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 Celebrities / Re: Rachel Oniga Is Dead! Nollywood Actress Dies Age 64 by Le124(m): 10:46am On Jul 31, 2021 |
May her soul rest in peace |
| Politics / Ooni, Olubadan Delegations Arrive Benin Republic For Sunday Igboho’s Trial by Le124(m): 1:42pm On Jul 26, 2021 |
Two delegations from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, are currently in Benin Republic to observe the proceedings of the court case involving Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho. This was confirmed by the aides of the traditional rulers to The PUNCH on the telephone. “Yes, they have arrived,” Olubadan’s Personal Assistant/Director of Media and Publicity, Adeola Oloko told our correspondent. The PUNCH had reported that Olubadan did not disclose the identity of the delegation sent to observe the court proceedings. Olubadan had said the delegation was sent in order to allay the fears of several people, including protesters who besieged his palace. He said, “Sunday Igboho lives in Ibadan, got married in Ibadan, rear children in Ibadan, built houses in Ibadan and as such he has the rights to be protected by Ibadan Traditional Institution within the ambit of the law just like any human being in Ibadan.” The first-class monarch also allayed public fears of a “repeat performance of Yoruba-Fulani coalition of 1814”. According to Oba Adetunji, students of Nigerian history may wish to be reminded that when some people during the period under reference chose to engage in territorial expansion to the sea, it took the Ibadan army under Balogun Oderinlo to repel the attack and stop the incursion near Osogbo. Oba Ogunwusi had set up a 28-member committee made up of notable South-West personalities to look into the arrest of Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, and other issues relating to the South-West. “Yes, we are here. We will give him feedback. Our purpose here is to get the true situation of things and report back,” a member of Ooni’s delegation added. https://punchng.com/breaking-ooni-olubadan-delegations-arrive-benin-republic-for-igbohos-trial/ 1 Like
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| Politics / Outrage As Abuja Council Slams N100,000 Levy On Firms Using Generators, Machines by Le124(m): 7:21pm On Jul 23, 2021 |
Establishments in Abuja have lamented the N100, 000 emission permit levied on business operators by the Abuja Municipal Area Council for the emission of gas from generators and other heavy duty machines. They described the levy as outrageous and capable of sending them out of business. In a letter that has gone viral on the Internet which was signed by the Head of Environment, AMAC, Ahmed Haruna, and addressed to a bakery, it was stated that the levy was for the discharge of harmful substances into the air, water and land. Haruna said failure to comply with the directive could lead to arrest of the bakery operator. The letter read, “The management of Abuja Municipal Area Council Environment Services Department (ESD) Bodies, wishes to notify you of levy/fees due to the Abuja Area Council for Gaseous Emission Permit Limit. “This includes the discharge of harmful hazardous substances into the air or the land and water in Nigeria by the activities of industries, warehouses, banks, either from generators or heavy-duty, drilling, production, construction and manufacturing equipment, filling stations, etc.” He said the directive was in line with the provision of Section (2C) of the fourth schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended under the function of the Local Government Authority and Federal Environmental Protection Agency Act part (iii) Section 25 which establish the Local Council Authority to regulate, enforce and collect levies for the interest of public health importance. But the chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, Ishaq Abdulkareem, dared the council, saying that members would not obey the directive. He said, “Is it our fault that the power supply is unstable and we have decided to look for an alternative? We are still contending with the high cost of raw materials and they are asking us to pay this much as a levy? “That means they want to kick us out of business. The directive is a politically motivated one. They specifically stated bakery. Are we the only ones emitting smokes? Let them take their directives and arrest residents for using generating sets or other industries, only then would we oblige.” Meanwhile, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has asked the council authorities to suspend the N100,000 levy imposed on bakeries and other businesses in the FCT. The President, Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, in a statement on Friday, said imposing new levies despite the country’s high inflation rate would increase the cost of doing business. “We call on the leadership of Abuja Municipal Area Council as well as other government agencies to suspend the planned imposition of generator and equipment taxes, as this is inconsistent with the Federal Government’s programmes to create an attractive business climate for business owners. Imposition of new taxes like the generator and equipment taxes will not only be an additional burden to be borne by business owners, it will accelerate the collapse of more businesses, deepen unemployment and further hike inflation rate in the country,” he said. https://punchng.com/outrage-as-abuja-council-slams-n100000-levy-on-firms-using-generators-machines/
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| Crime / Bank Fraud: Ex-banker, Wife, Mother-in-law Bag Jail Term by Le124(m): 6:34pm On Jul 23, 2021 |
An ex-banker, Ebenezer Alonge, together with his wife, Olamide Oyinlola, and his mother-in-law, Isakunle Eunice, have been convicted and sentenced to cumulative 60-year jail term at the Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti. The trio, before Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, were convicted of 12 counts of conspiracy and bank fraud brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan Zone. This was contained in a statement by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, on Friday, where it was revealed that the trio conspired to steal depositors’ fund to the tune of N21m. It was alleged that sometime in February 2018, the bank received a complaint concerning the financial impropriety of the sum of N62,400.00 in respect of a customer’s account,” the statement revealed. It continued, “According to the petitioner, on February 15, 2017, a customer lodged the said sum into her account but the transaction could not be traced in the customer’s account, even after the customer presented a copy of the slip signed by Alonge. In the course of the investigation, the said transaction was allegedly traced to Ebenezer Alonge’s wife’s account. “Further investigation, however, revealed that there was a turnover of over N21,000,000.00 (Twenty-One Million Naira) as a deposit from other customers in his wife’s account.” https://punchng.com/bank-fraud-ex-banker-wife-mother-in-law-bag-jail-term/
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| Politics / We Have Not Stopped Nigerians From Using Twitter - FG Tells Court by Le124(m): 6:25am On Jul 23, 2021 |
The Federal Government has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that it has not stopped Nigerians from using social media platform, Twitter, adding that many Nigerians are still using it every day. https://punchng.com/weve-not-stopped-nigerians-from-using-twitter-fg-tells-court/ 4 Likes 4 Shares
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| Politics / Re: Arrest Emefiele, Mele Kyari, Others Now - Reps Panel by Le124(m): 1:58pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
Truth be told, I have asked myself severally while the CBN governor has not been changed or sack despite all the policy of making our naira to depreciate all this year's. Or is there something between him and Apc government? |
| Politics / Why Sunday Igboho Can’t Be Extradited To Nigeria - Lawyer by Le124(m): 1:36am On Jul 21, 2021 |
Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN), the lead counsel for Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said that the arrested rights activist cannot be extradited from Benin Republic because he is a “political offender”.https://punchng.com/why-sunday-igboho-cant-be-extradited-to-nigeria-lawyer/ 32 Likes 4 Shares
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| Crime / Run Or Wait? What Will You Do? by Le124(m): 4:35pm On Jul 11, 2021 |
If you are in a public vehicle traveling from one state to another and suddenly a child between the age of 7 to 10 just run across the road unexpectedly and the vehicle hit the child in a town where they have history of burning the cars with the driver. And the driver is not sure whether the child is alive or not . Will you tell the driver to stop or run? Note - you are not sure whether you will be save if the driver stop |
| Politics / Igboho Writes FG, Demands N500m Reparation For Damage To House, Cars by Le124(m): 11:19am On Jul 04, 2021 |
