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 Politics › Nigeria’s 3rd Place In Global Terrorism Ranking Disappointing, — APC Group by Le124(op): 1:21pm On Sep 15, 2020 |
…Says rating enough indication that service chiefs not on top of security situation …Adds rating‘ll close door to foreign investments, bring down GDP By Joseph Erunke APC Consoli- dation Group, a group in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC-CG,has described Nigeria’s latest ranking as third in the Global Terrorism Index,GTI, as not only disappointing but also embarrassing. According to the group, the rating has confirmed its position that the nation’s service chiefs are not on top of the security situation in the country. It reiterated its call that President Muhammadu Buhari should relieve the security chiefs of their positions, saying anything contrary to that would portray the President as being insensitive to the security of lives and property of citizens which he swore to protect. By Clever Advertising Reacting to the global raking which placed Nigeria third in the world, National Coordinator of the group, Dr Usman Mohammed, insisted in a statement yesterday that APC-CG was disturbed, given the huge resources the country has expended to free the country of security threats. The group which called on the President to sack the service chiefs, said they were not indispensable to be done away with in the face of daily security threats confronting the country. It insisted that the President must see reason with its position and immediately do the needful. In the statement, tagged “Sack Service Chiefs over Global Terrorism Rating”, the APC group regretted that the latest Global Terrorism Index rating would further scare away foreign investments and reduce the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Describing the GTI rating as the worst thing to have happened to a government that meant so well for the people, the group said the rating was due to the actions and inactions of the service chiefs “We are saddened by this report which by implication, will close many economic doors on Nigeria and drastically bring down our GDP. “ We, the entire members of APC Consolidation Group, APCG, received with rude shock and total disappointment the 2019 Global Terrorism Report which ranks Nigeria as the 3rd most terrorized country in the world. “This report is the worst thing that has ever happened to a government that means so well for the people. No doubt, the rating is so due to the actions and inaction of his service chiefs. So,we are worried over our dear President’s continuous retention of these officers. “Consequently, we are calling on the President to sack the current security chiefs heading the Nigeria Armed forces, the chiefs of Defence, Army, Airforce and Naval Staff, over their inability to deliver on his vision and the expectation of Nigerians on security. “We are saddened by this report which by implication will close many economic doors on Nigeria and drastically bring down our GDP. Investors will leave Nigeria and intending ones may have a rethink about coming to Nigeria. “We in APC Consolidation Group insist that Mr President means well for for Nigerians in every area, but unfortunately insecurity is threatening his policies in agriculture, infrastructure, power and others. “From our findings, if urgent steps is not taken to address the insecurity in the land, famine will by next year be alarming and that will frustrate his huge investment in agriculture through CBN. “ Farmers cannot conveniently farm this year because of banditry and kidnapping. Power installations are being vandalized on a daily basis,thus frustrating his huge investment in power and agricultural sectors. “The entire Northern Nigeria is not safe as at today because of terrorism, banditry and some strange crimes that were before now, alien to Nigeria. This calls for serious and urgent concern, and Mr President must reason to act now. “The global terrorism report is a total embarrassment to our country and the security architecture. We wonder how we got here, despite the government’s huge investment in security, particularly the Armed Forces. “We have nothing personal against the service chiefs. As a matter of fact, they have done their best, but our concern is borne out of sincere love for Nigeria, our President and our great party which this insecurity is threatening it’s glory. “The current service chiefs, no doubt, having spent five years plus, must have ran out of fresh ideas required to transform the country’s security situation. To us, they have lost touch with the current security reality and there’s need for our President to sack them without further delay. ‘’We want to once again, remind the President that every Nigerian is tired with insecurity and needs results. We are, therefore, calling on the President to listen to Nigerians and sack the service chiefs immediately.” Recall that the GTI, which is in its sixth edition, is produced annually by the Institute for Economics & Peace, an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank with offices in Sydney, New York, and Mexico City respectively. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/nigerias-3rd-place-in-global-terrorism-ranking-disappointing-embarrassing-apc-group/
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| Politics › BREAKING: Oshiomhole, Kogi Governors Others On US Visa Ban List, Sanction Extend by Le124(op): 12:12pm On Sep 15, 2020 |
According to US officials, more Nigerian politicians may be included on the visa ban list after the Edo governorship election if they are involved in electoral malpractice. A former governor of Edo State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, is among top Nigerians slammed with a visa ban by the United States Government on Monday, SaharaRepoters has learnt. Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, are also among those affected by the latest US sanction, it was gathered. Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna on the other hand had his own visa ban extended. He has been banned from entering the US since 2010 over a graft case. According to US officials, more Nigerian politicians may be included on the visa ban list after the Edo governorship election if they are involved in electoral malpractice. Those affected by the latest visa ban have received notification by email and or text messages, it was learnt. A statement by spokesperson for the Department of State, Morgan Ortagus, on Monday said those issued visa bans received the sanction for undermining democracy in Nigeria. It reads, “In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections. Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa states elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo states elections. “These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles. “The Department of State emphasises that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people. This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights." SOURCE: SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK
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| Politics › Bayelsa Guber: Court Fixes September 23 To Hear Diri’s Appeal Against Sack by Le124(op): 5:06pm On Sep 14, 2020 |
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri – Abuja The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Monday, fixed September 23 to hear the appeal Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State filed to challenge the tribunal judgement that sacked him from office and ordered the Independence National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct a fresh election in the state within 90 days. The appellate court okayed the appeal for hearing on a day it struck out an application that factional leaders of the Advanced Nigerian Democratic Party, ANDP, brought to be joined as interested parties in the matter. It will be recalled that the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal had in a majority judgement by two out of the three-man panel of Justices, on August 17, voided the outcome of the gubernatorial election that held in the state on November 16, 2019, over the exclusion of ANDP in the contest. Two members of the panel, Justices Sikiru Owodunni and Yunusa Musa, said they found merit in ANDP’s contention that it was unlawfully excluded from participating in the governorship election by INEC, despite the fact that it fulfilled all the statutory requirements. Justice Musa who read the lead judgement held that the tribunal was satisfied that INEC illegally excluded ANDP and its governorship candidate, King George, from the election. However, in a dissenting judgement, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo, affirmed governor Diri’s election after he dismissed the petition for being statute-barred. Justice Sirajo said there was evidence that ANDP was disqualified from the election for fielding an ineligible candidate. He