*Wanted drug baron nabbed in Nasarawa as NDLEA intercepts 1,330kg skunk in Edo. *Notorious supplier to Abuja drug joints arrested
It was indeed a bleak Easter for the most wanted drug baron in Nasarawa state, Sami Ashoko as he did not only spend the festive season in custody, his warehouse filled with skunk was also raided and 100 bags of the illicit drug weighing 1,095.3kg seized.
Same fate also befell members of another cartel who were arrested in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government area of Edo state and their illicit consignment weighing 1,330kg meant for Bauchi state equally seized.
Both syndicates were busted on Friday while trying to distribute their illegal substances for the Easter sales.
In Nasarawa, Ashoko, 39, who hails from Ibilo in Akoko Edo area of Edo state, was arrested in Shinge, Lafia based on actionable intelligence. A team of operatives had stormed his warehouse in Lafia and recovered 100 bags of cannabis weighing about 1.1 tons or 1095.3 kg.
According to the Commander, Nasarawa state Command of the NDLEA, Justice Arinze, Sami Ashoko is the most wanted drug baron who has been on our watch list in Nasarawa state. This seizure has beaten the previous record of 45 bags weighing about half ton recovered in January 2021 as the highest singular seizure of cannabis since the inception of the Command in 1999. The seized consignment was meant for Easter sales, and which he expects to sell out in two weeks.
In a related development, two members of another drug cartel, Adamu Badamasi and Adamu Abba were also arrested same day in Edo state while trying to move 950 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 1,330kg, procured from Uzeba, Owan West Local Government area of the state to Bauchi state for Easter sales. Commander of the Edo state Command of the anti-drug law enforcement agency, Buba Wakawa disclosed that the arrest and seizure disrupted the Easter sales plan of the cartel, which tried to escape arrest through hinterland routes in their white colour Peugeot J5 space bus with registration number Lagos JJJ 722 XC.
In the same vein, another trafficker who supplies drugs to some notorious drug joints in Abuja was at the weekend arrested along Gwagwalada expressway, FCT while bringing 46 compressed blocks of cannabis for drug dealers in Mabushi and Banex areas of the capital city.
In the same vein, another trafficker who supplies drugs to some notorious drug joints in Abuja was at the weekend arrested along Gwagwalada expressway, FCT while bringing 46 compressed blocks of cannabis for drug dealers in Mabushi and Banex areas of the capital city. The Commander, FCT Command of the Agency, Mohammed Salami Sokoto said the notorious drug supplier has confessed being a major supplier of illicit substances to major drug joints in Abuja.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig.General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has in his reaction to the Easter weekend operations commended officers and men of Nasarawa, Edo and FCT Commands of the Agency for their efforts, adding that the skunk seized is certainly less illicit substances available on the streets.
Femi Babafemi Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja 6' April, 2021.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has just arrived the Imo state police command to inspect the extent of damage at the state command following the attack by gunmen in the early hours of Monday.
Shame on General @MBuhari. Their so called ‘solidarity rally’ for Buhari at Abuja House flopped, with only 5 people turning up, despite the £75 per head they paid. @elrufai, is this the best you guys can do to counter #HarassBuhariOutofLondon. Better demand a refund of your bribe
Supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari are currently at the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission in London.
Popularly known as Abuja House, the protesters stormed the residence with placards which have inscriptions such as “This Storm Will Surely Pass”, “God Loves Nigeria”, “We Are Stronger Together”, among others.
Anti-Buhari supporters led by Reno Omokri, a former aide of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, have been protesting in front of the house for some days.
They had asked the president, whom they accused of wasting taxpayers money, to return to Nigeria immediately.
Buhari is currently on a medical vacation in the UK. He left the country on the eve of a nationwide strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors.
A fake lawyer, identified as Azeez Agboola, was arrested in court at Agbara, Ogun state today, right inside the courtroom
The 50 year-old was arrested while appearing as a counsel before Chief Magistrate B. I. Ilo, at the Chief Magistrate Court in the industrial town.
Agboola was arrested after the presiding judge was suspicious of his manner of presentation in the court.
The judge invited the police to arrest him to authenticate his claim of being a lawyer, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi said.
“Upon his arrest, the suspect was personally interrogated by the DPO of Agbara Division, SP Dahiru Saleh.
‘He confessed that though he read law in the university, he has not been called to Bar since he has not passed the law school examination.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun has ordered that the suspect be charged to court as soon as possible.