Our Reporter Embattled Sunday Igboho on Saturday wrote a petition to the federal government protesting damage to his residence, cars and other property by state agents. He estimated his losses at N500million and demanded same as reparation. Igboho, in a letter through his counsel Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN) also sought a public apology for what he called violation of his fundamental rights during the invasion of his house and the institution of a probe of the action of the security officials that conducted the raid. He equally implored all the Governors of Southwest States that “know the yearnings of their people and Igboho’s large followership to wade in before it becomes hydra headed security problems in all their domains.” Counsel alleged that those arrested in Igboho’s house were being tortured to incriminate him that guns and ammunition were recovered from his house. He said: “Sunday Igboho knew that he would be arrested one day hence retaining our services. He could not be that daft to keep incriminating articles in his house! “Our client’s house is a 5 bedroom duplex with 5 chalets of 2 and 3 bedrooms. These were totally damaged with operatives allegedly arguing on whether to burn down the edifice as done to his former palatial house. The lady officer allegedly put her foot down against arson.” Igboho writes FG, demands N500m reparation for damage to house, cars https://thenationonlineng.net/igboho-writes-fg-demands-n500m-reparation-for-damage-to-house-cars/
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| Politics / UK To Provide Assistance For Nnamdi Kanu by Le124(m): 4:38am On Jul 01, 2021 |
The British Government has expressed readiness to provide “consular assistance” for leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested on Sunday by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Head of Communications, British High Commission in Abuja, Dean Hurlock, made this known in an exclusive chat with The PUNCH on Wednesday. Kanu, who was born on September 25, 1967, is a holder of Nigerian and British passports. Upon his arrest and extradition from a foreign country, he was arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday for terrorism-related charges and has since been remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services. Speaking with The PUNCH, Hurlock stressed that Nnamdi Kanu was neither arrest nor extradited from the UK, where he was based after he jumped bail in Nigeria in 2017. “The British High Commission in Abuja is currently in the process of seeking clarification from the Nigerian government about the circumstances of the arrest. “With regard to any questions about whether the British High Commission are providing assistance in this case, we can confirm that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stands ready to provide consular assistance,” the British official told The PUNCH, adding that the British Government “expect any trial or legal proceedings to follow due process”. When our correspondent sought clarification on “consular assistance”, the British official referred him to the UK manual on ‘Support for British nationals abroad: A guide’. The document read in part, “We can offer you information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, work possibilities, and social and welfare services. We can also explain where there are different regulations for remand prisoners and sentenced prisoners. For example, in some countries, prisoners are allowed to send more mail when they are on remand. “We cannot get you out of prison or detention, nor can we get special treatment for you because you are British. If however you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards we will consider approaching local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards for a fair trial or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases. “With your permission, we can consider taking up a complaint about ill-treatment, personal safety, or discrimination with the police or prison authorities. Consular staff will keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting personally or by telephone/ letter. The frequency of visits will depend on local prison conditions and your personal circumstances.” “If you are a dual British national in the country of your other nationality (for example, a dual Nigerian-British national in Nigeria), we would not normally offer you support or get involved in dealings between you and the authorities of that state. We may make an exception to this rule if, having looked at the circumstances of the case, we consider that you are vulnerable and we have humanitarian concerns. “We would not normally attend a court case involving a British national, and we cannot influence the outcome of any trial,” it added. For years, Kanu had a running battle with the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, over his quest for the secession of the South-East geopolitical zone. The Buhari regime had in September 2017 outlawed IPOB and declared that the activities of the group constituted an act of terrorism and illegality. Before then, Kanu was arrested and jailed but released from the Kuje Prison in Abuja after meeting bail conditions. The IPOB leader later jumped bail and fled the country and operated from overseas before he was reportedly captured on Sunday. Kanu had also formed the Eastern Security Network which the police have accused of being the masterminds of attacks on police stations, prisons and symbols of democracy in the zone but Kanu had denied the allegations. Before he jumped bail in 2017, Kanu was facing 11 charges including terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods. The case has been scheduled for July 26 and July 27 2021 for resumption of trial while Kanu has been remanded with the Department of State Services. Efforts to reach Kanu’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor proved abortive as of the time of filing this report. https://punchng.com/breaking-uk-to-provide-assistance-for-nnamdi-kanu/
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| Politics / Petrol Price Should Be More Than N280/litre, Says Kyari by Le124(m): 5:43am On Jun 30, 2021 |
The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, has said the price of petrol should be more than N280/litre at which Automotive Gas Oil, also known as diesel, is being sold. Kyari said smuggling of petrol from Nigeria had impacted negatively on the Nigerian oil sector but added that this would not lead to another closure of the borders. He said on Tuesday during a programme on Channels Television that efforts were rather being made to curb smuggling. The NNPC boss said although petrol evacuation by NNPC in Nigeria was currently about 60 million litres daily, the corporation was sure that consumption was not up to that volume. He said organised smuggling was the reason for the huge consumption volume, stressing that the low petrol price of N162/litre was also an incentive for this. Kyari said, “Today we are paying N162/litre (for petrol). I am sure many people buy AGO (diesel) in the market and it is selling at N280/litre in the market today.So (there is) nowhere in the world diesel sells more expensive than PMS. That means that the price of petrol anywhere in the world, assuming you are going to sell it at the market, you are going to sell it above that price you have seen.” On what the landing cost of petrol could be as of Tuesday, Kyari said the cost of the commodity at filling stations would be around N256 per litre, with lower price as its landing price. “Today, from what I can remember, I checked the number two days ago; what would we sell if we are at the filling station today and recover our cost fully is around N256/litre,” he stated. Kyari said the ongoing meetings between the government and the organised labour on petrol price had not been concluded and could drag beyond next July. He explained that negotiations on the cost of petrol would have to be concluded to enable the government to effect a change in the cost of the commodity. On the proposed acquisition of 20 per cent stake in Dangote refinery, Kyari said the corporation was borrowing to buy the stake in the refinery because the refinery business is viable and sustainable. The NNPC had announced in May that it was in advanced talks with Dangote Industries to acquire a 20 per cent stake in the 650,000 bpd refinery. Kyari said government money would not be used for the stake acquisition. He said, “We are borrowing on the back of the cash flow of this business. We know that this business is viable, it will work and it will return dividends. “It has a cash flow that is sustainable because refinery business, in the short term, will continue to be sustainable. That’s why banks have come forward to lend to us, so we can take equity in this. “There is no resource-dependent country that will watch a business of this scale, which is bordering on energy security and has implications for fiscal security of the country, and you don’t have a say. And for us, as a strategy, we started this process long before Dangote started his refinery project.” According to Kyari, the NNPC takes equity in very significant businesses that are anchored on the oil and gas operations: fertiliser, methanol plants, modular refineries and others. He said the Dangote refinery would start production by 2022, adding that it would deliver over 50 million litres of petrol into the Nigerian markets. He said, “We are also working on our refineries, to ensure that we fix them. We have awarded the contract for Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation. And ultimately we are going to close that of Warri and Kaduna very soon in July, so that all of them will work contemporaneously. The net effect is that you are going to have an environment where Nigeria becomes the hub of petroleum products and supply. It’s going to change the dynamics of petroleum supply globally in the sense that the flow is coming from Europe today and it is going to be reversed to some other direction.” Kyari said Nigeria would be the supplier for West Africa and many other parts of the world. He added, “So the meaning of this is, there is an opportunity that has been thrown at us. And I’m not sure Mr Dangote wants to sell his equity in the refinery. “I can confirm that it was at our instance that we started this engagement. He did not want to sell his shares in this refinery.” https://punchng.com/petrol-price-should-be-more-than-n280-litre-says-kyari/
