The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has commenced the sales of foreign exchange to the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in the country.

The CBN made this known in a circular signed by Dr Ozoemena Nnaji, Director Trade and Exchange Department, and addressed to authorised dealers and BDC operators on Thursday.

The bank said the step was part of efforts to enhance accessibility to foreign exchange, particularly to travellers following the announcement of the limited resumption of international flights by Minister of Aviation.

“The CBN hereby wishes to inform the general public that gradual sales of foreign exchange to licensed BDC operators will commence with effect from Sept. 7.

“Consequently, purchase of foreign exchange by BDCs shall be on Mondays and Wednesdays in the first instance. The BDCs are to ensure that their accounts with the banks are duly funded with the equivalent naira proceeds on Fridays and Tuesdays accordingly.

“Meanwhile, authorised dealers of Deposit Money Banks shall continue to sell foreign currency for travel related invisible transactions to customers and non-customers over the counter upon presentation of relevant travel documents, passport, air ticket and visa.

“All authorised dealers and BDC operators are hereby advised to ensure strict compliance with the provision of the extant regulation on the disbursement of foreign exchange cash to travellers as any case of infraction will be appropriately sanctioned,” it stated.

https://www.inform.ng/post/cbn-resumes-sale-of-foreign-exchange-to-registered-bdc

A Yola High Court presided over by Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri has sentenced five men to death for culpable homicide and for killing a Fulani herdsman.

The convicts, Alex Amos, Alheri Phanuel, Holy Boniface, Jerry Gideon and Jari Sabagi of Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
They are facing the hangman because according to Justice Waziri, they were found guilty of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide which contravened Section 96 (1) (a) and Sections 79 and 221 (b) of the Penal Code of Laws of Adamawa State, 1997.

The convicts were said to have on June 1, 2017 at Kodamun village in Demsa local Government Area willfully and intentionally conspired and attacked three herdsmen rearing cattle, killing one of them, Adamu Buba, whose body they threw into a river and also maimed several cows.
Justice Waziri said the case against the accused persons had been proved beyond reasonable doubt by the counsel to the state, Mr. Salihu Mohammed.

Justice Abdul Azeez ruled that, “I hereby sentence the accused persons on counts one and two to death by hanging, while on counts four and five, I sentence the accused to three years in prison to run concurrently. “Any aggrieved party is at liberty to file an appeal to the Court of Appeal, Yola Judicial Division within 90 days from today.”
Investigation further revealed that the five Christians had suspectedly attacked late Adamu Buba who was one of the ring leaders who attacked their village in 2016 and killed 48 persons.

As part of their reprisals against Fulani herdsmen who had burnt down their village of Kodamun in which 48 persons were killed mobilised and chased Buba to a nearby river and he felled into the river but got drowned as he could not swim.


https://www.inform.ng/post/5-christians-sentenced-to-death-for-killing-fulani-herdsman

Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed its members to boycott a press conference planned for Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation.

In a statement on Friday, the chapter asked journalists not to attend any activity organised by the former minister.

This came days after Fani-Kayode insulted a journalist for asking him what he described as a “stupid question” at a press conference after his tour of Cross River state.

Details Shortly…


https://www.inform.ng/post/nuj-boycotts-press-conference-by-ffk-as-he-visits-akwa-ibom

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has welcomed the life sentence for Christchurch terrorist, Brenton Harrison Tarrant.

Tarrant, an Australian, was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

The 29-year-old gunman killed 51 people and injured 40 others on March 15, 2019.

He is being sentenced on 51 murder charges, 40 attempted murder charges and one terrorism charge.

Morrison said on Thursday that all Australians were “horrified and devastated’’ by Tarrant’s “despicable terrorist act’’.

“Justice today was delivered in New Zealand to the terrorist and murderer for his cowardly and horrific crimes and attacks on a Christchurch mosque.

“The world must never see from, of him, or hear from him ever again,’’ he said in a statement.

“I pay tribute to the Muslim community of New Zealand and also of Australia, who have supported each other in these very difficult times,’’ he said.

Winston Peters, Deputy PM of New Zealand, has called for Tarrant to serve his sentence in Australia so that New Zealand taxpayers aren’t burdened with the cost of his imprisonment, according to The Australian report.

Morrison said on Friday he was “open” to the discussion but a formal request has not been made.

“Whether he is held in Australia or New Zealand, we are open to that discussion,’’ he told Seven Network Television. (Xinhua/NAN)

https://www.inform.ng/post/new-zealand-judge-sentences-terrorist-to-life-imprisonment-for-killing-51

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has declared that he will not waste a minute in signing the death warrant of the man who was sentenced to death by the Sharia Court for insulting Prophet Muhammad.

The governor stated this at a gathering of religious leaders, legal practitioners security personnel and government officials at the government house Kano on Thursday.



However, Governor Ganduje explained that the law of the land provides that the convicted person has the right to appeal within 30 days which if it elapses and the warrant is brought before him he will sign it.


“The court has done its job and as a government we have provided the needed security.

“The judgement has taken place and the law of the land allows the person convicted to appeal further within 30 days to the High Court and to the Appeal Court and to the Supreme court as the case may be.

“Should at the end of it the warrant is presented before me, I will not waste time in signing it.

“On the second hand, if he does not appeal within the specified period, I will not spend a minute in signing the death warrant” the Governor stated.


Also speaking at the gathering the Kano state chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA Aminu Sani Gadanya stated that the state NBA is in total support of the court judgement. He however reminded the the public that the law of the land provides that the convicted person has the eight to appeal and the state can only execute the judgement after the convicted person has exhausted all his rights to appeal.

“Our stance as NBA in Kano is that we accept the death sentence on the man that insulted the Prophet Muhammad and it should be implemented.

“According to the law of the land he has the right to appeal within 30 days. It should be noted that the Governor’s hands are tied and cannot immediately sign the warrant as the convicted person can go from the Sharia court to High Court, to Appeal Court and to the Supreme Court. It is only after the process that the warrant can be prepared for the Governor to sign” the NBA chairman said.

Also, leaders of the various Islamic sects in the state, including Tijjaniyya, Qadiriyya and Izala, who spoke at the event declared support for the judgement and called on the Governor to ensure that he signs the warrant when it is presented to him.


https://www.inform.ng/post/blasphemy-ganduje-nba-support-death-sentence-for-kano-musician

– Lionel Messi could be on his way to join Premier League side Manchester City

– The Citizens are ready to offer Barcelona Gabriel Jesus and massive amount

– Messi has never played for any other club in his career than Barcelona


Premier League side Manchester City have reportedly offered Barcelona mega million plus Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus for them to sign Lionel Messi this summer.

Lionel Messi handed in a transfer request following a fallout between him and newly appointed coach Ronald Koeman.

Valverde was fired with Barcelona at the top of La Liga and his replacement, Quique Setien, was sent packing when Bayern Munich demolished them 8-2 in the Champions League.

The news of Lionel Messi wanting to leave Barcelona came as a shock for all the club’s fans considering the number of years the Argentine has been with them.


There have been discussions among Barcelona chiefs since Lionel Messi made it clear that he wants to leave, but it seems the Argentine is not reversing his decision.

