₦airaland Forum

Israel striking Hezbollah with ‘full force’ despite ceasefire calls


More than 600 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since Monday, according local authorities

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the country’s military to continue fighting with “full force” against the armed group Hezbollah, despite calls from the US and other allies for a ceasefire.

Lebanon's health ministry said at least 92 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on Thursday, with hundreds more killed since the strikes escalated on Monday.

Hezbollah has confirmed that an air strike on an apartment building in the south of Beirut killed the head of its drone unit, Mohammad Surur.

Fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah are at a high, after a dramatic escalation in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since Monday.

The increase in hostilities prompted a 12-strong bloc - including the US, UK and EU - to propose a three week ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Wednesday.

The proposal was initially met with hope after Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said his country was “open to ideas”.
But by Thursday it had been roundly rejected by Israeli politicians.

Landing in New York for the UN General Assembly, Mr Netanyahu said Israel would “not stop” in Lebanon until it reached all of its goals, “chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes.”

The White House later said the ceasefire proposal had been “coordinated” with Israel, despite Mr Netanyahu's assertion, just hours later, that his country would continue fighting.

Around 70,000 Israelis have been displaced from the north of the country since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, sparked by the war in Gaza, began nearly a year ago.

In Lebanon, around 90,000 people have been displaced since Monday, adding to the 110,000 who had fled their homes already, according to the UN.

Through Thursday, the Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon’s south and in the Bekaa Valley in the country’s east.
It also struck infrastructure on the Lebanese-Syrian border, which it said was to cut weapons supplies to the group.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it had fired 50 rockets towards the Kiryat Ata settlement, and 80 missiles towards the city of Safed, both in northern Israel.

Israel’s military chief Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said on Wednesday Israeli air strikes on Lebanon could pave the way for the IDF to “enter enemy territory”.

Israeli Air Force (IAF) Commander Maj Gen Tomer Bar told troops on Thursday they should be “prepared” to support a “ground manoeuvre” into Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Qatar joined calls for a de-escalation with government spokesman Majed al-Ansari saying the country had received
"horrific reports from Lebanon about targeting whole families, in a way that is similar to the atrocities in Gaza".

After meeting with British and Australian counterparts in London, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Israel and Hezbollah face the risk of "an all-out war" but that "a diplomatic solution is still viable".

"Israel has stated that its goal is to return its citizens to their home in the north. I believe the quickest way to do that is through diplomacy," Austin said.

On Thursday evening, Israel's defense ministry (IMoD) said it had secured an $8.7bn (£6.5bn) US aid package to support its current military campaigns.

In a statement, IMoD said the package includes $3.5bn for "essential wartime procurement", which has already been transferred, and $5.2bn for air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, David's Sling and an advanced laser system.

Israel never started a war -- but it also never lost a war.

From 1948 to 2024, enemies have tried to wipe Israel off the map—but they failed EVERY TIME. Israel stands, Israel fights, Israel wins.

Nigeria's Army Chief Says Securing Over 200 Million Citizens With Just 2 Million Security Agents Is Unrealistic

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has lamented the extreme shortage of security personnel, inadequate funding and their effects on the security situation in the country.

The army chief said that it is unrealistic to secure over 200 million Nigerians with two million security agents, out of whom, a little over 100,000 are active soldiers of the Nigerian Army without any reserved forces.

Lagbaja said this while speaking at the 2024 Distinguished Personality Lecture titled "The Roles and Contributions of the Nigerian Army to National Development," jointly organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, and the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji.

The event was organised on Monday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace.

The COAS who was represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Sanni Gambo Mohammed, lamented that the manpower of security personnel in the country is largely inadequate to secure a country of Nigeria’s size, The Guardian reports.

Lagbaja stressed, “In a country with over 200 million people, it is unrealistic for security agencies totalling around two million, including an army of just over 100,000 active personnel without a reserve force, to secure the entire population.

"The significant gap in resources is being exploited by criminal elements. To address this issue, it is crucial to invest in expanding and strengthening security forces, ensuring they have adequate personnel and resources."

Also according to Lagbaja, inadequate funding affects the level of equipment held by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), hence, having a direct impact on performance of the military.

Describing national development and national security as costly, the COAS said, "The entire AFN had a budget of about $2.8 billion in 2023, with an additional supplementary (budget) of about one billion dollars. “However, not all the budgetary provisions were eventually released.”

He said, “Although funding for the AFN as a whole has been improving yearly since 2017, unfortunately, the downturn in the economic performance of the country has eroded the value of what is actually released.

"The inadequacy in funding is affecting the level of equipment holding of the AFN, which has a direct impact on performance."

Herdsmen Have Killed Over 29,000 Yoruba People; It’s Time To Separate Yoruba Nation From Nigeria — Prof Akintoye

The [b]national leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, Prof Banji Akintoye has stated that suspected Fulani bandits killed no fewer than 29,000 Yoruba people and continue to rape women and subject others to all sorts of atrocities.

