₦airaland Forum

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole on Thursday packed his belongings and left the national secretariat of the party.

One of Oshiomhole ’s aides, popularly called Sam, led three of his other personal staff to move his belongings from the premises .

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party had on Thursday dissolved the Oshiomhole- led National Working Committee (NWC).

The dissolution of the NWC followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s recommendation.

The party's NEC subsequently appointed Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State as Chairman Caretaker/Extra-ordinary convention committee of the party.

He will oversee the affairs of the party for six months with Senator John Akpanudoede as secretary.

Other members of the committee include Governor Isiaka Oyetola of Osun, Governor Sani Bello of Niger State, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Stella Okotete, Dr. James Lalu , Sen. Abubakar Yusuf , Rep Akinyemi Olaide, David Lyon, Abba Ari, Prof. Tahir Mamman and Barr. Ismail Ahmed .

The committee will next week resume full operations at national secretariat of the party.

Staff of the party , who had gathered at the premises, shortly after the dissolution of the NWC was announced looked on as Oshiomhole’s aides moved his effects into the van.

http://newsday.com.ng/oshiomhole-moves-out-of-apc-national-secretariat/

Scared that the decision of Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike to pull out of the reconciliation efforts of the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) might affect his chances, Governor Godwin Obaseki has reached out to former President Goodluck Jonathan to save the situation.

Some of the party's governorship aspirants have vowed not to step down for Obaseki who recently defected to the PDP after he was disqualified by his former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike had on Tuesday announced that he was no longer participating in any reconciliation effort in Edo PDP.

He blamed some members of the party's National Working Committee (NWC), who he described as sycophants and tax collectors for his decision.

Some member of the party's NWC had accused Wike of being behind a Federal High Court injunction stopping Obaseki from participating in the PDP primary scheduled for Thursday.

According to Wike, instead of the NWC to carry everybody along in Edo state, they resorted to using the media to blackmail him.

“I have had sleepless nights to resolve the issue in Edo state. The Governors of Edo, Adamawa, and Delta states, know what I have done to resolve the issues in Edo state.

Wike's decision to pull out of the reconciliation was said to have rattled Obaseki and his supporters.

Obaseki believed Wike his a powerful force in the PDP and must be taking seriously.

Although he has called Wike to plead with him to rescind his decision, Obaseki has further reached out to Jonathan to prevail and pacify Wike.

Jonathan and Wike are very close. Before becoming governor, Wike served as a Minister under Jonathan.

Inside sources within the camp of Obaseki hinted that governor had initiated several telephone conversations with Jonathan, which had proved useful in the peace efforts.

http://newsday.com.ng/edo-governorship-governor-obaseki-runs-to-goodluck-jonathan/

The factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Anslem Ojezua has taunted the national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu over the certificate scandal involving Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Ojezua was reacting to the clearance by the authorities of the University of Ibadan (UI) that Gov Obaseki actually graduated from the university in 1979.

Ojezua noted that the clearance by the authorities of UI has shamed all those who have been witch hunting Governor Obaseki that he never graduated from the University.

Apparently referring to Tinubu, Ojezua said “This is not a case of Toronto or Chicago”. UI is not a University that you just walk into and graduate.

Recall that Tinubu a former governor of Lagos was enmeshed in a certificate scandal in 1999. Tinubu had claimed he attended Chicago State University as indicated in his INEC form 001 filled when he contested the Lagos State governorship poll.

A firebrand lawyer and human rights activist, late Gani Fawehinmi, went to court to compel the Inspector General of Police to investigate Tinubu. Fawehinmi did not live long enough to finish the lawsuit.

Tinubu is believed to be supporting the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole against Obaseki.

Oshiomhole and Obaseki who were allies, are now at daggers drawn with the former backing another aspirant for the APC governorship ticket.

Oshiomhole had on Tuesday, joined critics of the governor to question his educational qualification.

“Someone should approach the UI and end this matter once and for all. If the certificate Obaseki parades is that of the UI, find out – how did he pass senate screening of those days? I’m aware that in those days when this man never dreamt of becoming a governor, every student, no matter your status or your family name, must pass screening.

“How come the UI allowed him then. Did he do a remedial? which was not unlikely. These are questions. Many (who) came in especially in education and linguistics, did remedial for one year and if the result was good, gained direct entry and graduated three years after,” Mr Oshiomhole said after inaugurating the APC’s screening and appeal committees for the Edo election.

http://newsday.com.ng/apc-chairman-taunts-tinubu-over-obasekis-certificate/

Nobel laureate and foremost playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka will join notable Nigerians including national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day

Last year, Soyinka did not participate in activities marking the June 12 celebrations.