And according to the latest report on Daily Star, Manchester City are also ready to sign Lionel Messi with the club offering Barcelona Gabriel Jesus and cash.

But it is not clear if Barcelona will want to accept Gabriel Jesus considering the fact that they have Ousmane Dembele.

The Catalans will also be welcoming Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho back to the Nou Camp after leaving German side Bayern Munich winning the Champions League.


https://www.inform.ng/post/city-to-offer-jesus-to-barca-plus-huge-cash-for-messi

By: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

As the formidable family of IPOB Worldwide continues to mourn our braves - the #Enugu21 who fell in Defense of Freedom, I bring you the sincerest words of comfort and fortitude from the very depths of my heart.

I recognize the enormous burden this struggle has brought on our members and those that are not members but support what we do. Our various nuclear families have also suffered untold. I comfort and condole you all.

The burden of restoring Biafra is herculean and it crystallizes in the constant danger of being killed by wanton acts of Nigerian State terror unleashed by a terrorist Federal government that has successfully cowed our elected and non-elected leaders.

Since it’s now clear that those that call themselves your leaders are imprisoned by fear, I say to you - fear not; for victory and succor shall be ours in no distant future and any Biafran blood lost in this epic struggle will be requited manifold.

In my most private moments - when I reflect on this struggle and it’s fallouts- I have often been tempted, like Christ, to ask that this cup be passed from me. I’m sure you all feel the same in many fleeting moments of despair that is common with the fragile human spirit.

Yet, even as a mere mortal, I dare not relent because I know for sure that mine is a divine and generational call. I know that I must make this personal sacrifice for the collective and eternal good of our people. I ask you all to do the same, even as it is a great burden. A burden borne in blood, honor and self-denial.

Thus, I shall persevere until Biafra is restored. I ask that you do likewise. For, it is only when we demonstrate to our enemies and friends alike - the sheer will of the human mind and the indomitable spirit to free ourselves that they can take us seriously.

Yes, it’s true that we have no guns and no army but in the minds of our members lies the greatest weapon of all - the will to be free from domination and terror, the will to succeed, the will to survive, and the will to build one of the greatest nations that the world is yet to see. And soon to see.

The Biafra that lies in your spirit, the Biafra that propels you to agitate - is the greatest weapon, far greater than any guns, bullets and battle tanks. Be strengthened in the assurance that you are not alone. You are a legion.

Let this be clear: All that participate or assist in the unlawful taking of the lives of any Biafran will - thenceforth - be adequately requited through every lawful means available to us. Such lawful means include the right to self-defense, the right to repel every unlawful act of State and non-State terror.

And to those of you - Biafran or not - who have chosen the path of indifference to the human carnage and fratricide that has become Nigeria of this era, I leave you with the poignant words of Elie Wiesel, who said:

“Indifference is not a response. indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor - never his victim - whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten. And in denying their humanity, we betray our own”.

Mr Wiesel captures the true essence of true Biafrans. We are not indifferent. We are not indifferent to our own cause to be free, and the supreme sacrifices some of us have made, and still counting. It’s now up to compatriot humanity to enable us or deny their humanity by betraying us.

So, as we mourn this latest mass murder of our people, let us all take some comfort that they didn’t die in vain, they died in honor, they fell in defense of freedom and their precious blood will be best requited by our collective and abiding resolve to never back down until Biafra is restored.

We Must Continue!

Signed:
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
26th August, 2020


https://www.inform.ng/post/the-enugu-massacre-of-23rd-august-2020-an-open-letter-to-ipob-worldwide-by-nnamdi-kanu

Suspected Ibadan serial killer, Sunday Shodipe, who recently escaped from police custody before he was finally rearrested last Sunday, has narrated how the herbalist with whom he was arrested, Adedokun Yinusa, planned his escape.

Shodipe (19), whole speaking with the Tribune Online shortly after he was paraded by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, at the police command, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Shodipe said while in custody, Yinusa was always blaming him for telling newsmen everything between them.

“He said if I had kept quiet, we would have been freed by the court.

“However, while in custody, his wives would visit him and bring kola nuts and gin and he would utter some incantations on the items before taking them. I, however, don’t know what he was doing with those things.

“After the police discovered this, they stopped them from bringing kola nuts and gin to him, so he began complaining that the spirits would feast on his blood if he didn’t take gin.

“He then kept disturbing one of the policemen to help him get a gin, but that one refused.


“Later, he began begging the policeman to allow us to go out and have our bath. The policeman initially didn’t agree, but Baba said he would agree after some days.

“And truly, after some days, the policeman allowed us to go and have our bath. We were eight in the cell and he said we should go in twos. When it was my turn, Baba told me not to forget what he had told me.

“He had told me that an opportunity would come for me to escape and that I should go to Akinyele area and attack someone; he said I should mention his name after committing the act.

“So after I went out to bath at about 7:00 p.m., I noticed the policeman was not concentrating because he had warned us not to attempt to escape, so I seized the opportunity and climbed a pole in the station and escaped.

“After two days, I went to Akinyele as instructed by Baba and I hacked the woman. Baba said that particular act would help protect his life and he was not doing those things he should do when he was free.”

On how he was arrested, Shodipe said he was by the side of the road when somebody said he should help him push his car.

“I suspected the person wanted to apprehend me, but there was nothing I could do. After I escaped, I went to Bodija and was helping people carry loads. I was aware the police were looking for me, so I was always wearing a face cap to hide my identity. However, when I wanted to help the person push his car, he just grabbed me and handed me over to the police.”

While thanking the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; the Oyo State government and the people of the state, Enwonwu said the police institution was rubbished during the period the suspect escaped, “but it was just because of the negligence of just one policeman.

“The policeman has been punished and it will serve as a lesson to others not to be negligent in their duties.”

On the N500,000 bounty placed on Shodipe, the police commissioner said the money had been paid to the individual who assisted in arresting the suspect.

The police commissioner further stated that the suspect would now be transferred to the correctional centre.

He said after the suspects were arraigned in court, it was the court that ordered their remand in police custody in order not to congest the correctional centre because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enwonwu charged members of the public to continue to partner with the police in order to keep the state safe.

Other suspected criminals were also paraded by the police, including the suspects who attacked a bank in Okeho area of the state.


https://www.inform.ng/post/how-i-escaped-from-police-custody-ibadan-serial-killer

…Female children not second class — Bishop Nwokolo
…Ruling cannot abolish the tradition and custom of Igbos — Osisi Itodo
…Judgment good but communities still have custom and tradition — Igwe Okolo
…Court judgment bastardizes culture and tradition of Igboland — Ugwu
…I agree with the judgment completely — Ezenagu, PG, NUF
…Ends age-long man’s inhumanity to man — Emelobe
…Ruling against Igbo tradition – Abia monarch


THE Supreme Court in a landmark decision, has upheld the right of a female child to inherit properties of her father. By this decision, the apex court has voided the Igbo age-long law and custom which forbid a female child from inheriting her late father’s estate.

The Supreme Court voided this tradition and custom on the grounds that it is discriminatory and conflicts with the provision of the constitution.