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| Crime / Protest In Kwara Community As Gunmen Kill Pregnant Woman, Kidnap Husband by Le124(m): 6:32am On Jun 28, 2021 |
Gunmen on Saturday killed a pregnant woman, Hawawu, and kidnapped her husband, Lukman Ibrahim, on Ojoku Road, Offa, in the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State. Sources said Lukman, a young entrepreneur who dealt in telephone accessories at the Owode Market, Offa, and his wife were attacked by the assailants around 10pm, some distance away from a police station. The couple were said to be on their way home when they were accosted by the hoodlums. The PUNCH gathered that the incident led to a protest by some residents, who stormed the palace of the Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi (Esuwoye11), on Sunday, demanding the release of the businessman by the kidnappers. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the incident, said he could not give details of the kidnap. “The command is working hard to get the victim rescued,” he added. A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Around 10pm yesterday (Saturday), Lukman, a middle-aged phone dealer selling London-used phones at the Owode Market area, opposite Owode Police Station, Offa, was abducted by unknown gunmen along Ojoku Road, Offa, where he resided; he was on his way to his residence when he and his wife were accosted in their car by unknown gunmen. As Lukman was being dragged by the assailants, the wife was shouting for help. This prompted the assailants to shoot her dead. Her body was left at the spot, while Lukman was taken away and till now, his whereabouts remains unknown.” Another source claimed that Lukman’s wife was shot dead after he identified the assailants. It was gathered that the entrepreneur’s car was taken to the police station on Ojoku Road, Offa, while Hawawu’s corpse was taken to the morgue of the General Hospital, Offa. https://punchng.com/protest-in-kwara-community-as-gunmen-kill-pregnant-woman-kidnap-husband/
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| Crime / My Friend Promised Me N50,000 To Help Him Murder His Girlfriend –osun Guard by Le124(m): 8:33am On Jun 26, 2021 |
39-year-old Kabiru Oyeduntan, who was arrested by the police in Osun State for the murder and dismembering of a lady in Apomu, Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State, tells BOLA BAMIGBOLA about his involvement Can you identify yourself? My name is Kabiru Oyeduntan. I am an indigene of Ikoyi and Apomu. My mother is from Apomu while my father is from Ikoyi. I am 39 years old and I am a bricklayer. I also work as a nightguard. Where do you live and what led to your arrest? I live in the Agunla area of Apomu in the state. I was arrested for killing a lady. But I didn’t kill her. Akin, my friend who brought the girl to my house, killed her. But I helped him to hold the girl’s legs when he strangled her. Akin fled; we have not seen him since (I was arrested). He is a herbalist and he is also called ‘Alupaida,’ (magic). Who was the lady to you? Akin said she was his girlfriend and I didn’t know that that (killing her) was what he wanted to do to her in my room. He brought her and had sex with her and, thereafter, killed her. When he brought the lady to your apartment, what did he tell you he wanted to do with her? Like I said earlier, he told me he wanted to have sex with her. But a day before he brought the lady, he had informed me of his plans to engage in a money ritual. Did you plan to engage in the act together? No. When he mentioned it to me, I told him I was not interested because I have a job that I do and I get paid. Where were you when they had sex? I waited for them outside. After a while, I went in and met him strangling the girl. I wanted to run but he pleaded with me to stay and assist him. How did you assist him? I held the girl’s legs while he strangled her. Where does Akin live and what does he do for a living? He lives in Ikoyi (in Osun State). I don’t know exactly where he lives. He said he had just rented a house. He would have taken me there if I had not been arrested. But when I was arrested, policemen insisted we go to Tarmac (a point where Akin used to relax in Ikoyi). I was even telling them (policemen) how we could catch him, but they didn’t listen to me until he escaped. What did Akin promise you before the girl was murdered? He can not fulfill what he promised me, so I am not relying on it. He promised to give me N50,000. After killing her, what did you do? Akin asked for a knife and I gave it to him. He dismembered her and kept the body parts in a box. Is he aware you have been arrested? He must be aware. He was even calling me in front of the policemen after I had been arrested and they all heard us as we were talking. How many people have you and Akin killed together? I have never joined him before. This is the first. How were you caught? How were you caught? My elder brother’s wife sensed we had committed a crime in my room. She must have seen (us) or heard a noise from my room. She informed those that arrested me. I was caught when I went to Oja to buy Indian hemp. I deserve whatever happens. But I plead for leniency. Nigerians should forgive me. Greed led me into this. https://punchng.com/my-friend-promised-me-n50000-to-help-him-murder-his-girlfriend-osun-guard/
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| Politics / N100 Million Bounty On Nnamdi Kanu: Ohanaeze, Shehu Sani React by Le124(m): 9:25am On Jun 19, 2021 |
Publicity Secretary of Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze, Alex Ogboannaya, has slammed a coalition of Northern groups for placing a bounty on the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. https://punchng.com/ohanaeze-northern-group-disagree-over-n100m-bounty-on-kanu/ 102 Likes 5 Shares
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| Politics / Why It’s Hard To Love Nigeria! by Le124(m): 11:19pm On Jun 16, 2021 |
By Ladesope Ladelokun SIR: When former President Olusegun Obasanjo said in 2004 that any Nigerian that was not prepared to die for Nigeria did not deserve to be called a Nigerian citizen, he probably did not envisage that a time would come that the clamour for secession by frustrated Nigerians would reach a disturbing decibel.Only recently, the Owu chief hugged the headlines when he lamented that rather than flowing with milk and honey, Nigeria has become a land flowing with bitterness and sadness. “The task before us now is to think of what to contribute to make Nigeria what God created it to be, a land flowing with milk and honey. Right now, it is a land flowing with bitterness and sadness. That is not what God meant for this country”, he averred. It is no fairy tale that between 2004 and now, the cacophony of we-must-go chants speaks to the disenchantment of a number of Nigerians with the Nigerian state. But the growing agitation for new countries opens a festering sore in a country where equity and justice have taken flight, making sectionalism, parochialism and nepotism king. Truth be told, patriotism can neither be legislated nor decreed. A country that fails to be sincere to her citizens cannot inspire love. In his landmark inaugural speech, former American president, John F. Kennedy had called on Americans to commit themselves to sacrifice for their motherland. Kennedy said: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” JFK’s quote has become an easy pick for today’s tribe of leaders who freely deploy it as a weapon to neutralise the resistance against misgovernance and hardship by the Nigerian people. As a matter of fact, it behoves men of power to inspire patriotism before demanding sacrifice from long-suffering Nigerians. President Buhari can lead that charge by dismissing in words and action, the claim by his critics that he is a Fulani sectional leader that harbours disdain for other tribes, particularly the Igbo. Without any particle of doubt, no one wants to love a country where they are made to feel like second-class citizens (or a dot in a circle if you like). We have screamed ourselves hoarse, for example, asking why the Igbo have no presence in the security council. Also, outrage had greeted the Department of State Services (DSS) recruitments in 2017 that were heavily skewed in favour of the north, especially Buhari’s Katsina State. While Katsina alone had 51 cadets, the entire South-south and Southeast got 42 and 44 cadets respectively. This cannot be defended by any compelling argument. Of course, when injustice and rudderless leadership reign in a country that kills her own, we need not bother our heads as to why young people do not just seek greener pastures in droves but ditch their Nigerian citizenship. In spite of the thick darkness that hovers dangerously around Nigeria, sunshine can still beckon. The once-vibrant-but-now-a-decaying nation can still flow with milk and honey instead of sadness and bitterness. We can still bind our wounds and live together in peace. But, it is incumbent on the Buhari government to first Re-inspire national cohesion and patriotism to give Nigerians a reason to die for their country. Very little will be achieved by spitting fire and clamping down on agitators for secession. Those in the power loop must make Nigeria liveable and lovable. Begging young people not to renounce their citizenship is sheer waste of time. https://thenationonlineng.net/why-its-hard-to-love-nigeria/