He had said his non participation in last year’s Democracy Day was by choice.

Soyinka alongside Tinubu will be speaking on Friday, June 12 in a webinar to be hosted by the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Other speakers at the event include publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojodu, former Commissioner for Information in Lagos State, Dele Alake and daughter of the winner of the June 12 election, Hafsat Abiola Costello.

The event with the theme ” Learning from the past, shaping the future” will also feature music from popular Nigerian singers including TY Bello and Timi Dakolo.

http://newsday.com.ng/wole-soyinka-agrees-to-participate-in-this-years-democracy-day/

Former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos Island, Azeez Lawal popularly known as Kunle Poly, appears to have moved on after he was suspended by the Chairman of the union in the state, Musiliu Akinsanya.

Despite his removal, Kunle Poly has continued to warmed the hearts of his admirers and members of the internet community .

He again demonstrated this on Tuesday, when he become one of the first personalities to visit and pay homage to the new Oniru of Iru land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, in his palace.

Oba Lawal was presented the staff of office and installed on Monday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Oba Lawal succeeded Late Oba Idowu Abiodun, who passed on in September 2019, at the age of 82.

Although not from Lagos , both Kunle Poly and the new monarch share the same surname.

During the visit, Kunle Poly was said to have received royal blessings from the new King.

See photos from Kunle Poly’s visit to the new King below:

http://newsday.com.ng/photos-popular-nurtw-chieftain-kunle-poly-visits-new-oniru-of-iru-pays-homage/

Indications have emerged that schools in Lagos may reopen in a few days.

Secondary school principals in public schools have summoned an emergency meetings with teaching and non teaching of their respective schools for Monday, June 8, 2020.

The principals are expected to interact with the teachers and non teaching staff to start the planning process for reopening of schools.

Monday’s meeting with the teachers and non teaching staff was as a result of last’s week interaction between the principals and the Tutor Generals of the Education Districts in the state.

It was gathered that during the interaction, the principals were asked to submit their school level plan to their Education Districts .

Recall that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had hinted that a decision on the reopening of schools in the state, will be made in the next few days

Sanwo-Olu stated this during a media briefing on Thursday, June 4 .

He said the decision would be taken after an extensive meeting with stakeholders in the education sector.

“In two weeks, we would make a decision on the reopening of schools,” he said.

Monday’s meeting between the principals and teachers is believed to be part of the stakeholders meeting Sanwo-Olu was referring to during his media briefing.

.http://newsday.com.ng/lagos-gears-up-to-reopen-schools-as-principals-and-teachers-to-meet-on-monday/

It’s been 22 years since the death of Nigerian military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

He ruled Nigeria with an iron grip and his regime was marred by gross human rights abuses.

Despite being referred to as one of Nigeria’s most brutal Head of State,, his regime’s achievements in some critical sectors remained unparalleled

Here are ten 10 things you didn’t know Sani Abacha did during his lifetime

1. Gen. Abacha’s military career is distinguished by a string of successful coups. Until his death, he is regarded as the most successful coup plotter in the history of Nigeria’s military.

2. Abacha was the first and only military Head of State who never skipped a rank to become a full-star General in the Army.

3. He played a major role in the restoration of peace and democracy in Sierra Leone and Liberia after years of civil wars in both countries.

4. He increased fuel price just once in his four-and-a-half years in office. He also set up the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, (PTF) which was widely acknowledged to have performed well in infrastructural development and intervention programmes in education, health and water.

5. The country’s foreign exchange reserve rose from $494 million to $9.6 billion during his regime. He also reduced the country’s external debt from $36 billion in 1993 to $27 billion in 1997. Interestingly, all these were achieved at a time when the price of crude oil was at an average of $15 per barrel.

6. His regime also reduced the country’s inflation rate of 54%, which it inherited from Ibrahim Babangida to 8.5%.

7. He was named “Thug of the year” by Time Magazine in 1995 after the execution of Ken Saro Wiwa.

8. He set up a Constitution Review Committee and a Constituent Assembly. Both committees recommended the six geo-political zone structure which later represented the basis for zoning and geographical spread in the post-1999 political parties and the Federal Government.

9. He remains the only presidential candidate in Nigeria to be adopted by all the political parties as their candidate in a presidential election.

10. His death is shrouded in mystery: the most popular version is that he died in the midst of Indian prostitutes flown in from Dubai but the official version is that he died of heart attack. A more likely story is that he was “eliminated” to end the political crisis in Nigeria.
http://newsday.com.ng/22-years-after-the-death-of-a-dictator-10-things-you-didnt-know-sani-abacha-did/

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has accused his major opponent in the 2019 governorship election, Abiodun Akinlade of politicising the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Abiodun was responding to Akinlade’s advice that he should make the health sector priority at a time like this.