The Supreme Court held that the practice conflicted with section 42(1)(a) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution.


The land mark judgment was on the appeal marked: SC.224/2004 filed by Mrs. Lois Chituru Ukeje (wife of the late Lazarus Ogbonna Ukeje) and their son, Enyinnaya Lazarus Ukeje against Ms. Gladys Ada Ukeje (the deceased’s daughter).

“Gladys had sued the deceased’s wife and son before the Lagos High Court, claiming to be one of the deceased’s children and sought to be included among those to administer their deceased father’s estate.

The trial court found that she was a daughter to the deceased and that she was qualified to benefit from the estate of their father who died intestate in Lagos in 1981.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos to which Mrs. Lois Ukeje and Enyinnaya Ukeje appealed, upheld the decision of the trial court, prompting them to appeal to the Supreme Court.


In its judgment, the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal, Lagos was right to have voided the Igbo native law and custom that disinherit female children. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who read the lead judgment, held that: “No matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her late father’s estate.

“Consequently, the Igbo customary law, which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate is breach of Section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution, a fundamental rights provision guaranteed to every Nigerian.

“The said discriminatory customary law is void as it conflicts with Section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution. In the light of all that I have been saying, the appeal is dismissed. In the spirit of reconciliation, parties are to bear their own costs,” Justice Rhodes-Vivour said.

Justices Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs and John Inyang Okoro, who were part of the panel that heard the appeal, agreed with the lead judgment.

The judgment has evoked mixed reactions from Ndigbo, particularly traditional rulers who are the custodian of the tradition and culture, as well as church leaders.

In his reaction, the Bishop, Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo described the judgment as a welcome development. He said that female children are not second class citizens and should not be treated like one.

“Female children have and should be accorded the same rights given to their male counterparts and therefore should not be discriminated against.

“This is not the first time the Supreme Court has given this judgment. Some years ago, the Supreme Court gave similar judgment but we are happy and we thank the Supreme Court for upholding the same judgment and there is no going back in females inheriting their fathers’ property.

“Families should put the judgment in practice and female children should stand up and claim their right. It is not only Supreme Court judgment but God given right and they should take that right”.

Prof. Uzodinma Nwala-led Alaigbo Development Foundation, ADF, also welcomed the decision, saying, “in today’s world, daughters have proved their mettle in bringing sustainability, honour and dignity to their families. Some of them have played the role of bread-winners for their father’s houses.

“So, it would have amounted to great injustice to continue to deny them the right of inheritance. They should be entitled to a fair share of their family wealth whether married or single.”

However, a prominent monarch in Nsukka and the grand patron of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, and the traditional ruler of Aji autonomous community in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Simeon Osisi Itodo, said the Supreme Court ruling cannot abolish the tradition and custom of the Igbos.

Itodo said that any attempt to implement such law in Igboland would provoke chaos and skirmishes among various communities.

He argued that the custom is unique to the people of South-East Nigeria and should not be touched.

“There are traditions which had existed before the law. Before the emergence of law courts, Igbos have their tradition and custom which cannot be wiped out because of Supreme Court ruling.

“There are so many things we have in common which cannot be stopped because of court verdict.

“We are not against that ruling but we would not abolish our customs and traditions which all of us met. You can imagine a married woman coming back to her father to share his property with the sons.

“We would not allow it because it would breed chaos and troubles in our communities. If there are customs that allow such inheritance, let the people continue the practice but it won’t work in Igboland.

“In India, women pay the dowry but the reverse is the case here. We would not abolish our unique customs because of court ruling,” the monarch said.

But another prominent monarch and the traditional ruler of Likke Iheaka autonomous community in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Christopher Nnamani disagreed with Itodo.

Nnamani said the custom is unfair to the Igbo women and called on the states’ Houses of Assembly in the South-East to make laws that would domesticate the ruling of the Supreme Court on the matter.

He said that some fathers in their wisdom share their properties to their children while alive irrespective of their sexes, saying that the custom reduced the female children to slavish status in Igboland.

“This unfair treatment of female children does not happen in Northern or Western parts of Nigeria. This explains why females with affluence lord it over their male counterparts in Igboland when they remember the injustice they have suffered in the past.

“If a male becomes the eldest man in his community, he would be entitled to some privileges, which may come in form of royalties but the reverse is the case for the women in Igboland. The challenge is how to implement it now because it is an old tradition in South-East Nigeria.”

For the chairman, Enugu State Association of Town Union Presidents, Chief Paully Eze, “any custom which shows to be manifestly unlawful should be expunged.” Eze, a lawyer, said it is wrong to deny any child inheritance because of sex consideration.

“Any custom that did not meet the test of time, that is, when it is manifestly unlawful should be expunged. I stand strongly with that pronouncement. Nsukka High Court has earlier pronounced it before it was affirmed by the Supreme Court.

“It is very much unfair to deny females right of inheritance of their fathers’ properties. Because it is a new law, it would definitely bring problems in terms of implementation but with time, we would get accustomed to it. It is already causing ripples in my community,” he said.

Chief Augustine Uzochukwu from Ihiala Council Area of Anambra State hailed the judgment just as Igwe Patrick Okolo of Nkpunano community, Nsukka, Enugu State insisted that the Supreme Court judgment must be obeyed by every community in Igboland.

Okolo, however, posited that Nri ancient community stands as the best community to interpret the judgment, “though we concur with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Supreme Court judgment should be upheld in principle in some quarters of Igboland while traditional unwritten constituency holds supreme in most quarters of Igboland.”

In his reaction, the President- General of Ndigbo United Forum, NUF, Chief Godson Ezenagu, commended the decision of the Supreme Court, saying that granting females access to their fathers’ property is natural, adding that it would give them a sense of belonging in the society.

“According to Igbo tradition, the female child inheritance does not happen and now that the Supreme Court has ruled that they are entitled to that, by natural justice and conscience, I agree with them completely.

“Granting them access to their biological father’s properties is a natural thing. Sometimes, customs handed over from generation to generation can be awkward and can be discontinued.

“For denying them that, they are put in serious jeopardy; they are molested at home and also in their marital home. Their partaking in sharing of property will make them more comfortable than the situation in which they found themselves. That is what is supposed to happen naturally.

“All animals are equal and at the same time, all children are equal. We shouldn’t because of custom deny the female child her natural right.

“So, it is a welcome development and I am sure all people of good faith will support it and advocate that even the ones that have not been done or already done could be revisited. Involving them is the best thing ever, even though they may not get equal share but it will give them some leverage”, Ezenagu said and wished that the same court abolish the practice of a married woman bearing her father’s name in her husband’s home.

“That is the advantage and the disadvantage of the ruling will be that most women may not like to go into marriage because their father is rich and has a lot of property to benefit.

“Whether your husband is rich or poor, you will leave your own family to your husband’s family. Once you are married, you change your family name to your husband’s name. Some women are now attaching their family name to their husband’s name. I think it is wrong.

“I believe the same law that abolished Igbo customs denying female child rights of inheritance will also abolish it. Most educated women are doing it but it is wrong”, he said.