noted that the party nominated an underaged deputy governorship candidate, who admitted that he was 34 years old, instead of the 35 years age bracket the Constitution stipulated. Meanwhile, shortly after the judgement, a faction of the ANDP, disowned the petition that led to the judgement that sacked governor Diri. Factional leaders of the party, led by their Chairman, Hon. James Pere Femowei and National Secretary, Hon. Quadri-Adu Kehinde, insisted that the petition was unilaterally filed against Diri by its expelled former National Chairman, Chief Charles Ogboli. Consequently, the faction, approached the appellate court to be joined in the case to enable them to establish that the substantive petition was incompetent. When the matter came up on Monday, the Applicants, through their lawyer, Mr Dominic Anyiador, urged the appellate court to admit them in the case, claiming that they are the authentic leaders of the ANDP. The Applicants told the court that they were unaware of the petition that was filed in the name of the party until the day the tribunal gave judgement against governor Diri. They disclosed that the party did not conduct any primary election or fielded candidates for the governorship election, but rather adopted Diri and his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as their preferred candidates in the poll. They also claimed that Charles Ogboli, who identified himself as the National Chairman of the party in the petition, was expelled from the party in 2018. Their application was opposed by counsel to the Ogboli-led faction of the ANDP, Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who maintained that they could not be joined as interested parties at the Court of Appeal since they were not part of the case at the tribunal. Besides, Ogunwumiju, SAN, noted that issues the Applicants raised before the court bordered on domestic affair of a political party which the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain. In a short ruling, a three-man panel of Justices of the appellate court led by Justice Stephen Adah, dismissed the joinder application for want of merit. Justice Adah held that the application was “irrelevant, prejudicial and a waste of judicial time”. The appellate court therefore awarded a punitive cost of N200,000 against the Applicants, in favour of each of the Respondents in the matter. It slated September 23 to hear all pending motions in the appeal, as well as to consider an application by governor Diri’s lawyer, Mr Goddy Uche, SAN, for the consolidation of five separate appeals that arose from judgement of the tribunal. Governor Diri had in a 12-ground of Appeal he filed on August 18, urged the appellate court to set aside the majority judgement of the tribunal and uphold the minority decision that affirmed his election. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/bayelsa-guber-court-fixes-september-23-to-hear-diris-appeal-against-sack/ |
| Politics › Lawyers Initiate Petition To Strip Malami Of SAN Rank Over NBA Stamp, Seal by Le124(op): 2:31pm On Sep 14, 2020 |
By Onozure Dania Some lawyers, on Sunday, showed interest in a petition seeking to strip the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, of the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The petition, registered by a lawyer, Izu Aniagu, on change.org, had received 362 signatures as at 7:26p.m., on Sunday. The petitioner said, among others, that Malami unilaterally deleted the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct, RPC, which provides for stamp and seal as well as bar practice fee for government lawyers. According to Izu, the AGF had no such power. Malami was conferred with the SAN rank in 2008, 16 years after he was called to the Bar. He courted controversy last week when he purportedly amended the RPC for Legal Practitioners 2007, removing the requirement for the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, stamp and seal on court processes. The gazette also seemingly abolished the requirement of payment of annual practice fees by government lawyers. Membership of the NBA has been compulsory for all lawyers and the stamps and seals were sold at N4,000 for 72 pieces and were given upon payment of NBA dues. Without the stamp, a lawyer could not submit any document or letter to the court and the sale of the stamp and seal was one of the major sources of NBA’s revenue. However, with the amendment of the process by Malami, the use of the stamps is no longer necessary. The explanatory note to the instrument suggested that it was done to bring the RPC into conformity with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act, the Law Officers Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). This is the second time the AGF will be facing attempts to strip him of his title. In July 2019, Malami was reported to have agreed to appear before the disciplinary panel of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee to face two petitioners seeking to strip him of the title for alleged misconduct. A petition was filed against him by some family members of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, while another one was filed against him by a firm ‘Interstellar’. NBA reacts Meanwhile, NBA President, Olumide Akpata, on Sunday, asked lawyers to shun Malami’s directive. Akpata stated that according to the Legal Practitioners Act, only a resolution of the Bar Council, comprising the AGF, Attorneys-General of the 36 states of the Federation and 20 members of the NBA can issue or amend rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners. He suggested that the AGF usurped the Bar Council’s powers. The petition comes in the wake of a unity crisis in the NBA and a breakaway attempt. Two Kaduna-based lawyers, in July, announced the formation of a ‘New NBA’ and subsequently wrote a letter to the AGF and the Attorney-Generals of the 36 states, informing them of their decision to break away. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/lawyers-initiate-petition-to-strip-malami-of-san-rank-over-nba-stamp-seal/
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| Sports › Ourtv Secures La Liga Broadcasting Rights For Nigeria by Le124(op): 8:55pm On Sep 13, 2020 |
By Emmanuel Elebeke A Direct-To-Home (DTH) free TV broadcast satellite service provider, OurTV has secured broadcast rights for Laliga matches beginning today. According to the management of the company, with the securing of the broadcast rights, OurTV will now be broadcasting Laliga Santander Matches LIVE on Our Sports Channel 120 By Clever Advertising Speaking on the development, the Head of Marketing in the company, Mr Olusola Peters said: “The partnership is part of the fulfilment of one of the promises made to our esteemed OurTv users and sports lovers who have constantly been demanding for Live Matches.” This is one major milestone for OurTv and we want to thank our esteemed users who have always believed and supported us. “We value your input and suggestions as it is a core culture in OurTv to listen and please our viewers as much as we can. “You asked for it. You now have it. Congratulations to us all. This is the beginning and it can only get better,” he added. OurTV is a Direct-To-Home (DTH) TV broadcast satellite service with onetime payment of set-up boxes that offers over 18 unique and exciting channels with the use of homegrown services. The company had entered in a partnership with NigComsat in 2015, leading to the use of NigComSat facility. “OurTv is unique in so many ways in that it is a Nigerian product and service as it was packaged by Nigerians and transmitting on Nigerian satellite,” Peters. He explained that there is no monthly subscription for the TV it is targeted at every Nigerian home, offices and businesses. ‘‘OurTv is unique in so many ways, it is Nigerian, aggregated in Nigeria and transmitting on Nigerian satellite, it is being received on a decoder made in Nigeria by Nigerians. “OurTV has a Unique Value Proposition which every Nigerian, home, family and business will be proud to associate with. ‘‘Every Nigerian home needs OurTV for entertainment, relaxation, news, education, kids, sports and for everything you value from Television,’’ said the marketing head. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/ourtv-secures-la-liga-broadcasting-rights-for-nigeria/ |
| Politics › Edo 2020: Uzodinma Mobilises Igbos In Benin For APC by Le124(op): 4:22pm On Sep 12, 2020 |