Recall that Akinlade had urged Abiodun to set its priorities following the decision of residents doctors of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu to embark on weekend strike over wage increase.

In his plea, Akinlade, appealed to the doctors not to go on strike.

Akinlade also urged Abiodun to set its priorities as he would not be measured by the number of roads he constructed, but by his efforts in saving the lives of Ogun residents during this period of the Coronavirus pandemic.

But, Abiodun in his response to Akinlade comments, said the former lawmaker was talking rubbish.

In a video, Abiodun said: “I read in some medium that someone said Gov Abiodun should better focus on the health sector against constructing roads and constructing schools. And I think it is a joke. People just at times talk without even thinking.
“In this country, we are ranked very high in our level of preparedness for this Covid. Like I said, we are only number four in testing in this country.

“I did not get a penny to acquire a laboratory. We did everything through self help. Our isolation centres are considered… WHO said what they saw in Ogun State was simply amazing and what we have done is definitely a legacy post-Covid; and then someone says to me that I am focusing on roads and schools that, I am not focusing on health care. Can you see everything is political?

“You know I am not in the habit of responding to baseless and frustrated people when they talk carelessly. But this time it is very painful when it borders on health.

The governor also condemned the doctors for threatening to embark on strike during this trying times.

He said the doctors’ demand might have political inclinations.

“I find it difficult to believe that when we are all putting our thinking caps on, trying to figure out what to do and how to do it, any set of people will be irresponsibly requesting for a wage increase. And these set of people are people that we have entrusted out health to at a point like this. I am very disappointed, I think, that is what I will say for now.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc-temoveS4

Name inspiration comes in many forms and are significant as they can influence the behaviour of the bearer.

The Coronavirus pandemic has provided some parents real-life experience to name their new born children after the virus

In Nigeria, a couple in Rivers State were said to have named their child “Lockdown”.

“We named him Lockdown remembering all the problems we had to face during this tough time,” local media reports quoted the father as saying.

This comes after twin babies were named “Corona” and “Covid” in India.

The latest in coronavirus-themed showed parents have been getting a little too creative in giving their children names.

For your amusement, we have complied some of the most funny names in Nigeria:

Unfortunate first name and surname combinations

1. Polycarp and White ( Sen Polycarp White)

2. Monday Sunday


Names inspired and coined from God’s names and attributes are sometimes aren’t a good idea

3. Oluwajobaninuogbagethsemanemi

4. . Kosisochukwu:

5. . Molounrereninuoluwa


What is the meaning of these names:

6. Government (Goverment Tompolo)

7. Jubilee

8. Worldwide

9. Independence

10. Countryman

What’s the worst name on this list?

Did you have name regret?

http://newsday.com.ng/lockdown-and-10-other-names-you-wont-believe-nigerian-parents-actually-gave-their-kids/

Alhaji Rasaz Bello, Chairman of Motorcycle Owners Association of Lagos State (MOALS) died exactly three years ago.

He trod the political arena in Lagos State, especially in Oshodi like a colossus for more than 10 years.

Hamburger was murdered on Monday, May 29, 2017, during the local council primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State ahead of the council polls in July 2017.

He was killed by a rival group allegedly led by one Samson Agbetoye, popularly known as Golden, believed to be loyal to Chairman of the union in Lagos, Musiliu Akinsanya, fondly called MC Oluomo.


Oluomo was then the treasurer of union when Hamburger was murdered

Hamburger meant much more to people of Oshodi and indeed, Lagos State, than his exploits and prowess in the power game. Indeed, he meant different things to different people

He was also a source of succor to commoners, especially alms beggars and disabled people who found a ready haven in his Sogunle home and Oshodi office.

He was also defender of the helpless who went out of his way to assist the need and avenge them.

Since he breathed his last at the age of 49 years, people still said the vacuum he left behind has not been filled.

On the anniversary of his death, prominent NURTW members and Oshodi indigenes noted that Oshodi has not been the same since the demise of the politician, who, they said was sorely missed.

http://newsday.com.ng/three-years-after-oshodi-without-hamburger/

Times have changed a lot since former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode exited the Lagos Government House on May 28 2019.

While he may have left his career in politics behind, the 14th governor of Lagos is keeping busy.

Leaving office was a change Ambode could believe in.

Since handing over the most viable state in Nigeria to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ambode’s foray into post-government life has included globe-trotting, studying, and the unmistakable perks of semiprivate life — like sleep and nights out with Bolanle, his wife and former first lady.