Also reacting to the court decision, Chief Augustine Emelobe, a renowned Chemical Engineer, said that it has removed the unjust and unfair treatment on the female children.

“I support the verdict of the Supreme Court. Children are children irrespective of whether they are male or female. I have always had the notion that it is unjust and unfair on the part of the female children.

“I applaud the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man in this age-long man’s inhumanity to man.”

“I totally agree with the Supreme Court that the Igbo law and custom, which forbids female children from inheriting their late father’s estate on the grounds that it is discriminatory and conflicts with the provision of the constitution.”

For the President-General of the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, Goodluck Egwu Ibem, the Supreme Court decision is a welcome development. According to him, it is a wonderful defense of the girl-child who before now, has been treated as a second class citizen in our society.

“She is seen as the property of her husband who loses all forms of rights once she gets married.

“A man who has only female children in our society loses his rights to certain privileges like being a traditional ruler or his inheritance in his own father’s compound. The situation before now has been very ugly,” he lamented.

“We deeply appreciate the Supreme Court for this landmark judgment that has brought back the confidence of the girl-child in our society today. Communities that

“We are not in the South South and South-West tradition or the Northern part of Nigeria. But in South east it is not the practice that the female child inherit the Father’s property.

“Rather the father can give the female child one or two rooms in case she comes with the husband and the children.

“May be after the ceremony for which they came home they will go back. So, the female child inheriting the father’s properties will be a difficult thing to practice as part of our tradition in Igbo land.

“Just imagine, after the father of the House dies and they say that the most senior of his children who is a female child should inherit the family house of the father in the village.

“What you see we are doing is the steps laid for us by our forefathers. Nobody will built a house in the village and say that his female child will come and stay there.

“By the time, they want to implement this law in Igbo land it will cost a very big problem it will even get to a appoint of those children trying to eliminate themselves if not managed very well.”

“Yes, i can do that to assist my daughter and her husband and children so that they can live a better life if that is what they need to succeed.”



https://www.inform.ng/post/female-inheritance-supreme-court-ruling-creates-division-amongst-igbo

The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday disclosed that it has decided to refund the fees paid for the purchase of nomination forms by members who contested for chairmanship and councillorship slots in its primary elections ahead of the local government elections in the state but lost out.

The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Yayanuwa Zainabari, revealed this while addressing journalists at the party secretariat in Bauchi.

The decision, according to Zainabari, was to a demonstration of fairness, submitting that it is only fair to refund the fees paid to assuage the lost at the primaries.

He added that the move is also aimed at demonstrating that the party is a united entity and members are working as a family to ensure victory at the polls.

The PDP spokesman declared that the ruling party in the state has done its homework very well with a view to emerging victorious in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

He informed that the party is fielding 20 chairmanship candidates and a total of 300 are councillorship candidates in the local government elections coming up 17th October, 2020.

Zainabari assured that the PDP-led administration in the state will provide a level playing field for every candidate, adding that the elections will be conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

He stated that the elections are long overdue in the state as they were last held 12 years ago, adding that this explains why people of the state are eagerly awaiting the elections day.

https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-to-refund-aspirants-that-lost-primary-election

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, has announced his retirement from the bank, effective August 31, 2020.

A statement from the bank yesterday explained that the decision was taken following Abiru’s completion of his second two-year tenure at the helm of the bank.

However, there have been speculations that the former Lagos State Finance Commissioner wants to join the race in the forthcoming senatorial bye-election to replace the deceased Lagos East member of the National Assembly, Senator Bayo Osinowo.

The election holds on October 31, 2020.

Abiru is from the Ikorodu division of Lagos East.

However, the statement noted that in an emotion-laden farewell message to the staff of the bank, Abiru explained that having served meritoriously in the banking industry for nearly three decades, he had resolved to retire to enable him contribute his quota in other areas of the society.

Sharing his scorecard while serving as the CEO of the Bank, he said: “It gives me great pleasure to say that, with the support of the Board, Executive Management and all of you, we have delivered on the mandate given to us by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) upon assumption of office in 2016.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/polaris-bank-ceo-abiru-steps-down-to-join-race-for-lagos-east-senate

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, on Monday, said he never procured witnesses to testify before the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel that is probing the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

Malami, in a statement that was signed by his media aide, Dr. Umar Gwandu, said he was not saddled with any

responsibility to procure witnesses for the panel or conspired to witch-hunt anybody.

The AGF said the attention of his office was drawn to “a flimsy allegation made by one, Victor Giwa, Esq”, alleging that he connived with one Donald Wokoma to witch-hunt him for refusing to testify against Magu before the Justice Salami-led panel.

Dismissing the allegation as “fictitious, unfounded and figment of the imagination of mischief makers”, Malami, said he never discussed such issue with the lawyer, Giwa.

“The Honourable Attorney-General never met Giwa and has never discussed any issue with the so-called Donald Wokoma nor asked anybody, personally or by proxy, to engage the so-called Victor to testify against Magu.

“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation who has not set up the investigation panel to probe Magu is not saddled with any responsibility to procure witness(es) for the panel.

“The Attorney-General of the Federation is never a member of the panel nor

does it fall within the realm of the AGF’s authority to invite witness(es) for a presidential probe panel.

“The claim by Victor Giwa, Esq is therefore fictitious, unfounded and figment of imagination of mischief makers who want to create unnecessary attention and tarnish the good image of the Attorney-general of the Federation and Minister of Justice and laboring incessantly, these days, to falsely cast aspersion on the AGF’s hard-earned reputation.

“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation hereby called the so-called Victor Giwa to come and substantiate his allegation with details of the following:

“When did Victor Giwa meet the AGF on the issue? Where did Victor Giwa meet the AGF on the issue? How was the meeting? Was it by proxy? Or the AGF sent a representative? In what capacity was the representative, if any? What were the terms of their engagement? What was the claimed “offer”? How was the so-called offer to testify against Magu made? Who were the witnesses?”, the statement read.

Giwa had in a statement on Sunday, alleged that it was Malami that instigated his arrest alongside one Fatima Hassan, after they refused to implicate Magu in evidence they gave before the Justice Salami-led panel last week.


https://www.inform.ng/post/salami-panel-i-didnt-bring-witnesses-against-magu-malami

One Taoreed Akano was shot dead in Ibadan, on Monday, by suspected armed robbers.

In the incident which occurred at about 1.20 pm opposite Oyo State Environmental Task Force office, Agodi, Akano was trailed on a bike from a Guaranty Trust bank in Bodija after he had gone to make two withdrawals of N150,000 and N296,000.

Noticing that he was being trailed, Akano was said to have swiftly turned onto the Secretariat to Government House road but the two armed robbers on a bike fired shots to dispossess Akano of the money while also making away with the victim’s Bajaj motorcycle.

When our correspondent got to scene of the incident, the bullet used on Akano by the armed robbers was seen on the blood-smeared road as well as the withdrawal slips and a palm sandal.






Some staff of the state Environmental Task Force rushed Akano to Adeoyo state hospital, Yemetu, where he gave up the ghost.