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| Culture / Ondo Kingmaker Slumps, Dies While Selecting Oba by Le124(m): 11:06pm On Jun 16, 2021 |
By Osagie Otabor, Akure One of the kingmakers for the selection of a new Oba for Akunnu community in Akoko North-East Local Government, Mr. Olorunda Agoyi popularly known as Ewureni has slumped and died. His death, however, stalled the selection process of a new Oba. The Oba of Akunnu died in 2019 but a new Oba could not be picked because there were only two surviving kingmakers in the community instead of eight.Late Agoyi was among the six kingmakers also known as Warrant Chiefs that were picked from six quarters in the community for the purpose of selecting a new Oba. Explaining how Agoyi died, an elder of the community, Babatunde Oluwaseun, dismissed reports that Agoyi was contesting to be an Oba and that he died during the consultation of Ifa Oracle.Oluwaseun stated that Agoyi might have been killed through diabolical means because he refused to do the bidding of some persons in the community. He said Agoyi slumped at a meeting and all efforts to revive him failed. According to him, “Mr. Agoyi was not a contestant to the obaship stool of Oluwade of Akunu. He was a retired staff of Ondo State SUBEB.He was a selected Warrant Chief in a selection process which was organized, supervised, and recorded by local government council officials and witnessed by government security agents. “There was no form of divination at the venue of the meeting on the said day. “It is unfortunate that the life of the selected kingmaker who was known to be a cool-headed man, humble, and respectful retiree was cut short in such a pitiable manner. “It is our resolve that the seven ‘kingmakers’ should continue the process of selecting a new king for Akunnu since seven kingmakers out of eight kingmakers have formed a quorum.” https://thenationonlineng.net/ondo-kingmaker-slumps-dies-while-selecting-oba/
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| Politics / Hoodlums Burn Houses Of Cyprian Akaolisa & Ekene Nnodumele In Imo by Le124(m): 4:41pm On Jun 16, 2021 |
Hoodlums burn houses of ex-Imo AG, Assembly member https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-hoodlums-burn-houses-of-ex-imo-ag-assembly-member/ 4 Likes
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| Politics / Buhari Should Avoid Tension, There Is No Federal Grazing Law –basiru, Senate Spo by Le124(m): 3:07pm On Jun 16, 2021 |
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who holds a doctoral degree in Property Law and currently represents Osun Central Senatorial District, speaks to SUNDAY ABORISADE on the controversy surrounding plans by the Federal Government to start the implementation of the gazette on the old cattle grazing routes introduced by the defunct Northern Region Government in the 1960s Many Nigerians are criticising the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for planning to revive the old cattle grazing routes to enable herders to move freely and avoid clashes with farmers. What’s your take on this?Nigerians do not need to criticise the President for making that statement; rather, what Nigerians need to criticise is whether the President had actually been properly advised by his Attorney General and the legal team. That should be the concern of Nigerians. They should find out whether the Nigerian President is actually getting the correct and proper legal advice from his Attorney General and the legal team. Are you saying the Attorney General should not have advised the President on how to tackle the issue of grazing to avoid friction between herders and farmers?As far as I am concerned as a legal practitioner, there is nothing like grazing routes or grazing reserve law in the laws of the Federation of Nigeria. There is nothing like that. So, there is no federal legislation that the President can implement. The executive powers of the President are merely coterminous with the powers of the National Assembly to make laws in line with Section 5 of the Constitution. So, any area where the National Assembly cannot make laws, and there is no express grant of powers to the President under the Constitution, any purported exercise of power by the President in that regard will be null and void, because it is inconsistent with Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution.Are you saying that the chief law officer of the federation will not know that there is no law that deals with the issue of grazing routes in the nation’s constitution? I have painstakingly looked at the laws of the Federation of Nigeria and I did not see a copy of any law that is called Federal Grazing Law, or Grazing Act, or any other title relating to the issue. However, I am aware that there is a northern Nigerian law on reserve and grazing routes, which was promulgated by a 1964 decree by the Premier of the defunct Northern Nigeria Region.Unless the legal advisers of the President are equating a northern Nigeria law, which is not applicable in the West, Mid-West and Eastern region as it were, with a federal or a Nigerian law. Therefore, it is not applicable anywhere in the southern part of Nigeria. Is it not possible for the President to use an executive order to revive the gazette on the old cow grazing route and implement the provisions therein?The President does not even have the powers to implement that law, because it is not a federal law. The executive at the federal level by Section 5 of the Constitution can only implement federal legislation made by the National Assembly or deemed to have been made by the National Assembly. The grazing route law is not a National Assembly law; so, there is nothing for the President to implement. Are you saying that the chief law officer of the country is not aware of all these?It is regrettable that the President has not been properly advised by his attorney general and the legal team. They need to go and check their facts. If anybody will implement any law, it is the states where those routes are applicable that can do so. Grazing routes law is not applicable in any state in southern Nigeria. Southern Nigeria has its own law on cattle and other related matters. With respect, it is unfortunate that we have a situation whereby the President of a country is being misadvised by his legal and policy teams for whatever reason it is.Do you think that other legal experts are on the same page with you on this matter? There have been informed legal opinions on this issue. So, there is no federal law regarding grazing routes. Even by the allocation of power under the Nigerian legislation, the National Assembly and by virtue of that, the President does not have powers to do anything about grazing routes. This is because the management of land in the entire territory of a state, by Section 1 of the Land Use Act, is vested in the governor. Matters of land use and management are the exclusive preserve of the state governor. The President has absolutely no powers to act on it. With respect to the office of Mr President,believe that he has not been properly advised by his legal team. He should query the quality of their legal advice by probing further so that they don’t generate unnecessary tension that can be avoided.Is it not possible for the National Assembly to initiate and pass a bill to address the issue of grazing routes and then get Mr President to sign it into law? It has nothing to do with the National Assembly, because it has no law on grazing. There is no law deemed to be that of the National Assembly. By virtue of the allocation of powers under the Nigerian law, the National Assembly has no powers to make laws on land use and management. Anything on grazing reserves or grazing routes is about land use and management, which is not within the competence of the Federal Government but solely vested in the state government by Section 1 of the Land Use Act.It will be illegal for the National Assembly to make any law on grazing, because it is about land use and management. The Land Use Act has the status of the Constitution. It can only be amended in the same procedure as the amendment of the Constitution. Section 1 of the Land Use Act is very clear on this. It reads: ‘Subject to the provisions of this Act, all land contrite in the territory of each state in the federation are hereby vested in the governor of that state and such land shall be held in trust and administered for the use and common benefit of all Nigerians in accordance with the provisions of this Act’.Section 2 states: ‘As from the commencement of this Act, all lands in the urban areas shall be under the control and management of each state and all other land shall, subject to this Act, be under the control and management of the local government within the areas of jurisdiction on which the land is situated’. So, the control and management of land is a state matter between the states and the local governments. It is, therefore, ultra vires to dabble into the issue of land use, management and control, which the issue of grazing routes is concerned with. I am aware of the state law, which predated the Land Use Act in Nigeria. Whether the law can even stand the test of the Land Use Act is a different thing entirely, which I will not want to go into. There is no general law that states that grazing routes are applicable to all parts of Nigeria. I hope the President will be properly advised on this by his legal team https://punchng.com/buhari-should-avoid-tension-there-is-no-federal-grazing-law-basiru-senate-spokesman/
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| Politics / LASIEC Lists Losers Of APC LG Primary As Winners by Le124(m): 9:51am On Jun 16, 2021 |