Akintoye mentioned this in a press statement issued on Monday to the anniversary of Yoruba Unity Day, stating that given the continued threats to life and destruction of farmlands, the only option left is to separate Yoruba Nation from Nigeria.

He said: “The only viable and sustainable answer to all this horrible situation is to separate our Yoruba nation from Nigeria, and to establish our own country where we shall be able to exercise our sovereignty to provide security for our land and people, and where we shall be able to run our economy decently in the way that we Yoruba know.”

Claiming that the Yoruba unity day was being celebrated in Ile Ife and Ibadan, he said: “In the rural areas of our homeland, where probably the majority of our people live, the Fulani people who are determined to seize land for a homeland of their own, are daily killing our people, have killed a roughly estimated 29,000 of our people, are raping our women, kidnapping men, women and children, extorting millions of Naira in ransom for the kidnapped, destroying farms, food barns and villages.”

Calling on the South West governors and traditional rulers to adopt the unity day as a public holiday, Akintoye said: “Obas, the fathers of our nation, should adopt this Yoruba unity day in their Councils of Obas in all our Yoruba States. I urge that our Governors, when they assemble in their Southwest Governors meeting, to adopt this Yoruba unity day for all our states.”

While asking other Yoruba people to join him in his self-determination struggle, he stated: “We are seriously pushing for the separation of our Yoruba nation from Nigeria and the Nigerian disaster is different. Our perception of the Nigerian situation is not self-centred. It is not emotional. It is intellectually sound and realistic. And it is accepted by at least 80 per cent of all our Yoruba at home and in the Diaspora. Objectively, there is good reason to fear now that the Nigerian situation could destroy our Yoruba nation.”

On the creation of the security outfit, Amotekun, he said: “There was some hope when our Governors created Amotekun some years ago to resist the Fulani rampages, but Fulani people in control of the Federal Government have contrived the impotence of Amotekun. The Fulani terrorists are also becoming increasingly audacious in crimes and barbarism in our main cities.”

Fans of popular music artiste, Oniyide Azeez, aka Zinoleesky, have taken to social media to express their worries regarding his appearance and career trajectory in recent times.

In a series of videos circulating the Internet, the singer had noticeably lost weight, prompting a wave of concern among his followers. In one particular clip, Zinoleesky was seen in a car, singing along to his hit song, ‘Abanikanda’. He sported a yellow hoodie paired with black trousers, but fans couldn’t overlook the changes in his physique.

Another video featured him wearing a loose-fitting white shirt and palazzo trousers, further igniting discussions about his well-being. Although the artiste felt good in the outfit, fans did not feel the same way. He said, “You can present me as a Valentine’s gift to your girlfriend. Just take me to her and she will be happy.”

However, a fan, Flower Girl, wrote, “I will rather gift my babe Lord Chosen apron than gift him Zinos. Naira Marley has finished this guy.

Meanwhile, the concerns also extended beyond his looks. Many fans were of the view that his career seemed to have stagnated in recent months. Some speculated that his appearance might be linked to substance use, while others suggested that his record label was not adequately taking care of him. A few even referred to the situation as the ‘revenge of Mohbad’s spirit.’

A fan, Oyinzii remarked, “This guy is dying slowly.”

Kenny Black added, “You never die yet people are crying for you”

Lyrical Amputee commented, “They are lying to you in the comment section and you are happy. Guy stop drugs before you die. You say you have money yet see how you look like all those Almajiri at Agege.”

Adewale expressed concern by stating, “You have good music in your mouth but this is not life. Why are you fading, bro?”

Sammy Vee added, “Mohbad’s spirit is strong ooo.

Justin Bieber deeply ‘disturbed’ by Sean 'Diddy' Combs' arrest as old videos surface; He regrets…

Justin Bieber reportedly regrets past associations with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and feels deeply disturbed by the allegations that have landed rapper behind bars.

Justin Bieber, once a protégé of hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, is reportedly grappling with the fallout of Combs' recent arrest on harrowing sex trafficking charges and other serious crimes. News of the indictment, which accuses Combs of years of coercion, abuse, and exploitation, has landed the rapper behind the ‘barbaric’ Brooklyn bars with other high-profile inmates.

Diddy appears to be patting down Justin Bieber in a 3-year-old video to check for a wire. The video went viral again after Homeland Security raided his LA and Miami homes in the wake of several sexual assault allegations.

This has allegedly left Bieber, who once viewed Combs as a mentor, ‘deeply disturbed’ and questioning his own past involvement. Not long ago, Bieber was seen hanging out with Combs but insiders allege he ‘regrets’ it all.