Oyo Police Public Relations Officer, Gbenga Fadeyi, who confirmed the incident, said Akano’s corpse had been deposited at Adeoyo hospital’s morgue.

He further disclosed that two mobile phones and the sum of N90,000 was recovered from the late Akano.


He, however, said the police was on the trail of the hoodlums while urging residents of Ibadan to assist with credible information.

https://www.inform.ng/post/gunmen-kill-man-after-withdrawing-n446000-in-ibadan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged eligible voters and party members in Edo State to be vigilant and ensure that their votes count in the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the state.

Chairman of Edo PDP Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih, gave the charge in Ward 11, Evbhohi, Esan North East Local Government Area, during the reelection campaign of the Edo State Governor and PDP candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in the LGA.

Orbih vowed that they will not only mobilise party members and supporters to vote but will ensure that their votes count.

According to him, “Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said that they want to print ballot papers ahead of the election. If they try it, they will know that Esan people are strong.

"We will not sleep. We are doing everything possible to ensure that you vote and the votes count.”

The Edo PDP campaign chair added: “We will not allow anybody to subvert the will of the people. In this election, we will not only vote but must defend our votes.”

On his part, Obaseki urged members of the party and supporters not to succumb to threats and intimidation, adding that Edo State and Nigeria do not belong to a few people.

The governor who described Edo Central Senatorial District of the state as a PDP enclave, declared that, “Nobody or group of people can take us backward again. This election will remove the godfather in Edo State.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-our-votes-must-count-pdp-declares

Youth wing of the apex Igbo social cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, elder statesman, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as well as the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) have pushed for a youth from Igbo land to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

In separate interviews with the Igbo youths by Daily Sun in Owerri, yesterday, they all revealed same interest, preferring youths to the older generation of leaders in the country, just as they maintained that the older generation has failed.


Ohanaeze Ndigbo (youth wing) National Publicity Secretary, Osmond Nkeoma, said if youths can excel as presidents in western countries, they can do better in Nigeria.

He said the youths are ready and willing to take responsibility of administering the country, just as he claimed the old generation leaders does not have what it takes to manage the country, especially meeting up with digital challenges.


“Igbo youths are ready and capable of administering the country. How old was Odumegwu Ojukwu when he became a leader, how old was General Yakubu and even Buhari when he became the head of state?


“Moreover, when you go to the western world like Ireland, the prime minister is a youth, even Canada and France, youths can do it better, older ones have failed us, with older ones, there’s no hope for this nation, we cannot afford to have a president who cannot talk about a digital economy, any old man from 55 above should be ignored,” Nkeoma said.


His COSEYL counterpart, Goodluck Egwu, who is the president general of the Igbo group, said the older generation leaders have not done well to deserve being at the helms of affair again in the country.


“We have so many youths that is eminently qualified in the South East, the older ones have failed us, we have not faired well under them and that is why we are clamouring for a change,” Egwu said.


Also, elder statesman, Iwuanyanwu, said any aspirant above 69 should not contest the presidential seat.


“I think the constitution has defined the age limit, from my own opinion, anybody up to 70 should not contest because the job of a president is very demanding, in fact, the younger the better,” Iwuanyanwu said

https://www.inform.ng/post/2023-igbo-groups-begin-search-for-youthful-southeast-candidate

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has called on Igbos to build bridges with other parts of the country to enable them win the presidential seat of Nigeria in 2023.

He said the presidency is not too much of a position for the people of the South East region to ask for, considering their contributions to the country.

Fani-Kayode spoke to journalists in Onitsha, Anambra State during a visit to the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano on Sunday, where he expressed hope that Igbo Presidency was realisable.

He said the realization of the project would give Igbo people a sense of belonging in the Nigerian nation and serve as compensation for their loss during the civil war.

“Igbo man has never led the country and it is a sad thing for some of us that no Igbo man has ever ruled the country. It is one of the things that should be done to ensure stability

“It is realisable, and it is incumbent on the people of the South East to ensure they win the support of people of other regions. A lot of work needs to be done. It (Igbo presidency) is due and will go a long way to stop agitations and make the Igbo feel they are part and parcel of Nigeria

“We can ameliorate the pains of the past and make up for it. No part of Nigeria has ever lost over three million people in a crisis, so it can serve as compensation. If it is going to be achieved, we must ensure we win support in all parts of the country,” he said.

The former minister said he was in Anambra as part of a tour of some states in the country he scheduled to visit since after the COVID-19 lockdown

“We were in Enugu yesterday (Saturday) and will be going to five other states before going back to Abuja. I am here to see what has been going on in Anambra, interact with the governor and see things that are going on here.

“I am here as a member of the PDP and for me, it is not about party, but about how well the state governor has been able to take the state. I can confess that I have seen a lot of what your governor is doing here. Before now, the state was rife with kidnapping and other violent crimes. I urge Anambra people to remember what the state was before Obiano came, and appreciate him.

“We should encourage Obiano. I have seen good development in terms of the international airport being constructed by the governor. We just ran down the runway and it is the longest runway in the country. And it is the biggest in the country so far.

“The project will dwarf every other airport in the country and also draw development to the state. I am a former aviation minister, and I should be able to tell you about the project I saw on the ground. I am sorry that the governor is packaging it (airport) as a surprise, and I have let the cat out of the bag.”

He urged Obiano to ensure that the right person succeeds him, to ensure that his legacies are maintained.

https://www.inform.ng/post/2023-fani-kayode-urges-igbo-to-fight-for-presidency

Report from National Bureau of Statistics shows that Edo state experienced huge reduction in unemployment rate since 2016; when Governor Godwin Obaseki was sworn in.

This video says it all... Obaseki is working



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1_sHfnBnPU

A former Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Public Utilities in Imo State, Vitalis Ajumbe, has said the South East should forget the agitation for 2023 presidency.

The region, he explained, should rather pursue the Vice- Presidential slot and build from there.



He spoke in an interview in Abuja, saying the Igbo people are not united enough politically to present a candidate for president in 2023.


The ex-commissioner said although the region has a right to aspire for the position in 2023, he questioned how prepared the people of the region are.

Ajumbe said: “My zone that is south east if we say okay every other zone should not field a candidate for presidency let the south east; the Igbos are not united politically. They will fight themselves.

“They have the right to aspire for the presidency in 2023 but how prepared are they? How many of them can come out and say ‘I want to run’? How many of them have shown interest.?

“An Anambra will not want an Imo man to emerge as a president. Instead, they will spoil it. Anything good, if it doesn’t come from Anambra then it is scattered. They wouldn’t want someone from Abia. They may not support somebody from Ebonyi and they will not support somebody from Enugu.


“Who is the rallying point of the Igbos? Is it the Ohaneze? How many of them believe in Ohaneze? Who will call a meeting in Igboland and everybody will attend and say okay, this is what we want, let us present this candidate.? It will never happen in Igboland. So how else can we make it.?

“The only way I think we can make it is when an Igbo man is made the Vice President so that that Vice President will now be a rallying point. But it is something we must discuss and agree on the way it will go.”

He also said the country should discard the zoning of the president, adding that it brings mediocrity.

