Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has commiserated with Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his family over the death of three of his relations.



A statement by Mr Mohammed Onogu, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, in Lokoja on Tuesday, quoted Bello as describing the death of the three family members as an act of the Almighty God.

”The successive passing away of Alhaji Dangote’s Cousin, Mallam Madugu Dantata; Uncle, Alhaji Murtala Dantata, and Relation, Alhaji Saidu Fanta, was an act of Almighty Allah for Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Llayi Raji’un.

”These great members of your family will be remembered for their contributions to the country’s economy, nation-building and their commitments to the service of Allah and humanity in general,” Bello said in a condolence message he personally signed and addressed to Dangote.

Bello also on behalf of the government and people of Kogi, similarly commiserated with the government and people of Kano State over the demise of their illustrious sons, and the unbearable pain it had caused them.



The governor then prayed the Almighty Allah to grant peace to the departed souls and wished the entire bereaved family and friends the fortitude to bear the great losses.

https://www.akelicious.net/gov-bello-sends-message-to-dangote-over-death-of-3-relations/

Bashir Ahmad, the personal assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on new media, has responded to a social media user, Olushola Olufolabi, who alleged that images posted by the presidency showing the president’s arrival in Japan were fake. Olufolabi, an avid supporter of former vice president Atiku Abubakar, tagged Ahmad in a post which alleged that the presidency was giving Nigerians fake news and photos.
However, the president’s aide stated that he respects Olufolabi’s white beard and won’t say what was on his mind.

Ahmad insisted that the photos were real, not photoshopped.

Meanwhile, Akelicious previously reported that the presidency said that President Muhammadu Buhari had had nothing to do with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group since he arrived Yokohama, Japan, on Monday, August 26. A statement by the special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, urged Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to disregard the concocted stories backed with spurious visuals, of any protest or harassment of the president and his team by members of the proscribed group.

https://www.akelicious.net/buharis-japan-trip-bashir-ahmad-tackles-atiku-loyalist-over-alleged-fake-photos/

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Haneda Airport in Yokohama, Japan for the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development.

The conference themed ‘Africa and Yokohama, Sharing Passion for the Future’, will take place in the city of Yokohama from August 28 till August 30, 2019.

It is expected to focus on Africa’s “economic transformation and improvements in business environment and institution through private investment and innovation; promotion of resilient and sustainable African society for human security; and peace and stability in support of Africa’s domestic proactive efforts.”

Governors of Kwara, Borno, and Lagos states are on the train President Buhari for the conference.

https://www.akelicious.net/buhari-arrives-japan-for-7th-tokyo-international-conference/

Two brothers, Sunday Onikoyi and Felix Onikoyi, have been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defrauding a rice dealer, Moses Nwese, with fake currency worth N29,000.

The suspects who reside at 30 Akala Street Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos, allegedly committed the offence in Ijoko-Ota, in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.



They were arrested following a distress call by the rice dealer.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the DPO of Sango Ota Division, CSP Godwin Idehai, who was on routine patrol of the area arrested the suspects.

He added, “on searching them, N78,000 fake one thousand naira notes were recovered from them.

“The commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, has ordered a full scale investigation into the activities of the two suspects.”

https://www.akelicious.net/brothers-defraud-rice-dealer/

Singer, producer and director, AbdulRasheed Bello, aka JJC Skillz, has been instrumental to the success of artistes such as Don Jazzy and D’banj. The entertainment entrepreneur who runs Scene One Production Records with his wife, Funke Akindele-Bello, has, however, not been releasing songs for a while now.

In a chat with Sunday Scoop, JJC noted that whenever he was not (active) on the music scene, he was busy grooming talents.

“I have always been a record label owner from the beginning of my career. I have always had a passion for grooming talents. Whenever I am not on the music scene, I groom talents.”

The showbiz personality also said he didn’t consider himself a musician. He stated, “I might ‘drop’ a single in a year or two from now, but it’s not an active music career. I won’t say I am a musician. I am more like a businessman in the music industry.”

Asked about his family, the proud father beamed with smiles and said, “I have an amazing record label, a beautiful family— everything is good.”

https://www.akelicious.net/im-a-businessman-not-musician-jjc/

The Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) yesterday came down heavily on the Federal Government over the spate of killings and general insecurity in the country, saying it is either overwhelmed or complicit.

The group, which was reacting to the alleged rape and murder of a 67-year-old woman, Mrs Pat Ugwu in Nchatancha Nike community in Enugu State by Fulani herders last Wednesday, said Ndigbo have been pushed to the wall and now have no choice than to defend themselves or perish.

A statement yesterday by the Secretary-General of ECA, Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, warned that “the horrific brigandage of Fulani herders” in Igbo land could no longer be condoned or tolerated.


The statement read in part: “The brazen rape and murder of 67-year-old Mrs Pat Ugwu in her farm at Nchatancha Nike, Enugu State, two days ago is simply put, unpardonable and unacceptable.

“Traditional rulers, priests and community leaders seem preferred targets of choice these expansionist demons of death are schooled by their sponsors and masters to hunt.

“It has finally become clear that these Fulani warriors and their protectors are simply implementing a carefully choreographed jihad of intimidation and conquest.

“General Danjuma screamed that the military and security forces are protecting them. The killing of policemen by soldiers in Taraba State confirms that soldiers could be compromised; confessions of arrested culprits that helicopters drop guns and ammunition for them in the forest simply complete the horror script. We have been under siege for four years now.”

“The hapless communities now have no other choice than to defend themselves or perish. The days of endless endurance and era of trusting the security agencies to protect our people are over. The Fulani herders brought the war to our land as part of a larger agenda of vanquish and dominate. The ferocious incursion into our farmlands and homestead with rape, beheadings, amputations, and general terror is the age-old well-known trademark of these expansionist warriors for centuries. Our people are clearly in trouble.”