Good News! We are extending our Membership Registration/Revalidation and Update Exercise by another three weeks due to an avalanche of applications from critical stakeholders
One hundred and seventy one days! That is nearly half a year spent by President Muhammadu Buhari on medical vacation in the United Kingdom.
What started as a visit to clear a “persistent ear infection” has now become a routine activity in the schedule of the president.
On Tuesday, Buhari and a few of his aides departed the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 2:30pm.
The president departed Nigeria for London for a medical check-up which is scheduled to last for two weeks.
Checks by TheCable revealed that Buhari has already spent 171 days treating himself in the UK. This figure includes only two days spent out of his ongoing medical vacation in the foreign country.
At the end of his ongoing vacation, Buhari will have spent 183 days getting medical help in the UK.
Below is a timeline of Buhari’s several medical trips to the UK.
June 6, 2016: Buhari embarked on vacation to attend to what Femi Adesina, his spokesman, described as “a persistent ear infection”. Adesina said though Buhari had been examined and treated by his personal physician and a specialist in Abuja, both doctors advised him to go for further evaluation in London as a precaution.
June 19, 2016: Buhari returned after nearly two weeks in the UK. His medical trip planned for 10 days eventually became 13 days. “I am better. You can see me inspecting the guards of honour. Now you can do the assessment yourself,” he told reporters on his return.
January 23, 2017: Buhari left the country after transmitting a letter to the national assembly, disclosing that he was going on a 10-day medical vacation.
February 5, 2017: He announced in a letter to the federal lawmakers that he was extending the vacation indefinitely.
March 10, 2017: The president returned to the country from his vacation, after he had spent 49 days receiving treatment in London for that year.
May 7, 2017: After 57 days of presiding over the country, Buhari returned to London for an indefinite medical check-up.
August 19, 2017: Buhari finally returned to Nigeria amid jubilations — 103 days after he left for medical check-up. This brought the subtotal for 2017 to 152 days and a total of 165 days since he emerged as president in 2015.
May 8, 2018: Eight months after returning from his 103-day medical trip to the UK, Buhari jetted out of Nigeria for yet another trip bordering on health concerns. The president said he will return after four days.
May 11, 2018: Buhari returned to the country after four days medical visit to the UK. This brings the total of his medical visits to 169 days.
In summary, Buhari spent 13 days in 2016, 152 days in 2017, and four days in 2018 getting treatment in the UK.
In 2019, the president embarked on private trips to the UK while the coronavirus pandemic hindered movement in 2020.
In the ongoing year, Buhari already earmarked 14 days to treating himself in London, out of which two days have been spent.
Asides his medical trips, Buhari has visited the UK on several occasions for private and official reasons.
However, his medical vacations stand out particularly because his administration vowed not to encourage government officials seek medical care abroad.
Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that he made an error while calling for more youths to be drafted into the Nigerian Army in a bid to adequately tackle the nation’s security challenges.
While advocating for national employment and giving an inference for a security policy that could stem the tides of insurgency, Tinubu asked the Federal Government to recruit 50 million youths into the Nigerian Army.
Addressing guests on Monday at the 12th colloquium organised in his honour, the Asiwaju stated that the recruitment move will help restore peace within troubled regions and stop miscreants from recruiting young people to do their biddings.
The former Senator has however stated on Tuesday that contrary to comments made at the colloquium in Kano where his 69th birthday was celebrated, his intended recommendation was to have fifty thousand (50,000) youths recruited into various national security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army.
“Asiwaju seeks the expansion of security personnel by 50,000 for the armed forces, not the N50 million that was mentioned in error. It was an accidental verbal mistake of which we all commit from time to time especially when reciting a series of large numerical figures.
“He did not mean N50 million, which is almost a quarter of our total population.
The crucial matter is that Asiwaju rightly observed that such strong recruitment would serve the twin-purpose of helping to tackle unemployment while at the same time enhancing the security of every Nigerian.
“Please forgive any confusion due to this innocent error. The most vital thing is that he set forth a wise and timely approach that would help us face two of today’s stiffest challenges.
“It is in the spirit that we hope you view and assess his proposal for it seeks to provide a way for more youths to participate in building a greater, safer and more prosperous country,” a communique by Tinubu’s media aide Tunde Rahman, read.
It further noted that the APC stalwart canvassed the urgent need to combine employment and national security policy by the recruitment of 5 million youths in all aspects of nation-building, ranging from infrastructural development to agricultural modernization.
The statement also adds that the APC national leader believes the more job opportunities are presented to youths, the less some of them will be tempted to delve into illegal and dangerous activities.