Some winners of the local government and councillorship primaries conducted by the All Progressives Congress, have been surreptitiously replaced in the list published by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission. It was gathered that several of those who won the primary and were so declared, had their names replaced with those of persons who lost the May 29 contest. In the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, for example, Mr. Dipo Olorunrinu, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was declared winner of the local government chairmanship primary and was presented with the LASIEC form which was filled and published.Maureen Ashara was named as the winner of the Vice Chairmanship seat while for councillorship, Olulade Temitope, was named winner of Ward A1 Eko Akete. In A2 Odofin ward, Oreofe Elliot, was declared winner and in Ward K Ifelodun (FESTAC III), Egobi Osagie-Daniel emerged victorious. In Ward C Orire (FESTAC II), Ahmed Mohammed was declared winner while in B1 Irepodun (FESTAC IA), Anuoluwapo Adeosun emerged as winner. In B2 Ado (FESTAC IB), Idowu Saidat emerged victorious and in J Tomaro/Ilado ward, Iwakun Oluwafemi was the winner. However, it was learnt that four of the victorious candidates were mysteriously dropped when the final list was published by LASIEC.The winner of the local government chairmanship primary, Olorunrinu, was dropped and his name was substituted with Valentine Buraimoh, who is the current chairman of the local government. Another winner of the councillorship primary, Adeosun, was replaced with Abimbola Oshodi while Osagie-Daniel was replaced by Ajide Fatai and Oluwafemi was substituted with Kiki Emmanuel.Sources within the APC said some of the new candidates were imposed by some party leaders for reasons best known to them. When contacted on the telephone, the APC Spokesman in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, said some of the changes were approved by the appeal committee. Oladejo, however, said the committee was still sitting and changes could still be corrected.The APC spokesman said, “After the primaries, we set up an electoral appeal committee to entertain petitions from aggrieved aspirants and there were places where primaries were disrupted and since we were pressed for time, the option was not to do a fresh primary but for leaders in the affected place to sit down and reach a consensus on who would be candidates. “The alternative would have been for our party not to have candidates which would not be acceptable to us. So, after they appear before the committee or consensus, there could be changes based on the decisions of the appeal committee or consensus and as it is, the appeal committee is still sitting so they haven’t completed their assignments.” https://punchng.com/lasiec-lists-losers-of-apc-lg-primary-as-winners/ |
| Politics / It’s Illegal For NASS To Make Law On Grazing – Spokesman by Le124(m): 9:36am On Jun 15, 2021 |
FRESH facts on why the 9th Senate led by its President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, rejected a bill seeking to ban open grazing in Nigeria, emerged on Monday when the red chamber clarified that the proposed legislation was at variance with the powers of the National Assembly. The bill sponsored by the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Kola Balogun, had not been listed for first reading since he presented it to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business in January this year. Findings by our correspondent at the committee’s secretariat revealed that the reason the bill had not been listed in the order paper was because of a directive from the Senate leadership.An official of the committee, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said, “We usually list new bills and motions for presentation and seek approval from the Senate leadership. “We had since listed this particular one on open grazing when it was submitted to us, but it was rejected by the Senate leadership; so, we have to drop it while we expect the sponsor to hold further talks with the Senate President.” The Senator (Balogun) had in a recent chat with our correspondent, expressed concern over the continued delay in the listing of the bill, which he said, was aimed at tackling insecurity in the country by eliminating farmers/herders clashes and the invasion of southern Nigeria forests by armed Fulani herdsmen.However, the spokesperson for the Senate, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, laid the matter to rest on Monday when he told our correspondent that the anti-grazing bill was not consistent with the powers of the National Assembly.Basiru said the federal parliament could not legislate on land use matters because it remained the exclusive preserve of the state governments, going by the provisions of the Land Use Act. How Saraki killed grazing bills in 8th Senate Meanwhile, The PUNCH recalled that three bills sponsored by three senators in the 8th Senate on grazing-related issue were thrown away by the Bukola Saraki-led red chamber. One of the bills, which sought to establish Grazing Management Agency and ensure the creation of grazing areas across the country, was sponsored by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano Central).Two other bills sponsored by Senators Barnabas Gemade (Benue North East) and Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu North) suffered similar fate. The Deputy President of the 8th Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, however, laid the foundation for the withdrawal of the bills. He said the Senate lacked the power to legislate on grazing matters which the bills set out to pursue. https://punchng.com/its-illegal-for-nass-to-make-law-on-grazing-spokesman/
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| Politics / Outrage As FG Demolishes 12 Lagos Churches On Alleged Illegal Plots by Le124(m): 7:23am On Jun 15, 2021 |
There has been outrage over the demolition of 12 churches on 2nd Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos State, by officials of the Federal Housing Authority. Our correspondent was told that a market and a car mart were also affected in the exercise carried out on Sunday. PUNCH Metro learnt that the demolition started around 5am and continued till around 3pm. The leader of the Gate of Righteousness Evangelical International Church, Pastor Joshua Obong, said he started his ministry in the community 18 years ago and wondered why his church was targeted for demolition.He said, “The officials first came last week and started marking our buildings. After they were done, they left and returned two days later. That was when they gave us a seven-day notice, which expired last Wednesday. “On Sunday morning, around 5am, we suddenly saw bulldozers at the First Gate, FESTAC Town. They got to my church at exactly 11am; they demolished all the churches along the road, except the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Communion Chapel and CPM, which they spared. All other churches were brought down.” Obong said there was no other warning prior to the seven-day noticeHe claimed that the government took advantage of the strike action by judicial workers, adding that nobody could approach the court for injunctions to stop the demolition. “We wrote to them, seeking extension of time, but the letter was not even acknowledged,” he added.The Overseer of Christ Gospel Church International, Pastor William Ehiorenren, said a senior government official had advised them to send a lawyer to Abuja to sort out the matter. He stated, “He promised that they would not touch any church till the lawyer returned. Our lawyer was still in Abuja when they came on Sunday, a day of service, and demolished our churches. The lawyer called all their staff members, but they switched off their phones. “We heard that they want to re-allocate the land and sell to moneybags and make millions. I have not seen where seven days would be given for people to vacate their property.We have been in that area for years and we spent millions of naira in building our churches. They could not even give us time to move, because they had mapped out their evil plan to sell the land to people.” Ehiorenren said his church usually paid tenancy rates to landlords, who he claimed had legal claims to the land.The cleric accused the government of leaving certain churches, because their leaders had political connections. He explained that his church was not served any notice of demolition.The Deputy Director, Social Security and Intergovernmental Relations, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Lagos State, Pastor Barnabas Otoibhi, said 12 churches were demolished by the government. He explained that the owners of the churches cleared a swamp and built their structures, adding that the affected worship centres had been in the community for between 13 and 20 years. According to him, the government accused the pastors of “encroachment and erecting illegal structures.”The Deputy Director, Social Security and Intergovernmental Relations, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Lagos State, Pastor Barnabas Otoibhi, said 12 churches were demolished by the government. He explained that the owners of the churches cleared a swamp and built their structures, adding that the affected worship centres had been in the community for between 13 and 20 years. According to him, the government accused the pastors of “encroachment and erecting illegal structures.”The notice they sent to them, they called it final notice, without serving them any previous letter. We asked that they should be given time. We were discussing this when the bulldozers came in on Sunday morning. The first church was pulled down at exactly 5.45am. Aside from the churches, they also cleared those selling cars in that line. Only a few buildings were spared.” The cleric said a protest was planned for today (Tuesday) to kick against the “shabby manner” in which the churches were treated.The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, did not take his calls or respond to a text message from our correspondent over the matter. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FHA, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, did not take his calls, which rang out several times. However, an official of the agency, who did not identify himself, said the government would address the matter during a press conference on Wednesday. He explained that the government was in the process of restoring FESTAC Town to its original plan.Ask those people for their letters of allocation and approved building plans. They don’t have them. So, if you have been staying on somebody’s land illegally for over 15 years, how does the person owe you adequate notice? What notice are they talking about?” he queried. https://punchng.com/outrage-as-fg-demolishes-12-lagos-churches-on-alleged-illegal-plots/
