₦airaland Forum

University of Ilorin, Kwara state has sent notices to students informing them of the ban on hair attachment within the school premises.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-unilorin-bans-female-students-using-hair-attachment/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Davido shot the video for his first song of the year 'Flora My Flawa' yesterday and he had some funny costumes.

He's seen here dressed as an old man with pot bell

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-davido-dress-old-man-pot-belly-new-music-video/

Thirty-six ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from Jan. 22 to Feb.13.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its “Shipping Position’’ made available on Monday in Lagos, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

NPA said that the ships contained buck wheat, frozen fish, bulk gas, rig, st3l product, bulk gas, bulk fertiliser, aviation fuel, bulk sugar, diesel, general cargo, empty container, petrol and containers laden with goods.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six ships had arrived the ports, waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser, lubrication oil and petrol.

http://www.metronaija.ng/36-ships-laden-petroleum-products-arrive-lagos-ports/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Iheanachor Omuta, the Deputy PRO of the Lagos State Police Command, is advising all Lagosians to call him directly on 08036994334 in situations where any police officer makes an attempt to extort money from them. According to him;

"I don talk am before, I wan talk am again. My country people abeg if any police wan harass una, make una no gree give anybody any money until una call me because dis tin don too much."

http://www.metronaija.ng/deputy-pro-lagos-state-command-shares-number-online/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, has described claim that as many as 800 Fulanis with an “imaginary one million cows” were killed in one single attack without any documentations or report as ridiculous and laughable.

The top monarch who made the assertion while cautioning first class traditional rulers in the country against making inflammatory statements that could fuel the attacks by Fulani herdsmen on communities in the country stressed that the level of mass communication in Nigeria had gone beyond dark age in sophistication and modernity for such to occur without it being reported.

It will be recalled that the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, Alaafin has recently said in interviews with some national newspapers that 800 Fulanis and one million cows were killed by some local militia in one night in Taraba State late last year.

But in a statement, he issued yesterday, the Alaafin said it was unfortunate that some highly placed traditional rulers could quote fictitious and imaginary figures of similar incident that had happened at another neighbouring state to see the recent Benue State incident as a justified reprisal.

The Alafin also wondered when it becomes fashionable for Fulani herdsmen to start carrying weapons.

“For instance, the use of firearms, including AK 47 gun, to protect cattle is a complete novelty to what hitherto used to be a business endeavour. In those days, stick was the only weapon with which the breeders directed their cattle. When was it the practice that Fulani breeders would arm themselves to teeth just to protect their cattle.

“In the past, part of the guidance which breeders gave to their cattle was to ensure that they did not destroy farm crops along their ways. But today with the arm at their disposal, some Fulani breeders choose to target green leaves of farmers’ crops as good protein for their cattle and therefore lead their cattle aggressively to that direction. The big question therefore is that how do those cattle breeders come across the sophisticated weapons with which they arm themselves as if they are going to war. This is the task before the various security agencies to unravel in the interest of peace and unity of the country,” Alaafin explained.

The Alafin added that the greatest challenge facing the country at the moment is the herdsmen otherwise known as Miyetti Allah Cattle breeders.

“It is unfortunate that some highly placed traditional rulers should see the recent Benue State incident as a justified reprisal quoting fictitious and imaginary figures of similar incident that had happened at another neighbouring state. It is not only laughable but indeed ridiculous that as many as 800 Fulani with an imaginary one million cows would have been killed in one single attack without any documentations or report. The level of mass communication in the country had gone beyond that dark age in sophistication and modernity,” he added.

“Africa and Diaspora are watching Nigeria; the United Nation is watching us; President Muhammad Buhari has been boxed into a cul-de-sac by his kith and kin, the Fulani herdsmen. Let us help him to get out of the quagmire. If the home of the Fulani is as far West as North of Sierra Leone, i.e Futa Jalon Hills; and their kith and kin live in the cities and they make a substantial population in the Northern Nigeria townships, equity demands that the government at all levels and the people as citizens; should proffer a solution that makes peace on that platform and goodwill, its anchor,” he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/alaafin-faults-emir-kano-taraba-killings/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 56 suspected kidnappers and cultists in the last two weeks.