The former commissioner noted that the zoning of political positions has destroyed the country’s democracy.

According to him, Nigerians should vote for someone who can bring good governance in 2023, irrespective of the zone the person comes from.

“What we need in Nigeria today is good governance irrespective of where it comes from. Because as a person I believe in good governance. I don’t really cherish zoning because what destroyed Nigeria today is this zoning thing; when you say it must go to the South – East, it must go to North West and it must go to North- Central.

“Why can’t we rally round and get somebody that can govern the country very well? If you look at the time of M.K O Abiola, a Muslim, Babagana Kingibe a Muslim, we didn’t mind that this was a Muslim – Muslim ticket and we voted massively for Abiola because we felt he would give us good governance.

“If we can still have that kind of spirit, irrespective of where the person comes from, even if the person is the younger brother of Buhari (the President), provided he is going to give us good governance because zoning brings mediocracy.

“I don’t actually cherish that. It won’t give Nigeria what we need. Let us allow merit to play and that merit will play when we have good electoral system-that is the only way I know merit will play,” he said




https://www.inform.ng/post/2023-igbo-should-lobby-for-vp-not-president-ex-imo-state-commissioner

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the death sentence passed on a Kano singer, Yahaya Aminu Sharif who was convicted of blasphemy by a Sharia court.

Adeolu Samuel Adeyemo, the Kano state chairman of CAN said the religious body was not in objection to the ruling because it is according to the position of Islam.







CAN says death sentenced passed on Kano musician is an Islamic affair. Photo credits: Nairaland forum

The CAN chairman made the statement when reacting to the verdict of the Sharia court which has generated heated discussion among Nigerians.

“For us in CAN, the judgment of the Shari’a court is according to Islamic law and so we don’t have objection to it because it is according to the position of Islam, he said




Although the cleric pointed out that the recent Sharia court judgment was strictly an Islamic affair, he also stated that religious tolerance should be upheld for a harmonious atmosphere to reign in the society.

When explaining the issue of blasphemy in Christianity, he stated that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a grievous sin that has no forgiveness.

“So, our interference is not relevant. Now, if you want to know the position of Christianity about blasphemy, I will say there is what you can blaspheme about and what you cannot. And the Lord Jesus said blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a grievous sin that has no forgiveness. That is the position of Christianity,” he said. 


https://www.inform.ng/post/can-speaks-on-blasphemy-law-musicians-death-penalty

Watch video

https://www.inform.ng/post/big-brother-nigeria-neo-kneels-down-to-beg-female-housemate-vee

Big Brother Naija ‘lockdown’ housemates, Neo and Vee, had a little argument earlier today and they settled their difference in a romantic way.

Earlier in the day while clearing their room, Neo had sent his love interest, Vee away from his corner.

Few minutes after Neo had finished cleaning his corner, he went after Vee to request a cuddle on his bed but Vee rejected and gave him the only condition for cuddling him.

#BBNaija 2020: Lovely Moment Neo went on his knees to apologize to Vee after offending her (Video)

A video trending on social media shows the moment Neo went on his knees to apologize to Vee for sending her away.

Vee could not help but gush over his gentlemanly attitude and she accepted his apology.

https://www.inform.ng/post/big-brother-nigeria-neo-kneels-down-to-beg-female-housemate-vee

The House of Representatives has declared that it is not investigating the office of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo over procurements made regarding the federal government’s school feeding programme.

Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Wole Oke made the clarification in response to insinuations in certain quarters that Osinbajo’s office was being probed.

Addressing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Olusola Idowu, Oke said the committee’s interest was in the Ministry and not Osinbajo’s office.

Oke said the probe was to get comprehensive documentary evidence of the procurement carried out by the Ministry.

He said: “By our records, the office of the Vice President is responsible for policy formulation and monitoring of the National Social Investment Programme.

“Our investigation has nothing to do with the office of the Vice President but the Ministry.

“Our interest now is on the Home School Feeding programme and that is why we want the Ministry to give us records of procurement. Nobody should make a mistake about that, our mission is not available for anybody to use to malign anybody. We want to put that on record that we are not investigating the office of the Vice President.”

Recall that Sadiya Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, had recently disclosed that the federal government spent N523.3 million on its school feeding programme.

Farouq had said the federal government spent the sum on the Home Grown School Feeding Programme during the COVID-19 lockdown.

https://www.inform.ng/post/we-are-not-investigating-osinbajo-hor-committee

Police have arrested the founder and General Overseer of The Church of Lord, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State for allegedly defiling and impregnating two teenage sisters (names withheld).

The suspect, Ebenezer Ajigbotolwa, was arrested following a report at the Lafenwa Police Station by the mother of the victims. New Telegraph learnt that the underaged victims are 13 and 16 years old. Apart from having carnal knowledge of the woman’s daughters, the church leader also allegedly defrauded the family of N2 million cash.



The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, said in a statement yesterday that the cleric impregnated the victims and procured abortion for them in a private clinic. Oyeyemi added that though the suspect initially evaded arrest, he was eventually apprehended on August 6, 2020 about 5a.m.


According to him, assorted charms were recovered from the suspect who has also confessed to the crime.

He said: “The suspect was arrested following a report by the mother of the victims who reported at Lafenwa Police Station that she fell sick sometimes in 2018 and was taken to the church for spiritual healing. “She stated further that the pastor took advantage of her sickness and asked her entire family of six to move into the church premises to avoid being afflicted with the same sickness.

There and then, the prophet started having sex with her daughters of 16 years and 13 years of age, unknown to her. “The pastor impregnated the two underaged girls and went on to procure abortion for them in a private clinic.

Aside from this, the prophet also defrauded the family of N2 million cash which he took for what he called spiritual cleansing. “Upon the report, the DPO Lafenwa Division, CSP Muraina Ayilara, led his men to the church but the place has been deserted.

“The CP then directed that the suspect be hunted for and brought to book. In compliance with the CP’s directive, the DPO and his men embarked on intelligence and technical based investigation, and their efforts paid off when the prophet was arrested on the 6th of August 2020 about 5a.m.

“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of most of the allegations levelled against him and that it was the reason why he ran away when he heard that police are looking for him.”

Oyeyemi added the state Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, had ordered that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for discreet investigation.

He said: “Th CP also warned those hiding under the umbrella of religion to perpetrate evils to desist from it or meet their waterloo.

“The CP therefore appealed to members of the public to beware of those wolves in sheep skin masquerading as men of God as they were out to milk them dry before destroying their lives.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/pastor-impregnates-teenage-sisters-dupes-their-mother

…Deputy governor exit has no effect- Ondo PDP
…has abused the welcome and privilege accorded him


THE opposition Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo state has reacted to the exit of the deputy governor and governorship aspirant of the party Hon Agboola Ajayi saying it’s of no effect to the party.

In a statement in swift response to Ajayi resignation from the party, its Publicity Secretary, Kennedy lkantu Peretei in Akure said that he would not be missed



According to him ” Agboola Ajayi’ exit from the PDP has no effect on our prospects of victory in the Guber elections.


The statement reads ” the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State has received the exit of Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi from the Party, from just online publications.