By Ozioruva Aliu THE Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma Saturday stormed Benin City where he mobilised the Igbo in Edo State urging them to vote for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Uzodimma who was honoured by the Igbo Youth Union (IYU) and the Youth Wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze N’Igbo in Edo State, said Governor Obaseki’s tax policies are anti-Igbos, therefore Ndigbo in Edo State should vote for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the governor: “Obaseki and his PDP have been blackmailing the APC, alleging that we want to rig election. Meanwhile, that is exactly what he is planning. But, let me tell our Igbo people, go out there and vote for APC. We will protect the votes. We will stop Obaseki from rigging. “We have many of our brothers and sisters who own businesses in Edo State, but those businesses are suffering today due to the inhuman policies of the PDP administration in Edo. “As Igbos, we must be vigilant, so that people will not deceive you. PDP is coming today begging for your votes just because they need it now, but that is a deceit. This governor does not like the Igbos. They are only coming because of the votes and after that Obaseki will abandon you. Chairman of the Igbo Youth Union, Obinna Anwatu, said that the presence of Governor Uzodimma in Edo State has heightened their determination to deliver APC in the forthcoming election, adding that the award given to the governor was in recognition of his developmental strides across the 27 LGAs in Imo State. Immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole described Governor Uzodimma as a genuine party man, adding that his eight months reign so far as governor of Imo State has occasioned genuine progress in the state. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/edo-2020-uzodinma-mobilises-igbos-in-benin-for-apc/
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| Politics › Garba Shehu Under Attack For Saying PDP Sold Fuel N600 Per Litre by Le124(op): 10:02am On Sep 11, 2020 |
By Nwafor Sunday The Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Malam Garba Shehu, has come under verbal attack from Nigerians, over a statement he made on his twitter handle. Shehu said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, sold a litre of petrol for N600 in their regime. His statement did not go down well with some Nigerians who immediately lambasted him. Recall that the federal government had through the Petroleum Products Marketing Company increased the ex-depot price of petrol from N138.62 to N151.56 per litre. Following the increment, petrol marketers raised the price of the product from N148 to between N158 and N162 per litre. Defending the increment, Mr Shehu opined: “Don’t allow the PDP to deceive you. Amidst acute shortages, they sold petrol at N600 per litre on Easter Sunday in 2013.” He went further to substantiate his claim by publishing the front page of Punch newspaper where it was emblazoned: ‘Petrol sells for N600 per litre’. Reacting, Nigerians took to the micro blogging site (Facebook and Twitter), lampooning him for making such statement Garba shehu pls wen &were did pdp govt sold petrol at d rate of 600,after al Nigeria citizen ar wise nw.we ar waitin 4 u pple in 2023.a common Nigeria man can nt afford 3 square meal per day yet u ar blamin opposition party . — Hakeem Shittu Adedigba (@AdedigbaHakeem) September 10, 2020 Has Garba Shehu forgotten he was a member of PDP in those 16 years, or he thinks we didn’t know he was a spoke man of Atiku, and when Buhari won election in 2015 Atiku recommended him to work with Buhari. https:///N5qAQetmQU — Ola Michael (@OlaMich76517768) September 10, 2020 Garba shehu you need to visit Sambisa Forest face Book Haram, defeat them and then bloody come back with a new song..Are you sure you went to school, sometimes you spit shit like a big coward…. — Divine Emeson (@DivineEmeson) September 10, 2020 Fact check: Garba Shehu lied when he claimed government sold fuel at N600. Even if it meant black market price he referred to…. It hardly happened at 600 means 6000 per 10 liter can of petrol. TOTALLY FALSE @GarShehu — Kessler George (@1Verich) September 10, 2020 Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/garba-shehu-under-attack-for-saying-pdp-sold-fuel-n600-per-litre/
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| Politics › Meet Fmr Snepco MD, Lalude, Who Rejected $6m Bribe by Le124(op): 7:09pm On Sep 10, 2020 |
A Nigerian man, Dr Olufemi Lalude who was the first Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) was the man of integrity that rejected $6 million bribe. Lalude has however been honoured by the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF). The Foundation on Wednesday conferred on Dr Lalude its 2020 Leadership Award, during the AAF 5th annual colloquium with the theme, “Integrity – A Sine Qua Non to Building a Prosperous Nation’’. Speaking at the event which held virtually, Mr Akinjide Adeosun, AAF’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer of St. Rachael’s Pharmaceutical Nigeria Ltd., said the recognition of Lalude was is in line with the core mandate of the foundation. The core mandate is based on the belief that life would be good for everyone if the nation gets leadership right in all spheres. “Integrity is an essential building block to building a prosperous nation. Truthfulness, honesty, respect for people, hard work and humility are traits of Integrity”. In his words: “Many years ago, our awardee, Papa Olufemi Lalude, the first managing director of the Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company, SNEPCO, was offered a bribe of 6 million dollars. “The organisation that offered him the bribe moved against him. However, he refused to be cowed and stood his ground. “He was sued with his employer but he triumphed. Lalude is a man of integrity, a rarity in our clime dwarfed by corruption and greed. “Today, Papa at 81 is living a peaceful, joyous and fulfilled contented life. We are celebrating him today. He began his career with integrity as his legacy in mind. “We have many good people in Nigeria. We must celebrate them to dwarf the bad publicity the few bad people is giving our nation.” He added. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/meet-fmr-snepco-md-lalude-who-rejected-6m-bribe/ 1 Like
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| Politics › Edo17 Lawmakers Meet, Cancel N1.5b Loan by Le124(op): 12:48pm On Sep 10, 2020 |
…They’re impostors, jokers – Speaker Okiye By Ozioruva Aliu THE 17 factional lawmakers of Edo State House of Assembly led by Hon Victor Edoror held plenary yesterday where they said the approval given to Governor Godwin Obaseki by the other members led by Hon Frank Okiye to obtain N1.5 billion loan is null and void. It called on the commercial bank being approached for the facility to decline approval. Speaking under matters of urgent public importance, the Deputy Speaker, Emmanuel Agbaje, who represents Akoko-Edo II, decried the approval of the loan “by an illegal gathering of dissident members in the Government House, who claim they have approved the sum of N1.5billion naira for Godwin Obaseki led Government of Edo State He said the purpose of the loan is to fund their electoral interests adding that “their election is not an official matter of the state, we as a House cannot afford to sell the future of our children. ” On his part, the member representing Oredo West Consistency, Chris Okaeben said he and his colleague from Oredo were embarrassed by the action of the governor. “I want to apologise to the people of Edo State and all lovers of democracy for the erroneous and thus far embarrassing activities of the present governor of Edo state” The factional Speaker, Edoror, asked the Clerk to send clean copies of the sitting’s resolution to the Governor of the Edo State, Attorney-General of the Federation, the Director General, Debt Management Office, as well as all anti-graft agencies. They also said the house has terminated the appointment of the Clerk of the House, Yaya Omogbai who he said has been on suspension and also announced Mr. Samuel Efezokhale as the acting Clerk of the House. Reacting, Okiye said responding to their action is like giving them credibility. He described them as impostors that should be investigated by the police. He said he was expecting the police to investigate them as ordered by the court for treason and felony, “what they are doing remains a big joke. It is of no value before the law.” Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/edo17-lawmakers-meet-cancel-n1-5b-loan/ 2 Likes
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| Politics › Akufo-addo Risks Ghana’s Economy By Playing Games With Nigeria’ by Le124(op): 11:40am On Sep 10, 2020 |