Briefing newsmen at the state Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo on Thursday, January 18, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi, said the suspects were arrested for various offences, ranging from armed robbery to cultism and other crimes most of whom have been charged to court while others are under investigation.

"You will recall that upon assumption of duty as the 23rd Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State on 03/01/2018, I clearly stated that I will champion a new course of policing in the State, in line with the force directives, under the leadership of IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni, a policing that is focused on the people and is service-oriented" he said.

"This is in line with global best practices that place emphasis on human right driven policing, intelligence-led policing, community based policing and problem solving approaches. The security architecture of the state was clearly studied and repositioned for effective service delivery. We have commenced a full implementation of community based policing in the state. This is geared towards increasing public confidence on the Police and working in partnership with members of the public in a more friendly and accountable manner. Strategies put in place in ensuring that crime rate in Akwa Ibom State is brought to the barest minimum are yielding fruitful results."



Items recovered from the suspects include seven locally made pistols and 2 cut-to-size guns with 6 live cartridges were recovered, 2 cut-to-size locally made pump action with four rounds of cartridges, 2 locally made single barrel and 2 locally made double barrel pistols with eleven cartridges were also recovered.


Others are one Toyota 4 runner jeep, one Toyota Matrix was recovered, three Toyota Camry, one Hyundai Kia, one Highlander (2003) model, and assorted items suspected to be used by cultists.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-police-nab-56-suspected-kidnappers-armed-robbers-cultists-akwa-ibom/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-washing-leg-marriage-rite-omawumi/

One of the marriage rites of singer, Omawumi, to her husband, Tosin Yusuf, took place yesterday January 20th. Omawunmi's feet were washed as she officially entered her husband's house. Her friends comedian Chigurl, singer Waje and makeup artist Jennifer Alegieuno were at the ceremony. See more photos below

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-washing-leg-marriage-rite-omawumi/

An 83-year-old woman, Sa’adatu Ishiyaku, was burnt to death in a fire that engulfed her room at Kwajala in Dutse Local Government Area in Jigawa State yesterday January 20th. According to reports, the elderly woman who lived alone, had kept a fire through the night to keep her room warm against the cold but the fire. In the middle of the night, the fire caught one of her dresses and that immediately caused the fire to spread out.

Her remains have been deposited in the state mortuary.

http://www.metronaija.ng/83-year-old-woman-burnt-death-jigawa/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Nollywood actress, Caroline Danjuma is back on set acting. She shared behind the scene photos of herself as she features on the TV series, Royal Castle directed by award winning Nollywood film maker actor, Elvis Chucks.



In the series, Caroline is tied to the family of a corrupt police officer DSP Johnson Gomez played by Alex Usifo and his illegitimate son Soji played by Baaj Adebule.


They plot to take over the Castle with their power prowess and good looks. The Quest for power and fame with fortune becomes obvious by the vicious Gomez Family who will Stop at nothing but to put the Adesanya’s Down. However little did they know that Sawyer played by Enyinna Nwigwe has it all figured out.



The cast of 'Royal Castle' produced by Diamond Groove pictures includes Alex Usifo, Caroline Danjuma, Enyinna Nwigwe, Rekiya Atta, Laz Ekwueme ,Deyemi Okolawon, Helen Paul, Sika Osei, Mawuli Gavor and others.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-caroline-danjuma-returns-acting/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

A former factional governorship candidate of the People’s Domocratic Party (PDP), Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, and a federal lawmaker of the party, Johnson Agbonayinma, Friday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Others who joined the defection party include former Edo State House of Assembly member, Blessing Agbebaku, Mr. Peter Ebo some ward executives and members across the State.

Welcoming the defectors to the party at the ceremony which held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City, the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said they have an equal rights with those who have been in the party for years.