Ugochukwu-Uko noted further: “The obvious inability or deliberate lack of interest or both, by the government of the day to rein in these vermin has already resulted to lack of trust between our leaders and the masses who are incensed that politicians are not doing enough to protect them, as seen in the Nuremberg, Germany incident, where a former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, was attacked.

“Is there a deliberate ploy to weaken our region by cleverly turning the masses upon our political leaders? The cloud is gathering; the rain may fall any day now. Those whose worldview is all about conquering and dominating others are about to set West Africa ablaze once more. We know the world is watching.”

https://www.akelicious.net/insecurity-ndigbo-may-begin-to-defend-themselves-eca-warns/

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has said the alleged corrupt pedigree of some new cabinet members of President Muhammadu Buhari shows that governance has been handed over to looters.

Frank, in a statement on Thursday, called on Nigerians to lower their expectations for true dividends of democracy but rather expect unprecedented and astronomical rise in corruption.



He alleged that nothing positive could come from the new ministers because “70 to 80 per cent of them have at one time or the other been the guests of anti-corruption agencies with most of them still battling corruption charges in the courts.”.

Frank said, “I urge Nigerians to brace for more hardships as corruption and incompetence have been enthroned with corruption masters turned ministers to run the affairs of government in Nigeria.

“Buhari told Nigerians in 2015 that he would cut his salary by 50 per cent and reduce the aircraft in the presidential fleet before he became President. He also said he would reduce the cars in the Presidential convoy.

“But Nigerians can testify that this was never done. He neither reduced his salary, aircraft in the presidential fleet nor cars in his convoy. It is clear to Nigerians that General Buhari is a product of lies who has continued to live and rule with falsehood.”

Frank queried the President’s directive that ministers who wanted to see him must go through his Chief of Staff or the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He said, “What is the President still doing in office? By this action, he has completely abdicated his responsibilities and declared himself unavailable and unfit to occupy the Office of President.

“To subordinate ministers to the whims and caprices of his aides represents a gross abuse of office and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

https://punchng.com/buhari-has-enthroned-corruption-timi-frank/amp/

Suspected herdsmen have killed a pregnant woman in Nchatancha Nike in Enugu East Council Area of Enugu State.

This comes weeks after a catholic priest, Reverend Fr. Paul Offu, was murdered along Ihe-Agbude road in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu by men suspected to be herdsmen.

The pregnant woman, whose name has not been revealed, was attacked on her way back from the farm.

Her stomach was said to have been opened in an attempt to remove the baby.

Police in Enugu have confirmed the incident.

Members of the community have blocked the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway to protest the murder.

More Photos at https://www.akelicious.net/suspected-herdsmen-kill-pregnant-womanstomach-opened-in-enugu/

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons said necessary arrangement had been put in place to receive 4,000 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon Republic.

Mr Lawal Hamidu, a Director in the commission, who led a delegation to receive them, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Yola.

Hamidu said the team had visited Duware transitional camp, where the refugees would be camped.

“We are in Yola to receive Nigerian refugees who fled to Cameroon some years ago to escape Boko Haram attacks.

“The refugees will arrive Yola International Airport on Thursday, and all necessary arrangement is in place,’’ Hamidu said.

He said the transitional camp was equipped with basic social amenities, including clinic, water and electric supply and adequate security.

Roger Hollo, the Deputy Representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), expressed satisfaction with the standard process of transporting the refugees.

Hollo said that the UN commission would work with stakeholders for the successful evacuation of the refugees.

https://www.akelicious.net/fg-delegation-in-yola-to-receive-4000-nigerian-refugees-from-cameroon/

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has said only Lagos stood ahead of the state in terms of investment drive and opportunity to net big investors from outside the country to Nigeria.

Obiano, who spoke during the opening ceremony of the sales outlet of a soon-to-be developed estate in the state, Awka Millennium City (AMC), said the state has been positioned as one of the top states in the country.



Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Obiano, in his address, said: “We are happy to say that things have moved quickly since after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in June, between M-P Infrastructure and the Anambra State Government.”

“This shows that M-P Infrastructure people are prepared for business. I encourage you to continue and I look forward to the ground-breaking ceremony for this tastily estate, in the next four months, whose kind can only be found in Abuja, Lagos, London and America.

“This administration is business-friendly, and we have been calling on sons and daughter of Anambra from all over the world to bring a part of their investment home.

“We are building a world-class state, and our people are speedily heeding our calls and bringing home their investments. With this speed, we are sure that no state in Nigeria can compete with Anambra in terms of attracting investments from outside.

“Our major competitor now is Lagos State, and we are sure that at this pace, we are going to take major investment opportunities from Lagos very soon,” the governor said.

Obiano added that with security in the state, and massive investments, Anambra sons and daughters from all over the world have no reason to remain outside as good infrastructure from residential areas to amenities and business-friendly environment have been made possible.

Earlier, Group CEO, M-P Infrastructure Ltd, Dr. Clem Nwogbo, stated that his company was poised to give Anambra an exquisite residential area for top class citizens, promising that the yet-to-be developed city would habour all top amenities found in top cities of the world.

“In developing the master plan for AMC, we have had to engage some of the best consultants in the world, to ensure we have the best infrastructure designed, using best in-breed specialist in road and drainage, power, water, sewage, environmental, access control and security solutions design.

“In the next four months, we hope to have completed the access road into the Awka Millennium Estate, fence wall, monument gate and have a fully operational concrete fabrication yard.