As part of this overall approach, Tinubu believes that eligible youths should be recruited into the armed forces, police and other security agencies to augment the functional capacity of Nigeria’s security apparatus, thus ensuring the better security and safety of the people.
The 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium marking Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s birthday was a well-attended event that focused on the important theme of national cohesion during these challenging times.
This was the first time the colloquium was held in the ancient and important city of Kano.
According to the APC Chieftain, the choice of venue was most appropriate given the theme and the underlying objective of highlighting the oneness of the country and the need for unity so that Nigeria may attain its best destiny.
The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City has dismissed the petition of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and two others against Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ADP and its governorship candidate, Iboi Emmanuel had filed a petition before the Tribunal challenging the election victory of Governor Obaseki.
Other petitions dismissed by the Tribunal included the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) against INEC, PDP, Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Yunusa Musa said the petition was lacking in merit.
Also, the Tribunal dismissed ADP’s petition against INEC, PDP, Obaseki, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Osagie Ize-Iyamu holding that the petitioners, 4th and 5th respondents have not proved that at the time of contesting the election, Obaseki was not qualified to participate in the election
The tribunal held that Obaseki was qualified to contest the September 19 governorship election in the state.
Delivering judgement on the petition of the Action Democratic Party and Emmanuel Iboi, the tribunal held that the third respondent, Godwin Obaseki did not submit a forged certificate or false information to INEC for the purpose of qualifying for the election.
As to the issue of whether the third respondent was educated up to school certificate level having filled in-dash in the column for primary education in the form, the Tribunal held that that dash was reflected in the column is of no moment as it was evident that he is educated beyond school certificate level.
Reacting to the allegation of the double nomination of the third respondent, the tribunal held that the petitioners did not establish a case of double nomination against the 3rd respondent.
The tribunal had dismissed the petition, affirmed the election of Godwin Obaseki as the Governor of Edo State in the September 19 governorship election
Justice Suleiman Yahaha Abubakar, member 1 read the judgement. There was no dissenting view.
The tribunal also ruled on a preliminary objection and some applications. Ruling on the application seeking the striking out of the fourth respondent, the APC and the fifth respondent, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for not being statutory respondents, the tribunal struck out the fourth and fifth respondents and all processes filed for and by them in relation to the petition.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on Monday said as far as national integration is concerned, all Nigerians must become born again.
Ganduje made the comment in his welcome address as at the 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium in Kano.
The colloquium, organised to mark the 69th birthday of Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has as its theme: “Our common bond, our common wealth: The imperative of national cohesion for growth and prosperity”.
Ganduje admitted that the level of cohesion in Nigeria is currently at a very low point, saying that if nothing is done to change the narrative, the the divisive variables will pull the country down.
“As far as the issue of national integration is concerned, all Nigerians must be born again,” he said.
Daily Trust reports that this is the first time the colloquium will be held outside Lagos and Abuja since it began over one decade ago.
Dignitaries such as President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the President of Liberia, George Weah, joined the programme via Zoom.
Osinbajo said it was bad weather that made him not to be present physically.
There has been a heavy haze around Kano since Sunday with visibility very poor beyond five metres.
A substance suspected to be a bomb, has exploded at the Umuola Hall, Ward 8, Ogbor Hill, Aba North council, at the ongoing by-election into the Aba North/South federal constituency seat.
Vanguard gathered that no life was lost, but electoral materials were scattered as workers, voters and party agents scampered to safety.
However, security agents stormed the area and restored order. As at the time of filing this report, voting has restarted.
A voter, who gave his Chinedu Eze said they were on queue when a loud sound enveloped the area and everyone fled.
In his words; “We were on queue; some people were being accredited to cast their votes when we heard a loud sound. Everybody took to their their heels. It was a bomb and we didn’t know where it came from.”
As at press time, efforts to get the reaction of the State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Janet Agbede, was unsuccessful.
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved the restriction of movements in Aba North and Aba South Local Government Areas (LGAs) from 8:00pm (2000hrs) Friday, 26th March, 2021 to 6:00am (0600hrs) Sunday, 28th March, 2021.
Only voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials on election duty, workers on essential duties with proper identification documents and security operatives are exempted from the restrictions within the stated period.
Meanwhile, the usual monthly environmental sanitation exercise will go ahead in the other 15 LGAs on Saturday, March 27. Concerned Local Government Chairmen are expected to lock down their respective LGAs within the period of the clean up exercise.
Thank you.