Justin Bieber grappling with Diddy’s arrest

''Bieber is so disturbed by the Diddy news and is unwilling to process it or discuss it so he has shut off,” a source informed Daily Mail about the new father’s sentiments. "Justin hasn't been responding on this since the home raids. He's not going to,” they added.

Ever since Diddy's LA and Miami mansions were raided following bombshell allegations made by his ex-partner, including Cassie Ventura, who was also seen in a leaked video being physically abused by the rapper, the scandal has only intensified. The scandal was further inflamed by accusations from former close associates like Lil Rod and few others.

Amid the chaos, Bieber's name has been increasingly mentioned in resurfaced clips on social media. Many speculate that Bieber was also a victim of Combs' abuse, leading to his distancing from the rapper over the years.

Now, with the recent indictment, Bieber is said to deeply regret his past collaboration with Combs. He reportedly would never have worked with the disgraced mogul had he known about the allegations at the time.

Justin Bieber ‘regrets’ working with Diddy

“He had a long break from Diddy when he believes most of this took place and he had distanced himself from him,” the insider further told Mail. “He was featured on Diddy's most recent album, and had he known any of this, there is no way he would have done it,” They continued.

As a young kid, Bieber, who had just entered the entirely new music world, found a friend, mentor, and elder brother in Combs. Their connection continued to shine when Bieber featured on Combs' track Moment on the 2023 album The Love Album: Off the Grid. However, the friendship took a turn when Homeland Security raided Combs' properties in Miami and Los Angeles.

A recent video shows Justin Bieber being patted down, allegedly to check for a wire, following federal raids on Diddy’s Miami and New York properties. Although the caption claims the video was taken during the FBI raid on Diddy’s properties, it actually dates back three years. The timing of its online revival, however, has led fans to link it with Diddy’s growing sexual offense charges.

Justin Bieber and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ videos resurface

Several videos have emerged highlighting Justin Bieber's close relationship with Diddy. One video shows Combs with a 15-year-old Bieber, saying, "He's having 48 hours with Diddy, where we're hanging out and what we're doing we can't really disclose." Another clip captures Combs grilling the 16-year-old Bieber about his ‘ignoring behaviour,’ , asking, “What’s up man, you good? Selling out arenas and everything? Starting to act different, huh? You haven’t been calling me and hanging out the way we used to.”

Despite claims that Bieber began to distance himself from Diddy, the two reunited in 2023, sparking renewed speculation about their relationship. Additionally a video fueled concerns among fans when it showed Bieber dancing with Diddy and The Game at what appears to be a listening party, with Diddy giving Bieber a bottle of alcohol. Fans speculate that Bieber might have been underage at the time and suggest he was "preyed upon and exploited repeatedly."

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs' first meal in 'rat infested' NY jail revealed, allowed only 3 showers a week

Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is racketeering and sex trafficking charges, was sent back to jail on Wednesday. He will be served three meals a day in his cell.

Disgraced star Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was sent back to notorious New York City prison on Wednesday until his trial on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, will be served three meals a day in his cell.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs will get up at 6 am, and will be required to make his own bed and clean the floor of his cell, former warden Cameron Lindsay told TMZ.(AFP/ ANGELA WEISS)

Combs was taken into custody in New York City earlier this week on allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking. He appeared in court for his second bail application on Wednesday, but his $50 million bond plea was dismissed, citing him as a flight risk.

He is being held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), the same facility that once imprisoned fellow disgraced rapper R. Kelly, and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The rapper's first meal in the jail was Swedish meatballs, according to The New York Post. He was given the choice to have a black bean burger as well, but it seemed like he went with the meatballs. Combs had green beans, egg noodles, a garden salad, and a 16-ounce drink for his sides.

In a bail plea, Combs' lawyers said, “Several courts in this District have recognized that the conditions at Metropolitan Detention Center are not fit for pre-trial detention.”

There have been reports of overflowing restrooms, a cockroach infestation, and subfreezing temperatures at the jail. American financier and sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, died in the same prison.


A quick look at Comb's daily jail schedule
According to former warden Cameron Lindsay, who spoke with TMZ, Combs will get up at 6 am, and will be required to make his own bed and clean the floor of his cell. In addition to having three showers a week, he will receive an hour of free time each day. While Combs' lawyers will be visiting more frequently as they work on his case, friends and relatives are allowed to meet him periodically.

Combs is presently being held separately from the general public at the jail's Special Housing Unit.

According to Lindsay, this is probably for security concerns since some prisoners might think of killing a well-known prisoner like Combs as “a badge of honor.”

Combs was hit with charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution following his arrest in New York on Monday. He entered a not guilty plea to the allegations.

Ojiofor:
Those who are trying to disarm him by force did they follow due process?

An officer of the Russian Federal Security Service.Valentin Yegorshin / TASS
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday that its agents dismantled a migrant smuggling network allegedly led by a university instructor from Nigeria.