He urged the new members to bring their ingenuity to bear to move the party forward. He also called on other members to rally round them new members and give them the necessary support to ensure the development of the party in the State.

The immediate past Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, who was also on ground to receive the defectors, described Uduoriyekemwen and Agbonayinma as movers and shakers of the Edo State politics.

“Those who know Hon. Matthew Uduoriyekemwen, you like to call him Major, but I call him Field Marshal, because this man has energy, this man is rugged, this man is dogged, this man is grassroot, this man is a mover, this man is a shaker and by the time he left the PDP, the party is finished.

“So, Matthew, welcome. With you, what you could have used two bullets, just one cough is a enough,” Oshiomhole said.

The former Governor said the presence and the quality contributions the new members are bringing to the party is worth commending, as both have been tried and tested.

Earlier in his speech, Mr. Uduoriyekemwen while stating his reasons for pitching tenth with the APC in the state, said he was motivated by the sincerity of Governor Godwin Obaseki and that for him to criticize his government, he would rather join him to develop the State.

“Why did I come to join the APC? You all know that I resigned from the PDP since September 2017. When I resigned, I decided to watch and see. Governor Obaseki, we are all calling him wake and see.

“Everyone of you knows that I wanted to be Governor and if you have somebody who is already a Governor and he is doing those things you would have done and is even doing them better than you, and we all believe that Edo State should be better, we believe that Edo State should come first, we believe every child should have a better education, our roads should be motorable, our market women should have an environment where they are able to trade and at the end of the day, make profit and support their families, we all have to support him.

“I saw sincerity in government. I saw sincerity in Governor Obaseki. I saw that the man does not need distraction and all that he needs to take Edo State to where he ought to be is for everyone of us who believe in the progressive development of Edo State to support him, join him in his quest to develop our State,” he said.

On his part, Mr. Agbonayinma who represents Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency, said PDP was a party full of impunity and that all his effort to put the party in the right perspective proved abortive, informed his decision to quit the party.

Agbonayinma pledged his readiness to work with the State Governor to ensure the development of the party in the State.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-pdp-guber-candidate-rep-member-others-defect-apc-edo/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

DJ Cuppy and her boo, Asa Asika are back from their baecation in Cape Town, South Africa and new loved photos shared online by a third party that was with them show the young couple posing together on a beach. Asa - who is Davido's manager - is said to be in love with Otedola's daughter.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-dj-cuppy-asa-asika-loved-beach-south-africa/

Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo arrives Boston as he prepares his lecture on ‘Africa Rising’’ a New Harvard Business School Course today

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-osinbajo-arrives-boston-ahead-harvard-lecture/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Lagos State Government on Monday arrested 30 cart pushers for dumping refuse indiscriminately on road medians in some areas of the State in the middle of the night.


Chairman of the State’s Task Force on Environmental and Other Special Offences (Enforcement Unit), SP Olayinka Egbeyemi who spoke to journalists, said the arrest was in line with the recent ban on the activities of cart pushers and wheel barrow operators by the State Government.


Egbeyemi, who affirmed that the activities of cart pushers in the State are illegal, said investigations found them culpable in dumping refuse on the road side especially at night thereby sabotaging efforts by the Government to keep the State clean.


He said the Government is poised to go all out to prosecute any persons found to be working against the new waste management policy encapsulated in the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), saying the programme is designed to revolutionalise waste administration in line with global best practices when fully operational.



“There are reports that refuse are littering the Lekki, Victoria Island, Ajah and other parts of the State and investigations reveal that it is the handiwork of unscrupulous elements within Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and their outside sponsors who are not comfortable with the new arrangement for the management of waste in the State and are hell bent on sabotaging government effort and frustrating them from carrying it out.


“The State Government has vowed to go all out against the saboteurs and after their sponsors and punish them in line with the laws of the State.


“We also need to let Lagosians know that it is illegal to use cart pushers to evacuate refuse and they should stop encouraging it. There are PSP vehicles that come around to pack refuse and they are the ones they should patronise and not these cart pushers.