Since leaving office, Ambode had been through a thorny road. He was deprived of being a Minister by political warlords. He was rudely shaken by the EFCC in a N9.9 billion traced to a staff in his office.

The Lagos State House of Assembly also inaugurated a committee to probe the administration of the embattled former governor.

As part of its mandate, the committee has been mandated to probe the purchase of 820 buses, which had been scheduled for public transport in the state, alleging that it was without budgetary approval.

The lawmakers then summoned the former governor several times to give account of his stewardship without success.

But in a swift move to counter the summons, Ambode procured a court order asking the House to stop the probe pending the determination of a suit filed by the former governor.

Through all the changes, though, the former governor has remained calm and composed.

Those who know Ambode best say he doesn’t miss being Governor of Lagos, and is happy having returned to a somewhat normal life.

“He’s really relishing his time,” one of his aides who prefers to remain anonymous said.

“He is just very much enjoying the new chapter of his life, and he’s had a chance to spend real quality time with Mrs. Ambode and his family,” the aide said, adding that his priority has been getting his businesses up and running’.

Ambode goes back to school

The former governor is currently in Harvard University, undergoing another leadership course. He was said to have begun the course around late 2019.

The leadership course in Harvard University is said to be taken his time which kept him away from friends and public glare.

The former governor is also said to be busy writing his memoir which he plans to launch in the future.

The memoir according to sources is expected to cover the time during his public service years to the end of his tenure as Governor of Lagos in 2019.

But before starting on these tasks, he took time to rest, relax and travel.

Ambode kicked off his return to civilian life flitting from Dubai to London, leaving interested onlookers and stakeholders to wonder about him.

He has also spent significant time touring Europe, both for work and pleasure.

But Ambode couldn’t go long without returning to his roots as a community organizer. The former governor breezed into the country a day before the New Year quietly . He was in his Epe home to celebrate the New Year.

Although Ambode has been remarkably restrained, has made a few interventions such as donating relief materials to people during the COVID-19 lockdown. The relief package distributed by Ambode consisted of cash donations and food items.

The other three Ambodes, his wife and twins have also had to adjust to a new routine outside Government House.

They love their new house and they love the freedom,” Ambode’s aide said

Ambode was born on June 14, 1963 in Epe, Lagos, into the family of Festus Akinwale Ambode. After his secondary school education at Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State, he obtained a BSc and master’s degree in accounting from theUniversity of Lagos and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

He served for 27 years in Lagos public service before voluntarily retiring in August 2012. He founded Brandsmiths Consulting Limited to provide Public Finance and Management Consulting services to government, at all levels, its parastatals and agencies

He got elected as governor in 2015 on the platform of the APC. He served for only a single term.

What have other Lagos governors done after their term in office?

Former governors of Lagos are known for living comfortably following their political careers.

The Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension) Law No 11 official Gazette of Lagos State, 2007 states that former governors of Lagos State will enjoy fringe benefits which comprise a house in any location in Lagos State, six brand new cars every three years, 100 per cent of the basic salary of the serving governor, (N7.7m per annum) free health care for them and members of their families.

The law also says former governors will be entitled to furniture allowance, which is 300 per cent of their annual basic salary (N23.3m); house maintenance allowance, which is 10 per cent of basic salary (N778, 296); utility allowance, which is 20 per cent of the salary (N1.5m) and car maintenance allowance, which is 30 per cent of the annual basic salary (N2.3m).

http://newsday.com.ng/life-after-government-house-this-is-how-akinwunmi-ambode-spent-his-first-year-out-of-office/

The Federal Government has again said no decision has been taken on the resumption date for private and secondary schools nationwide.

There were reports that the Federal government has agreed to open schools on June 8.

Speaking on Wednesday during the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 media briefing, the Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba said the report was false.

Nwajiuba said no decision has been taken on the matter

On 19 March Nigeria’s education ministry ordered all private and public schools to be shut as part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

http://newsday.com.ng/june-8-school-resumption-date-report-is-false-minister-of-state-education/

Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff have lamented the dilapidated state of the Ovoko General Hospital in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

They have accused the Enugu State government of gross negligence and allowing the hospital to rot away.

Findings revealed that the hospital, which used to be a hub of activity few decades ago, has not been renovated for over ten years.

The members of the community and its environs troop there to access medical treatment in the past

All that now seemed history as the hitherto prominent hospital no longer has any serious medical activity going on there.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a nurse attached to the hospital lamented that both the state and local government have ignored medical workers’ pleas to renovate the run-down hospital.

In one of the pictures, a rotten floor and dilapidated brickwork of what would have once been a busy ward is shown, with the crumbled roof leaving the room exposed

What’s left of the roof can be seen in another snap, which shows the intricate detailing on it

One picture shows the old filing cabinet which is thought to have once contained patient records whilst another shows a completed abandoned structure now overgrown with grasses.