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| Politics / Bala Mohammed: I Sacked 21 Commissioners Because They Can’t Play Politics by Le124(m): 9:00pm On Jun 12, 2021 |
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, says he sacked member of his cabinet including 21 commissioners because they can’t play politics. https://punchng.com/i-sacked-21-commissioners-because-they-cant-play-politics-bauchi-gov/
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| Crime / Ebenezer Died Of Gunshot Wound Because Hospitals Demanded Police Report —friends by Le124(m): 11:51am On Jun 11, 2021 |
Friends of a music producer, Ebenezer Ayeni, are inconsolable and grief-stricken at the moment over the tragic death of the about-to-wed vocal instructor in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The PUNCH gathered that 30-year-old Ayeni was shot by armed robbers who invaded his residence before dawn on Thursday. According to his friends, the victim was rushed to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and another private hospital but both medical centres refused to treat him without a police report. Ayeni was said to have given up the ghost hours later. Photos of the victim in the pool of his blood have since flooded the social media.Also, the friends of the deceased have taken to Facebook to mourn their beloved associate while also condemning the whole system that requires police report to treat a gunshot victim. A Facebook user, Mc ShayorComedian, wrote, “Ebenezer Ayeni was shot in his residence during the night and he was rushed to UCH but he wasn’t attended to because of police report. He was also rushed to J-Rapha hospital in Ibadan and they also refused to attend to him because of police report. “He gave up the ghost after struggling with life for more than two hours. We were planning your wedding next week and not your burial. Rest in perfect peace brother!”Adegbite Adedamola wrote, “Ebenezer Ayeni, Rest in Peace brother. Next week Saturday should have been your wedding but who are we to question God? You battled for your life for more than two hours, and UCH was asking for police report without attending to you.”So much to write about you: Ebenezer Ayeni. We still spoke not long and only for me to hear the news of your transition. You planned to visit me on Sunday to tidy (a) few things…What a nation we have found ourselves (in). He could have survived. Imagine, how can a police report carry so much weight than life?” Cylars Omoloye queried. “I love you forever brother. Rest on. Two hospitals rejected you because they needed police report instead of saving your life first. It is well. What a loss,” David Justice commented.In Nigeria, we blame the government for everything. The nurse or doctor on duty is a human being who has blood running in his or her veins. Whatever the arguments are – government isn’t treating them well or they don’t have enough equipment – how about cases of simple timely care and a little bit of human sympathy? Rest in Peace Eben,” a furious Moninkanola Ogidan wrote. Efforts to get the comments of the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, on the incident proved abortive as his line was switched off as of the time of filing this report. Also, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adewale Osifeso, neither picked his calls nor replied to a text message sent to his line by The PUNCH.Many Nigerians had in the past condemned the need to present police reports before hospitals could treat gunshot victims.Earlier in the year, a Systems Engineer and winner of 2018 IBM competition, David Nketim-Rex, died after he was shot by robbers on a motorcycle in the Jibowu area of Lagos State. He was said to have died after he was taken to a hospital but rejected on the grounds that he was a gunshot victim and they couldn’t ascertain whether he was a victim or an armed robber. https://punchng.com/ebenezer-died-of-gunshot-wound-because-hospitals-demanded-police-report-friends-mourn-man-who-planned-to-wed-next-week/
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| Romance / Day My Mother Caught Me Pants Down With A Girl — Denrele Edun by Le124(m): 6:49pm On Jun 10, 2021 |
Popular Nigerian entertainer, Denrele Edun, has revealed one of the worst moments of his life. The eccentric TV host, via his verified Instagram handle, relived the moment his mother caught him pants down with his then-girlfriend. According to Edun, the incident happened in 1999 when he was 18 years old. Sharing one of his throw back pictures, he wrote, “1999. I was 18. When it comes to my list of sex nightmares, my mum walking in on me probably tops d list! I was dating one of the hottest girls in my hood (Ebute Metta) then, but my Mum was unimpressed! She just couldn’t stand the sight of the girl but I didn’t give a flying f**k! I was 18 and damn well was gonna enjoy adolescence.One fateful Tuesday (after so much strategic planning), I had arranged for this chic to meet me up at d house. 6:30 PM sharp! My Dad and younger sisters would have gone to choir practice; my Grandma and evil cousins were at Bible Study and my Mum would have gone to her MFM Prayer Warrior Service. “Baby girl and I were going to do the ‘Deed’ after weeks of endless ‘petting’, ‘making out’ and ‘groping Instruments’!”(sic) Recounting the incident, Edun, said that his mother entered the dimly lit room where he was making out with the girl and caught them in the act. “Long story cut short; We were going at ‘it’ in the dimly lit living room when my Mum walked in on us. ‘Shit!’ as we jumped off each other. Me scrambling to wear my pants and my babe covering her full breasts to my Mum’s glaring disapproval and disgust.“‘So, this is what you’ve been coming to do in this house’, my mum said calmly at her. (Tiwa Savage style).” (sic) The TV host turned actor noted that he had to ‘defend’ his lady when his mother caught them naked together. Edun continued, “Omo, I stood tall and faced her. I was 18. I could talk back. ‘She came to greet me. Why aren’t U in church?’, I retorted. My mum muttered something in her Indian dialect and left. I knew trouble was brewing but HIAN!Baby girl, on the other hand, was shaking so bad. Saw her off to the junction & she went home.” (sic) Although his mother did not react to the incident that day, Edun revealed that when his mother decided to react weeks later, she embarrassed him in public, in the presence of all his friends and schoolmates. He said, “Fast forward to a few months after; I had planned a massive party in the area with another friend of mine (late Abass, RIP) and as it was my 1st year in UNILAG, turnout was MADT! Peeps were photocopying the I.Vs and we were feeling FLY!Halfway into the rave, my Mum walked in and I could sense something was amiss but was caught up rocking babes on the dance floor. My mum took the microphone from the DJ and faced the crowd. Omo, she finished me that night! She spoke about my bedwetting back in the day, my lazy antics… In short, she open my yansh, De-REP me FINISH! I was so embarrassed. “Her parting shot; ‘You have 5 mins to finish whatever nonsense you’re doing here and come wash the dirty dishes u left at d backyard!’. I’m laughing now but Mehn, it wasn’t funny then!”(sic) https://punchng.com/day-my-mother-caught-me-pants-down-with-a-girl-denrele-edun/
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| Politics / Buhari Backs Open Grazing, Asks AGF To Recover Land For Herdsmen by Le124(m): 5:23pm On Jun 10, 2021 |