“We want to notify all these cart pushers that their activities are illegal in Lagos. Lagos is a mega city and we have all it takes to collect refuse. So, the issue of going to the streets and collecting refuse and then dump same on the road is an act of sabotage to the government,” he said.


Egbeyemi said the suspects arrested would soon be charged to court for prosecution, just as he assured that Government would leave no stone unturned in keeping the State safe and clean.


Besides, the Task Force Chairman said that the enforcement would continue across the State until the activities of cart pushers and other unscrupulous elements found to be frustrating government’s efforts are completely brought to a halt.


“For the past two to three weeks, we have been noticing refuse on the roads and investigations have revealed that part of those carrying out such act and sabotaging government efforts are these cart pushers and probably there might be some people behind them,” Egbeyemi said.



SIGNED

ADEBAYO TAOFEEK

CHIEF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

TASK FORCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL & SPECIAL OFFENCES

http://www.metronaija.ng/lagos-arrests-30-cart-pushers-dumping-refuse-road-medians/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Regional Consultation Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) was held in Abidjan, Cote d’Iviore at the weekend. President of the African Development Bank, Mr. Akinwumi Adesina and Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun were pictured at the event.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-kemi-adeosun-akinwumi-adesina-afdb-regional-meeting-abidjan-cote-divoire/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Some transporters engaged to move materials for Anambra Central re-run election in Idemili North Local Government Area, abandoned the assignment because the part payment they were given were insufficient, Mr Ayeleso Olutope, INEC Electoral Officer said.

Olutope, INEC Electoral Officer in-charge of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra, told NAN at Ogidi on Saturday that all materials for the election were supposed to have be moved to polling units at 5 a.m on Saturday.

Olutope regretted the hitches recorded, noting that while some transporters conveyed the materials, some refused on the grounds that the part payment were insufficient for the job.

He also said that some NYSC member engaged as ad-hoc workers also demanded that their stipend be paid before they commence work.

The corps members claimed that some of their colleagues have received alert from their banks for the election duty while they did not get.

A transporter, who gave his name as Johnson Uchendu, said because of the hike in the price of petrol, 50 per cent of the amount he agreed for the job was not enough to fuel his vehicles for this job.

He noted that it was for this obvious reality that he demanded that INEC pay him complete to enable him buy enough petrol for the job.

NAN reports that as at 10.30 a.m electoral materials were yet to arrive at some locations, including Central School Nkpor-Agu, Nkpor Ward two all in Idemili North Local Government Area.

Mr Nwachukwu Enekwuwa, agent of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), expressed concern over the delay in arrival of materials, and called on INEC to sort out the problem before it affect the outcome of the election.

Two security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, who pleaded anonymity, said they arrived Nkpor ward two as early as 7 a.m but were yet to see any electoral officials for the exercise.

http://www.metronaija.ng/anambra-re-run-election-corps-members-abandon-inec-duties-idemili-north-lg/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Ivory worth $469,800 smuggled from Nigeria has been seized in Thailand, customs officials said on Friday, January 12.

Three elephant tusks and 31 ivory pieces weighing a combined 148 kilograms were seized at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Kulit Sombatsiri, director general of the customs department told a press conference.

The smuggled goods were shipped from Lagos to Bangkok on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on December 20.

Photos: Three elephant tusks, 31 ivory pieces worth almost $500,000 smuggled from Nigeria, seized at International Airport in Thailand

Two weeks later, as no one came to pick up the packages, airport officials opened them up to find the smuggled goods, Kulit said.

"The registered address in Thailand also doesn't exist," the director general said. "The massive size of the tusks indicate that they did not belong to Thai elephants. We will need to conduct a DNA test to determine where they really come from," he added.

Ivory trade has been outlawed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), but smuggling from Africa into Asia persists.

Thai customs officials believe ivory smuggled through Thailand is intended for China, one of the world's biggest consumers of ivory products.