Chief John Okiyi Kalu Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State 26th March, 2021
Two brothers, Sunday Isaac and Lucky Isaac as well as their friend, Ovie Nana have been sentenced to death in Ondo State for armed robbery.
The convicts, who are to die by hanging, were sentenced by Justice Yemi Fasanmi of an Ondo State High Court sitting at the Olokuta Medium Correctional Facility premises in Akure, the state capital.
The trio, were said to have robbed their victims of motorcycles, mobile phones, cash and other valuables seven years ago in Bolorunduro, Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
After committing the crime in December 11, 2013, the convict were first arraigned in 2014 on a five-count charge to include conspiracy and serial robberies.
The charges were, however, amended to six by the leave of the Court vide the Amendment Information in April, 2019.
The offences committed by the convict for which they were docked are contrary to and punishable under the criminal laws of the state and Robbery and Firearms laws of the Federation.
The Prosecution led by Chief Legal Officer in the Ondo state Ministry of Justice, Olusegun Akeredolu called four witnesses and tendered confessional statements of the accused which were admitted after trial within trial.
The defendants represented by Mr Samson Iluyemi gave evidence but did not tender any exhibit.
In his judgement, Justice Fasanmi who sentenced the two brothers and their accomplice to death by hanging, said he was convinced that the prosecution proved the case beyond all doubts.
Former Lagos State Governor and Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will lead top dignitaries as chairman of the 11th Arewa House Lecture slated for Saturday in Kaduna.
The annual lecture which is in Honour of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, is to be delivered by the Governor of Plateau state and Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.
Governor Lalong is expected to speak on “Reducing the Cost of Governance and Inclusion of Youth in National Development in Post Covid 19 Era”.
The Director of Arewa House, Dr. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kaduna on Thursday said, the 10th Lecture last year was delivered by the then Governor of Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and was chaired by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
He however said both Tinubu and Lalong were carefully selected to chair and deliver the 11th annual lecture.
“This year’s lecture is to be delivered by the current Governor of Plateau state, Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and the lecture would be chaired by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the 27th March, 2021 here in Arewa House.
“The Lecture is designed primarily to serve as a forum to promote national unity, because one of the major essence of Arewa House is to promote national harmony and national unity.
“Governor Lalong was carefully selected to deliver the lecture, because he is currently the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and his capacity to manage Plateau state, which was seen as a front line state in terms of crisis in the past 20 years. But on assumption of office, he has been able to manage that crisis.
“Also for the chairmanship, we always look at the track records of prominent individuals before selecting who chairs the lecture. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been selected to add value to the event, the political development and unity of the country,” he said.
Dr. Aliyu described Arewa House annual lecture as a tradition that has been maintained since 1994 and has brought everyone irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political inclination together in a bid to improve the country.
At least one student has been confirmed dead following the outbreak of a yet to be identified disease at the Government Girls College Sokoto.
Sources had earlier claimed that the outbreak at the school is meningitis and have killed unspecified number of students,
But the Director Public Health at the Sokoto state Ministry of Health, Ahmed Abdulrahman dismissed the claim.
Mr. Abdulrahman who confirmed to newsmen in a telephone interview that over thirty students were admitted at the state owned Specialist hospital as a result of the outbreak.
He said the reported death student was not part of the students admitted in the state owned hospital.
According to him, all thirty students admitted were treated and discharged, and the state ministry of health have taken samples from the victims to investigate the nature of the ailment.
He lamented the delay to report to the first case that eventually lost her life to the hospital.
He also call for calm saying the health ministry will make the outcome of the investigation public as soon as it is concluded.
Drama As Dickson Tackles Senator Who Described Bayelsa As A Small State
There was a mild drama at the Senate, on Tuesday, when Senator Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru Binani (Adamawa Central) referred to Bayelsa as one of the smallest states in Nigeria.
Senator Binani, while advancing argument in support of her bill to establish Federal Medical Centre in Mubi, Adamawa, said the town has a total land mass of 506.4km2 and population of 759,045.
“This together with the population of Mubi North makes it 2,089,540 people (very much higher than Bayelsa State’s eight Local Government Areas, with a population of 1,704,515).
“Nonetheless, this historic town has suffered from government neglect in terms of federal presence especially in the area of tertiary healthcare delivery,” she said.
But her submission did not go down well with Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa), who argued that the size of Bayelsa — the physical land mass and the water bodies — is three times bigger than some states in the country.
He said Binani could make her case without reference to Bayelsa.
Dickson said, “In my Senatorial Senatorial district, it will take me four days to go round. In my local government, Sagbama, it will take me three days to go round.