“Your Excellency, we did promise you at the conception of this project that we will move fast on this project and today’s opening of the sales and marketing suite and handover of some of the key assets for delivering Awka Millennium City is part of that commitment,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/anambrall-soon-overtake-lagos-as-top-investment-destination-obiano-boasts/

A human rights activist, KeneChukwu Okeke and the Chief Ombudsman for the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) has instituted a N50 billion fundamental rights action on behalf of tricycle riders against the Anambra State Government, Inspector-General of Police, and the Anambra State Commissioner of Police.

Okeke is praying the National Industrial Court of Nigeria to interpret or apply the fundamental rights of tricycle workers in Anambra State guaranteed under Articles 2, 5, 10, and 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Sections 34, 40, 42 & 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)
as it relates to freedom of association and to sanction the Anambra State Government, Police, and other non-state actors for so infringing upon the fundamental rights of the Applicants.

According to him, the Anambra State Government (1st Respondent) had on the 5th day of July arbitrarily, maliciously, without any justification and in ‘excess of jurisdiction’ proscribed the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) from operating in Anambra vide a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police (6th Respondent) without affording the 1st Applicant an opportunity to make representations before the issuance of the proscription order which doth violence to Sections 36 (1), (2) & 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

In the case marked NICN/AWK/33/2019 filed at the Registry of the National Industrial Court, Awka Judicial Division on behalf of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), August 19, Okeke told the court that not only that the fundamental rights inherent in the 2nd Applicants as members of a trade union was violently breached, but the fundamental rights which infers in the 1st Applicant itself, as a registered trade union, persona ficta corpus corporatum was contravened by the Respondents.

The activist insisted that the actions of the Anambra State Government and the Police was malafide, politically orchestrated, ill-conceived, with the sole aim to “cause maximum damage” to the Applicants. It was further submitted the fundamental right to freedom of association cannot be abridged or circumscribed, save through a procedure permitted by law. Furthermore, it was said that the 10th to 33rd Respondents invaded and forcefully took-over all the tricycle parks belonging to the 1st Applicant in Anambra State at the instance of the 1st to 4th Respondents, using the instrumentality of the police therein named as the 5th to 8th Respondents. And that members of the 1st Applicant refusing to be lurched or compelling to renouncing the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) or refusing to be coerced to joining the 10th and 11th Respondents being an athwart labour association are arrested, detained, assaulted, shackled and have their tricycles (tools of trade) distrained.
Okeke stated under oath that whenever the 5th to 8th Respondents see any commercial tricycle bearing the colour code, emblem or stickers of the 1st Applicant, the 5th to 33rd Respondents working in cahoots, would arrest, impound or distrain such tricycles, and compel or lurch such tricycle workers (members of the 1st Applicant) to renounce the membership or any association with the 1st Applicant, and thence coerced to subscribing to the membership of the 10th and 11th Respondents but not after parting with levies and fines imposed collectively by the 5th to 33rd Respondents at various Police Stations.

He also said that the fundamental right to freedom from any form of discrimination vide Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is absolute, and cannot therefore be abridged or circumscribed by any person, group of persons or authority; and that the 1st to 4th Respondents arbitrarily, maliciously and in ‘excess of jurisdiction’ proscribed the 1st Applicant, so as to confer advantages on the 10th to 33rd Respondents and to subjecting the Applicants to disabilities or restrictions to which other associations are not made subject to. And that the 5th to 8th Respondents have taken the membership or any association with the 1st Applicant as grounds for arrests, detention and discriminating persecutions.

“As at the material time of this deposition, majority of the members of the 1st Applicants vis-a-vis 2nd Applicants are still under forced hiding or disappearance for fear of state-sponsored violent attacks on their persons. Many are gone with a trace.” Okeke averred.

He told the court that by the malafide actions of the Respondents, the Applicants are “subjected to an undeserved outrageous and unwarranted contempt, cruelty, insolence, malice, oppression, humiliation, molestation, embarrassment, degradation, and inconveniences vide the infringement of their fundamental rights as guaranteed under Articles 2, 5, 10, & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Sections 34, 40, 42 & 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

He said that the proscription order issued by the Anambra State Government is “most opprobrious and denigrating” albeit misleading, baseless, malicious and totally bereft of any foundation in common law howsoever.
It will be recalled that Anambra State Government had in a letter dated June 13, proscribed the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) from operating from Anambra State. Kenechukwu Okeke, MCSD condemned the purported proscription and demanded for an immediate reversal. He also threatened legal action against the State and non-State actors should the Anambra State Government fail to reverse the said proscription within 30 days.

However, Okeke said he had no choice than to seek legal redress, since the Anambra State Government rather than mitigate the plight of hapless workers is insensitive nay aggravates the pains of the poor masses.

“The Applicants are still at a loss as to why the Nigeria Police Force under the overall command of the 5th Respondent have stooped so low or denigrated itself to the extent of liaising or working in cahoots with touts and revenue racketeers named as the 10th to 33rd Respondents to arresting, detaining, harassing, intimidating, extorting, assaulting, lurching nay compelling the members of the 1st Applicant to renounce any form of association with the 1st Applicant and forcing the members of the 1st Applicant to sign or subscribe to the membership forms and levies of the 10th and 11th Respondents as a condition for their bail,” Okeke Asserted.

The Applicants said the “purported proscription” was also published by several newspapers nationwide, international news platforms and on several social media news.

Consequently, the Applicants sought fifteen(15) reliefs from the National Industrial Court, thus:

1. A DECLARATION that the freedom of association guaranteed under Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended) is not merely a bundle of individual fundamental rights inherent in the 2nd Applicants as natural members of the 1st Applicant but the collective rights which inhere in the 1st Applicant itself as a registered trade union, persona ficta corpus corporatum.

