The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is pleased to announce that the National Identification Number (NIN) Verification Service (NVS) portal, which went down a few days ago due to maintenance by one of the Commission's network service providers of if's infrastructure, has been fully restored.
Consequently, Customers and Service providers can now take full advantage of the two verification platforms Tokenization and NVS-which are both effective for verification and authentication of the National Identification Number.
NIMC extends its profound gratitude to the general public and partners for their support during the NVS downtime and use of the tokenization platform.
The Commission will continue to come up with innovative identity management solutions to enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
LIBERIAN PRESIDENT CONFERS AWARD ON NA OFFICERS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE
The President of the Republic of Liberia, Dr George Manneh Weah has conferred the award of "Distinguished Service Order of the Republic of Liberia" on some senior officers of the Nigerian Army(NA) in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). He made the presentation during the 65th Armed Forces of Liberia Day Celebration held on Friday, 11 February 2022 at the Barclay Training Centre, Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia.
While presenting the award, President Weah stated that at every celebration of the Armed Forces of Liberia Day, the government recognizes and awards the" Distinguished Service Order" to individuals whose outstanding contribution have significantly impacted on the growth and development of the Armed Forces of Liberia, the nation and humanity. The President stated that "As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, it is pleasing to duly recognize and congratulate this year's Distinguished Service Order Award recipients. "The award is in recognition of their Service to Liberia, which has brought honour upon these gentlemen officers" he added.
The awardees also got a letter of commendation from the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, Ambassador Godfrey Anichebe Odudigbo for making Nigeria proud.
Receiving the awards and letters of commendation on behalf of the recipients, Colonel Gbenga Sunday Oyinwola expressed gratitude to the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for the opportunity to have served Nigeria in their various capacities. He stated further that the award will motivate the recipients to be more productive in their service to the NA and the Nigerian nation.
The award was conferred on the senior officers, who were seconded to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at different times, as part of ECOWAS Advisory Training Team. They contributed immensely to the building and restructuring of the new AFL.
The officers who benefitted from the awards are, Colonels Aminu Usman Gumel, Gbenga Sunday Oyinwola, Emmanuel Chukwu, Ismaila Sule and Lieutenant Colonel Abdulkadir Abubakar. Other awardees were drawn from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the USA.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 12 February 2022
Congratulations to the winner Ulfata Deresa Geleta who finished the race in 2 hours 11 minutes and 54 seconds winning himself the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars (30,000 USD)
Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC have arrested 42 suspected internet fraudsters at various locations in Asaba, Delta State.
They were arrested on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, in a sting operation.
The thirty-one( 31) of the suspects, comprising 29 men and 2 ladies, are: James Nweze, Nmuokoro Tega, Eruteyan Benjamine, Nwaozor Chinedu, Okwesa Solomon, Yusuf Michael, Ikhana Godswork, Benson David, Chidinma Anthony, Jennifer Nkem, Okorie Temple, Paul Gabriel, Okafor Osita, Vihishima Joseph and Desmond Osaigbovo.
Others are: Jude Ogougboh, Sylvester Nwabunwanne, Faith Samuel, Prince Ohumhende, Osaretin Unity, Godstime Animan, Oluwaseun Orimoloye, Mathias Ohashina, Precious Agolo, Okoronkwo Stanley, Benjamin Onyedika Victor, Okonta Anthony, Omelebele Lucky, Okafor Victory, Osade Peter, Daniel Chukwudi Mbaeme.
Their arrest followed series of intelligence reports linking them with alleged fraudulent activities ranging from dating and celebrity scams on numerous dating sites, bitcoin investment scam, cryptocurrency scam, obtaining by false pretense and impersonation.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include: thirteen (13) exotic cars, 59 phones of different brands; ten laptops, one Hisense television and speakers; one iPad and 3 PlayStation.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded. Visit our website: www.efccnigeria.org for more stories.
PROVIDERS OF SUBSTANDARD FUEL MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, DIRECTS PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that producers and providers of consumable products be held accountable for substandard services and or products sold by them.
The President has also given directives to the relevant government agencies to take every step in line with the laws of the country to ensure the respect and protection of consumers against market abuses and social injustices.
In a reaction to the issue of petroleum product shortages linked to the inadvertent supply of products of foreign origin into the Nigerian market, President Buhari said the protection of consumer interests is a priority of the present administration and is ready to take all necessary measures to protect consumers from hazardous products, loss or injuries from the consumption of substandard goods.
