram-iswap-nigerian-military-gives-update-on-troops-operation-in-last-one-week/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0atYQ8Gjbng

London (CNN)British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's car was involved in a minor accident as he left the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.

As Johnson's car left Parliament to drive the short distance to Downing Street following the weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions, a group of protesters ran towards the car, prompting it to come to a sudden halt.
The collision left a large dent in the Prime Minister's car.

The collision left a large dent in the Prime Minister's car.
A security car following the Prime Minister's vehicle then ran into the back of Johnson's car, leaving a visible dent.

The story came to light after a video of the crash circulated on social media

SOURCE: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/17/uk/boris-johnson-car-crash-gbr-intl/index.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzoELxQKY9k

"Release our husbands for us. There's no Coronavirus" Wives of Egbin power station workers storm the company's residential estate to demand that their husbands be released

Wives of Egbin power station workers made a scene as they called for their husbands to be released to them.



Staff of Egbin power station, in Egbin-Ikorodu, have reportedly been banned from going home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are expected to remain within the company's residential estate to avoid Coronavirus.



According to a source who spoke to LIB, the staff were told that if they leave the premises of the estate, they stand to loose their jobs.



However, wives of the workers, who have not seen their husbands for weeks due to the official decree, stormed the estate where staff of Egbin power station workers are housed.



In a video making the rounds, the women threatened that they will take action if they return after 25 hours and their husbands have not been released to them.



"Release our husbands for us. There is no Coronavirus," the women called from the gate to estate.



A source who spoke to LIB said: "The wives are protesting for the management of the power holding company to let their husbands come home.



"The electricity company has been privatised now. The Asians in charge call the shots and they have given them a choice. Either stay back and work or go home and be jobless."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2bSvkFOCic

Pastor filmed harassing ladies over their dressing and threatening them with hell while doing street evangelism

A woman has shared a video showing the moment a pastor harassed her and her friend and threatened them with hellfire over the way they were dressed.



The women said they were around Ozone, while walking to Yaba, when the man walked up to them and started harassing them.



Sharing a video of the pastor, Chiderah wrote: "So I and my friend were walking to the market and this man kept harassing us in broad daylight saying he’s a preacher and our sunshades won’t help us in hell. Mountain of fire pastors hope y’all can find this person and act accordingly. Kindly tag relevant authorities please."

Chiderah's friend added: "So, it was I and @chi_derah that were walking to Yaba & somewhere around Ozone, this guy just walks to our side and says 'repent or you will go to hell, these sun shades you're wearing won't help you in hell.' At first, I didn't even grasp what he said until he said it again but this timed louder than before.



"He kept pointing at us and saying we like things the world & our dressing will take us to hell. I'm literally wearing joggers and a t-shirt with a tied scarf on my head and @chi_derah is wearing a long-sleeved."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_vvtSwCgWI

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday stated that Nigeria can turn the coronavirus pandemic into an economic victory.

Osinbajo said this at the State House in Abuja after presenting a well prepared post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Osinbajo led the Economic Sustainability Committee to submit the report entitled, “Bouncing Back: The Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan”.

The President is expected to approve the recommendations of the report which contains modalities and policies that would strengthen businesses in the country as well as provide jobs for the teeming masses amid the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Osinbajo said: “We are confident that if the proposals are taken as a whole and implemented conscientiously, Nigeria will avert the worst of the impending economic headwinds, and convert this crisis to a victory for the Nigerian economy.”

Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-can-turn-covid-19-pandemic-to-economic-victory-osinbajo/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA20xjnmm2k


A man who goes about impersonating Mike Ezuruonye has been exposed after a White woman he tried to scam recorded the video call.
.
Mike Ezuruonye shared a video of the call and called on the Nigerian police, EFCC, FBI, and Interpol to go after the man.
.
In the video, the Caucasian woman is seen telling the Nigerian man that she has divorced her husband and she will give him some money from her divorce settlement.
.
However, she made it clear to him that she's aware that the Mike Ezuruonye profile he's using isn't his.
.
She asked him to promise that he will close down the fake profiles and that he will stop going after women for money.
.
She said if he does, she'll send him money from her divorce settlement and a picture of her divorce papers by Monday.
.
Mike said this is just one out of multiple impostors. He added that their actions have caused him embarrassment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If-HhBnkY0Y

The national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki and other aspirants who were disqualified from the Edo governorship primary to appeal the decision if they feel the need to do so. Oshiomhole made the statement on Friday, June 12, shortly after the APC screening committee announced that the incumbent governor of Edo state, Obaseki, and two other aspirants had been disqualified from contesting in the Edo governorship primary, Legit.ng reports.

The national chairman of the APC urged disqualified aspirants, who believe they have a case, to appeal. Oshiomhole said the appeal committee of the party is ready to hear appeals from the disqualified candidates. He commended the screening committee for carrying out their duties.

Meanwhile, in another report, the APC has been tipped to win the 2020 governorship election in Edo state despite a festering internal crisis bedeviling the party, a poll has shown.

Edo APC chapter has been embroiled in the eyes of a storm following a power feud between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his former godfather Adams Oshiomhole over the control of the political structure of the state.

The crisis degenerated into a big mess with two warring parties interlocking in public spat towards the build-up to the state gubernatorial election scheduled for September Some political experts and critics have predicted that the crisis will result in defeat for the party in the coming election. But a poll by Legit.ng has shown that APC may cruise to victory in the state despite the internal unrest that has seen the party enmeshed in unresolved differences.

SOURCE: https://www.legit.ng/1338333-edo-election-oshiomhole-obaseki-appeal-disqualification.html