2. A DECLARATION that the proscription of the 1st Applicant, as contained in the letter dated 13th June, 2019 vide AN/MOT/130/71 issued by the 3rd Respondent on behalf of the 1st and 2nd Respondents without affording the 1st Applicant the opportunity to be heard or make prior representations before the decision contained in the letter was made, thereof violated the fundamental rights of the Applicants and contravened Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Sections 36(1), (2), & 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended) having impugned on the Applicants’ right to fair hearing and freedom of association.
3. A DECLARATION that the proscription of the 1st Applicant by the 3rd Respondent acting on behalf of the 1st and 2nd Respondents, on the ground of being ‘strange to Anambra State Government’, enforcement of same being carried out by the 5th to 8th Respondents and the subsequent acts of violence unleashed against the members of the 1st Applicant by the 10th to 33rd Respondents in pursuance to the said proscription is discriminatory; and therefore constituted a violation to the fundamental rights of the Applicants to associate freely, and freedom from any form of discrimination, as enshrined under Sections 34 (1), 40 & 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended) but not limited to the express provisions, as ensconced in Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

4. A DECLARATION that the compulsion of the 2nd Applicants by the Respondents to renounce their membership or association with the 1st Applicant or coercion into joining the 10th and 11th Respondents, being an athwart labour or anti-trade union associations operating severally under the names and styles of ‘KKAWAAPU Amalgamated Tricycle Union of Anambra State’; or ‘Unified Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Anambra, UTORAAS’ contravened the fundamental rights of the Applicants, as it relates to freedom of association by virtue of Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Sections 40 and 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended).

5. A DECLARATION that the threats by the Respondents to arrest, detain, harass, torture, molest or assault members of the 1st Applicant or the 2nd Applicants for their refusal to be lurched or compelled to renounce the 1st Applicant or coerced to joining the 10th and 11th Respondents, being an athwart labour or anti-trade union associations operating severally under the names and styles of ‘KKAWAAPU Amalgamated Tricycle Union of Anambra State’ or ‘Unified Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Anambra, UTORAAS’ is unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional, and doth violence to the fundamental rights of the Applicants as enshrined under Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended), relating to freedom of association.
6. A DECLARATION that the actual victimization, discrimination, arrest, detention, forceful distrainment of tricycles, or assault by the respondents unleashed against the members of the 1st Applicant or the 2nd Applicants for their refusal to be lurched or compelled to renounce the 1st Applicant or coerced to joining the 10th and 11th Respondents, being an athwart labour or anti-trade union associations operating severally under the names and styles of ‘KKAWAAPU Amalgamated Tricycle Union of Anambra State’ or ‘Unified Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Anambra, UTORAAS’ is unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional, null, void, and doth violence to the fundamental rights of the Applicants as enshrined under Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended), relating to freedom of association.

7. A DECLARATION that the continued victimization, discrimination, arrest, harassment, detention, forceful distrainment of tricycles, torture, intimidation, molestation or assault by the Respondents unleashed against the members of the 1st Applicant or 2nd Applicants for their refusal to be lurched or compelled to renouncing the 1st Applicant or coerced to joining the 10th and 11th Respondents, being an athwart labour or anti-trade union associations operating severally under the names and styles of ‘KKAWAAPU Amalgamated Tricycle Union of Anambra State’ or ‘Unified Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Anambra State, UTORAAS’ is unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional, null, void, and constitutes a gross infringement on the fundamental rights of the Applicants as enshrined under Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Section 40 & 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended), relating to freedom of association.

8. A DECLARATION that the unlawful invasion and forceful take-over but not limited to both civil and criminal forfeitures made against the properties of the 1st Applicant and 2nd Applicants respectively by the 10th to 33rd Respondents at the behest of the 1st to 4th Respondents vide the instrumentality of the 5th to 8th Respondents smacks of victimization, deprivation, discrimination and grossly contumacious to the fundamental rights of the Applicants enshrined under Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Section 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended), relating to compulsory acquisition of property.
9. AN ORDER OF MANDATORY INJUNCTION directing the Respondents to issue a public apologia to the Applicants via publications or ‘public announcements’ in the print and electronic media, for so infringing on the fundamental rights of the Applicants; and for the undeserved, outrageous and unwarranted contempt, cruelty, insolence, malice, oppression, humiliation, assault, molestation, embarrassment, degradation and inconveniences to which the Applicants was subjected to by the Respondents, viz.

a. 5 Printed Newspapers published in Nigeria id est.
i. Vanguard,
ii. The Punch,
iii. The Nation,
iv. Guardian, and
v. Thisday;

b. 5 Printed Newspapers published in the Swiss Confederation id est.
i. Tamedia AG;
ii. Basler Zeitung Medien;
iii. Grupo;
iv. Fondazione per il Corriere del Ticino; and
v. Société Neuchâteloise de Presse SA;

c. 5 Printed Newspapers published in Belgium id est.
i. Het Belang van Limburg,
ii. De Tijd,
iii. De Morgen,
iv. Grenz-Echo, and
v. L’Avenir;

d. 20 Internet Media Platforms as prescribed in the Second Schedule.

e. 20 Terrestrial Radio Stations as prescribed in the Second Schedule.

f. 5 Terrestrial Television Stations as prescribed in the Second Schedule

10. AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, assigns, servants, police officers or other security agencies (within the purview of the National Security Agencies Act) from intermeddling with the activities of the 1st Applicant or interlarding with the fundamental rights of the 1st Applicant to accept as members, tricycle workers or employers who freely, voluntarily and willingly applied to become members of the 1st Applicant without victimization, discrimination, arrest, harassment, detention, forceful distrainment of tricycles, torture, molestation or assault.

11. AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUCTION restraining the Respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, assigns, servants, police officers or other security agencies (within the purview of the National Security Agencies Act) from lurching or compelling the Applicants to join the 10th and 11th Respondents, being an athwart labour or anti-trade union associations operating severally under the names and styles of ‘KKAWAAPU Amalgamated Tricycle Union of Anambra State’ or ‘Unified Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Anambra, UTORAAS’ and from any further threats to victimize, arrest, harass, torture, or assault members of the 1st Applicant or the 2nd Applicants, or the actual victimization, arrests, harassment, torture, intimidation, molestation, or assault of members of the 1st Applicant or the 2nd Applicants.
12. AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, assigns, servants, police officers or other security agencies (within the purview of the National Security Agencies Act) from harassing intimidating, threatening, victimizing, arresting, torturing, intimidating, or assaulting or howsoever to bringing to an end the lawful activities of the Applicants or visiting any form or manner of disadvantage or punishment on members of the 1st Applicant or 2nd Applicants operating in Anambra State or any part thereof, on account of their refusal to be lurched or compelled to joining the 10th and 11th Respondents, being an athwart labour or anti-trade union associations operating severally under the names and styles of ‘KKAWAAPU Amalgamated Tricycle Union of Anambra State’ or ‘Unified Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Anambra, UTORAAS’.

13. AN AWARD OF GENERAL DAMAGES in the sum of 10, 000, 000, 000 NGN (Ten Billion Naira only) against the Respondents jointly and severally for the violation of Applicants’ fundamental rights as guaranteed under and Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Section 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended),; and Sections 34, 40, 42 & 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

14. AN AWARD OF AGGRAVATED AND EXEMPLARY DAMAGES in the sum of 40, 000, 000, 000 NGN Only (Forty Billion Naira Only) against the 1st to 4th Respondents jointly and severally for the undeserved outrageous and unwarranted contempt, cruelty, insolence, malice, oppression, humiliation, molestation, embarrassment, degradation and inconveniences to which the 1st Applicant was subjected to by the Respondent vide the infringement of the Applicants’ fundamental rights as guaranteed under Articles 2, 5, 10 & 22 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Sections 34, 40, 42 & 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

15. AND FOR SUCH FURTHER ORDERS as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this case

https://www.akelicious.net/activist-slams-50-billion-naira-fundamental-rights-action-against-anambra-state-government-police-revenue-racketeers/

Inspite of improved market breadth, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market indices shed 0.21 per cent due to loses in some blue chips.

The Nigeria News Agency reports that the All Share Index (ASI) lost 57.27 points or 0.21 per cent to 27,058.62 against 27,115.89 posted on Monday.

Also, the market capitalisation dipped N28 billion to close at N13.186 trillion against N13.214 trillion achieved on Monday.

The downturn was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; MTN Nigeria, Conoil, PZ Cussons Nigeria, NCR Nigeria and Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN).

Speaking on market’s performance, Mr Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Consulting Limited, attributed the development to cautious trading and low confidence of investors.

“These are signs of low confidence and cautious trading as the nation’s economy remains unpredictable with the government yet to provide any economic direction,” he said.

However, market breadth closed positive, 27 stocks posted gains while 10 stocks posted declines.

Transcorp recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent, each to close at N3.85 and 99k, respectively.

Chams followed with a gain 9.52 per cent to close at 23k, while Berger Paints went up by 9.49 per cent to close at N7.50 per share.

UACN appreciated by 9.38 per cent to close at N5.25, per share.

Conversely, Cutix led the losers’ chart dropping by 9.62 per cent to close at N1.41 per share.

PZ Cussons and Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services followed with a decline of 8.33 per cent each to close at N5.50 and 22k, respectively, per share.

May and Baker lost 6.83 per cent to close at N1.91, while Honeywell Flour Mills shed 6.06 per cent to close at 93k per share.

The total volume traded declined by 16.39 per cent with an exchange of 209.62 million shares worth N3.24 billion traded in 3,743 deals.

This was against 250.74 million shares valued at N3.53 billion transacted in 4,116 deals on Monday.

Transactions in the shares of Transcorp topped the activity chart with 43.59 million shares valued at N42.73 million.

Guaranty Trust Bank came second with 42.97 million shares worth N1.14 billion, while Zenith Bank traded 34.11 million shares valued at N591.99 million.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) sold 24.21 million shares valued at N148.56 million, while FBN Holdings recorded a turnover of 6.32 million shares worth N31.36 million.

https://www.akelicious.net/nse-indices-record-0-21-loss/

A team from the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) invaded a compoud in Achina Anambra State and injured a 98 years old woman.

The incident which happened on Monday evening had it that the team of SARS operatives invaded the family home of the Okpalaku's (in Achina), whose one of their sons is married to one Ester Chiemerie Nzekwe from Uga in Aguata local government of the State.

It was disclosed that the couple were living in their family house in Achina, alongside the 98 years old mother of the husband, Mrs Cecilia Okpalaku.

The husband, Mr Emeka Okpalaku who does his business abroad left his wife, Mrs Ester and their female child with his aged mother at their home in Achina. He usually comes home regularly to visit the family.

The trouble started when the husband visited home from abroad to find out that his wife had terminated her pregnancy that would have produced another child.

However, Esther's husband, Emeka Okpalaku opted to pull off the marriage having noticed about the abortion of the baby.

Emeka sent his wife parking, leaving their female child in the custody of his old mother.

The story changed when his embattled wife stormed the husband's place in Achina with some SARS operatives.

They invaded the house and forcefully took away the girl child.

It was alleged that the SARS operatives attacked and assaulted the 98 year old Mrs Cecelia, who tried to stop them from taking away the Child.

The SARS injured the women together with other grand children who wanted to resist.

Our sources have confirmed that the aged woman is currently hospitalized after she was harrased and injured by SARS operatives.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, S.P Haruna Mohammed said it was a false allegation.

Haruna who gave a different account of the story said they never wedded, though the police have commenced investigations.