The President directed that in line with the law, service providers must make full disclosure of relevant information with respect to the consumption of their products and that dissatisfied consumers are entitled to a proper redress of their complaints.
Nigeria has moved up four places in the latest FIFA ranking after an early exit in the just concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021.
Nigeria is currently ranked 32 in the FIFA ranking ahead of AFCON 2021 host Cameroon, finalist Egypt, and Tunisia who defeated the Super Eagles in the round of 16 in January.
AFCON 2021 champions Senegal is the best African team in 18th position, followed by Morrocco in 24th, and Nigeria in 32nd position. Egypt sits at 34th and Tunisia at 36th and Cameroon at 38th.
Nigeria were beaten 1-0 by Tunisia after winning all three games at the group stage of the competition, while Tunisia barely managed to qualify as one of the four best third placed teams at the end of the group stage.
The statistics deceived pundits into believing that Nigeria would run over the Carthage Eagles. But that was far from the reality.
AFCON 2018 champions Algeria who were Africa’s number one slipped to 43, while Mali occupy the 48th position and Ivory Coast in 51st spot.
Romanus Amuta, the ace actor better known for playing Natty in ‘New Masquerade’, the popular Nigerian sitcom, has passed away at 79.
Chukwuma Amuta, his first son, told NAN that the actor died in the early hours of Wednesday after battling a protracted ailment.
He described the film star as a caring father who did his best to raise his children.
“Yes! My father died this morning in Lagos after a protracted illness,” he said.
Amuta hailed from Ukana in Udi LGA of Enugu state. He started his career in the media landscape and worked with Daily Times newspaper before delving into the movie industry.
He came into the limelight after featuring in the ‘New Masquerade’ — which was one of the most popular TV series in the 80s.
Amuta also featured in several Nollywood movies including ‘Lion Finger’ (2003), ‘Eagles Bride’ (2005) and ‘Ijele’ (1999).
His blistering career suffered a setback after he had stroke in 2009.
At the time, rumours suggesting he had died swirled on numerous occasions but his family dismissed the claims.
In 2014, Chukwuma had refuted such claim.
“I am surprised to hear such a fallacious rumour. It is true that my dad had stroke some five years ago, that is 2009. Presently, he is clinically stable and he is recovering well,” he had said.
Amuta is survived by Cordelia, his wife, and six children.
The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has issued a DSB and IPTV broadcast license for Satellite Television broadcasting and Internet Television, respectively, to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Welcoming the DG, NYSC, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, to the Commission, the DG, NBC, Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, noted that the NBC is the agency saddled with the responsibility to regulate and monitor the broadcast industry in Nigeria.
He added that he was very pleased that the NBC is today, carrying out one of it's functions which is the issuance of broadcast license to qualified organisations and the NYSC has proven that they are qualified.
The NBC Chief, pointed out that the National Broadcasting Commission issues broadcast licence in trust with full believe that it will be used for the purpose for which the licence was granted. He further urged the NYSC to adhere strictly to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, while carrying out its operations.
Mall. Ilelah also congratulated Maj. Gen. S. Ibrahim on his elevation as a full General in the Nigeria Army, as well as, the good work the NYSC is doing in uniting the nation through it's service scheme.
Receiving the provisional broadcast licence, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, expressed his delight on the licence issued to the body, saying it is one of his core goals to establish a broadcasting platform in order to help the NYSC inform the public on some of it's projects and good works.
The presentation which took place on Wednesday 9th February, 2022, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, had in attendance the DG NBC, Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah; DG, NYSC, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim and the Managements of the NBC and NYSC.
TROOPS NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS IPOB/ESN GUNMAN EJIKE, THREE OTHERS IN ANAMBRA
Troops of Nigerian Army (NA)have neutralized four Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network gunmen at Ihiala town in Anambra State. The gunmen who were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order fired sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town. On receipt of a distress call, troops of the NA launched out to the location to restore normalcy. On intercepting the dissidents, a fire fight ensued and the gallant troops neutralized their leader, Ejike and three others.
Items recovered from the gunmen during the encounter include one motorcycle, two pump action double barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis amongst others.
Sadly, one combat vehicle conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault. One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries. The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital.