Since October 2016, Thai customs agents have seized more than 1 billion dollars' worth of smuggled endangered species and their products in 52 separate cases.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-three-elephant-tusks-31-ivory-pieces-worth-almost-500000-smuggled-nigeria/

Yesterday, news broke that a crew member of singer, Davido and some Airport officials engaged in a fistcuff at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport on Thursday January 11th. According to reports, trouble started when a checkpoint staff at the airport attempted to verify some of the checked luggage with the attached tags, but, rather than allow the staff to carry out his official duty, 22 year old Umarudeen Kayode pictured right, insisted that he would not allow him to verify the luggage, which after much argument and insistence, led to fisticuffs.



Umarudeen allegedly punched the Checkpoint staff on the face, which attracted other security officials at the terminal who immediately attempted to arrest him. Rather than obey, he resisted arrest and pummeled another airport security staff attached to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria at the baggage claim area, an Assistant Customs Comptroller was also injured.

Umarudeen was arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate court on a 5-count charge yesterday January 12th. He was charged for assault, breach of public peace and for resisting arrest. The first charge accused him of obstructing and resisting a public officer, an offence contrary to section 117(1) and punishable under the same section of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.


“That you, Umarudeen Kayode ‘M’, on the same date, time and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district did unlawfully assault a public officer causing him harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011” reads count 2.

The magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must have variable addresses within the jurisdiction of the court. According to Sahara Reporters, Umarudeen was not able to meet the bail condition as at the time the court closed for the day. This suggests that Umarudeen will be sleeping in the prison this weekend until he perfects his bail conditions.

http://www.metronaija.ng/video-photos-davidos-crew-member-arraigned-court/

Since the shocking revelation of Burna Boy’s involvement in the robbery attack on Mr. 2Kay in his hotel room after a music concert in Lagos, it was revealed that in the course of the robbery, the arrested suspects carted away valuables worth millions of naira, including a gold plated wristwatch worth nine million naira, which generated mixed reactions from the public. Many believed the price tag attached to the wristwatch was outrageous and a conscious scheme by Mr. 2Kay, calculated at enriching himself, while others felt that as an established artiste with hit songs, he is worth having a wristwatch that expensive.

Shina Peller, CEO of Quilox, declared in an interview with HIPTV that Mr. 2Kay wasn’t rich enough to possess such an expensive accessory, but surprisingly, in a one-on-one with Vanguard's Showtime, Mr. 2Kay confirmed that he bears no grudge against Shina Peller for looking down on him.

“I feel nothing about it because I’m blessed; everybody is entitled to their own opinion so what he said is his own opinion, I have nothing against him and I don’t care because I’m blessed by the grace of God.”

http://www.metronaija.ng/mr-2-kay-replies-shina-peller/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

This beautiful little girl has gone viral thanks to her striking blue eyes. According to reports,she is from Ghana and some ignorant members of her community attribute the colour of her eyes to witchcraft.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-another-girl-goes-viral-striking-blue-eyes/

More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-gov-amosun-inspects-construction-works-ogun-state-polytechnic/

Ogun state Ibikunle Amosun expresses satisfaction with the pace of construction at the Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia during his visit to the site.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-gov-amosun-inspects-construction-works-ogun-state-polytechnic/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

A Libya Deportee, Destiny Kelly, has been arrested and detained by the Edo State Police command for allegedly abducting and robbing a female Corps member, Joseph Jennifer.

Kelly, (30), was arrested with two of his accomplices, Christopher Agbonugo (23) and another 29-year-old Endurance Aburimeh.

Kelly who said he was deported from Libya in late February, 2017, said he organised the abduction and robbery on December 2, 2017.

One of the suspects, Christopher, was said to have posed as a cab operator, while the Libya Deportee and his partner in crime posed as passengers.

According to one of the suspects, Aburimeh, they picked their victim at Ramat Park, Ikpoba Hill and headed towards the Ring Road.

Addressing journalists on her ordeal in the hands of her abductors, the victim, Jennifer said they forced her head down to her lap, beat her mercilessly and collected her phone, N4000 and ATM card.