“I just felt I should rise up to enlighten the sponsor of this bill and by so doing the rest of the country.
“When people talk about population, they should be careful, because if you go deep and ask who conducted the census, who verified, what and what are counted, who are the residence and how justifiable.”
Lawan cautioned Dickson
Senate President Ahmad Lawan interjected and cautioned Dickson against inputting improper motives to the debate.
“Apparently, I have to guide this contribution because you have made your point and, giving our standing orders, we shouldn’t impute improper motives on the submission by our colleagues.
“The discussion is not on the population of Bayelsa or population censors conducted before, we should rather concentrate on the main focus, which is on the establishment of federal medical centre.
“I agree that there are many questions people will like to raise, but I think the essence of this debate is to focus on the general principles and the merits of the bill,” Lawan said.
But Dickson reiterated his point that “debates and the submissions in this hallowed chamber must be based on justifiable fact, arguing that Binani referred to population figures which were not verifiable.
“I was only rising up to enlighten, without prejudice to the merits or demerits of the bill, that the premise that she has put forward as a reason or one of the reasons why this bill should be considered is faulty. That should be expunged, it should not form part of it. That is not factual, it is incorrect,” Dickson said.
Again, Lawan cautioned Dickson against reducing the debate to reaction to comments.
“I’m sure that is the way you rounded off and let me also say that when you have an opportunity like this, what you do is, if you feel and convince that there is an erroneous presentation, you simply bring out the fact, that this is wrong and this is correct.
“We don’t have to come down and reduce the debate to reaction. You were in the House of Representatives before you became a governor, I’m very sure you are very conversant with our process here. We don’t input improper motives to debates or contributions or interventions by our colleagues,” Lawan told Dickson.
The bill was passed for second reading after a voice vote.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has petitioned three justices of the Supreme Court over the Imo North Senatorial District bye-election held on December 5, 2021.
This development moved the apex court to suspend indefinitely, hearing in the appeal brought before it by Francis Ibezim over the Imo North Senatorial District bye-election.
When the appeal was called for hearing on Tuesday, Justice Muhammed Musa Datijo, who led a five-member panel of justices of the apex court, informed counsel in the matter that the proceeding will not go on as scheduled.
He said the interim chairman of the APC and the governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni had written a petition against him and two other justices, Helen Ogunwumiju and Abdu Aboki, accusing them of having a meeting with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to subvert justice in the case.
He said the APC alleged that: “My humble self had led my two brothers to attend a meeting with members of the PDP to strategize how to subvert the outcome of this case.
“I must say that this is most unfortunate and my heart bleeds for this country. If people as highly placed as the interim chairperson of the APC would open his mouth and make this weighty statement against innocent justices of this court, then I say my heart bleeds.
“We are not interested in any matter and I challenge him and the party to substantiate his allegation that my humble self attended a meeting with members of the PDP with a view to subverting the interest of their party.
“This is a reckless and irresponsible statement. That is how these useless statements were made in the past and that is why we are not taking it likely.
“If they have honour, let them substantiate their allegations and I will not leave a day longer in this court.
“So, this matter is adjourned sine-die (Indefinitely) and parties should approach the Chief Justice of the Federation,” Justice Datijo stated.
Responding, Ahmed Raji (SAN), counsel to Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, a senatorial aspirant, said he was shocked to hear about the allegations made against the Justices.
According to the senior lawyer, “this is very shocking. I swear with my last day in this court that I, Ahmed Raji, know nothing about this issue and I condemn it with all the strength in me.
“I sympathise with your lordships and whatever measure your lordship deems appropriate, we are fully in support,” Raji stated.
Umeh Kalu, counsel to the APC said he was just hearing of the petition for the first time, noting that, “I am taken aback by this. I have never in my life met with the interim chairman of the APC.
“In matters of this nature, we normally deal with the legal adviser. In the first place, PDP is not a party in this matter,” he said.
Ifeanyi Ararume and Francis Ibezim, both members of the APC have been in a legal battle over the seat of the senator representing the Imo North Senatorial District in the Senate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared APC as the winner of the bye-election but refused to announce any person as the authentic candidate of the party on the grounds of conflicting court orders for and against the two major contenders.
However, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on March 18, 2021, ordered INEC to issue Ararume with the certificate of return.
The suit before the apex court is that which seeks to upturn the judgment of Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja and that of the Court of Appeal which nullified Ibezim’s candidature on the grounds that he made a false declaration in the documents he submitted to INEC.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met with Benue Governor Samuel Ortom in the State House, Abuja over the recent attempt on his life by gunmen.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Governor Ortom said he was pleased with President Buhari’s reaction to the development, adding they shared ideas on how to manage the crisis trailing the development.