“The illegal activities of an interregional group specializing in the paid entry and transit of immigrants from the African continent through Russian territory to EU countries have been thwarted,” the FSB was quoted as saying by the state-run news agency TASS.

The group’s alleged leader is a senior lecturer at the engineering academy of the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), who is originally from Nigeria. The FSB did not disclose his name but stated that five key members of the smuggling network, including Russian, Nigerian and Ukrainian nationals, had been detained.

Authorities are continuing to investigate other possible accomplices.

Footage released by TASS showed FSB agents conducting raids, including searches of homes and outdoor areas. In one interrogation, a man admitted to entering into a fictitious marriage with a Nigerian woman.

Among the findings, the FSB said three Russian nationals who had been held captive and “exploited” by the smugglers were rescued during one of the 25 raids conducted in the Vladimir region. They have since been handed over to the police.

The FSB’s announcement follows Finland's decision last year to close its border with Russia, accusing Moscow of using migrants from Africa and the Middle East in a “hybrid attack.” The Kremlin denied those allegations

madridguy:
I am just laughing knowing it's a lie.

Treasure17:
You can as well add their names to make it more inclusive.

TouchNfollow:
Clint Eastwood "The Good"

Lee Van Cleef "The Bad"


Eli Wallach " The Ugly"


Legends!

Three Icons Legend The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1966) After through the years 💙💙 #celebritylives ❤️

One word for these three icons

Lagos orders demolition of police barracks over imminent collapse

The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over an imminent building collapse at the Mopol 20 Barracks, Onigbongbo in the Ikeja area of the state.

This is as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency is set to begin an emergency evacuation and demolition of the old Block 3 part of the barracks.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said its response team had assessed some parts of the structure and found them in a precarious condition.

The LASEMA boss stated the building and adjacent structures would also be evacuated immediately to prevent any loss of life or property.

“The agency dispatched a response team to the location and the findings indicate that the building and those adjacent must be evacuated with immediate effect. We are conducting a response plan which comprises an assessment, safe and orderly evacuation and controlled demolition.

“Under the watchful eye of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration, we will be carrying out this preemptive demolition action due to the precarious conditions of the building and possible secondary incidents that could occur if left unmanaged,” the statement partly read.

Oke-Osanyintolu, however, urged members of the public within the vicinity to remain calm and refrain from spreading misinformation on social media.

He also assured the public that the situation was being closely monitored and managed.

pafun:
Amid poverty they did not give Morbeta11 money to buy bag of rice.
No be every money dem go use buy food for belle sir. Some money go dey for economic development, you understand ?

US Prosecutors Seek Sean "Diddy" Combs’ Incarceration, Argue Music Mogul’s $1Billion Fortune Enhances Ability To Evade Justice

Prosecutors have submitted a detailed note to a United States’ District Court in New York, arguing that music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs’ nearly $1 billion personal fortune poses a flight risk.

The letter claims that Combs' substantial wealth, dispersed across numerous bank accounts and with frequent access to up to $1 million in cash, enhances his ability to evade justice.

However, Combs’ private plane and multiple vehicles further contribute to his mobility, heightening concerns of potential flight.

In a separate but related detail, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams highlighted a troubling incident involving Combs and his associates.

The letter also includes alarming details about alleged criminal activities tied to Combs.

One incident described involves a Molotov cocktail being dropped into a convertible vehicle, reportedly as an act of retaliation by Combs and his associates.

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, argues that these factors justify Combs' detention until the trial, citing his considerable resources and potential for evasion as key reasons for his continued incarceration.

CNN reports that Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorneys have proposed home detention with a $50 million bond secured by his Miami residence.

However, prosecutors argue this offer is "plainly insufficient," citing concerns about potential violence.

US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, claimed Combs could become "violent" when things didn’t go his way.

Amid poverty, Ebonyi spends over N53bn on airport project, runway repairs

The establishment of the Muhammadu Buhari (now Chuba Okadigbo) International Airport, located in Onueke in the Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, South-East of Nigeria has remained a subject of discourse among both economic and non-economic experts.

The controversies hinge on the economic viability of the airport; how the N10 billion approved for the project by the then Federal Government under Buhari’s watch was expended by the then David Umahi’s administration; the over-publicised N36 billion spent for the construction of the project and who the contractors were; and the proposed N13 billion expenditure by the current state government under Governor Francis Nwifuru, for runway repairs.

Before the construction of the airport, no fewer than 200 houses were demolished in the area by the then-Umahi-led state government.

The development saw to the displacement of over 800 natives including elderly men/women and nursing mothers. Investigations by South-East PUNCH revealed that most of the owners of the affected houses were never paid compensation. The few that were lucky got paltry sums ranging from N200,000 to N400,000.