While we pray for the repose of the souls of deceased personnel, the general public are enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information that could enhance ongoing operations and ultimately, restore peace and stability in the region.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 9 February 2022
DANA WHITE revealed the graphic photos of UFC champion Kamaru Usman undergoing hand surgery.
Three weeks before Usman's last fight, a points win over Colby Covington at UFC 268 in November, the welterweight he broke his right hand.
Three weeks before Usman's last fight the welterweight he broke his right handCredit: Twitter @danawhite Now over two months later and the Nigerian-American went under the knife to repair the injury.
And UFC boss White left his Instagram followers in a state of shock as he released snaps of the procedure.
He captioned the post: "Pound for pound best fighter in the world @usman84kg had hand ligament surgery today.
"This is the before and after. See you soon CHAMP."
UFC welterweight Tyson Nam commented: "I don’t think I will be able to finish my meal now."
Another said: "Thanks Dana really needed to see this."
The fighter's manager Ali Abdelaziz told ESPN that Usman will be ready to return by International Fight Week, which is UFC 276 on July 2 in Las Vegas.
Usman, 34, revealed he broke his hand in a sparring session with training partner and No1 UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje , 33.
He said on the Full Send Podcast: “I broke it before the fight. Most people didn’t know that.
"I broke it three weeks before, and I didn’t throw it until the day of the fight itself.
"I didn’t throw it until backstage when you’re warming up before the fight. I didn’t throw my hands for three weeks, my right hand."
He added: “I broke it on someone’s head, Justin Gaethje’s head.”
Bandits currently operating along at Garun Gabas along the Zungeru-Kontogora road in Niger.
An eyewitness who is travelling from Minna to kontogora said travellers currently trapped on the road at zungeru waiting for the bandits to be done with their operations.
So far, a car has been shattered with bullets and the passengers dispossessed of their valuables.
Local reports say the bandits have been operating in Yelwa and Akere villages and they were sighted moving herds of rustled cattle.
President Muhammadu Buhari returns to Abuja at the end of the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads and Government of African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. #PMBAtAU #NigeriaAtAU
The Vision FM Media Services Ltd has appealed for a review of the order suspending its program titled “Idon Mikiya” broadcast on Vision FM and Farin Wata TV in the interest of justice and the Nigerian society.
Chairman, Vision Media Services, Umar Faruk Musa made the appeal in a letter addressed to the Director General of the National Broadcasting Cooperation (NBC).
Recall that the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC had suspended , Idon Mikiya, one of the popular programmes on Vision FM and Farin Wata TV for a period of six months.
NBC also imposed a fine of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) on Vision Media Services, to be paid before the suspension is lifted.
The suspension and fine were conveyed in a letter addressed to the Managing Director, Vision Media Services Limited, Abuja by the NBC dated 28th January, 2022.
The Vision FM Chairman noted that their program titled “IDON MIKIYA” on vision FM and Farin Wata Television Channel was done in the interest of justice in country.
He argued that the discussion of issues and appointment at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) does not and cannot constitute breach of section 39(3) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, among other cogent reasons.
In consideration of the foregoing, the Vision FM Chairman therefore in a letter appealed to the NBC DG to suspend the sanction and set aside the Five Million Naira fine.
The Letter reads in part: ”We write to acknowledge your letter dated 28th January, 2022 with reference No NBC/DGABV/LlC02/22 and to respectfully appeal for a review cf the order suspending our program titled “IDON MIKIYA” on vision FM and Farin Wata Television Channel in the interest of justice and Nigerian society at large due to the following reasons.
“A. Our discussion of issues and appointment at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) does not and cannot by whatever stretch of imagination constitute breach of section 39(3) (b) of the 1999 Constitution especially having regards to the unequivocal provisions of the Section.
“B. In our respectful view, Section 39(3) (b) by its purport and intendment is a restriction designed to control holders of public offices or head of security agencies from enjoying the general freedom of expression enjoined by media and Nigerian citizen at large. It could not have been fairly resorted to justify the suspension.
“C. The Discussion had no bearing with transmitting trade secrets or other issues regarding National security and as such could not have been justifiably tagged as such.