By Tareq Hassan Despite largely prosperous diplomatic and trade relations over the last few decades, relations between Nigeria and Ghana have soured in recent months. Unless cooler heads prevail, the wide-ranging dispute may threaten growth and democracy in West Africa’s two most powerful nations. Considering the political and economic repercussions of previous feuds, especially against the backdrop of the pandemic, it’s surprising that the Ghanaian government under incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Nigerian government under President Muhammadu Buhari have failed to quell public anger. While the Akufo-Addo government in Ghana pleads ignorance of any wrongdoing, Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) officials have been locking Nigerian-owned storefronts, seizing warehoused goods, and demolishing trading centres. So far, GUTA officials have forcibly closed 600 Nigerian shops in 2019 and 250 Nigerian shops in 2020. According to Nigerian business owners, recent government regulations have made it near-impossible for foreign nationals to receive approval for a retail trading permit. Despite widespread condemnation from Ghana’s own Trade Ministry, Akufo-Addo — in what is likely an attempt to curry political favour with Ghana’s industrialists — has obstructed any attempt to find a civilized solution. Akufo-Addo’s government has also been implicated in the seizure and demolishing of a building in the Nigerian High Commission compound in Accra. Under international law, this unscheduled destruction of a diplomatic compound is in contravention of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Aside from international legal questions, the Akufo-Addo government has also been accused of illegal deportation of Nigerian citizens. In a strongly-worded official statement, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information & Culture denounced Akufo-Addo for his incendiary rhetoric and tepid engagement with Nigerian representatives. In the same statement, the Federal Ministry of Information & Culture formally accused Ghanaian authorities of unlawful persecution of Nigerian-born foreign nationals and repeated breaches of the Vienna Convention. With tensions between Nigeria and Ghana threatening to boil over, representatives of the Nigerian government have been diplomatically obstructed and stonewalled. Akufo-Addo’s impulsive treatment of Nigerian representatives is a microcosm of a broader trend of his government’s inattention and neglect amid an election year – a trend that has now turned a minor trade dispute into a major political crisis. Ironically, by prioritizing his own reelection campaign, Akufo-Addo has allowed a diplomatic row with Nigeria to escalate to the point where it now threatens to undermine crucial bilateral economic relations. After a COVID-19 induced economic contraction sent Ghana’s growth forecasts to a 37-year low, mounting tensions with Nigeria threaten to hurt Ghanaians jobs and incomes as the country rely heavily on Nigerian imports and trade. Over one million Nigerians work in Ghana, an important part of the labour force in the West African nation. Ghana’s $165 million worth of exports to Nigeria could also suffer from the tensions, weighing heavily on Ghana’s jobs and incomes. Ghana’s crucial imports from Nigeria are also predicted to decline if a diplomatic solution is not reached. Last year, 17% of Ghana’s total imports came from Nigeria, including food and beverages, minerals, and even boats to support Ghana’s fishing and maritime industries. A breakdown in trade relations between Ghana and Nigeria would likely leave Ghana reeling – a weakened budget, expensive food, and labour shortages. Mindful of the looming public relations nightmare, Akufo-Addo has turned to the media to shore up crumbling public opinion. Even as diplomatic channels are left unattended, the Akufo-Addo government has had no problem leveraging its influence over state-run broadcasters and friendly radio channels to snipe at Nigerian policymakers and attack the Nigerian business community in Ghana. This is especially concerning due to the Nigerian accusation of a “Media war against Nigerians in Ghana.” Akufo-Addo’s National Patriotic Party’s brazen appropriation of public communications is especially disheartening considering that Ghana was once regarded as a regional bastion of democracy and press freedom. In the last three years, Ghana has seen the closing of radio stations tied to opposition groups, and broadcast contracts awarded to the close friends of influential NPP members like Kennedy Agyapong and Gabby Asare Otchere Darko. If conditions on the ground in Ghana continue to deteriorate at their current pace, what started as a modest diplomatic row regarding foreign-owned small businesses could quickly escalate to a serious regression in bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ghana. The dramatic downturn in bilateral relations between the countries could isolate Ghana’s economy, increase prices, and crush the local job market. As Akufo-Addo nears the end of a divisive re-election campaign, he needs to understand that Ghana does not need an economic feud with Nigeria. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/akufo-addo-risks-ghanas-economy-by-playing-games-with-nigeria/ 2 Likes
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| Travel › Nigerians In UAE Say They Are Being Forced To Leave Today by Le124(op): 9:16am On Sep 10, 2020 |
Nigerians Say They're Being Forced To Leave UAE Today As Authorities Refuse To Renew Their Work Permits In Alleged Xenophobic Movehttp://saharareporters.com/2020/09/10/nigerians-say-theyre-being-forced-leave-uae-today-authorities-refuse-renew-their-work 6 Likes 2 Shares
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| Politics › Breaking: Nigeria’s Debt Rises 8.3% To N31trn In 3 Months by Le124(op): 10:18pm On Sep 09, 2020 |
By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief The Debt Management Office (DMO), Wednesday, put the nation’s total public debt stock at N31.009 trillion or $85.897 billion, as at June 31, 2020, representing 8.3 percent rise from N28.628 trillion in March 2020. The figure comprised the debt stock of the federal government, the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The DMO, in a report yesterday, explained that, “The increase in the Debt Stock by N2.381 Trillion or USD6.593 billion was accounted for by the USD3.36 Billion Budget Support Loan from the International Monetary Fund, New Domestic Borrowing to finance the Revised 2020 Appropriation Act, including the issuance of the N162.557 Billion Sukuk, and Promissory Notes issued to settle Claims of Exporters.” The DMO also said that the figure could rise further when the balance of the new borrowing is raised for the implementation of the current budget. It stated: “The DMO expects the Public Debt Stock to grow as the balance of the New Domestic Borrowing is raised and expected disbursements are made by the World Bank, African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank which were arranged to finance the 2020 Budget. “The 2020 Appropriation Act had to be revised in the face of the adverse and severe impact of COVID-19 on Government’s Revenues and increased expenditure needs on health and economic stimulus amongst others. Additional Promissory Notes are expected to be issued in the course of the year, this, and new borrowings by State Governments are also expected to increase the Public Debt Stock.” The federal government announced, earlier in the week, that it lost 60 per cent of its expected revenue to the COVID-19 pandemic which adversely impacted the global economy and at a point pushed oil prices into the negative zone, thereby forcing it to take more loans. Nigeria’s Oil cargoes were on the international waters without buyers for weeks, at the peak of the pandemic when most nations were on lockdown. Crude prices crashed, thereafter, and have remained low, since then. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/breaking-nigerias-debt-rises-8-3-to-n31trn-in-3-months/
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| Health › To Treat One COVID-19 Patient Costs Over N400,000 ― El-rufai by Le124(op): 10:29pm On Sep 08, 2020 |
By Ibrahim HassanWuyo Governor Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai of Kaduna state has urged traditional rulers from the North to continue sensitizing their people on the dangers of COVID-19, saying the treatment was expensive and costs about N400,000 to treat a COVID-19 patient in the state. “The amount is as a result of the increasing cost of drugs, feeding, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for doctors. The government cannot tell patients to bear the cost of the treatment because it will lead to further spread of the disease,” he said. El- Rufai however, said Kaduna had a very high success rate in treating COVID-19 patients, even as a 90-year-old person, with underlying conditions, diabetes and hypertension was treated successfully in the state. “The virus has not left us. We may ignore it, but it is still there. We urge you to sensitise our people to protect themselves against this virus, particularly those that are above the age of 60.” “It costs about N400,000 to treat one coronavirus patient. They have to be isolated and fed. The cost of medicine has increased, even the personal protective equipment that the doctors treating them have to wear. When you add all this up, the average cost of treatment is over N400,000 per person. We have to bear the cost,” he said Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/to-treat-one-covid-19-patient-costs-over-n400000-%e2%80%95-el-rufai/