Today, amid the suffering and hardship residents of the state contend with, the airport which is supposed to be a revenue-generating enterprise is currently lying economically lifeless and inactive, yet drains the scarce resources of the ‘starter’ state.

On Thursday, April 26, 2023, the Ebonyi Airport was inaugurated with two inaugural flights (Air Peace Hopper 5N-BXF and 5-BUY) torching down in the airport. It was this very day that Umahi named the airport after former President Muhammadu Buhari. Between April and September 2023 when news made the rounds its runaway was already worn-out, the airport has reportedly never raked in a dime into the coffers of the state government which is in dire need of its monumental development.

Consequently, stakeholders, economic and aviation experts have continued to question the establishment of the project and its benefits to the citizenry. Umahi, had in April announced it cost the state a whopping N36 billion to construct the airport and as if that was not enough, Governor Nwifuru last month disclosed that be spending over N13 billion to rehabilitate the already decrepit runway.

Stakeholders have expressed dismay and reluctance over the project, saying it was anti-people and remained a conduit for economic sabotage.

But defending the approval of N13.7 billion for the rehabilitation of the airport runway, despite being newly inaugurated, Governor Nwifuru, during a media chat as part of activities that marked Nigeria’s 63rd Independence celebration and 27 years of the state’s creation, said the airport should operate optimally considering the huge amount of money spent in constructing it.

He said, “The question concerning the huge cost of rehabilitating the airport should be asked by every concerned Ebonyi citizen.

“A fellow governor recently asked me the same question and I maintained that the initiators of the airport had germane intentions.

“They, however, didn’t get the runway right as it is not smooth for aircraft to land.”

Noting that the situation has caused problems for several planes and made many to avoid landing at the facility, Nwifuru said, “We thought the fault was the runway’s expansion joints and decided to close the joints. The problem persisted even when the expansion joints were closed.

“We contacted the Federal Ministry of Aviation which outlined processes for the facility’s rehabilitation.”

Meanwhile, the state government has said the Federal Government was eager to take over the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, which was commissioned in May 2023.

The Commissioner for Aviation Technology, Dr Ngozi Obichukwu, had a few months ago expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the airport, announcing it would be ready for use before the end of August 2024.

She had said, “The runway of the Chuba Okadigbo’s Airport is about 90 per cent completed. We have about 500 metres remaining to get it done.

“The expatriate contractors are doing a very good job. Work has been ongoing to ensure that we meet the completion period, which is in May and hopeful, we will commence flight operation by August.

On Tuesday, she equally said the state government had completed the resurfacing of the runway from concrete to asphalt to make it operational and more comfortable for airline operators.

However, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Barr. Silas Onu has described the airport as ill-conceived, saying it was a White Elephant project.

Onu insisted that a right-thinking governor could have opted for massive industrialisation of the state, seeing that agriculture was its main economic base.

He added that the project was a huge waste to the state, which had not added any economic value to its citizens.

Onu, who was the PDP candidate in the February 2024 bye-election for Ebonyi South senatorial district, said, “As an opening remark, may I indicate that the said airport was built and commissioned as a completed project by the immediate past governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi. The commissioning was widely broadcast with the landing of one aircraft from Air Peace. I doubt if any other plane landed at the airport after the official commission/opening of that airport. So, I was personally shocked and taken aback when the newly-sworn in Governor Nwifuru began spending billions on the newly, unused airport, for what he termed as “rehabilitation” or was it “renovation”? Whichever it was, there was absolutely no need for further needless spending on what has now become a white elephant project.

“The concept of an airport in Abakaliki in itself is ill-conceived as the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu has not been used to its full capacity and can serve Ebonyi State and beyond. What is largely needed in Ebonyi State is massive industrialization as we are a 100 per cent non-oil-based economy. Agriculture is our main economic base and investing in industries that will enhance the value of our products would have been impactful on the lives of our people.

“This airport has only occupied space that would have been used for a better purpose and the billions ploughed into it cannot be said to have been wisely invested – this is an egoistic project that adds no value whatsoever to the people of Ebonyi State.

“A good question to ask at this juncture is, how well have our economy fared with the EBOTRANS business? Has it elevated the State to a top road transportation service provider in Nigeria? So this will lead us into looking into your next question.”

In a related development, the immediate past Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state and a social media influencer, Comrade Chika Nwoba, has expressed displeasure over the airport project, saying it was a mere conduit for the perpetuation of financial malfeasance.

He alleged that a former governor of the state and current Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi ‘packaged’ the project as a window dressing to deceive the masses, thus carte away their collective patrimony.


He said, “Well, I was one of the supporters of the establishment of that airport, bearing in mind that what the governor at that time said it was going to be was actually what it was going to be. Events subsequently began to unfold which portrayed the project as a mere conduit channel through which financial malfeasance could be carried out. I began to lose interest when the governor commissioned it whereas it was still hugely a work in progress.