“D. That the discussion on the qualifications for appointment at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) had dominated the mainstream and online media even before 5th January, 2022. Idon Mikiya program of 5 th January, 2022 was not the originator of the discussion surrounding the appointment at NIA and justice will better be served if the originators of the discussion are uncovered and sanctioned appropriately, if same is viewed offensive. Attached herewith for your perusal are copies of some reports which were published before 5th January, 2022.
“E. The order of suspension constitutes a clear breach of one of the twin principles of natural justice. The suspension order did not point out the offensive part of the program, who amongst the panelist uttered the statement, what evidence was led to substantiate the claim and who led the evidence and its correlation with section allegedly violated prior to the suspension order.
“F. The mandatory procedure for handling complaints set out in chapter 14 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code particularly paragraphs 14-3.1-14-3.6 and section 12 of the National Broadcasting Commission Act are not strictly adhered. The Commission failed to arbitrate the complaint and notice to show cause has not been issued before the issuance of the suspension order.
“G. IDON MIKIYA is one program that attracts widest audience across the country. It provides information on issues of national concern to the audience with immediacy. Its suspension is not only inimical to the Nigerian populace but it is also capable of throwing the large section of Nigerian populace in to darkness.
“H. The assertion in paragraph 4 of your letter did not truly reflect what transpired at any of your previous meetings with our management, neither the presenter nor the panelists of Idon Mikiya was at anytime found to have violated paragraphs 1.10.3, 3-3.1b, and 3-3.1c of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”
Umar pointed out that on the contrary, the only time Vision FM management appeared before the NBC, their program was found to be balanced, fair and free of bias and presenters’ opinion.
He further stated that the content of their program of 5th January, 2022 was fairly and equitably presented.
He added that it was free of bias, sentiments and presenters’ opinion in all standards.
According to him, it balances both sides on the issue, it also captured the opinion of one Professor Sylvester Afolabi who wrote in support of NIA.
“We attached herein the article authored by one Sylvester Afolabi dated 28th December, 2021 which was widely circulated in the media.
“Since the inception of “IDON MIKIYA” program for more than a decade, there had never been an occasion when the program was justifiably found to have breached any law.
“It is against this background, that we make this appeal for a passionate review.
“Sir, you may well be aware that it is within our avowed constitutional responsibilities to raise public awareness about decisions, actions and inactions of governmental agencies and their leadership.
“Vision FM is always at the forefront in contributing our quota in voicing out and drawing attention to the constituted authority about growing concerns, worries, reactions, condemnations or praises all with a view to ensuring effective governance free of rancor and public annoyance.
“In view of the foregoing, we respectfully appeal to the Director General, to use your good offices to lift the suspension and set aside the Five Million Naira fine unjustifiably imposed on us.
“The suspension and fine orders are undeserving and unwarranted having regards to the reasons set out above. We do hope the Commission will act without fear of favour or ill will and in a manner that will guarantee and not undermine the enjoyment of the freedom of expression and independence of the media.
“While we await your usual prompt positive response, please accept the assurance of our highest regards and preparedness to avail ourselves for further discussion on this issue should you find this desirable,” he stated.
Officials of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) early this morning arrested five suspected Awawa Boys in an all – night raid in spots believed to be the hideouts of the cult gang in Mulero, Orile Agege, Abule Egba and Agege.
The figure excludes three suspected members who were handed over to the divisional police units in those areas yesterday.
Using the intelligence gathered as result of civil disturbances unleashed in Mulero and part of Iyana Ipaja on Tuesday night, the Commander RRS, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, working on the directives of new Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, deployed a convoy patrol to all the affected communities before the night raid on the suspected hideouts of the miscreants.
The suspects would this morning be charged to court as directed by the Commissioner of Police.
Recovered from one of the suspects were wraps of substances believed to be Indian hemp and ice.
Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army(NA) acting on credible intelligence have taken out 3 kidnappers, who are believed to be part of the notorious kidnap cum robbery gang terrorizing the ever busy Auchi-Benin road in Edo state today, 2 February 2022. The kidnappers met their waterloo while on their nefarious operation along the axis. They however ran out of luck, as the vigilant troops swooped on them, engaging them in a gun duel that led to the elimination of three members of the gang, while others fled in different directions.
The gallant troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one Pump Action Shotgun and other dangerous weapons.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track the fleeing criminals and free up that corridor from all forms of violent crime.