” As a party, we are have not received his letter of resignation but we wish him well in his political journey.

” Agboola Ajayi joined our party on 22nd June 2020 and participated at the Governorship Primaries having received waiver from the National Secretariat of the Party.

“He has abused the welcome and privilege accorded him by our party supporters during his brief stay in the party.

“He also proved that he is desperate to become the Governor of Ondo State. In the days to come, it will dawn on him that, he has squandered whatever was remaining in his goodwill with this decision.

“However, his exit from the PDP will not affect our prospects of winning the October Gubernatorial Elections.

Peretei said that “The PDP remains solid, strong and more determined than ever before to win the forthcoming governorship elections with a credible and competent candidate in the person of Eyitayo Jegede, SAN

https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-agboola-ajayi-is-no-longer-relevant-in-ondo-pdp

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has overturned a ruling by a lower court affirming the de-registration of 74 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The appellate court held that INEC failed to follow due process while deregistering the parties.

The court therefore declared that the deregistration was illegal and ordered INEC to relist the 74 parties.

https://www.inform.ng/post/appeal-court-voids-deregisteration-of-74-parties

Gov. Ikpeazu has blamed the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and Biafra struggle for underdevelopment in Abia State.

Addressing newsmen on Saturday, Governor Ikpeazu lamented that the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari abandoned Abia state because of the Nnamdi Kanu

Further stating that Nnamdi Kanu is the reason he has not developed Abia and completed some of the projects he promised to do because each time he approaches the Federal Government to “demand money, they always tell me that my state is harboring terrorists.”

AllNews understands that Nnamdi Kanu is from Isiama Afara Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State. Kanu who is a Prince has been on exile since he resurfaced in Israel two years ago.

Reacting to the continuous refusal of the IPOB leader to return to Nigeria, Governor Ikpeazu lamented that Nnamdi Kanu committed an offense and ran away before the unfortunate death of his parents (Eze Israel Okwu Kanu (JP) and Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu), an offense he said has cost Abia State a lot.

In his words: ”I have decided to take the final decision as the executive Governor of Abia state.

“Nnamdi Kanu has done harms to Abia State! He is the reason I didn’t develop Abia and complete some of the projects I promised to do because each time I go to the FG to demand money, they always tell me that my state is harboring Terrorists.

“Nnamdi committed an offense and ran away before the unfortunate death of his father. Now it’s time to make a decision.

“If after 21 days from now and he fails to come back and be crowned the king of Ibeku, I will have no option than to appoint a king myself and whoever I appoint must remain till I leave the office.

“I am the most powerful man in Abia and whatever decision I take must stand,”

https://www.inform.ng/post/i-failed-abia-state-because-of-nnamdi-kanu-says-gov-ikpeazu

Ondo Deputy Governor, Ajayi Resigns As Member Of The People's Democratic Party

Ondo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Agboola Ajayi has resigned his membership of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
The Deputy Governor appreciates the National Leadership and members of the party for their warm reception and acceptance in the short period he rejoined the party.

This decision is as a result of the call on the Deputy Governor by majority of the good people of Ondo State to give hope to the hopeless, provide credible and purposeful leadership in our dear State.

The chairman of the PDP in Apoi Ward ii of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, Festus Oboro acknowledged the receipt of the resignation letter on 9th of August, 2020.

Recall that the Deputy Governor rejoined the PDP on June 21st, 2020, at his home town, Kiribo and contested as the governorship candidate of the party in the party's primary election held on 22nd of July, 2020.

He wishes to reassure his teaming supporters to remain focused and committed as he will be announcing his next line of action shortly.

God bless Ondo State.

Comrade Allen Sowore

Media Adviser to the Deputy
Governor
9th August, 2020.

https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-ondo-state-deputy-governor-dumps-pdp

The Edo State House Assembly, under the new leadership, Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki, to steer clear the legislative business for which the 7th assembly was elected and inaugurated to perform.

Edoror, during the first House plenary on Friday, gave the order saying, “it is high time the governor allowed the House to function independently so the gap created for the past one year can be covered.”




Earlier, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Samuel Efezokhae, did a role call of the members present and 17 out of 24 members were present for legislative proceedings.

After the role call by the Clerk, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Emmanuel Agbaje, representing Akoko- Edo 2, during the first legislative business, informed the House on the need to draw the attention of the governor to the ravaging insecurity bedeviling the state.

He raised a motion of urgent public importance as it affects the society, which he said was becoming more worrisome and people were beginning to fill that government can non longer protect lives and property in the state.

After a robust deliberation by the honourable members with various views of concerns, the Deputy Speaker moved a motion, which was seconded by majority as follows; that Gov. Obaseki as a matter of urgency set up a security committee in conjunction with the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Service, DSS, and other security outfits to reduce to the barest minimum security challenges in the state.

Edoror directed that a copy of the resolution be sent to the governor for immediate implementation.

In his closing remark, the Speaker directed Governor Obaseki to allow the lawmakers to carry out their duties legitimately without interference from the executive arm.


https://www.inform.ng/post/stay-away-from-pdp-legislative-business-edo-speaker-tells-obaseki

The 14 members of the Edo State House of Assembly loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have listed some political sins committed by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki in a letter to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

According to the letter forwarded to Malami through their lawyer, Dr Ehiogie West-Idahosa of West Idahosa & Co. accused the governor of not allowing them to be sworn in since the inauguration of the Assembly in 2019. They said that Obaseki’s action in not allowing them to be sworn in was unconstitutional.




The factional lawmakers noted that the action of the governor has now led to political unrest the state is witnessing and it will continue until the governor rescinds his decision.

According to the APC lawmakers, governor Obaseki chose to ignore to the standard practice of inaugurating the House with all members in attendance. However, the lawmakers said Obaseki, on June 17, 2019, chose to inaugurate the House at odd hours with only about nine members present.

They also accused the governor of sending his agents to prevent them from attending the inauguration, noting that they have exhausted all their options to remedy the issue but to no solution.

The letter titled, ‘Urgent and nationalistic appeal to intervene in the restoration of constitutional democracy in the Edo State of Nigeria’, dated August 3, 2020, and signed by West-Idahosa, the principal partner, added, “Since then, the Assembly has been run by nine members for no justifiable reason whatsoever. By failing to inaugurate about 14 members-elect of the House, there is a huge social and political disequilibrium in the state.”

“The rule of law has been seriously eroded and replaced by strong-arm tactics in Edo State. This in itself is anti-democratic and ought not to be allowed in a democratic government such as the one operated in Nigeria.”

“Over 60 per cent of the population of Edo State are unrepresented in the House of Assembly and are therefore missing out on constituency projects, employment and other forms of government patronage. This has escalated poverty levels in such constituencies and there is a corresponding increase in crime and general insecurity in such areas.”

They said contrary to Section 109 (g) of the constitution (as altered), Obaseki dumped the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party even when there was no “nationally acknowledged” faction in the APC.

They pointed out that democracy is founded on majority rule but that the 17 lawmakers were unable to do their job.

The letter added, “It is undemocratic and unacceptable to any sovereign nation that the House of Assembly of one of the states making up the federation of Nigeria is operated by only seven members out of the 24 elected.”