“He just packaged it for public eulogy. I visited the airport and what I saw was to a large extent a beautiful nonsense. At that point, it was said to have gulped over N40 billion plus. It was at this point that I began to see it as a means of making money for the now-outgone governor and his cronies. I lost interest.

“When the current governor assumed office and immediately allocated what is almost more than what they claimed to have spent on the project, I became more aggravated. I think many also expressed their disenchantment over the issue. People thought everything concerning the airport had been taken care of, reason it was commissioned.”

For the All Progressives Grand Alliance senatorial candidate in the February 2024 re-run for Ebonyi South District, Sir Ifeanyi Eleje, Ebonyi State didn’t need an airport currently, insisting, “No. I don’t think an airport was a priority need for the state."

An aviation expert, Anthony Awunor, said the state government should have considered some salient factors before embarking on the airport project, observing that of the 22 airports in the country; only three were operational and functional.

Awunor said, “From records I have, airport establishment is very capital intensive. Despite this fact, I am aware that most state government still develop voracious desire to set up one.

“Despite their efforts, the airports always turn out to be white elephant projects because they cannot sustain it in the long run. Beyond, setting it up, maintenance has always been another big challenge. To build a 3-kilometre runway is not a joke and again, functional airport needs permanent technical and administrative personnel who must work to sustain the cost of their existence, even if they are not generating money.

“It is on record that only three out of 22 airports under its management are profitable. These three airports also harbour the highest traffic figures. How then is the airport business so attractive to state governments?”

Meanwhile, a socio-politico group, the Igbo National Council has threatened to drag the Ebonyi State government to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the airport project.

The group averred that the contract award process, approvals and implementation of the project was allegedly fraught with corruption, calling on the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to review the project immediately.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Chilos Godsent, a copy of which was obtained by South-East PUNCH on Monday, the group said, “Recently, the Ebonyi State government announced that the airport being billed by the state government at Onueke has gulped over N53 billion of Ebonyi State tax payers’ money and yet the airport has not started functioning. Also sometime in July 2024, the Ebonyi State government announced that it has concluded plans to purchase four aircraft for commercial purposes to make the airport functional.

“Given the above, the INC, therefore, condemns in strong terms this deliberate and reckless waste of Ebonyi State taxpayers’ money on elephant projects. The INC thinks that the ongoing white elephant project called airport is a misplacement of priority and a waste of funds.

“On the foregoing, the INC, therefore, call on the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to immediately set up an independent audit committee with rigid timeframe to carry out a forensic audit on the Ebonyi State airport project at Onueke.

“We wish to state that if the Ebonyi State House of Assembly treats the above request with levity, the INC may have no other option than to commence the mobilisation of concerned Ebonyi State critical stakeholders to initiate a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to commence investigation on the project.”


Efforts to get the state government to give an update on the current state of the airport project in addition to the earlier insights provided by Governor Nwifuru and the Commissioner for Aviation Technology, Dr Obichukwu, failed, on Monday.

Messages sent to the state government’s functionaries, including the Commissioners for Information and Aviation Technology, Engr Jude Okpor and Dr Obichukwu, respectfully, were not responded to, as of the time of filing this report on Monday.

Always, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nwifuru, Dr Monday Uzor, was yet to respond to inquiries made by our correspondent

Fubara Is PDP Leader In Rivers, Party Governors’ Forum Backs Rivers Gov Against Wike


The PDP Governors' Forum chairman stated this on Tuesday night, saying that his words were in line with the resolutions and agreement made by the party’s national working committee and the Governors' Forum.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors' Forum has reaffirmed Governor Siminialayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State.

The PDP Governors' Forum chairman stated this on Tuesday night, saying that his words were in line with the resolutions and agreement made by the party’s national working committee and the Governors' Forum.

He said the decision was premised on the party's established practice of recognising the governor as the party leader in the state.

A leadership crisis has been brewing in Rivers State between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who's currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The bone of contention is who controls the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structures in the state.

Wike, a powerful figure in Rivers politics, has accused Fubara of ingratitude and attempting to dismantle the political structure that brought him to power. He's vowed not to support Fubara in his political endeavors anymore, citing the governor's alleged lies and lack of appreciation for those who helped him rise to power.

The crisis has been ongoing for some time, with 27 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last year, citing Fubara's alleged withholding of funds.

The situation has been tense, with Wike gaining the upper hand in the PDP leadership crisis, as the National Working Committee (NWC) has thrown its weight behind him.

However, according to Governor Bala, the party leadership has pitched their tent behind Fubara as the recognised leader of PDP in the state, insisting the party’s structure will also work in his favour.

He said: “We discussed extensively the need for collaboration between the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, PDP Governors’ Forum, and the National Working Committee so that some of the issues that result in the litigation, and issues that cannot be resolved will be resolved on the table.