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday 29 March, chair the 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium, an annual high-powered policy roundtable.
The roundtable will mark the 69th birthday of the national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu.
Other eminent personalities including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, senators, ministers, political leaders, and federal lawmakers, among others, will grace the virtual summit.
The details of the event showed that the 12th colloquium will focus on the theme: “Our Common Bond, Our Common Wealth: The Imperative Of National Cohesion For Growth And Prosperity.”
The event is expected to kickstart by 12 noon.
Bola Tinubu Colloquium
The Tinubu Colloquium was conceived in 1999 by Tinubu’s close friends and associates, who felt that some of the very rich and stimulating intellectual debates that hallmarked some of the meetings at which he presided should be translated to a platform that would expand the conversation and lead to tangible outcomes.
The last edition was held in 2019 in Abuja with the theme, `Next Level: Work for People.’
The theme for the 2018 edition was: “Investing in People” while that of 2017 was centered on “Make it in Nigeria” which provided an avenue to examine critically how Nigerians can look inwards and use what they produce while also ensuring that they produce what they use.
At the 8th edition which took place in Abuja in 2016, the theme was Agriculture: Action, work, revolution while in 2015 at the seventh edition, the organizers chose change: How it will work”.
In 2014 at the sixth edition, invites gathered at the invitation of the organization to deliberate on: The summit of the common man while in 2013 at the fifth edition, the topic of discussion was “Beyond Mergers: A National Movement for Change, A new Generation Speaks”.
“Looking back, Thinking Ahead” was the theme of discussion at the fourth edition of the Bola Tinubu Colloquium held in 2012, “Nigeria –Why isn’t it working, How will it work” was chosen for discussion in 2011 at the third edition.
At the second edition which held in 2010, the theme of the discussion was: “This House Must Stand! Pulling Nigeria Back from the Brink” while the topic for discussion at the inaugural edition in 2009 was “Every Vote Must Count”.
The army will soon move against separatist agitators such as Sunday Igboho and Asari Dokubo, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. -Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru said on Monday.
Attahiru’s warning was delivered in Uyo at the first Commanding Officers’ Workshop 2021.
Igboho recently unilaterally declared that the South west part of the country was no longer part of Nigeria.
Dokubo had also announced the establishment of Biafra Customary Government in which he incorporated some parts of the South east and South south as part of the territory.
But Attahiru promised that the Nigerian Army will deal decisively with every form of security threats confronting the nation, including those posed by the secessionist agitators like Igboho and Dokubo.
Attahiru assured the nation that the Nigerian Army would soon surmount attempts by some individuals to compromise the territorial integrity of the country by the declaration of sovereignty on behalf of ethnic nationalities in the country.
“The Nigerian Army under my leadership would remain proactive and jointly work with other security agencies to decisively deal with threats facing the nation.
“The Nigerian Army under my watch remains resolute and is poised more than ever before to decisively deal with individuals or groups that threaten the peace, security and stability of our great nation,” he said.
Attahiru called on participants at the workshop with the theme, “Repositioning the Nigerian Army to Defeat Contemporary Adversaries in a Joint Environment.” to commit themselves to the dictates of their duty to the nation.
The COAS said that he would continue to provide mission oriented training through workshops and build capacity for the military that would make the army dependable and feared by all adversaries.
In his remarks, Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom said the security challenges confronting the nation called for a military that was ready and equipped to face the problems.
Emmanuel, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, urged the military to intensify and expand the strategies, techniques and tactics needed to contain all insecurity across the country.
He commended the various security agencies in the state for the synergy and harmonious working relationship among them which he said had brought about security in the state, and promised to continue to support them.
“With the security realities confronting our nation, the military more than ever should be ready and equipped to face and confront these realities by ensuring that the service maintains the highest possible standard of continuous training for optional performance.
“It is reassuring that in spite of other operational commitments across the country, the new Chief of Army staff has considered it necessary to organise this workshop,” Emmanuel said.
Earlier in his address, the General Officer Commanding 6th Division, Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed said the workshop was the first major achievement of the chief of army staff.
He said that the workshop was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that it was an opportunity to enhance training and build capacity for military officers.
Mohammed said that the workshop had participants drawn from the South-South region of the Nigerian Army.
A former Senate Deputy Minority Chief Whip and a frontline All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Senator Abu Ibrahim, has said Nigeria will be safe under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, if he is voted as the President in 2023.