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| Politics › Edo Election: Former PDP Lawmaker Leads Defectors In Uhunmwode To APC by Le124(op): 10:15pm On Sep 08, 2020 |
Mr Paul Odaro, a former member of the Edo House of Assembly, on Tuesday, led defectors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Uhunmwonde Local Government Council of the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during an APC ward-to-ward campaign rally at Eguaholor, in the Uhunmwonde Council, Odaro said their defection was hinged on the alleged unfulfilled electoral promises of Gov. Godwin Obaseki. He said he had been a PDP member since 1999 but decided to dump the party due to the neglect of his ward by the Obaseki-led administration. Odaro alleged that despite the fact that the Edo governor was from his council, he did not carry out any project there. On his part, the former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole decried the alleged neglect of infrastructure and development in the area by the Obaseki administration. Oshiomhole stated that it was more worrisome that even the water fountain at the King’s Square in front of Oba’s palace could not be maintained by the governor. He said it was disturbing that the governor was shutting down tertiary institutions and refusing to employ teachers in public schools, thereby denying the people qualitative education. The former governor, therefore, urged the people of the area to vote for the APC in the Sept. 19 election. The campaign team also visited Ehor and Eyean communities, also in Uhunmwonde, where it canvassed for votes for its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/edo-election-former-pdp-lawmaker-leads-defectors-in-uhunmwode-to-apc/ 2 Likes
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| Business › Kingsley Kuku Never Purchased Airplanes For Us ― Air Peace by Le124(op): 5:37pm On Sep 08, 2020 |
By Lawani Mikairu Air Peace has said that contrary to a recent online report, the former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Office, Mr Kingsley Kuku never purchased aircraft for the airline. It said the report was a rehash of old, false stories. In a statement from the company’s Solicitors, Alegeh & Co, Air Peace said the report is not true, emphasizing that Kuku is neither a shareholder nor a director in the company and was not involved in any way with the airline. ADVERTISING “We are Solicitors to Air Peace Limited and Chief Allen Onyema. Our Clients have just become aware of an online story, claiming that Kingsley Kuku, the former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Office, purportedly used “billions of Naira stolen from the Presidential Amnesty Programme………. to purchase airplanes to start Air Peace”. “The online story, in a bid to appear credible, refers to the United States Department of Justice [“DOJ”] as the source of this information”.The “On behalf of Our Clients, we hereby state unequivocally and for the records that the said online story is untrue, false, baseless and a rehash of old, false and untrue stories. “Kingsley Kuku did not at any time purchase any airplanes for our client, Air Peace Limited, and he is not a shareholder or Director of Air Peace Limited. “Kingsley Kuku is not in any way and/or manner connected to and/or involved in the ownership and operations of Air Peace Limited,” the statement said. The company also stressed that Air Peace Limited was set up with legitimate funds borrowed from Nigerian banks and that of the owner and this has been investigated and verified over time. “Air Peace Limited was set up with legitimate funds of Our Client, Chief Allen Onyema, who has been recognized and honoured internationally and locally for his work in promoting peace and ethnic harmony in Nigeria and with banking facilities obtained from banks. “This false, untrue and baseless online story is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image and legacy of Our Clients. There is no iota of truth in the said story and same should be ignored and disregarded,” the statement also said. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/kingsley-kuku-never-purchased-airplanes-for-us-%e2%80%95-air-peace/
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| Crime › Gunmen Kill Policeman, Injure Four Others In Abia by Le124(op): 10:53am On Sep 08, 2020 |
By Ugochukwu Alaribe Umuahia Gunmen, on Tuesday, killed a policeman while four others sustained injuries following an attack on them in Ohafia council area of Abia State. Vanguard gathered that the gunmen suspected to be about 12 attacked five police officers at a bus stop at Okagwe Junction, Ohafia, during a heavy downpour in the early hours of Monday, September 7, 2020. The five policemen reportedly went on a ‘pin down operation’ in the area when the gunmen struck. In the ensuing gunfire, a policeman was shot dead while the gunmen escaped with bullet injuries. The injured policemen are said to be receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in the state. As at the time of this report, efforts to get the reaction of the State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Janet Agbede, was unsuccessful as her mobile number was unavailable. However, a senior police officer in the state command confirmed the incident. Meanwhile, Abia state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, disclosed that the government in conjunction with the security agencies is currently investigating the incident. The statement urged medical facilities in the state to report any patient with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or the relevant Transition Council Chairman. It also advised law-abiding residents to go about their normal duties without fear as the government has taken measures to protect them as well as arrest the fleeing gunmen. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the late gallant officer who lost his life in the course of service to fatherland. In the same vein, we pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” the statement read in part. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/gunmen-kill-policeman-injure-four-others-in-abia/
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| Politics › Edo Electionapc, PDP, Others At War Over Alleged Doctoring Of Party Agent’s List by Le124(op): 8:27am On Sep 08, 2020 |
By Ozioruva Aliu LESS than two weeks to Edo State governorship election, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to smuggle the names of its supporters as agents of some political parties’ agents to the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC.. A statement by the Chairman, Edo State APC Media Campaign Council, John Mayaki alleged that the list was doctored by the Government House for some parties he alleged have been stooges of the governor and the PDP. By Clever Advertising Mayaki identified the parties as Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Action Democratic Party, ADP, National Rescue Movement, NRM, and Labour Party, LP. However, the state chairman of APM, Charles Ugiagbe, denied the allegation saying: “I don’t know what you are talking about, I am not aware of that for now. We have submitted the list of our agents to INEC" On his part, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare who also denied the allegation, said: “It is one of their baseless allegation as usual. We are talking about them bribing a national INEC commissioner to fill the name of agents with APC names, they are now talking of PDP doing same, it is a baseless allegation. “Whenever we accuse the APC, they come up with all sorts of stories. You are aware a few days ago, we actually complained that an INEC officer who is from Edo has turned himself to be the one that will appoint EOs and polling officers with APC. So, there is no truth in this allegation. It is APC that is trying to stain INEC.” Mayaki said “whatever Obaseki hopes to achieve with his concert of losers is not clear,” and called on INEC to be alert to any election rigging mischief. “Just two weeks to go, you could see the confusion in the Obaseki camp. It is getting clear to them they will be thrashed on Election Day. So, it is electoral mischief galore. How do you explain trying to smuggle in agents’ names when the exercise has closed?” Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/apc-pdp-others-at-war-over-alleged-doctoring-of-party-agents-list/ |
| TV/Movies › VIDEO: Watch Moment Rev Mbaka Predicted Erica’s Disqualification by Le124(op): 3:31pm On Sep 07, 2020 |
By Idowu Bankole Fierce Catholic priest, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka in a recent video told worshippers that the BBnaija former housemate Nlewejie Erica will be evicted from the BBNaija season 5 edition. Reacting to the prediction, social media users accused the Reverend father of making false predictions as many said they already knew she was going to be disqualified owing to her after-party vituperations on Laycon, a fellow housemate, accusing him of making false allegations against her of sexual advances towards him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J7-SAlwvXE Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/video-watch-moment-rev-mbaka-predicted-ericas-disqualification/ |