“It is along this line that we collectively agree on the need for the rule of law, and the delegations give firm commitment or support to the position of the Governors’ Forum PDP in Rivers State.

“We have an established practice in which any governor in any state that is coming from the party is the leader of the party and we therefore have the structure of the party for sustainability.

“The commitment, on behalf of the Governors’ Forum, we are very grateful to the National Working Committee ably led by the legal adviser. We also discussed some of the legal issues that are lingering and I used this opportunity, on behalf of the Governors’ Forum, to ask the delegation to convey our appreciation to the acting national chairman and to insist, please those committee they have set up on reconciliation and disciplinary issues should work in a manner that we will do it through a consensus, through an agreement.”

DevilsEqual:


Wike is second most relevant and powerful politician in Nigeria, next to the President

A man so great that all his allies/family members keep progressing

I thought those ones said Wike would be irrelevant out of office, wetin con dey sup


Those guys need to intensify the hate, so that even Wike children can get few appointments(Their hate intensity is inversely proportional to the victims progress)

BREAKING: Over 3000 Lagos Community Residents In Distress, Rendered Homeless As Government Officials, Policemen Demolish, Set Fire To Buildings


The demolition, which reportedly took place on Monday without prior notice, has left thousands of families homeless and in distress, SaharaReporters learnt.

Residents of Ayetoro community in the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have raised the alarm over the alleged demolition of their buildings by the Lagos State government officials, especially the Task Force and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The demolition, which reportedly took place on Monday without prior notice, has left thousands of families homeless and in distress, SaharaReporters learnt.
One of the residents, Ajimuda Gbenga, told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that some policemen and LASEMA officials came and demolished their building.

Samuel Adebayo, a representative of the community, told SaharaReporters that he had spoken to several notable people about the incident but he was not sure who could come to their aid as soon as possible.

According to him, "This is a matter of urgency, and I trust SaharaReporters to bring attention to such issues.

"Our community existed long before the Oko-Baba Plant Market. However, due to the expansion of the plant market, there has been tension. Ayetoro, a neighbouring community, shares a boundary with the plant market.

"What is happening now is disturbing; the demolition began in the market, about 2 kilometers away from our community. I witnessed them using bulldozers to demolish houses. In areas they couldn’t reach, they resorted to setting homes on fire, leaving children and their mothers without shelter.

He said they extended the demolition towards the end of the plant market, crossing into their community.

"The boundary between the plant market and our community has been breached, and they are now setting homes in Ayetoro on fire. Over 3,000 residents are affected.
"We received information from one of their agents, who told us that the government’s directive was to demolish the community’s buildings. I cannot understand why the plant market's expansion is now affecting the community and its residents.

Adebayo explained that they have destroyed houses in the heart of their community, and even set some buildings ablaze.

According to him, "This act of inhumanity is unacceptable."

"The only way forward is to ensure the safety of everyone, and that’s why we are calling on SaharaReporters to help amplify our voices. The situation is dire, and they are deliberately setting fire to people's homes. We cannot sit back and watch.

When asked who is responsible for the demolitions, said, "I was told LASEMA and the state government are involved."

When SaharaReporters contacted the Director-General of LASEMA, Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, he said, "How can an agency swear to protect the safety of people be so reckless?"

He said, “How can they set people’s properties on fire?

"As a medical doctor trained to save lives, I find it unimaginable that such an act could occur, I have dedicated nearly 30 years to protecting people and saving lives. How could we now be accused of setting homes on fire? Think about it.”

OluFemi Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the allegation was “painful and unjust.”
He reiterated that LASEMA does not engage in demolitions, he said they are a rescue agency, not a demolition crew.

"Every activity LASEMA conducts is transparent, with the press always informed, from the moment an incident happens, we release a preliminary report, and after the situation is resolved, a confirmatory report follows.”

OluFemi Oke-Osanyintolu added that it is a barbaric and baseless thought to suggest that the agency is involved in the demolitions.
Efforts to get a response from the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls nor respond to messages.

LASG threatens demolition of 280 illegal structures


The Lagos State Government has issued contravention notices to over 280 illegal property owners and occupiers in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme in a bid to protect the state’s coastal areas and prevent the proliferation of slums.

The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, disclosed this in a statement posted on the Lagos X platform on Tuesday.

Alebiosu was quoted in the statement as saying, that the contravention notices, served on Saturday, require the occupants to provide necessary documentation and approvals justifying their occupation of the properties within seven days.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Lagos State Master Plan.

The statement read, “Failure to comply with this directive will result in the issuance of demolition notices.

“The over 280 properties, which include completed structures, ongoing construction projects, and undeveloped lands, were found to violate government regulations after a thorough technical assessment conducted by the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development.

“The survey team, tasked with preserving Lagos State’s waterfront schemes, determined that these properties lacked the necessary government authorization for construction.