The Katsina State-born former lawmaker spoke at the weekend in Abuja during the inauguration of Bola Tinubu Support Organisation (BTSO).
He expressed support for promoters of Bola Tinubu Presidency in 2023, saying he had known the APC National Leader for over 20 years.
Ibrahim described Asiwaju Tinubu as a focused Nigerian and a great leader who is passionate about identifying potentials in developing and mentoring younger generations for positions of responsibilities.
“I know Asiwaju Tinubu very well. We have been friends for over 20 years. He is a focused and hard-working man. He is a builder of unity, a pillar of Nigeria’s unity. I think Nigeria will be safe in his hands.”
Also, one-time Secretary to Niger State Government (SSG), Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, hailed the APC National Leader for his mentoring spirit.
He noted that the former Lagos State governor has mentored many Nigerians in various positions of leadership across the country’s national life.
Yahaya, who was the Chairman of the inauguration ceremony, stressed that no living Nigerian leader has demonstrated mentorship capacity like Asiwaju Tinubu.
“Is there a Nigerian in the political space or entrepreneurial space that has mentored emerging leaders like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu?
“Let us create a Bola Ahmed Tinubu in each of the six geo-political zones and you will see there will be no poverty and corruption in Nigeria,” Yahaya said.
The Convener and the National Coordinator of Bola Tinubu Support Organisation, Abubakar Kuso said the race for the Presidency in 2023 requires a man of vision like the APC National Leader.
“I am a young man and a strong advocate of ‘Not Too Young To Run.’ But Nigeria needs a leader like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We need him to mentor more younger generations to enable us take over the leadership of the country,” Kuso said.
BTSO coordinators from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) later took their oaths of office.
Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Saturday disclosed that no governor in the state has ever handed over to his successor after the expiration of their tenure in office.
Makinde while speaking during the Inauguration and Duty Commencement Service of the 8th President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, held at the CAC International Headquarters, Ibadan promised that he would be the first governor in the state to hand over to his successor.
He said, “No governor has ever handed over to his successor in this state, Baba Lam Adeshina didn’t hand over to his successor, former governor Ladoja, Ladoja didn’t hand over to former governor Adebayo Alao Akala, Akala didn’t hand over to Abiola Ajimobi, and Ajimobi also didn’t hand over to me, but am standing in front of the altar of God, I will be the first governor to hand over to my successor.”
Makinde however commended the smooth process that led to the inauguration of the new CAC President, saying that though Nigeria is at the cross road, but priority of all Nigerians should be how to end crisis of division in the nation.
…16 motorcycles in Kauru LGA Thirteen people have been killed and seven others injured, in a series of attacks across communities in Zangon Kataf, Kauru and Chikun local government areas.
Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs,
Kaduna said the report came to the Kaduna State Government. the Military under the auspices of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).
According to the report, armed bandits attacked one Irmiya Godwin and his brother as they returned from their farm in Gora Gan village of Zangon Kataf LGA. Irmiya Godwin was killed, while his brother escaped.
In another incident, armed bandits attacked Kizachi village of Kauru LGA, and killed ten persons, leaving four others injured. Fifty-six houses and 16 motorcycles were razed, with several barns also raided and burnt.
Those killed are listed as:
– Esther Bulus
– Maria Bulus (one-year-old daughter of Esther)
– Lami Bulus
– Aliyu Bulus
– Monday Joseph
– Geje Abuba
– Wakili Filibus
– Yakubu Ali.
– Dije Waziri
– Joseph Ibrahim
The injured are:
– Cecilia Aku
– Yakubu Idi
– Godiya Saleh
– Moses Adamu.
The injured are receiving treatment in the hospital.
Furthermore, Masaka village in Chikun local government was attacked. One Duza Bamaiyi was killed, and two other persons were injured. Troops mobilized to the location to eventually repel the attack.
Similarly, armed bandits killed one Zakka Pada in Kurmin Kaduna of Chikun local government area, and left one Pada Dalle injured.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai noted the report with sadness and prayed for the repose of the souls of the slain while sending condolences to their families. He wished the injured citizens a quick recovery.
1. The judgement today by the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja on the certificate forgery case against me by the @OfficialAPCNg is a victory for democracy, equity, fairness and justice. It further reassures confidence in the judiciary as an impartial umpire.
2. From the beginning, all Edo people knew there was no merit in the case. It was ill-willed. It is comforting that the judiciary has again upheld the truth and the verdict of Edo people.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Ifeanyi Ararume based on the result of December 5, 2020, Imo North Senatorial bye-election, having been declared as the valid candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Taiwo Taiwo who delivered the judgment ordered INEC to issue the certificate of return within 72 hours.