They further stated that since the lawmakers were elected on the platform of the APC, it is legally and politically incorrect to allow a party with minority membership keep 17 members-elect out of the House.

They said since the proclamation of the House had been done and the inauguration of the House “purportedly effected”, it is left for members who have not taken an oath to be allowed to and carry out their duties in the interest of justice.

“There is no feature of the law which precludes the said honourable members from taking their oath with the cooperation of sworn-in members and the clerk of the House.”

They called on the AGF to intervene by restoring a functional House of Assembly in the state. The letter contained the names and numbers of the 17 members.

They said, “We therefore respectfully appeal to you as the Chief Law Officer of the federation to invoke your power pursuant to Section 150 of the 1999 constitution (as altered) to arrest the breakdown of constitutional democracy in Edo State by intervening to restore a functional House of Assembly in line with the provisions of Sections 90, 91, 101 and 104 of the 1999 constitution (as altered). Our clients shall be very obliged to have your intervention in order to save constitutional democracy in Edo State.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/our-grouse-with-obaseki-pro-oshiomole-lawmakers-break-silence

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, has refuted claims that he endorsed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who visited him in his office on Thursday, warning that anyone caught using his office to heat up the polity will face dire consequences.

The Commissioner gave the clarification after the State Security Council meeting, Governor Godwin Obaseki held with heads of security agencies, at the Government House, Benin City, on Friday.

The commissioner who explained that he and his office remain apolitical and open to all, noted: “It is my statutory responsibility to provide security for lives and property irrespective of political affiliation.”

On his part, Governor Obaseki expressed concern over the rising security challenges ahead of the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in the state.

According to him, "We condemned the high level of thuggery, violence and increasing influx of arms into the state.

"The Commissioner of Police briefed the council on yesterday’s situation at the Edo State House of Assembly that led to some illegal and treasonable acts conducted by some individuals.”

"The security personnel have assured us of their readiness to secure and tackle any security challenges faced by the state,” the governor added.

Obaseki continued: "They are up to the tasks; they have the men and materials to take charge. They assured us and the good people of Edo of adequate security to ensure the protection of lives and property.”

The governor said that the state security chiefs promised to protect everyone in the state irrespective of their political affiliation.

Responding to the alleged withdrawal of security details of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Frank Okiye, the CP assured that “those who are entitled to security details will be given, while those who are not entitled to security details will be withdrawn.”

Kokumo said that at the meeting, the security heads were able to review the activities of security in the last few weeks, adding: “We talked about political violence and thuggery and means of putting checks in place.

"The security agencies will leave no stone unturned; we have created a conducive atmosphere for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.”

"We want to assure Edo people that the pre-election period would be safe and conducive for campaigns, during and after the election, to ensure there is no breach of law and order,” he added.

https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-assembly-crises-i-didnt-endorse-anybody-edo-cp-kokumo

August 7, 2020

Press Conference

PDP National Campaign Uncovered Plots by APC, Oshiomohle To Obtain Extra INEC Result Sheets To Rig Edo Election

The Peoples Democratic Party National Campaign Council for Edo Governorship election has been made aware of plots by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its sacked national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, to procure extra result sheets, which they intend to use to rig the September 19 Edo governorship election.

Our campaign has also been made aware of how Adams Oshiomhole and certain corrupt APC leaders have been threatening and mounting pressure on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Yakubu Mahmood and other officials of the Commission, to secretly provide them with ballot papers and form EC8 election results sheet to facilitate their plans for ballot stuffing and writing of election results.

We have further information that the APC and its candidate have marked Edo North senatorial district, as where the extra ballot papers and result sheets would be pushed to APC thugs, including those to be brought in from neighboring Kogi state, to doctor election results for Ize-Iyamu.

Already, a base has been established in a neighboring town of Kogi State which will be used to serve for operations in their callous plots.

Edo North has a borderline with Kogi, a state where unimaginable electoral violence, including burning a woman alive, was perpetrated by the APC in their desperation for electoral manipulation.

The APC plot for the Edo election is reminiscent of last year’s governorship election in Kogi State where different election results sheets found their way to INEC collation centre where they were admitted and declared.

The PDP campaign has information of how two APC governors from the South East and North Central respectively, are spearheading the plan and have also agreed to fund it.

Our campaign invites Nigerians to note that this is the reason the APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is not campaigning but rather mobilizing his group of thugs, cultists and hoodlums, (lions and tigers) as seen in the viral video, to storm polling units to unleash violence on voters, knowing that there is no way he can win in the election.

The PDP campaign is already aware of the plots to use the cultists and thugs (lions and tigers) to convey the illegal ballot papers, result sheets as well as dangerous weapons and charms to various polling units to as well as provide illegal cover for APC agents to doctor results.

Nigerians can now see why Oshiomhole described Ize-Iyamu as a fake pastor. Of course as the saying goes, “show me your friends and I will tell you who you are”.

We believe INEC and security forces have taken note of the direct criminal affront of the law by Ize-Iyamu, in openly directing his cultists and thugs to barefacedly flout election movement restriction order, and move from one polling unit to the other to execute their devilish plots.

Nigerians should also take note of this reckless plot for chaos on election day by Ize-Iyamu, who is plotting to import violence, unleash bloodletting and derail the state because he has been rejected by the people.

We do not want to believe that our security agencies, who are paid to protect lives and property and to ensure credible and peaceful processes on election day have abandoned such onerous responsibility to political vagabonds in the APC to reenact such irresponsible acts as had taken place in the Kano, Osun, Kogi and Imo elections.

Consequently, the PDP national campaign calls on the Inspector General of Police to stand up to the expectation of Nigerians by immediately inviting Ize-Iyamu to explain his directive to the cultists as well as arrest all the hoodlums shown in the video to forestall their plot of unleashing terror on the people of Edo state.

Moreover, intelligence is filtering regarding alleged plots by certain agents of the APC to cover the tracks, by using certain means to silence some of the thugs after using them.

In any case, our national campaign wants the APC, INEC, Ize-Iyamu and Adams Oshiomhole to note that we are not resting on our oars. Our campaign will lead the people of Edo state to resist this murderous band of electoral manipulators and use every means within the ambit of the law to stop them on their evil trails.

Our campaign cautions the APC, Oshiomohle and INEC officers they are speaking to, to retrace their steps as the wrath of people of Edo state awaits any person or group that attempts to rig the election.

The stiff resistance by the Edo people against attempts by Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu to forcefully take over the state legislature is a loud message to the APC and their agents.

The Edo people have fully mobilized themselves and cannot be cowed by manipulators who want to use cultists, thugs and compromised INEC officers to truncate their wishes and aspiration at the election.

It is the people that will choose who will govern them. Nigerians already know that the people of Edo state are behind Governor Godwin Obaseki and will never, by any stroke of imagination, accept any perpetration of illegality, foul play or even the use of federal apparatus or cultists to attempt to upturn their will in this election.

Let it be known to all that only free and fair election can guarantee peace in Edo state.

Enough is Enough!

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
Secretary, Publicity Sub-Committee
National Campaign Council

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