“We cannot allow illegal encroachments to jeopardize the safety and sustainability of our coastal areas. The issuance of these contravention notices is a clear signal that we will not tolerate such activities.”

Alebiosu urged the property owners to voluntarily remove their structures before the expiration of the contravention notices or regularise their documents to avoid penalties.

He warned that the government would no longer tolerate illegal activities along the waterfront schemes and corridors, emphasizing that encroachment on government properties, land, and setbacks would not be tolerated.

The Commissioner also revealed that through the Ministry, the State Government is currently addressing similar encroachment issues in the Okun Ajah waterfront scheme.

He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Lagos State’s waterfront schemes and infrastructure while ensuring the safety of lives and properties along the coastal area.

“The issuance of contravention notices to the illegal occupants in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to restore order and prevent further deterioration of the state’s coastal environment. It is anticipated that this action will serve as a deterrent to future illegal activities and contribute to the overall development and sustainability of Lagos State”, Alebiosu added

Implementation of e-call up system on Lekki-Epe corridor begins Sept 23

Lagos State Government is set to introduce an electronic call up (e-call up) system for managing truck movements within the Lekki-Epe corridor.

The State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday.

He said that the system would be introduced on Sept. 23.

The statement was signed by Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director of Public Affairs of the ministry.

Osiyemi said that the introduction was a significant step to tackle severe traffic congestion caused by indiscriminate parking and movement of articulated vehicles.

“The commencement date was earlier extended on stakeholders’ request in order to give adequate room for full compliance.

“The e-call up system is ready for implementation for a sustainable, effective and technology-driven solution in the Lekki-Epe corridor,” he said.

Osiyemi said that the application of the e-call up system would help to regulate movement of trucks accessing the Lekki Deep Seaport and other industries within the corridor, from Eleko Junction to Lekki Free Trade Zone.

He said that, in view of the state and the Federal Government’s plans for road network expansion and an inter-modal transport system, the e-call up system would streamline vehicular movement in one of the most critical economic zones.

The commissioner quoted the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, as saying that an interim arrangement was being made to decongest the roads through evacuation of illegally-parked articulated vehicles.

He noted that the special adviser was saddled with implementation of the e-call up system.

“The e-call up system, an advanced digital platform, is designed to regulate the entry and exit of trucks in the Lekki-Epe area by scheduling and coordinating their movements.

“This system will help to prevent the chaotic traffic situations often caused by indiscriminate parking and movement of trucks within the corridor.

“The Lekki-Epe corridor, a key economic hub in Lagos, is home to numerous industries, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

“Efficient movement of goods and services in this area is crucial for the state’s economy, making the e-call up system an essential tool for sustainable development,” the commissioner quoted Giwa as saying.

Bichi debunked speculations that he's currently on the run after being accused of orchestrating a $2m theft.

Abba Bichi, son of former Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, has refuted claims making the rounds that he's taken to his heels after stealing $2 million from his father.

The social media and gossip mill have been awash with reports claiming that Abba fled the country with the alleged stolen money.

The former DSS boss' son is known to be a professional footballer, who's currently unattached as the summer transfer window shuts in major European leagues.

However, he's currently exploring opportunities in Germany as he's allowed to sign for a new club due to his status as a free agent.

Reacting to the rumours at home in a podcast recorded inside a stadium in Germany, Abba was seen in a video online having a conversation with his father after his team had lost a match.

The father offered some words of encouragement to the footballer, urging him to keep his head up and never let the defeat dampen hi

“In life, you win some and lose some,” Yusu told Abba.

The exchange also involved the footballer's coach identified as Thomas. The football gaffer could also be heard saying their next match would be against Bayer Leverkusen.

The father expressed optimism about the upcoming game, showing his continuous support for his son’s career.

Abba has been under the spotlight since his father was replaced as DG of the DSS with several allegations ranging from bullying, theft and harassment being levelled against him.

Nollywood actress, Eniola Badmus has noted that the Nigerian economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is moving from consumption to production.

She stated that the country’s imports are decreasing while exports are increasing, indicating an expanding economy.

The actress noted that Nigeria, under Tinubu, has made unprecedented progress in trade, highlighting a shift from consumption to production

Eniola Badmus made this known via a post on an Instagram handle: “Our imports are reducing, and our exports are increasing. That is a sign that our economy is expanding.

“For the year-to-date 2024, our imports were N24.44 trillion, while our exports stood at N38.59 trillion. This gives us an unprecedented trade surplus of over N14 trillion in just eight months.

“It has never happened in Nigeria. Never. This is a refreshing shift from consumption to production.”

Her evaluation comes amid a backdrop of severe economic hardship and soaring inflation in the country.

Just last month, millions of citizens took to the streets in a nationwide movement known as the ‘End Hunger Protests,’ rallying against the escalating difficulties they face daily.