Residents of the community now go to hospitals in faraway places.

http://newsday.com.ng/photos-appalling-state-of-a-popular-general-hospital-in-enugu/

See photos of the abandoned general hospital

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has demolished the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The 2000sqm building is located on T.Y Danjuma Street, Asokoro.

The befitting edifice hitherto sitting on this expansive was built less than seven years ago.

It is not clear why Governor Fayemi demolished the building , thereby necessitating enquiry into whether or not the land has been sold.

Work has already started on a new structure to be erected on the expansive land. A 15ft bunker like foundation is being presently dug by construction workers working day and night.

Many citizens of the state have begun to question the rationale for demolishing the building as the edifice was in such a good state to continue to serve as Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge.

They argued that even if the old building was dilapidated, the government could renovate it and use the remaining money to tackle hunger and poverty back home, as well as the infrastructure deficit in the state.

Attempts to get the governor’s side of the story proved abortive as some of Fayemi’s aides failed to pick their calls or respond to text messages on the matter.
See more photos of the demolition here shorturl.at/LPUY4

The Kogi State National Assembly Election Petition sitting in Abuja has reserved judgement in the suit filed by Senator Dino Melaye challenging his loss at the 2019 rerun Senatorial election in Kogi West.

The three-man panel of Justices, led by Kashim G. Kaigama, reserved judgment in the petition after parties adopted their addresses on Tuesday, May 26..

Dino Melaye of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is challenging the November 30, 2019 rerun Senatorial election of Kogi West won by Senator Smart Adeyemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Melaye and his party had in December 2019, filed a petition at the tribunal challenging the declaration of Adeyemi as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),.

Respondents in the petition are INEC, Adeyemi, and the APC as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents, respectively.

Counsel to the petitioner, Prof. Wahab Egbewole. (SAN)) in his adumbration, urged the court to uphold the petition and order that the first petitioner (Melaye) be returned as the duly elected Senator representing Kogi West, having won majority of votes cast in the election.

Moreso, he prayed the court to reject every objection raised by the respondents in the matter.

Lawyers to the respondents had urged the court to dismiss the petition in its entirety for lacking merit.

http://newsday.com.ng/tribunal-reserves-judgment-in-melayes-suit/

Prominent Islamic cleric and Chief Imam of Mabera Juma’at Mosque, Sokoto, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa has defied the directive to Nigerian Muslims by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, that they should fast on Saturday and observe Eid prayers on Sunday, May 24 .

The Sultan is the head of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs . of the Sultan of Sokoto.

Sheikh Lukuwa with members of his congress ion observed the Eid-el Fitri prayers

See more photos from the Eid praying ground at http://newsday.com.ng/eid-fitri-in-sokoto-malam-musa-lukuwa-defies-sultans-directive-photos/

Some angry Muslims in Sokoto State on Saturday stormed the residence of Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar to protest his declaration of Sunday as the first day of Shawwal 1441, which is Eid-el-fitri day in Nigeria.

The angry residents made up of mainly youths during the protest pelted the residence with stone and other objects.

They accused the Sultan of ignoring evidences and proofs of some Muslims, who said they sighted the moon on Friday.

Recall that the Sultan as the head of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, had on Friday evening directed Nigerian Muslims to fast on Saturday and observe Eid prayers on Sunday, May 24 .

Some northern Islamic clerics including the leader of the Tijjaniya Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi had, however, directed Muslims to observe the Eid-el -Fitri prayers on Saturday.

Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.
http://newsday.com.ng/eid-el-fitri-angry-muslims-protest-at-sultan-of-sokotos-residence-video/

Watch the video of the protest here

Ignorance is a disease, seen wat is just happening now at sultan's house pic.twitter.com/aB05RBSHVY

— DAN BRIYEL (@realsalehsani) May 23, 2020

Some leading northern Islamic clerics have declared Saturday 23rd May (today) as the first day of Shawwal 1441, which is Eid-el-fitri day.

This follows the sighting of the moon in some parts of the country.

Eid-el-Fitr, also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.

This religious Eid is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.

The declaration by the northern Islamic clerics is contrary to the directive to Nigerian Muslims by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, that they should fast on Saturday and observe Eid prayers on Sunday, May 24 . The Sultan is the head of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs .

Prominent Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniya Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi has asked his followers to observe their Eid prayers today (Saturday).

Equally, members of Shi’a group in Nigeria lead by detained Shiekh Ibrahim Zakzaky will equally observe their Eid prayers today.