“One of them went to the bank to collect money from my bank account, but he could not collect money. They became angry and beat and tortured me in the car.

“Even I myself could not withdraw money from the account because the Federal Government just paid money into the account and have not opened it for my use.They returned to the girl, beat and tortured me,” Jennifer narrated.

She later reported the incident to the police for investigation.

Luck however ran against the hoodlums when the police tracked the victim’s ​phone to Christopher who was using the phone, and arrested him.

http://www.metronaija.ng/libya-deportee-abducts-robs-corps-member-benin/

Toke Makinwa sure loves to give back as much as she splurges on herself .

A fan revealed she passed her Neco with flying colours but needed to buy a Jamb form .
Toke immidieatly responded ,asking for her account details .

http://www.metronaija.ng/toke-makinwas-response-fan-begged-buy-jamb-form/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Toke Makinwa sure loves to give back as much as she splurges on herself .

A fan revealed she passed her Neco with flying colours but needed to buy a Jamb form .
Toke immidieatly responded ,asking for her account details .

http://www.metronaija.ng/toke-makinwas-response-fan-begged-buy-jamb-form/

The Nigerian Army has deployed Special Forces to Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States to tackle the security challenges posed by killings allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen, the Presidency said last night.

In a message posted on its Twitter handle, @NGRPresidency, the presidency said the move was to secure vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks in the three states.

“@HQNigerianArmy has deployed Special Forces To Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States to secure vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks,” the Presidency tweeted.

Information Minister Lai Mohammed had earlier told State House reporters that a decision on troops deployment was yet to be made.

But Brigadier General Sani Usman had also confirmed the deployment to the three states check the menace of herders and farmers’ clashes.

http://www.metronaija.ng/killings-army-deploys-special-forces-benue-nasarawa-taraba/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Some Libya returnees on Wednesday in Benin rejected the N1,000 transport fares given them by the Edo Government to take them to their hometowns.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the returnees had on Tuesday protested the non-payment of stipend as transport fare to their homes within the state.

The returnees said that they had expected something reasonable without stating the amount.

One of the returnees, Gabriel Edokpaigbe, said it would be a shame for him to go back to his father’s house after he sold all his belongings to travel to Europe.

He said the N1,000 would not take him to his destination.

Christian Otoide, who claimed to be based in Lagos State, said he was still wearing the prison uniforms given to him in Libya because he had no other clothes.

Otoide said that returnees were promised many things in Libya hence he agreed to return home, adding that he is disappointed.

“How will N1,000 take me to Lagos? We were working in Libya but Libya police said our government said our country is now good. That was why I returned,” he said.

The returnees claimed that announcement by the Federal Government that Nigerians should return home made Libya policemen to arrest those living comfortably in the country.

Many said they lost their money to the forceful arrest and deportation.

Efosa Clifford, 43, said he spent over N1.3 million on his failed trip to Europe.

He said: “If there was good liberty in Libya, life is good there, it is just that blacks have no free movement in Libya.”

Meanwhile, relatives of some of the returnees have stormed the premises of the Benin Motel Plaza where the returnees are lodged to find their lost ones.

Those looking for their relatives peeped through the fence to look for their loved ones.

A woman who gave her name as Boss said she was looking for her brother named Aminu, adding that she last heard from him in September 2016.

Another man said he had visited the hotel each time he heard Nigerians had returned from Libya to search for his daughter but to no avail.

http://www.metronaija.ng/libya-returnees-reject-edo-govt-n1000-transport-fares/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Some Corps members released by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra to work as ad hoc poll staff in the proposed Jan. 13 Anambra Central Senatorial election have declined the offer.

Some of the corps members, who pleaded anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they are not interested due to the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pay their allowance during the Nov. 18 governorship election.

They complained that some of their colleagues who took part in the last exercise were still coming for their money after they had passed out and left Anambra.

Confirming the situation, Mr Ebenezer Olawale, the NYSC Coordinator in Anambra, said only about 4,000 corps members out of about 7,600 shortlisted and released reported for INEC training for the Jan. 13 election duty.