According to him, "the real fact in the issue was that the man confiscated the credentials of his fiancee in order to deny her report to NYSC camp which dateline closes today and was preparing to travel back to Japan where he base.

"The complainants lawyer wrote a petition to the Commissioner of Police who ordered for a discreet investigation into the matter.

"However, as soon as the suspect sighted the Police he locked the house and hide and the police used power of ingress to gain access into the house but the suspect allegedly escaped through the window." he narrated.

https://www.akelicious.net/sars-harasses-injures-98-years-old-woman-in-achina-anambra-state/

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has appealed to Igbos to be cautious over what happened in Germany, describing it as a little family misunderstanding that calls for meeting of minds rather than escalating the dust raised by the incident through careless speeches, including those, according to him, calling for “shoot at Sight” of IPOB members.

Speaking to the press after the signing of a Memorandum-of Understanding with Transmission Company of Nigeria for the building of massive transmission infrastructure in Anambra State at the Executive Chambers of Anambra State Government House yesterday, Obiano requested Sen. Ike Ekweremadu to forgive IPOB members as a carling father readily forgives his misguided and sometimes stupid children.

Obiano who went on to apologise to Sen. Ike Ekweremadu over what he suffered, reminded IPOB members that they were acting illegally having been proscribed by the Nigerian government as a terrorist group. Obiano said that though people like him had since had a re-think about the proscription, but that the recent Germany incident which showed IPOB’s true colours appears to justify the proscription. Obiano said the unrepentant speeches coming from IPOB members betrayed them as a “bunch of irresponsible and misguided youths” in search of direction. “In such a case, what do we do? Leave them to live with their stupidity or guide them as a father guides sons we call ‘efulefus’ in Igbo land?”

Describing the threat to stop some categories of people from travelling, Obiano said the mere thought of that was madness since it was against the universally recognised human rights of freedom of movement. “With their mind set, if you give them Biafra today, the country will certainly turn into a vast prison house,” Obiano cautioned, while calling for continued support for President Mohammadu Buhari as the best gift God has given to Nigeria in recent times..

Obiano who confessed to have known, hosted and interacted with IPOB Leader, Mr. Nnmadi Kanu said: “I have hosted him in Aguleri and I recall we had fruitful discussion. Kanu is an intelligent young man who, I must concede to him, hates injustice, but we disagreed on the manner he is pursuing it. “

https://www.akelicious.net/forgive-ipob-obiano-begs-ekweremadu/

Network of Civil Society Organisation, Borno, on Monday commended security agencies in the country for their relentless effort in securing and protecting the territorial sovereignty.

Chairman of group, Mr Ahmed Shehu said this at a media briefing in Abuja to commemorate World Humanitarian Day.

This year’s campaign was on Women Humanitarians, which supported the recognition that women deserved in strengthening of global humanitarian response as well as in protection efforts under the international law.

“It’s a day directed towards honouring humanitarian efforts worldwide and propagating the idea of supporting people in crisis.

‘World Humanitarian Day 2019 focuses on celebrating women humanitarians and their undying contribution in making the world a better place.

“Women humanitarians hold a sense of unparalleled uniqueness, one that add to the global momentum of female strength, power and perseverance.

“It is time to honor the women who have acted as first responders to the darkest hours of crisis,” he said.

Shehu said Boko Haram was in its 10th years, which led to the death of over 40,000 people and displacing about three million people.

He said the casualty was usually soft target, innocent victims and aids workers, saying the day was a sober reflection to remember the humanitarians who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“The humanitarian community lost over 35 aids workers, majority are local actors, who sacrifice their comfort and life for others to live.

“We are urging security agencies to enhance security arrangement that will ensure that local actors are supported in reaching out to the affected population.

“We also call on UN Agencies and other partners to provide insurance cover to local civil society members they are partnering,” shehu said.

He, however, sympathised with families of those who had lost their lives, urging all relevant agencies to enhance and ensure quick dispensation of the severance packages of the fallen heroes to motivate upcoming generation to be in the frontline to defend humanity.

The Executive Director, Women In the New Nigeria and Youth Empowerment Initiative (WINN), Mrs Lucy Yunana, called on the Federal Government to continue in its efforts in rebuilding the North East, adding that there should be special subvention for the region.

The Programme Director, Participating Communication for Gender Development Initiative (PAGED), Ms Ummi Bukar, who received an award as a woman humanitarian, encouraged women not to be tired in their relentless efforts.

She, however, said she would continue to create the platform to mainstream gender, particularly the voices of women, saying that conflicts and other forms of violence had changed gender roles, bringing more burden and responsibility upon women.

“Women shield men from attacks, most times when terrorist attacks, the women disguise the men and hide them, so they won’t be killed.

“Also during this periods of attack women are left to cater for the needs of their children alone,” she said.

https://www.akelicious.net/humanitarian-day-group-lauds-security-agencies-for-protecting-lives-property/

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will on Monday (today) arraign one Mrs Isabella Oshodin and Bob Oshodin Organisation Ltd at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for N22.9bn fraud and money laundering.

The commission disclosed that they would be arraigned before Justice Taiwo Taiwo on 25 counts for receiving the money fraudulently from the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).



According to a statement in Abuja on Sunday by the acting EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, Oshodin and her firm allegedly received $57.3m and N2.3bn from Dasuki.

The defendants were said to have on 16 occasions received the money in the sums of N500m; N750m; N125m; N350m; N170m; N85m; N60m; N50m and others totaling N2.366bn.

EFCC investigations revealed that the defendants also on eight occasions received $57.2m in escrow accounts of Bob Oshodin Organisation Ltd, in contravention of Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Provision) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012.