| Politics › Panic As Suspected Thugs Lay Siege To Ondo Assembly by Le124(op): 1:38pm On Sep 07, 2020 |
By James Sowole Panic gripped workers of the Ondo State House of Assembly as some political thugs on Monday morning laid siege to the Legislative Complex. The suspected thugs numbering over 100 were sighted at the main gate of the Assembly complex with their vehicles parked along the road leading to the complex . It was gathered that the presence of the suspected political thugs was not unconnected with the rancour within members of the state Assembly, as some lawmakers were alleged to be the target of the thugs. However, the men of the state police command, who arrived the venue before the hoodlums, prevented them from.gaining access. The security men mounted barricades at the entrance of the complex and scrunitized whoever was going into the Assembly complex. Source-- THISDAY
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| Politics › Obaseki: I Will Make Oshiomhole Irrelevant In Edo by Le124(op): 7:24pm On Sep 06, 2020 |
…Denies Rift with Ize- Iyamuhttps://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/i-will-make-oshiomhole-irrelevant-in-edo-obaseki/ 9 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Pharmacist Detained For More Than 6months Over Comments Against Buhari (pix) by Le124(op): 12:34pm On Sep 05, 2020 |
Nigerian needs to come together with one voice before things get out of hand
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| Sports › Sanchez: I Wanted To Leave Man Utd And Return To Arsenal After My First Training by Le124(op): 8:55am On Sep 04, 2020 |
The ChileanAlexis Sanchez has admitted he wanted to leave Manchester United and return to Arsenal after his very first training session with the Red Devils. The former Barcelona attacker left the Emirates for Old Trafford in January 2018 but struggled to impress across two seasons before being sent to Inter on loan last year. In Serie A across the 2019-20 campaign, Sanchez showed glimpses of his former self and secured a permanent move to Milan in August. has unloaded on his former club after securing a permanent move to Italy Reflecting on his time in Manchester via a video posted on his Instagram, the 31-year-old claims he knew very quickly he wasn't going to enjoy his time with the club and hit out at the squad's lack of unity during his time there. "After the first training session I realised many things, I came home and asked my family and my manager if I could not break the contract and return to Arsenal, something did not fit me, but I had already signed," Sanchez said. "Months passed and I kept feeling the same. We were not united as a team at that time. "The journalists also spoke without knowing and it hurt. Former players also spoke and had no idea what was happening inside the club. And they hurt me. "A player also depends on the internal environment, that we need to be a family. We weren't like that, and it was reflected on the field. If someone had to be blamed, they blamed me. "I do self-criticism and should have played better. But I was always blamed, even if I played for a few minutes." Sanchez ultimately made 45 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just five times and contributing nine assists - statistics that pale in comparison to the 80 goals he struck across 166 games with the Gunners. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently conceded Sanchez simply failed to play to his full potential while at United. "We wish him all the best and he is a top player who we want to see play his best football," Solskjaer said. "For whatever reason we didn’t see the best of him here, but he’s a top professional and we wish him all the best." Former Red Devil Paul Scholes wasn't so kind in his farewell for the Chilean attacker, noting that the club should have arranged an exit sooner.
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| Politics › APC Crisis: Marafa Faction Dares National Caretaker Committee Over Sack Threat by Le124(op): 8:35pm On Sep 02, 2020 |
The Zamfara State faction of the All Progressives Congress loyal to Senator Kabir Marafa has said that the decision of the Mai Mala Buni-led National Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, to sack its chairman would spell doom for the party. State Publicity Secretary of the faction, Alhaji Bello Bakyasuwa said this in an interview in Abuja, on Wednesday. According to him, the decision of the national caretaker committee to empower the faction of the party loyal to the former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdullaziz Yari, to expel members of the Marafa-led faction, was contemptuous of an existing court order. He explained that a court of competent jurisdiction had ordered the dissolution of the state factional executives and called for fresh congresses. Bakyasuwa said, “Are you not aware of the Court ruling that dissolved all the factions and ordered for fresh congresses? Won’t that amount to court contempt? “Anyway, we have not been contacted by anybody, we just saw the papers like you did in the social media. We will react when we are officially contacted.” Asked whether the Marafa faction had withdrawn its case against the party, as directed by the National Executive Committee of the party, Bakyasuwa replied, “As directed by who? When? There was never such communication between us and the National Headquarters or from anybody acting for or on behalf of the Caretaker Committee. “Is it possible for the National Headquarters to ask our opponents to sanction us? Is it possible for the ruling party under President Buhari to abuse the court? I thought the Caretaker Committee was constituted to address APC problems not to aggravate it. You don’t solve a problem by becoming part of it or taking sides. You solve it by being fair and just. “Taking side at this point will only spell doom for APC in Zamfara and I don’t think the Mai Mala committee will want to risk that.” Secretary of the national caretaker committee of the APC, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, had in a letter dated August 26th 2020, written to the Zamfara State chapter of the party to set up the necessary machinery to invoke the relevant sections of the APC Constitution 2014 (As amended) on Alhaji Sirajo Garba, the chairman of the Marafa-led faction Share your story with us: SMS: +2349090060943, Whatsapp: +2349090060943, Email: punchonline@punchng.com
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| Sports › TB Joshua Warns Messi Against Leaving Barcelona by Le124(op): 8:23pm On Sep 02, 2020 |
Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja The founder of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations, Temitope Joshua, commonly referred to as TB Joshua, has warned Barcelona Football Club captain, Lionel Messi, against leaving the club. Joshua said this in a post on his official Instagram page on Wednesday. He wrote, “It is not good advice for Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona bitter and offended. It is impossible to establish a healthy relationship with a person who left a previous relationship bitter and offended. This is my candid advice to Messi. History is our boss.” Messi, a six-time Ballon D’Or winner, recently handed the club a transfer request following a humiliating 8-2 defeat the club suffered against the German side, Bayern Munich, during the last UEFA Champions League clash. The Barcelona icon is reported to be in talks with the English side, Manchester City, where former Barcelona Coach, Pep Guardiola, is the current manager. However, Barcelona have refused to let their number 10 man to go, insisting that Messi’s release clause of €700m must be paid. |
| Culture › Longest Reigning Traditional Ruler In Ebonyi Dies At 81 by Le124(op): 4:41pm On Sep 01, 2020 |