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has given approval to the return of the open grazing practised during the 1st Republic where herdsmen used designated grazing routes to move their cattle to several parts of the country. To this end, the President said he had asked the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to begin the process of recovering land from persons who have converted cattle grazing routes for their personal use.Buhari said this during an interview with Arise Television which was aired on Thursday. The President said the grazing routes were designated in the 1st Republic when “Nigerians use to obey laws” but those routes had been converted. Buhari was reacting to a question on the decision by 17 southern governors to ban open grazing. The AGF had kicked against the declaration by the governors, adding that it was like northern governors banning spare part trading, a job that is synonymous with southerners.When asked if he agreed with the AGF’s position, Buhari laughingly responded, “You want me to contradict my attorney-general?” Explaining further, he said, “What I did was ask him to go and dig the gazette of the 1st Republic when people were obeying laws. There were cattle routes and grazing areas. Cattle routes were for when they (herdsmen) are moving up country, north to south or east to west, they had to go through there.If you allow your cattle to stray into any farm, you are arrested. The farmer is invited to submit his claims. The khadi or the judge will say pay this amount and if you can’t the cattle is sold. And if there is any benefit, you are given and people were behaving themselves and in the grazing areas, they built dams, put windmills in some places there were even veterinary departments so that the herders are limited. Their route is known, their grazing area is known. “But I am telling you, this rushing to the centre (sic) so I asked for the gazette to make sure that those who encroached on these cattle routes and grazing areas will be dispossessed in law and try to bring some order back into the cattle grazing.”He also lamented the style and utterances of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who had not only implemented an aggressive anti-open grazing law but had accused Buhari of failing to take actions against herdsmen because he is also a member of the Fulani herders. Buhari said indeed, he is a Fulani man but Ortom was being unfair to him. He said he had told Ortom that the herdsmen perpetrating the attacks are not the Nigerian ones. The President further explained that the Tivs, which form the majority in Benue, and the Fulanis had been engaged in cultural conflicts for a long time.He added, “The problem is trying to understand the culture of the cattle rearers. There is a cultural difference between the Tivs and the Fulanis. So, the governor of Benue said I am not disciplining the cattle rearers because I am one of them. “I cannot say I am not one of them but he is being very unfair to me and I told him that the Nigerian cattle rearer was not carrying anything more than a stick sometime with a machete to cut some trees and feed his cattle but those sophisticated ones move with AK 47. “So, from other areas, people rush to Nigeria you know and Fulanis from Mauritania and Central Africa look the same so they feel they are the Nigerian ones and I assure you that we are trying to resuscitate these cattle routes, grazing areas and make them accountable.” https://punchng.com/buhari-backs-open-grazing-asks-agf-to-recover-land-for-herdsmen/ 1 Share
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| Politics / #endsars Protest Was To Remove Me From Office —buhari by Le124(m): 2:25pm On Jun 10, 2021 |
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has claimed that last year’s #EndSARS protest against police brutality was aimed at removing him from office. Buhari said this when he appeared on Arise TV on Thursday morning. The president stated that those who participated in the protest have made Nigeria unattractive to investors. He also blamed the protest on the dwindling inflow of foreign direct investment to the country.He was asked how he could improve foreign direct investment in Nigeria. In response, he said, “This question was answered last year when there was the #EndSARS protest. You remember the young people that wanted to march here and remove me?” He added, “Tell the young people to behave themselves and make the country safe, then we can attract real investors to the country”. https://punchng.com/endsars-protest-was-to-remove-me-from-office-buhari/
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| Politics / Four West African Countries To Buy Nigeria’s Idle Electricity by Le124(m): 11:18am On Jun 10, 2021 |
Niger, Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso are collaborating to buy the unutilised power produced in Nigeria, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the West African Power Pool, Sule Abdulaziz, said on Wednesday. https://punchng.com/four-wafrican-countries-to-buy-nigerias-idle-electricity/ 6 Likes 4 Shares
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| Politics / N13bn Ikoyi Cash: Reps Tackle NSA As Emefiele, IGP, Others Appear Today by Le124(m): 9:48am On Jun 10, 2021 |
THE House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on Assessment and Status of All Recovered Loots Movable and Immovable Assets from 2002 to 2020 by Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Effective Efficient Management and Utilisation has asked the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.), to explain the circumstances surrounding the slush fund recovered from a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayodele Oke, and his wife, Folasade. In some documents sighted by our correspondent on Wednesday, the committee accused Monguno of concealing information on the current state of the fund recovered from the ex-NIA boss.The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had declared that the couple wanted in connection with the $43m, £27,800 and N23.8m cash recovered by the commission from an apartment at Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos in April 2017. At the then exchange rates, the monies amounted to laundering N13bn. Under the former DG, the NIA was said to have collected $289,202,382 in cash for special operations from the account of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria in February 2015. The House committee, at the investigative hearing held on May 28, 2021, had asked the Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, about the whereabouts of the recovered loot.Bawa had said, “As it is today, it is with the Federal Government of Nigeria in the Final Forfeiture Account. I don’t know precisely where the funds are, whether we have moved them to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. But what I do know is that the monies are in an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria.” The committee has now written to the NSA to say that submissions made by other respondents had contradicted his earlier claims to the panel.In a letter from Chairman of the committee, Adejoro Adeogun, dated May 31, 2021, with Reference Number NASS/HR/9/AD-HOC/06/07/2020/123, the lawmakers stated that contrary to Monguno’s earlier claim, assets recovery accounts were being run by ONSA. The letter, titled ‘Re: Invitation to Investigative Hearing’, read, “Your letter NSA/619/A dated 8th December, 2020 refers. “In the letter under reference, you inform the committee that your office neither retains recoveries nor maintains any recovery account. “Facts from oral and documentary evidence before the committee, sequel to the ongoing investigation launched by the committee, reveal that your office maintains a recovery account with the Central Bank of Nigeria.Testimonies also before the committee also revealed that the $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 recovered from Osborne Towers in Ikoyi Lagos are under your custody.The committee is refraining to assume that you concealed information requested by it via its letter NASS/HR/9/AD-HOC/06(07/2020/20 dated 3rd November, 2020.” The committee also invited Monguno to appear before it on Monday, saying, “Kindly note that the committee will not entertain representation. However, officers whose responsibility covers the investigation may be allowed to testify under oath.”In the letter earlier sent to Monguno, the lawmakers had requested for a series of documents and information. The letter read in part, “Pursuant to Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and in furtherance of the objective of the investigation, the ad hoc committee writes to request that you furnish it with the following documents: “Official position of the Office of the National Security Adviser on the recovery and management of looted funds; proceeds of corruption, money laundering and financial crimes;Reports on all recoveries, seizures and confiscations of non-cash movable items recovered in Nigeria and abroad, e.g. automobiles, white goods, jewellery, etc, suspected to be proceeds of corruption, money laundering and financial crimes available to your office from 2002 to 2020, among many others. NSA, IGP, others to appear today Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen Babagana Monguno (retd.); Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; Commandant-General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi; and Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Bashir Jamoh, are to appear before the panel on today (Thursday) They had failed to show up at the hearing on Monday, causing the committee to threaten to invoke its constitutional powers against invited top Federal Government officials who failed to attend its investigative hearings https://punchng.com/n13bn-ikoyi-cash-reps-tackle-nsa-as-emefiele-ig-others-appear-today/
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| Politics / National Assembly Working On Barring Bankers From Operating Foreign Accounts by Le124(m): 7:35am On Jun 07, 2021 |