Count two of the 25 counts read, “That you, Mrs Isabela Mimie Oshodin, Bob Oshodin Organisation Ltd and Mr Robert Oshodin (still at large) on or about June 22, 2014, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court directly transferred the sum of $7, 712, 598 to one Portfolio Escrow Company with account number 3102004330 domiciled in California Republic Bank, United States of America which sum you reasonably ought to have known to be proceed of an unlawful act of Sambo Dasuki, the then National Security Adviser to wit: criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Provision) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

https://www.akelicious.net/efcc-charges-woman-with-collecting-n22-9bn-from-dasuki/

The attack on former DSP Ekweremmadu in far away Germany as unfortunate as it was calls for a deep reflection.

The underlining and causative intent behind that condemnable act is not likely to go away if not addressed by those in the position to do so.

What is fact is that the Igbos feel threatened by the Nigerian entity. This threat is made visible by the inexistence of equal opportunities for all tribes in terms of decision making and the control of National resources/opportunities

Through the four corners of the Nation, the Igbo man is putting in great effort to make economic gains, thereby impacting on the economy of their host states and regions. However, the outcome that another man from another tribe or region would gain advantage over the Igbo man without putting in much effort remains a pain point for the industrious Igbo man, other factors notwithstanding.

What happened yesterday was not about Ekweremmadu. He was only a victim of circumstance. Our harmonious existence as a Nation is best assured by the establishment of a level playing field for all Nigerians regardless of tribe, ethnicity, religion or region.

https://www.akelicious.net/attack-on-ike-ekweremmadu-by-ipob-is-was-calls-for-a-deep-reflection/

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara on Friday received a draft cheque of N282.5 million from the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) being excess money recovered from auction of the state government’s properties.

The Nigeria News Agency recalls that several state government moveable properties were auctioned by AMCON at different times under the leadership of ex-governor Abdulaziz Yari.

Malam Yusuf Idris, the Director-General on Press Affairs to the state governor, made this known in a statement on Friday.

He said that Matawalle was presented with the cheque by AMCON’s Intergovernmental Relations Officer, Mr Saad Ahmed in company of the corporation’s Head Legal Department, Mr Albert Nwanzie.

“Please find attached the following twenty-nine (29) original drafts totalling 282,525,547,38 in respect of refunds to Zamfara State Government on the settlement sum received in respect of liquidation of the debt of brightway mining and minerals Ltd to AMCON”

Receiving the draft cheques on behalf of the Zamfara Government, Matawalle said his administration would continue to revisit all auctions made on behalf of the state government with a view to recover all funds that were wrongly or illegally deducted from the state by banks, companies or AMCON.

Matawalle was quoted to have wondered over the way and manner government assets were auctioned under the previous administration over its failure to repay little debts.

He further said that the refunds made to the state by AMCON was a positive response to a letter, which he earlier sent to the corporation requesting it to refund the said amount to the state because the money realised from the sales of the state government’s assets was more than the debts.

The governor also promised to continue to pursue all the auctioned properties until all the funds were recovered.

The draft cheques were received in the presence of former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Anka, former Minister of Finance and Honourary adviser to the governor, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Maradun and Alhaji Usman Dankalili.

https://www.akelicious.net/zamfara-govt-recovers-n282-5m-from-amcon-gov-matawalle/

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has opposed the move by the leadership of the National Assembly to procure operational vehicles worth N5.5 billion for members of the Senate and House of Representatives.

It wondered why official cars purchased in the recent past could not be refurbished for the sitting lawmakers.

In a statement yesterday in Enugu by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Chuks Ibegbu, Ohanaeze noted that the move had lent credence to the widely held belief that Nigeria runs the costliest legislature in the world.

The group expressed dismay over the development, querying where would this ‘extravagance’ lead the country when millions of citizens are hungry and live in abject poverty. It submitted that the country had remained one of the least productive nations based on its staggering unemployment figure.

“The other time, they shared billions for salaries and allowances and thereafter went on recess. We are in real trouble with this kind of legislature we imposed on ourselves. Countries in dire need of survival have refrained from ostentatious living, but in our own case, we have insisted that the scarce resources will always belong to the rich,” Ibegbu said.

He pleaded with the federal lawmakers to be patriotic and represent the masses well, explaining that the failure to live up to their calling was partly responsible for the mess in the country.

The spokesman added: “They abandon their duties and are only interested in committees to head, overseas tours and perks of office. We cannot continue to behave like people without the interest of the country at heart. We should work to get our priorities right and discourage the idea that politics is about making wealth and not for service.”

To reduce cost of governance, Ohanaeze suggested a part-time legislature with Senate of not more than 37 members and a House of Reps of 74 members, while there should not be more than 10 legislatures and 10 commissioners in the states.

Besides, Senate President Ahmad Lawan has said with the recent constitution of its standing committees, the ninth National Assembly was poised to work for Nigerians.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, quoted Lawan as making the pledge to reporters on returning from the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday.

He was received by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mohammed Karage, alongside Senators Barau Jibrin and Opeyemi Bamidele.

https://www.akelicious.net/ohanaeze-opposes-n5b-vehicles-for-national-assembly-members/

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the progress so far made by Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State in the last four years shows “he is taking good care of people of the state.’’

A statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said Buhari thanked the governor for taking care of the people of his (President’s) constituency.

Shehu said the president made his feelings known when he inaugurated the re-designed and re-constructed Fago-Katsayal-Kwasarawa-Jirdede-Koza Road during his visit to the state on Thursday.

“The road covering about 38 kilometres and linking four local government areas, was first constructed by the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund, which was then headed by Buhari, and it was extended to Dangwara, Jirdede and Koza towns.

“The road has the benefit of increasing mobility that would enable the predominantly farming population to optimally utilise the Koza dam.

“The dam also serves as a vital route option from Kano, Jigawa and Yobe to the famous Mai’Adua International Border Market,’’ the presidential aide said.