The longest reigning traditional ruler in Ebonyi, ‘Agaba Idu II of Izhia Kingdom’ Israel Chibueze-Agbo, is dead. The deceased was father to the Ebonyi governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2019 governorship election, Chief Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo. Chibueze-Agbo, until his death, was the traditional ruler of Izhia autonomous community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi and a first-class monarch. The death was announced by Mr Chinedu Chibueze-Agbo, first son of the deceased, on behalf of the family and the Izhia Council of Chiefs at the palace in Izhia on Tuesday. According to him, the traditional ruler passed on peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday. Chibueze-Agbo, who died at the age of 81, ascended the throne in 1978 and reigned for 42 years as the ‘Agaba Idu II of Izhia Kingdom. The family said that the burial of the late monarch would hold on Sept. 28, which is his birthday. “I stand before you today to announce the death of my father and the traditional ruler of our great Kingdom, Izhia community, which sad event took place in the early hours of today, Sept 1, 2020. “He was the former chairman, Ohaukwu Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers; former chairman, Ebonyi North Council of Traditional Rulers, and former chairman of Abakaliki zone, Council of Traditional Rulers. He was crowned in 1978 and he guided his people through the path of peace, unity and prosperity in his 42 years reign. “He lived for 81 years serving God and humanity before heeding the glorious home call and may his soul rest in peace,” Chibueze-Agbo said. Meanwhile, the Ebonyi SDP governorship candidate in 2019, described the death of his father as ‘shocking’ and a great loss, not only to the community but Ebonyi in general. He described the late monarch as an ‘enigma’ and a man with exceptional wisdom, leadership talent and great knowledge who led his people well. “We are celebrating the legacies he has left behind; our dad, the traditional ruler of Izhia community, lives on; he was an enigma, a colossus, who has gone to be with his creator. “We are not mourning like people without hope because our father lived for God and humanity. “Three years ago before his death, he called us and directed us on how to go about things to live peacefully; today, he has gone to join his ancestors,” Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo said. He thanked the people of Izhia for the support given to his father during his reign. Chief Emmanuel Aka, the traditional Prime Minister of Izhia, in a speech to announce the death of the leader, described the death of ‘Agaba Idu II’ as a great loss to the community and Ebonyi people. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a condolence register has been opened at the palace for sympathisers to register their condolences. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/longest-reigning-traditional-ruler-in-ebonyi-dies-at-81/ |
| Politics › Obasanjo Absent As Council Of State Okays Pardon For Ambrose Ali, Three Others by Le124(op): 8:06pm On Aug 28, 2020 |
Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was absent on Thursday at a meeting of the National Council of State that ratified the presidential pardon granted to a former governor of the defunct Bendel State, Ambrose Alli, and three others. The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), presided over the virtual meeting from the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The council has as its members the President, who is the Chairman; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who is the Deputy Chairman; all former Presidents alive, all former Heads of the Government of the Federation alive; all former Chief Justices of Nigeria; the President of the Senate; the Speaker of the House of Representatives; all the state governors and the Attorney-General of the Federation. While former President Goodluck Jonathan joined Buhari to attend the meeting physically, former Head of the Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan and three former military Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Abdusalami Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida, attended virtually while Obasanjo was absent. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), disclosed this outcome of the meeting to State House correspondents. Alli was said to have been convicted by a military tribunal for allegedly misappropriating N983,000 meant for a road project and sentenced to 100 years in prison. According to Wikipedia, he was later freed when the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, paid a fine of N1m to the government. Shortly after being released from prison, Alli died on his 60th birthday on September 22, 1989. Others who got presidential pardon, according to Malami, are Col. Moses Effiong and Major E.J Olarenwaju who were convicted for their attempted coup to topple Babangida’s regime as well as Ajayi Babalola. Malami said the ratification was based on a memorandum he presented to the council relating to the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. He said, “The memo presented for consultation in line with one of the constitutional requirements and consideration of granting of pardon to 45 persons: two inmates for pardon, 39 inmates for clemency and four ex-convicts for presidential pardon. “To further clarify on the prerogative of mercy, Mr President, with COVID-19 pandemic, directed the decongestion of our correctional centres across the country. “By way of collaborative action, the governors and heads of courts across the nations have worked assiduously in collaboration with the presidential committee on decongestion of our correctional centres and at the end of the day, we have succeeded in taking out over 4,000 inmates out of our correctional centres across the country. “What we have today is a consolidation of what has been done and the strategies put in place to see to the decongestion of our correctional centres. “As you are aware, more than 70 percent inmates in our correctional centres were awaiting trial across the country and a lot of considerations were put in place to ensure our correctional centres are decongested and the prerogative of mercy was one of such considerations by Mr President punchng.com © 1971-2020 The Punch newspaper - Advertise With Us - Contact Us We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. |
| Sports › Chelsea Players Test Positive For COVID-19 by Le124(op): 10:26am On Aug 27, 2020 |
Several Chelsea players have not returned for pre-season training after testing positive for COVID-19, according to reports in British media. The reports did not name the players and Chelsea did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Players who test positive have to self-isolate for 10 days and return a negative coronavirus test before they can take part in training. Sheffield United, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United were among the other English Premier League clubs to report positive COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, the Times said. Frank Lampard’s side, who finished fourth last season, kick off their campaign against Brighton on Sept 14. (Reuters/NAN) |
| Politics › Edo 2020: APC Chieftain, 3000 Others Defect To PDP In Ovia North East by Le124(op): 8:53am On Aug 27, 2020 |
THE All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, Wednesday, got a boost as a chieftain of the party in Ward 9, Okokhuo, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Mr. Frank Osayande, led over 3, 000 APC members to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, declaring their support for the reelection of Governor Godwin Obaseki. Osayande and other APC members were received by the Chairman, Edo State PDP Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih, during the reelection campaign rally of the PDP candidate, Obaseki, in the ward. Speaking during his defection, the APC chieftain said: “I have decided to join the PDP because the governor is doing well for the people, though there are enemies of the state against him. “I told my members right from day one that anywhere Obaseki goes, we will all go. I can’t remain in an empty party, the APC So, it is on this note that I decided to join the PDP with over 3,000 others so that we will be able to deliver the governor in Okokhuo Ward 9.” Receiving the defectors, Chief Orbih said: “He has fought the battle of godfathers so that Edo can move forward. He will continue to fight godfatherism. “APC is worried about the popularity of Obaseki; I have to commend the Benin Chamber of Commerce for denying the endorsement of the APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.” On his part, Obaseki said: “There is so much wealth in this region but I still can’t understand why our people are still poor. It is because the previous administration failed. I will prioritise agriculture. “We are going to partner with our traditional rulers to take advantage of our fertile land. As long as we continue to have godfathers, the state will not move forward Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/08/edo-2020-apc-chieftain-3000-others-defect-to-pdp-in-ovia-north-east/ |
| Crime › Mother Dead, Baby Injured As Police Chase Suspected ‘yahoo Boy’ In Benin by Le124(op): 9:00pm On Aug 26, 2020 |