The House of Representatives is considering barring staff members of banks and other financial institutions from operating accounts outside the shores of Nigeria. Their spouses and children may also be mandated to declare their assets when a bill presently at the House becomes law. This was contained in the ‘Bank Employees, Etc., (Declaration of Assets)(Amendment) Bill 2021’, which is awaiting second reading. The legislation was titled ‘A Bill for an Act to amend the bank employees, etc., (Declaration of Assets) Act CAP. B1 Laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004 to reflect the prevailing situation in the country’.The bill, sponsored by the lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal constituency in Oyo State, Mr Shina Peller, proposed a series of amendments to the Act. Section 1 of the Act is to be amended by deleting the existing subsections and inserting new ones that read, “(1) Every employee of a bank shall, immediately after assuming duty and, thereafter, at the determination of his (or her) employment, and in the case of a serving banker, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the Declaration of Assets form from the appropriate authority or at such other intervals as the President or the appropriate authority may specify, make a full disclosure of his (or her) properties, assets and liabilities, and those of his (or her) spouse or unmarried children under the age of 18 years.(2) For the purpose of this section, a transfer or secondment from one bank to another shall be treated as a new employment.The bill is also seeking amendment to Section 5 by inserting new subsections that prohibits foreign accounts for bank workers. “(a) A bank employee shall not maintain or operate a personal bank account in any country outside Nigeria. “(b) Any complaint that a bank employee has committed a breach of or has not complied with the provisions of this Act shall be made to the Central Bank of Nigeria or the appropriate regulatory body in the case of employees of other Financial Institutions.”Section 12 of the Act is to be amended by deleting the existing provisions and replacing them with, “(1) The President may direct by an instrument published in the Federal Gazette that the provisions of this Act be applied to other financial institutions. (2) Where the President directs as provided in Subsection 1 of this section, the Act shall apply subject to such textual modification as may be necessary for its execution.” https://punchng.com/nassembly-working-on-barring-bankers-from-operating-foreign-accounts/
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| Business / Banks Commence N6.98 USSD Charge, Customers Kick by Le124(m): 7:17am On Jun 07, 2021 |
Some banks have notified their customers that they will start charging them N6.98 for every USSD transactions. However, experts have said that excessive charges by banks could pose a threat to financial inclusion. According to them, it will increase cash transactions because many bank customers would avoid using the USSD for transactions and could also discourage the unbanked segment of the population because they would not like to pay such charges over their little deposits. A message from some of the banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank and Fidelity Bank on ‘Update on USSD transactions’ stated, “Please be informed that you are now required to pay a fee of N6.98 to your mobile network provider for every banking transaction carried out on all USSD banking platforms.This means that when you send money to anyone using USSD, a fee of N6.98 will be charged to your bank account, which is in turn remitted in full by your bank, to your mobile network provider. “Please note that airtime and data purchases via USSD are exempt from this charge on USSD platforms.” The banks urged the customers to make use of other electronic transactions available in the banks to avoid paying the fees.A former President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Dr. Sam Nzekwe, said too many changes by banks were unfriendly to financial inclusion drive, especially to the un-banked Nigerians.He said people would prefer to walk into the banking hall to make payments. “There are many charges that the banks charge the customers, even if you don’t do any transaction. Some of these informal sectors will start running away because they cannot understand the many charges. That is why many of the informal sector still do their transactions by cash. “What an average customer wants is show me why you should charge me. But you are charging me for many things and at the end of the month you will still charge me again.” He said banks should be completely open to their customers in their transactionsA fashion designer, Balogun, said, “I have bank account but I prefer to go to bank and do my things. How much do I have in my account that they want to be deducting charges anyhow?” https://punchng.com/banks-commence-n6-98-ussd-charge-customers-kick/
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| Politics / Soldiers, Police, DSS Invade IPOB Lawyer’s Anambra Home by Le124(m): 12:45pm On Jun 06, 2021 |
Security operatives comprising the police, army and personnel of the Department of State Services on Sunday reportedly invaded the home of a lawyer for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, at Oraifite in the Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. It was gathered that the operatives surrounded the secessionist group’s lawyer’s family house around 2.30am. A source who claimed to have reached the lawyer said distressed voices were heard complaining about manhandling by the operatives. The source said, “We managed to reach Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor on phone and he confirmed the attack, saying that soldiers, joined by Police and DSS operatives are shooting in different directions and are about breaking into his main compound.He also said that he heard his neighbours panicking and crying, indicating that they must have been abducted. “The activist lawyer also suspected that some members of his family including siblings, security and domestic aides might have been abducted. He said he had returned home for the weekend yesterday( Saturday) evening and only informed the Oraifite Area Commander (ACP Afolabi) and few others that he was around. The Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, confirmed the incident.He said, “It was around 2.30am that they surrounded his country home. Is it an offense for someone to defend IPOB? Barr Ejiofor is doing his job as a lawyer. Where in the world is a legal practitioner harassed because he represents an organization?The Nigerian Army invaded and burnt his house on 2nd December 2019 and killed more than 10 people. Since then, they have been trailing and harassing him. The whole world must hear this because the Nigerian government must get what they are looking for from IPOB.” The chairman of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, Emeka Umeagbalasi, who condemned the invasion, said, “We call on the Nigerian Government to stop this madness and crudity. He added, “By these crudities, the Nigerian Government is setting the country on fire the more.Under Nigeria’s extant laws, applicable globally, Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor and other licensed legal practitioners have the right and duty to represent and defend any citizen or citizens or national or nationals irrespective of the gravity of crime(s) alleged to have been committed. The security forces of Nigeria are hereby called upon to withdraw and discontinue their siege and follow due process. “If Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor is legitimately wanted for any crime, due processes must be followed to the letter. This is more so when he called and informed the chief police officer in the area (ACP Afolabi) of his being around for weekend rest.” When contacted on the telephone, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, said he had no details of the incident.He said, “Like you must have noticed, I have been on call since morning. I have been calling to confirm the incident. I have no details on the matter.” https://punchng.com/soldiers-police-dss-invade-ipob-lawyers-anambra-home/
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| Politics / BREAKING: One Killed In Foiled Imo Police Command Headquarters Attack by Le124(m): 10:12am On Jun 06, 2021 |
Security operatives on Sunday morning foiled an attempted attack on Imo State Police Command headquarters and other institutions in Owerri, the state capital. The development caused scare and panic in Owerri as repeated gunshots rent the air. Our correspondent gathered that one of the attackers was neutralised by security operatives during the attack. While security operatives took over almost all the streets and roads in the state capital, residents who were on their way for early morning church services ran halter-scatter. Those who were in their house planning to attend church services or catch up with early morning appointments stayed backGunshots rent the air in World Bank Area, Amakohia – Akwakuma Area, Government House axis, Control Post Area, Wetheral, Ikenegbu and Bank Road axis.The incident made residents take to social media to vent their anger and frustration over escalated insecurity in the state.The Spokesman for the state Police Command, Bala Elkana, confirmed the attack, saying it was foiled by security operatives. While he asked residents to go about their lawful businesses, Elkana, explained that the heavy presence of security operatives in town was to secure the state capital. He also confirmed to our correspondent that one of the attackers was killed during the incident. The PPRO said, “The heavy Police presence and vigilance has helped in stopping an attempt by some hoodlums this morning to disrupt the beautiful Sunday in Owerri.Hoodlums masquerading as unknown gunmen attempted an attack on the Police Headquarters this morning but suffered a huge defeat. They made effort to access the Police Headquarters through Works Layout around Avan Nursery and Primary School but were vehemently repelled.” https://punchng.com/breaking-one-killed-in-foiled-imo-police-command-headquarters-attack/
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