The NA wishes to enjoin the general public, particularly the good people of Edo to continue to expose criminal elements in their localities to law enforcement agencies. They are also urged to go about their normal activities as efforts are in place to ensure seamless security.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 2 February 2022
Lagos State Governor, Mr. @jidesanwoolu on Wednesday signed the bills for the establishment of two additional universities in the State – Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology.
He assented to the bills transmitting Lagos State Polytechnic in Ikorodu, Isolo and Surulere campuses to the University of Science and Technology as well as Adeniran Ogunsanya Colleges of Education, Ijanikin and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe to Lagos State University of Education.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Lagos House, Marina, was witnessed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), members of the Governing Councils and management staff of the tertiary institutions, among others.
Speaking after signing the bills, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said Lagos and its indigenes are now blessed with two additional universities to the existing @LASUOfficial established in 1982 by the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
He said: “We are doing this very quickly because we need to take this law to the National Universities Commission (NUC), that will do their due diligence and we are believing in the process.
Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
Greenwood was first arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of rape and assault.
Allegations were made on social media against the footballer in a series of posts - which have since been deleted - and police will now keep Greenwood in custody to continue with their enquiries.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police read: "Detectives have been granted further additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman.
"The suspect was detained in custody on Sunday (30 January) afternoon after we became aware of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.
"He continues to be questioned after magistrates authorised an extension until tomorrow (Wednesday 2 February).
"Following enquiries so far, he has since been further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
"Enquiries are ongoing and the victim continues to be offered specialist support.
"We remind people to avoid any commentary or sharing of images that could compromise the victim's right to lifelong anonymity, or risk prejudicing a live investigation with active proceedings."
Manchester United announced on Sunday that Greenwood had been suspended by the club and won't be taking part in training or matches for the foreseeable future.
"Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice," the club confirmed.
Nike have since announced that they have suspended their deal with Greenwood, while the player has also been removed from the FIFA22 video game.
Both of those decisions were taken before Greenwood was further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone you know, please use our online reporting facility or use our LiveChat facility on our website, or call 101.
Statement from @ManUtd: "Manchester United reiterates its strong condemnation of violence of any kind. As previously communicated, Mason Greenwood will not train with, or play for, the club until further notice."
Deji Adeyanjuspeaks on Peter Obi's Presidential ambition.
As attractive as Peter Obi’s presidential ambition is & I absolutely love it so much but he does not stand any chance in a PDP primaries or at the general election against the APC.
Nigeria is so unfair and Peter Obi knows this. APC does not believe in elections. The only way PDP can win the next election is if APC gives their ticket to a southerner and PDP goes north.
PDP should look towards either Tambuwal or Bala, current serving Govs who are young & will be accepted; not one old expired politician that will be going to hospital always. Another person that stands a good chance is Bukola Saraki but how can he win a presidential primaries in PDP? Politics is deep!
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Arch. Olatunde Amos Ojo, on Monday, transmitted the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent, The Nation has learnt.
A source confided that the Bill is now with the President.
The Nation had reported that the Bill would be transmitted today.
The President in December vetoed the Bill, leading to a fresh amendment of the Bill by the National Assembly.
It is however uncertain if the President would assent to the reworked Bill.
This followed report that Governors are not happy with the new amends and plan to prevail on the President not to sign it.
Everton Football Club can confirm the appointment of Frank Lampard as the Club’s new manager.
The former England midfielder has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract - until June 2024 - and will take charge of the First Team for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brentford at Goodison Park on Saturday 5 February.
The appointment of Lampard comes after a robust recruitment process with several candidates being interviewed by the Club’s majority shareholder and Board of Directors.
Lampard started management with Derby County in 2018, leading the Rams to the final of that season’s Championship play-offs. He was appointed head coach at former club Chelsea the following year and, helping develop many of the club’s young talents, guided the Londoners to fourth place in the Premier League and the FA Cup final in his first season in charge.
The new Everton manager will be supported by a vastly experienced and talented backroom team made up of Joe Edwards as his Assistant Manager, Paul Clement as First Team Coach and Chris Jones as First Team Coach and Head of Performance.
One of English football’s most decorated footballers, Lampard won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League, while earning 106 caps for his country in a glittering playing career.
The African Union on Monday suspended Burkina Faso a week after the volatile country suffered its latest coup, as diplomats from West Africa and the UN began talks with the new junta.