Leader of the Shi’a group in Mabera, Zamfara state, Sidi Manniru stated that based on their established procedures of sighting the crescent, some of their members reported from Yabo, Illela and Dukkuma town of Isa local government of the state.

According to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths, Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon

The beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the new moon.

This year’s Ramadan began on April 24 in Nigeria.

This year, Eid celebrations will be less than traditional under COVID-19 restrictions. Many mosques remain closed due to social distancing measures, and religious leaders encourage Muslims to pray at home and refrain from large gatherings.

On May 19, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar issued a fatwa regarding the Eid prayers, which states that although the general guidance during Eid is for Muslims to pray in congregation, it is permissible to perform prayers at home.

The said ‘Eid-ul-Fitr Prayer be observed at home with family members or alone in case there isn’t anyone with him or her, at home,” the JNI said in a statement by its Secretary-General, Khalid Aliyu.

Eid-el-Fitr is one of the two great festivals in Islam. The other is Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, when the Hajj pilgrimage takes place.

http://newsday.com.ng/eid-el-fitri-northern-islamic-clerics-counter-sultan/

I don’t want to be a rep, a senator or a governor, says MC Oluomo

The chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers Musiliu Akinsanya has dispelled rumours that he is planning to contest for a political office in Lagos State in the future.

The known All Progressives Congress’s supporter, however, said is fully in “support” of the party in government in the state.

The union boss popularly known as MC Oluomo made the clarification while speaking with Funmi Iyanda on Public Eye.

“The constitution permits anyone to contest,” Akinsanya said in Yoruba. “But count me out of it (contesting).”

“I don’t want to be a rep, a senator or a governor,” he said.

Akinsanya also said on Public Eye that NURTW has set up a committee to ensure fares in different parts of the state do not get too prohibitive for commuters following the state government’s directive cutting passenger limits for different types of vehicles after coronavirus lockdown in the state was washed off.

The government also imposed a statewide ban on the operations of commercial motorcyclists.

Lagos State has the highest coronavirus burden in Nigeria with 2099 cases as of May 14.

“I gave out my number at a recent forum so that people can call to report cases of hike in fare,” Akinsanya said. “We have also set up a task force to that effect.”

Source: https://m.guardian.ng/news/i-dont-want-to-be-a-rep-a-senator-or-a-governor-says-mc-oluomo/

A former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs,, Dr Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef has lost his mother, Alhaja Risikat Balogun,

Alhaja Balogun breathed her last at her Ogba, Lagos residence. on Thursday.

Giving insight into the death of Alhaja Balogun, an aide of the ex-commissioner, AbdulGaniy Oladippupo, said she was rejected for treatment by a private hospital due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Oladippupo, said the hospital management rejected her for four days, insisting that Alhaja should be taken to the COVID-19 test centre first before they can have anything to do with her despite her urgent need for medical treatment.

However, when the results came out on Wednesday, it turned negative.

“Unfortunately, Mama died on Thursday morning, ” Oladippupo, said.

A statement from Dr. Abdul Lateef , who is also the Chief Imam of the Lagos State House of Assembly , said her mother would be laid to rest later today according to Islamic rights.

Dr Abdul Lateef, the immediate past Lagos State Amirul Hajj appealed to Lagosians not to come for the Janazah (funeral).

This, according to him, was to comply with the directives of the government on social distancing due to the pandemic coronavirus.

The late Alhaja Balogum was survived by seven children.
http://newsday.com.ng/former-lagos-commissioners-mother-dies-after-waiting-four-days-for-covid-19-test-results/

After testing positive for coronavirus in late March, Ndaba Mandela has announced that he was cured by indigenous herbal remedies.

The grandson of the late world icon Nelson Mandela was required to be under quarantine for 14 days, while he observed the symptoms of the pandemic that has swept the whole world.

He said in an Instagram video: “European doctors and scientists shame on you. I guess you will never change

He also revealed that he had tested negative for the corona, no vaccine.

“Anyone who comes here talking about the vaccine, it’s time to get the hell out of here,” he said.

He then explained that he has been taking some Eucalyptus, lemon, ginger, honey, garlic clove that he would chew, and hot water during his quarantine.

Ndaba said he beat corona with that concoction and anyone who talks about a vaccine was lying.

What most people did not know is that he alleges that he was cured by traditional medicine.

One of his relatives, Ndikela Mandela, also collaborated his story by posting on Facebook that her brother Ndaba was cured by indigenous herbal remedies.

“To all those foaming at the mouth about the efficacy of umhlonyane and other herbal remedies, my brother Ndaba took indigenous herbal remedies after testing positive for Covid-19 – that’s a fact.