According to him, with regard to the Appeal Court judgment in Abuja, the third defendant (Chukwuma Ibezim) remained disqualified.
The Judge held in a judgment that Senator Ararume remains the authentic candidate of the APC and should be declared the winner of the election.
Earlier, Justice Taiwo dismissed the Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain Senator Ararume’s suit filed by the APC and Chukwuma Ibezim.
Justice Taiwo, who described the application as “an attempt to arrest the judgment,” dismissed it for lacking in merit.
Ararume had, through his counsel told Justice Taiwo Taiwo to invoke the judgments of a Federal High Court and that of an Appeal Court to disqualify Ibezim and declare him as the rightful candidate for APC.
Prior to the bye-election held on December 5, 2020, Ibezim and Araraume had fielded themselves as APC candidates.
Background
Tunde Falola, who is the Counsel to Senator Ararume told journalists after the court ruling that the judgments of the High Court and later the Court of Appeal have conclusively disqualified Ibezim and therefore cannot claim to be an aspirant or candidate in the Imo North Senatorial election.
In opposing Senator Ararume’s suit, APC had told the court that it never fielded him for the December 5, 2020, senatorial bye-election for Imo North Senatorial District of Imo State.
The party had, insisted that Senator Ararume lacked the locus standi to lay claim to the candidacy and urged the court to dismiss his suit.
Senator Ararume then dragged INEC, APC, and Mister Ibezim before the Federal High Court praying for an order to compel INEC to recognise him as an APC senatorial candidate in the election won by the party.
He claimed that Ibezim, having been disqualified by a Federal High Court on account of supplying false information to INEC to secure clearance and same disqualification having been upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja had knocked off Ibezim from laying any claim to the outcome of the by-election.
But, the APC, through its counsel, Osho Daudu asked the court to discountenance Ararume’s claims insisting that his name was never forwarded to INEC but that of Chukwuma Francis Ibezim.
The counsel submitted that a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Owerri, Imo State which erroneously conferred locus on Ararume had been voided by Supreme Court and cannot confer any advantage on the plaintiff.
Emma Osayomi, representing Ibezim, in his own submissions, said that his client has approached the Supreme Court to challenge his disqualification on account of variation in his name.
The counsel argued that as at the election day, the name of his client was on the INEC list and not that of Ararume and urged the court to dismiss Ararume’s claims and hold that Chukwuma Ibezim remains the APC candidate.
Governor of Jigawa State Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has received his AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Government House in Dutse.
The governor’s personal physician administered the vaccine on him at the government house clinic.
DAILY POST reports that the Jigawa State Government received 68,520 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, to be administered on 35,000 people in the state.
Speaking after the vaccination, Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar said the COVID vaccine is free and safe.
He explained that the vaccine will be distributed across the 287 primary Health care centres across the state.
“We are going to distribute the vaccine to all the primary Health cares centres in 287 ward that was already been provided with steady power supply”
Badaru said the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to healthcare staffs, religious leaders, traditional rulers and security personnel to instil confidence among Jigawa citizens.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a subpoena compelling the Attorney General of the federation AbubakarMalami and former chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, to testify in the ongoing case against former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina.
The subpoena signed on 8th March by presiding Judge Justice Okon Abang, ordered 10 persons to come before the court on 9th,10th and 11th March to testify in Mr Maina’s defence.
Others who were also subpoenaed include Femi Falana, M. Mustapha, Hassan Salihu, Mohammed Wakil, G.T Idris, Kenneth Amabem, Ibrahim Kaigama and the director of compliance, Central Bank of Nigeria.
The first defence witness in the case, Ngozika Ihuoma, had alleged that Mr Magu misappropriated 222 properties worth N1.63 trillion recovered by the Maina-led PRTT.
He alleged that Mr Magu had sold most of the properties to his friends and associates.
Mr Ihuoma had also told the court that AGF and the national security adviser met with Mr Maina in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE) in January 2016,
“After the meeting in Dubai, Maina gave the delegation intelligence report that led to the recovery of N1.3 trillion out of the N3 trillion promised to recover,” the witness said.
Abdulrasheed Maina is standing trial for allegedly laundering money to the tune of N2 billion.
Crime › Re: Sami Ashoko Arrested As NDLEA Busts Drug Cartel In Edo, Nasarawa, FCT by Kwanza(op): 1:20pm On Apr 06, 2021