The AU's 15-member Peace and Security Council said on Twitter it had voted "to suspend the participation of #BurkinaFaso in all AU activities until the effective restoration of constitutional order in the country".
The move came three days after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended Burkina from its ranks and warned of possible sanctions pending the outcome of meetings with the junta.
An ECOWAS mission headed by Ghanaian Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchway arrived in Ouagadougou, where it was joined by the UN's special representative for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat Saleh Annadif.
They arrived at the presidential palace at 1 pm (1300 GMT), an AFP journalist saw.
"The joint delegation will have meetings with the military leaders as well as with the various Burkinabe actors," UNOWAS said in a statement earlier.
On Saturday, ECOWAS sent military chiefs to confer with junta leader Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.
The junta "reaffirmed its commitment to sub-regional and international organisations," it said in a statement.
ECOWAS leaders will hold a summit in Accra on Thursday to assess its two missions to see whether they should impose sanctions.
They have previously suspended and enforced sanctions against two other members -- Mali and Guinea -- which have also seen military overthrows in the past 18 months.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, who chairs the AU's Commission, had already condemned the coup on the day it happened.
NOW:1062nd Mtg of the #AU Peace & Security Council: Briefing on the situation in #BurkinaFaso .Opening remarks by Amb. Amma-Twum-Amoah, of #Ghana &Chair of the #AUPSC for the month followed by Statements by Comm. @Bankole_Adeoye @AUC_PAPS and the Representative of Burkina Faso
Modestus Nwamkpa, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State on Print media, has mocked the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Owell Rochas Okorocha, over his decision to run for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
DAILY POST reported that Senator Rochas Okorocha, who represents Imo West on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced his intention last Wednesday, in a letter to the Senate President, which was read by Ahmad Lawan at plenary.
In an open addressed to the ex-Imo Governor, and forwarded to DAILY POST on Sunday, against the backdrops, Nwamkpa called on the former Imo governor to withdraw from the presidential race as his nut does not fit into the hole due to his abysmal performance as governor of Imo state for eight years.
He maintained that the ex-governor lacked moral justification to run for the office of President despite having the constitutional right to do so, regretting that Okorocha left the government of Imo state after eight years and has no single quality or motorable road across the state, as none was commissioned.
According to Nwamkpa, “The saddest of all is that even the road to your village house is impassable having cut into two along Mgbe road, less than 500 metre to your Ogboko house. They say charity begins at home. This is the case with all the roads in Idea to nation.”
The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also reminded Okorocha that being a President is about service delivery, obedience to rule of law, adherence to due process, constructing quality projects, management or deploying scarexe resources to things that will benefit the people, sincerely leading the people and being altruistic in governance, adding that Okorocha must consider quitting from the presidential race to save himself from political extinction.
Nwamkpa further posited that Okorocha’s presidential aspiration is a mockery of an expected sound leadership that Nigerians yearn for in 2023, insisting that he is under illusion that Okorocha emerging President of Nigeria will be a disaster of monumental proportions, and imo state may be cursed by the rest of Nigeria.
“As Imolites, we have had your experience the bitter way in your eight years here and we are afraid Nigeria will explode under your hand if the country experiences what we experienced here with you.
“Oga, please don’t be offended ooo, do you mean you really want to be Nigerian President? I ask this question because I am afraid that two years into your regime, National Theatre, NNPC, University of Abuja, International Conference Centre, Abuja and other national assets may end up being converted to your personal or family property. You know you have that rare courage to pilfer and brazenly convert public properties without any qualms of conscience. You know we had such an experience with you in Imo state. And you will justify it when you will tell the world that Rochas Foundation acquired 95% of the equity share of NNPC while the entire country has 5%.and will even offer to buy off Nigeria 5% equity share. Oga, you know we had the experience here with you as Governor.”
Nwankpa also queried Okorocha, “as Senator for two years plus now, how many Senatorial zone briefings have you held? How many bills and motions have you sponsored or co-sponsored? What is the size of your performance at the Senate?
He, however, submitted that Okorocha’s presidential aspiration is one aspiration that offends good conscience and defeats the genuine desires of Nigerians for a tested and trusted leader.
“Your outing as Governor is a morrow to what you will do if given the opportunity. You cannot give what you don’t have,” he wrote.
Politics › NIMC NIN Verification Service (NVS) Restored by HonNL(op): 9:46pm On Feb 12, 2022