After two weeks of taking such remedies, he went for testing and they came back negative. He’s been negative since. All remedies he took ranging from ginger, black pepper, oranges, turmeric, garlic are the ones that made him better

http://newsday.com.ng/mandelas-grandson-ndaba-reveals-how-he-fought-covid-19/

The new Divisional Police Officer deployed to Iwo Police Divisional Headquarters paid a courtesy visit to the palace of Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu 1.

On arrival at the palace, the DPO greeted the monarch with a salutation.

While the policeman saluted Oba Akanbi, the monarch replied him with a handshake .

The action of the DPO has caused division online with some saying the police officer was wrong for saluting a civilian while others are saying the traditional office is a revered one hence anything is allowed.…

Recall that the monarch has been involved in several fights with religious and traditional leaders.

He was recently suspended by the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers for allegedly assaulting Agboowu of Ogbaagba, Dhikrulahi Akinropo, over a land dispute in Iwo land.

The assault reportedly took place at the office of the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Zone 11, in Osogbo.

http://newsday.com.ng/see-how-a-dpo-greeted-oluwo-of-iwo-during-a-visit-to-his-palace-photos/

The local government Chairman of Igboeze South in Enugu State, Peter Andy Omeje, has drawn citizens backlash for flouting government’s directive on social distancing.

Omeje had on Saturday morning organised an outdoor exercise with a large number of people in his local government.

Large gatherings of more than 20 persons had been banned in most states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja to enforce social distancing to curb the spread of coronavirus. This ban was flouted during the exercise organised by Omeje.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had also advised the use of masks in public places but several persons that participated in the exercise were without masks thereby leaving themselves and others who participated exposed..

Some people on social media came down hard on the Chairman, calling for his arrest and prosecution.

When contacted about the chairman’s action, an aide to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said the government is not aware of it.

He said , 'So we’re crystal clear in the guidance of that people should and shouldn’t do. That guidance is backed up in law, it is not a request, it is a requirement in law and people need to follow it.”

http://newsday.com.ng/anger-over-disregard-for-social-distancing-during-outdoor-exercise-organised-by-lg-chairman-photos/

See photos from the exercise:

A week after losing his mother, Alhaji Zinat Abebi Omotowo, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo is in joyous mood again.

This is because one of his daughters, Falilat Seun Akinsanya has just graduated from the University of Miami with degree.

The proud dad shared the news on his IG page.

He wrote:

Alhamdulillah,

My precious daughter, Here's to the door to new opportunities that has just opened for you, our daughter.

Enjoy your graduation “FALILAT SEUN AKINSANYA”, we are so proud of you.
Congratulations for your achievement, University of Miami degree BS. And here is wishing you all the success and happiness the world has to offer.

All parents you we all reap the fruit of your labor and not mourn over your children. Amen

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_9TnOlFiSc/?hl=en

The name of the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was conspicuously missing in the list of COVID-19 Lagos State donors.

Tinubu had on March 27 announced a donation of N200 million to aid the fight against Coronavirus in Nigeria.

Tinubu made the donation as part of events to mark his 68th birthday celebration.

According to a tweet on his official twitter handle, @AsiwajuTinubu, N100 million will go the Lagos State Government which currently has to battle with the highest number of infections, while N100 million will go to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

But in a list of donors released by the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday, the name of Tinubu was missing.

The federal government topped the list of donors to the state with N10b. It was followed by the UBA Foundation with N1billion.
http://newsday.com.ng/tinubus-name-missing-in-the-list-of-covid-19-lagos-state-donors/

Some youths in Enugu have intercepted Hausa and Igbo traders coming from Kano state at Ikenga hotel junction.

The driver confessed that he was conveying the passengers from Kano to Enugu.

He added that they had settled the police at Obollo-Benue Border for entrance.

They were refused entry into the state and escorted back by security personnel to where they were coming from.

Their action was in violation of the COVID-19 restriction of movement declared by various states of the federation, including Enugu State, as part of the precautionary measures to contain the spread of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1HQya9mIes

The Federal Government has announced the extension of the closure of the airspace and airports (both local and international) in the country by another four weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic

The freeze was originally set to expire tomorrow, May 7.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha on Wednesday during the weekly press briefing in Abuja

https://newsday.com.ng/fg-extends-airport-closure-by-4-weeks/

Madagascar to set to ship the herbal tea that President Andry Rajoelina has touted as a powerful remedy against the novel coronavirus to Nigeria and other countries in West Africa and beyond.

Madagascar on Saturday delivered to Guinea-Bissau a shipment of the herbal tea.

Baptised Covid-Organics, the drink is derived from artemisia – a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment – and other indigenous herbs.