Olawale noted that the NYSC would make available any number of corps members requested by INEC for its election duties but reiterated that participation was not compulsory.

“NYSC is prepared because they are already training our corps members

“INEC said they needed 7,627 Corps members and we have released as much as that for them, however, it is left for the corps members to accept.

“We are not compelling our corps members to do it, it not compulsory; it is a voluntary assignment.

“The last election, INEC promised to take care of them as much as possible but some of them complained that they were treated badly, that could discourage them from participating in this one.

“Some of them complained of not being paid their allowances for the last gubernatorial election.

“It may not be entirely INEC responsibility because some of them did not write their names and numbers correctly, and others did not have their data well recorded, some of them are still being treated now.

“I am told that out of the over 7,000 we released to them, only about 4,000 indicated interest and responded to their training,” he said.

Olawale explained that INEC should create a forum where all the affected corps members would be addressed and their fears allayed, instead of attending to them piece meal.

He urged corps members participating in election to remain neutral and unbiased as always and discharge their duties with all fairness to all.

Also speaking, Dr Nkwachkwu Orji, Resident Electoral Commission, INEC, in Anambra said that they have mobilised all the manpower needed for the exercise.

Orji, who acknowledged that some corps members have not been paid their allowance, attributed the problem to incomplete information provided by the corps members.

He dismissed the notion that the corps shunned the duty call because of nonpayment of allowance for previous assignment.

The REC said out of the 23,000 ad-hoc staff engaged in the Nov. 18 governorship election over 20,000 had been paid and promised to continue to address the complaints on nonpayment as they come.

“It is not true that they did not respond to our call because of nonpayment of allowance.

“When we conducted the training some of them were still in their villages enjoying Christmas and New Year; we have mobilised enough staff, this is just election in seven local government areas.

“The population that is yet to receive their allowance is quite few, we engaged about 23,000 and about 20,000 have been paid and we are still paying,” he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/anambra-rerun-corps-members-shun-inec-ad-hoc-jobs/

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The Benue State Government said it will only support establishment of the proposed cattle colonies if the Federal Government can convince it that it is better than the ranching provided for in its Anti- Grazing Law.

Benue Governor Samuel Ortom spoke said this while reacting to a statement by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh that the Federal Government was planning “cattle colonies” as part of efforts to tackle the problem farmers/ herdsmen clashes.

The Minister spoke before the commencement of meeting convened by the Federal Government to devise strategies to check the menace of violent clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

The crucial security meeting attended by heads of Nigeria’s security agencies and states affected by the clashes was convened by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, in Abuja on Monday.

Reacting to assertion by the Ogbeh, Ortom said Benue already had a law that provided for ranching, but that the government was willing to amend it to accommodate the proposed cattle colonies if the minister was able to “convince us that they are better than ranching”.

The governor explained that the government was not sending anyone away with its recently enacted anti-grazing law.

“All cattle breeders or rearers are allowed to be in Benue state, but they must ranch their livestocks.

“This is not restricted to cattle; whether goat or sheep or cattle, you must ranch them.

“This is meant to provide security for herdsmen and farmers. Now, if we see any cattle moving about, we will know they are rustled and deal with such people.

“So, the herdsmen too are protected and people are already buying into this ranching business already established by the law in Benue state”.

While noting that ranching was the global best practice in the cattle business, he expressed the hope that stakeholders would embrace it with time in the country.

Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba described ranching as the best solution to the frequent clashes in the country.

Ishaku said Taraba had also promulgated an anti-open grazing law to take effect from the end of January.

He noted that both farmers and herdsmen needed education on how they could co-exist.

The closed-door meeting, which lasted for about five hours, was attended by the governors of Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Taraba states, and heads of security agencies.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue said there was now synergy among the security agencies, the federal and state governments to combat the challenge.

Ortom, who was joined by his Taraba counterpart, Darius Ishaku, declined to give details of the strategies, saying it was a security matter not meant for public consumption.