By Evelyn Usman A 29-year-old woman, Mrs Grace Obajay, lost her life in an auto crash that occurred along Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State, while doctors are still battling to save the life of her one-year and five months old baby, at a private hospital. Two other persons: the Uber driver and yahoo suspect who also sustained severe injuries were said to be receiving treatment at the hospital. Information at Vanguard’s disposal revealed that the deceased who would have been celebrating her two years marriage anniversary in two months, worked with Floret Systems, as its Secretary. She had ordered for Uber last Friday, after the close of work and had occupied the back seat with her baby. Barely had the Uber driver, Precious John, begun the journey, then a green Toyota Camry on high speed, hit the black Nissan Murano Uber car with plate number RRU 362 NE, from the driver’s side. The baby was said to have been flung out of the vehicle due to the impact of the hit. He wailed in excruciating pains waiting for the soothing hands of his mother. Unfortunately, his mother according to eyewitnesses, was unconscious and was bleeding from the mouth and nose. Speaking with Vanguard , elder brother of the Uber driver, Dickson John said, “I got a call from my brother at about 11 am. All he could mutter was ‘ come quickly, I’m dying, I can’t breathe, my chest, accident, airport road…, and the call ended. I tried reaching back to him but could not get him “I was accompanied to the scene by one of my comrades, Godwin Esosa, where I saw my brother’s car stained with blood and fuel was dripping from its engine but there was no sight of him. “We gathered from eyewitnesses that a team of policemen in a carton colour Audi car was chasing a suspected yahoo boy in a Toyota Camry 2012 model. In his bid to escape from the police, he ran into my brother’s car which was just entering airport road from Saint Paul. The policemen never made an attempt to save them. Rather, they abandoned them to fate. “ A Reverend father rushed the baby to Saint Philomena hospital for immediate attention, while my brother and mother of the baby were rushed to Faith Mediplex hospital for immediate medical attention. The yahoo suspect was rushed to the police clinic for treatment. At Faith Mediplex, the female passenger later identified as Mrs Grace Frank Obajay was referred to UBTH on oxygen. She was there until yesterday (Tuesday) when she died. Also contacted, the widower, Frank Obajay, lamented that the incident had shattered him beyond expression. He disclosed that their baby had a fracture on his left leg, adding that surgery had been done on the leg. He said that the Police were aware of the incident right from the first day, adding that some policemen from Federal Operation had paid him a condolence visit. But identities of the policemen who were chasing the yahoo suspect were yet to be disclosed by the Edo State Police Command, neither was news of their arrest made public. Meanwhile, the vehicles involved in the incident had reportedly been towed to Aideyean Police station. An effort to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, failed as he did not respond to calls made to his mobile line nor text message sent, as at the time of writing this report Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/08/mother-dead-baby-injured-as-police-chase-suspected-yahoo-boy-in-benin/ |
| Romance › At Second Round He Lost Consciousness, Says Sex Worker Whose Customer Died by Le124(op): 6:11pm On Aug 26, 2020 |
By Esther Onyegbula A sex worker in Lagos has said her customer, a truck driver, was on the second round with her when he suddenly lost consciousness, and later pronounced dead at a hospital. The homicide unit of Lagos State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CIID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, is currently investigating the incident. The 32-year-old truck driver, Wuyi Jackson, who works at an oil company in Ajah, had come to Ijegun Depot in Satellite Town to load petroleum product, when he decided to have some drink at the hotel located at Oluti area of Satellite Town. It was learned that after parking his truck at the depot, where he was supposed to lift the product, he retired to the hotel with some of his friends at about 10p.m. After taking several bottles of a drink said to be an aphrodisiac, he negotiated with one of the sex workers, Gift Ifeanyi, who works in the hotel, to spend the night with him. However, it was while Wuyi was inside one of the hotel rooms with Gift that he became unconscious and later died before he could get medical help. Vanguard learned that the Edo-born Wuyi, an only child of his aged parents, was preparing for his wedding scheduled for next month. The two bags of rice he bought in preparation for his upcoming wedding were still inside his truck when he died in the sex worker’s arms. Suspects account Narrating how she got entangled in the case, 24-year-old Gift Ifeanyi said: “On the night he approached me for my service for the night, I billed him N10,000 but he paid me N7,000. “Immediately we entered the room we had sex. So we relaxed and slept for a while. At about 2:30a.m., he woke me up so we could have the second round. “It was while we were at it that he started to breathe heavily and, before I could do anything, he had become unconscious. So I raised alarm to alert people.” It was gathered that after Gift raised the alarm and the hotel management was alerted, Wuyi was rushed to a nearby private hospital. From there he was referred to Mainland General Hospital, Yaba, where he was declared dead on arrival. Wuyi’s corpse was taken to Yaba mortuary. Autopsy and further investigation would follow. Confirming the incident, the spokesman of Lagos State police command, SP Bala Elkana, said he confirmed that the suspect died while in company of the sex worker at the hotel. “Autopsy has been done, but we are waiting for the result,” he added. Meanwhile, Gift is in custody and is being questioned. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/08/at-second-round-he-lost-consciousness-says-sex-worker-whose-customer-died/
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| Sports › Unbelievable, Guendouzi + £4m For Messi by Le124(op): 10:36pm On Aug 25, 2020 |
Arsenal chief negotiator being removed out of the Camp Nou after submitting a £4m + Guendouzi bid for Messi
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| Politics › Judge Handling Suits Against Ize-iyamu’s Candidacy Linked With Wike – APC by Le124(op): 8:44am On Aug 25, 2020 |
Ade Adesomoju, Abuja The All Progressives Congress has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, asking for the transfer of two suits filed against the candidacy of Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the party’s flag-bearer in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, from Justice Taiwo Taiwo to another judge of the court. The party stated that it would not get justice from Justice Taiwo because of his alleged strong affinity with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who belongs to the rival Peoples Democratic Party. The PDP had nominated Governor Godwin Obaseki as its candidate in the forthcoming September 19, 2020 governorship election in Edo State. The APC, in its August 20, 2020 petition signed by its National Secretary, John Akpanudoedehe, alleged that Wike had openly boasted that he would do everything to ensure that the PDP won the Edo State governorship election. Aside the alleged affinity between Justice Taiwo and Wike, the APC also expressed doubts about the judge’s impartiality in the handling of the cases so far. The party stated, “That on August 10, 2020, when Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/758/2020 came up for mention, the learned judge, suo motu, abridged the time allowed by law for the defendants to respond, even when some of the defendants have not been served with the originating processes, by fixing the matter for August 24, 2020, for hearing and that responses must be filed before then. “That at the time the learned judge made the said order, a motion on notice to abridge time was pending before the court which had not been served on all parties.” The APC said it had no confidence that it would get justice before Justice Taiwo Taiwo “and therefore humbly request that the said matters be transferred to any other vacation Judge in the Federal Capital Territory.” In one of the two suits referred to in the petition, two APC members, Momoh Abdul-Razak and Zibiri Muhizu, asked the court to disqualify the party’s governorship candidate, Ize-Iyamu, and his running mate, Mr Audu Faniyi. The plaintiffs’ grounds for the suit included allegation that Ganiyu gave false information to INEC in aid of his qualification for the governorship election When Abdul-Razak and Muhizu’s cases came up for hearing on Monday, Justice Taiwo said he could suspend hearing the case to await the decision of the Chief Judge. The judge told Ize-Iyamu’s counsel, Mr Roland Otaru (SAN), and counsel for Ehiogie West-Idahosa, that the court’s new practice direction did not allow a judge to withdraw from a suit the moment a petition was filed. The defence lawyers the applied for an adjournment to enable them to respond to the suit. The judge then adjourned till September 3. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. |