There is currently no scientifically proven cure for coronavirus, which has killed more than 240 000 people worldwide according to official figures

Guinea-Bissau’s self-proclaimed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was at the airport to oversee reception of the cargo donated by Madagascar, AFP correspondents said.

After Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, Guinea-Bissau is the second country to take delivery of the potion that Madagascar claims cures Covid-19 patients within 10 days.

Embalo’s chief of staff Califa Soares Cassama told reporters that part of Saturday’s shipment was to be passed along to the other 14 members of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).

Rajoelina had on Friday thanked Embalo for taking charge of the distribution in West Africa.

There was no indication of how Guinea-Bissau, poor even by African standards and chronically unstable politically, would handle the required logistics
https://newsday.com.ng/madagascar-to-ship-untested-anti-virus-potion-to-nigeria-despite-no-proven-cure-or-vaccine/

Following increasing anti-press violence and prosecutions especially by government officials and security agencies, Nigeria has emerged as the most dangerous place in West Africa for journalists, according to a survey released by global media advocacy organisation, Reporters without Borders also known as Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF).

The survey was released on Sunday evening to mark the 2020 World Press Freedom Day.

The country ranked 115 among the 180 countries ranked in the survey.

The report captured the difficulty experienced by journalists working in Nigeria.

The country, however, moved up 5 places from the 120th position in 2019.

Two journalists have been shot dead after the 2019 report was released last year. The two were killed while covering the Islamic Movement in Nigeria protests – one in July 2019 and the other in January 2020.

Cape Verde is the best place for journalists in the West Africa region in 2020, The country ranked 25 among the 180 countries while Ghana came second. It was ranked 30 in the world

Namibia was ranked first in Africa. It ranked 23 globally.

Norway ranked as the best country in terms of press freedom, and North Korea the worst according to the survey.

http://newsday.com.ng/nigeria-is-the-most-dangerous-place-for-journalists-in-west-africa-in-2020/

Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Saturday said only those who recharge their phones with N200 credit or less in a month will benefit from the second phase of the state’s palliatives to cushion the effect of coronavirus pandemic.

El-Rufai spoke as a quest speaker during the 24th edition of the Platform. The event was held online.

El-Rufai said his government intents to focus on the urban poor in the distribution of the palliatives during the extended lockdown in the state.

He added that government will rely on community leaders to identify the vulnerable in their communities who don’t have phones.

According to him, “We are using the mobile networks to know people that top up the credit units for their phones with N200 or less in a month. Those are also people that we consider to be poor and vulnerable.

Kaduna State is currently on 30 days lockdown to ensure community spread of the virus was halted, as well as ensure the disease was not transported into the state.

Recall that Almajiris deported from Kano State last week brought 21 cases of COVID-19 to Kaduna State.
http://newsday.com.ng/el-rufai-those-who-recharge-their-phones-with-more-than-n200-wont-get-palliatives-in-kaduna/

Yoruba actress, Bimbo Thomas along with her male colleagues in the film industry have turned prayer warriors.

Thomas with Yomi Fabiyi , Murphy Afolabi and Adekola Tijani popularly known as Kamilu Kopo sought God’s face in this trying coronavirus times.

Fabiyi posted a picture of themselves on Instagram asking God to eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the picture, they were seen raising their hands and praying seriously to God for Him to heal the world and sanctify the land so it can be free from coronavirus disease.

They prayed that God should preserve everyone and grant everyone eternal life.

Fabiyi wrote: COVID-19: We appeal to God almighty to have mercy on us, protect our fans, protect our families, and keep us safe. This too shall pass.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed from what was the subject of jokes to becoming a very serious issue that has left millions of people all over the world in great fear.

http://newsday.com.ng/actress-bimbo-thomasyomi-fabiyi-murphy-afolabi-turn-prayer-warriors-amidst-covid-19-crisis-photo/

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commiserated with the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State, Alhaji Musiliu, Ayinde Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo over the death of his mother.

Tinubu was said to have expressed his condolence after MC Oluomo called him on phone to inform him of his mother’s death on Thursday.

Tinubu prayed that God will grant her soul peaceful rest.

Recall that MC Oluomo lost his mother, Alhaja Abebi Sinatu Akinsanya on Thursday morning.

The aged woman, who was 87and popularly known as Mama Agege, passed away peacefully in her Lagos residence located near Ejigbo, NNPC.

She was said to have woke up early this morning to observe the early morning prayer but later complained of ill health.

She was also buried the same day according to Islamic Funeral rites in MC Oluomo’s house at NNPC near Ejigbo.

MC Oluomo is fourth out of late Alhaja Abebi’s five children.
http://newsday.com.ng/tinubu-consoles-mc-oluomo-over-mothers-death/