“As you can see all the governors of the states where we have the most challenging security problem are here.

“We have dialogued; we have looked at the problem with the security chiefs and appreciated each other.

“One thing that is central is that we have agreed that killing in any form is not allowed; security men must apprehend and prosecute those responsible.

“There is no point politicising these killings; it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to eliminate the criminality that is resulting in the killings,” Ortom said.

The governor said it was also agreed at the meeting that Nigerians should desist from hate speeches that were fuelling the crisis.

He urged Nigerians to see it as a national challenge that demanded the efforts of all to be checked.

Media reports had earlier reported Ortom as saying that the Federal Government and security agencies had abandoned Benue in the recent killing spree by herdsmen in the state.

Asked what assurance he had received from both parties at the meeting, he said more security personnel, equipment and logistics had been deployed to the state.



Other governors at the meeting were those of Adamawa, Jibrilla Bindow; Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai; Nasarawa, Tanko Al-Makura, and Niger, Abubakar Bello.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris; the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana, were among the security chiefs present.

http://www.metronaija.ng/ortom-gives-condition-support-fgs-cattle-colonies-benue-state-government-said-will-support-establishment-proposed-cattle-colonies-federal-go/

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, on Sunday in Port Harcourt said that the Federal Government would rehabilitate and empower 490 Nigerians evacuated from Libya.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onyeama gave the assurance on the arrival of the returnees at Port Harcourt Airport in Rivers.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had made resources available to ensure that returnees were evacuated as quickly as possible and enable them fit back into the society.

“The president had made provisions for every logistics to make sure that we bring you back from Libya,” he said.

He said he was accompanied by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Onyeama said officials who accompanied him included the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service and Senior Special Adviser to the President On Diaspora to ensure the evacuation of the returnees.

He said: “We negotiated with Libyan Government to make sure that you are here; we know that many of you were trafficked and passed through humiliation.

“We are proud of you, you maintained your dignity despite all odds, we hope that one thing that you have learnt is that your life matters to Mr President and all Nigerians.

“You have come home; you will not be abandoned; there is a place and provision for you to be rehabilitated and be educated; we will also train you on skills to be empowered in your country.”

Also speaking, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr Muhammad Babandede, said that Nigerians have the right to travel to any part of the world.

Babandede also stated that there were citizens of Nigeria who had good jobs and papers in Libya.

“There are Nigerians who have genuine papers in Libya. Not all Nigerians were in detention or in the camp.

“So many of them have good jobs, so let Nigerians not think that Nigerians are committing crimes in Libya,” he said.

According to Babandede, the Libyan Government renewed the passports of Nigerians doing good jobs in that country after negotiating with the Nigerian Government.

He also urged Nigerians to travel through legal means to any country of their choice.

Mr Kenneth Kobani, the Secretary to the River State Government, also commended President Buhari for his effort to ensure that the suffering of Nigerians in Libya would come to an end.

Kobani, who represented Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, said that the State Government would collaborate with the Federal Government to rehabilitate and empower the returnees.

http://www.metronaija.ng/fg-empower-490-nigerian-evacuees-libya/

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Lagos First Lady, Mrs Bolanle Ambode presents gifts to First babies of 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ambodes-wife-bolanle-first-babies-2018-lagos/

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The Adamawa Police Command has confirmed the killing of four people at Kamale village in Michika Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Othman Abubakar, told the newsmen that the member representing Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency, Rep. Adamu Kamale, narrowly escaped the attack.

Abubakar, who did not give details of the incident, however said that the attack was carried out by unknown gunmen who came with a list, going from house to house calling the names of their victims.

Abubakar said no arrest was made and that investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, a new Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Yerima, has assumed duty in Yola.

Yerima, who assumed duty on Friday, was until his appointment a Deputy Commissioner in charge of Armament Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Yerima took over from CP Moses Jitoboh.

http://www.metronaija.ng/police-kill-4-adamawa-saves-rep-member/

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