According to Shehu, the President also commissioned another 16 km road that links 20 agrarian communities.

Shehu listed the communities as Kwanar Sabke, Sabke, Kokutu, Makangara, Haukan Zama, Nareje, Madoma, Nasarawa, Magamiyo, Dan’Aunai, Kwanar Dila, Gurje, Magale, Sabon Garin Kogon, Burtu, Dado, Minawa, Subashi, Dutsawa, Nafasa and Dutsi.

He said the roads would help “farmers to easily transport their produce to markets, gain access to health facilities and schools, and unlock the commercial opportunities in the area.’’

Gov. Masari appreciated the President for visiting the state and finding time to commission some projects, assuring him that the state government would always pursue people focused development projects.

https://www.akelicious.net/buhari-applauds-progress-recorded-in-katsina-under-gov-masari/

The PDP is challenging the election of Abdulrazaq on the allegation that he does not have WAEC results as required by law.

Rowland Ottaru,SAN, INEC counsel while adopting his final written addresses in the matter, argued that the petition was bound to fail, as the petitioner has not been able to prove all the allegations of forgery.

“They intended to call some witnesses but refused to bring all their witnesses to court and the person they brought from WAEC, we were able to establish our cases through him

”The witness they brought also supported our position and mentioned that the certificates that the Governor submitted to INEC were genuine and WAEC also confirmed that the certificate was genuine

“So the facts we have made is that, the WAEC result have been submitted to confirm that our position is genuine, and they have not been able to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt

“In any case when you allege crime or the commission of any crime or criminality, you must have to prove beyond reasonable doubt, which they have failed to do,” he said.

Also in his final argument, Mr Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN, counsel to Gov. AbdulRazaq said that a witness confirmed the authenticity of the WAEC certificate belonging to Gov. AbdulRazaq.

“The witness, Mohammed Yaro told the court that he finished from Government College, Kaduna, in 1976 with AbdulRazaq and they both sat for the WAEC examination

“The witness said that, the governor’s serial number in WAEC was 119, while his was 122

“Our witness confirmed to court that he was friends with Gov. AbdulRazaq and both of them sat for the WAEC in June 1976 at the Government College in Kaduna, Kaduna State,” he said.

Also in his argument, Mr Kingsley Odey, counsel to the petitioner, claimed that Gov. AbdulRasaq failed to produce his original WAEC certificate that he got in 1976.

”Unfortunately nothing of such was produced. Gov. AbdulRazaq’s original WAEC certificate was never produced, except for the photocopy

“They forged documents that was annexed to the second respondent, and submitted it to INEC

“To buttress our point, the second respondent fed the witness that was brought to court as witness.

” The witness told the court that he sat for the exam in 1976 and after the exam; he was issued a WAEC certificate which he brought to court

“To embrace the fact that after the exam, he was issued a certificate, but the second respondent did not make any attempt to say that this is my WAEC certificate, with all the controversies surrounding all the forged certificates he submitted to INEC

“The question is; where is the original certificate of Gov. AbdulRazaq?

“The witness that came to court said that he is an architect, which means, he has his original certificate and proceeded to higher institution and became an architect by training.

“The second respondent has not said anything beyond the fact that he went to secondary school, what next? After secondary school, where did he proceed to?

“We have made our point, and it is left to the tribunal to do their own as neutral body, so we are waiting for the judgment,” he said.

After listening to the arguments, Chairman of the Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, Justice Bassey Effiong, fixed Sep. 20 for judgment.

https://www.akelicious.net/inec-gov-abdulrazak-urge-tribunal-to-dismiss-suit-filed-by-pdp/

Family of one the police officers, who were murdered by soldiers of the 93 Battalion in Taraba State, has demanded justice over the gruesome murder of their son, Inspector Mark Edaile.

The immediate elderly brother of the slain officer, Andrew Edaile, who disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, also called for an independent enquiry by local and international bodies to unravel the death of the officer who has served the nation for 16years.

He warned that if the Nigerian government fails to carry out a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, the family would resolve that the murder of the late police officer was an act of conspiracy.

“We come before all well-meaning Nigerians and the international community at large to voice out our displeasure over the gruesome murder and inglorious killing of our brother who went on official duty for his beloved country that he has served for over 16years,” Andrew Edaile said.

“We vehemently speak against the perpetrators of this heinous act by the Nigerian Army and we demand a very thorough investigation by national, international community and as well independent body so that justice will be truly served.

Edaile, who was flanked by the wife of the victim, Olubunmi Edaile and other members of his family blamed the army for the death of the inspector.

“The same Army that is charged with protecting the citizens of the country happens to be the perpetrators at the helm of this heinous and barbaric act.

“Our question is, who are these soldiers working for? Whose side are they on? And whose payroll are these military personnel on? This and many more questions we demand answers to. We also demand to know the kidnapper was released by the army.

He noted that the action has called to question the integrity of the law of Nigeria while adding that it also causes grief to the families of the late police officer.

Edaile explained that the family have been shattered since the news of the murder of their late brother broke.

“Nothing should be swept under the carpet and we demand justice, we also want the perpetrators to be brought to book.

https://www.akelicious.net/family-of-police-inspector-killed-by-soldiers-demands-justice/

The Nasarawa State Government has concluded plans to empower 1, 500 women and youths to achieve food sufficiency in the state.

Kwanta Yakubu, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Abdullahi Sule on Youth and Sports, stated this during a joint meeting with ministries of Commerce, Youth and Sports and Women Affairs.

According to Yakubu, the government has set aside N1.5 billon to empower women and youths who are expected to invest in various agricultural activities as a way of ensuring food sufficiency.

He said that the beneficiaries would be registered under cooperative societies to be qualified for the soft loan by the government.

“We would collaborate with the Bank of Industry in order to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.

“The government would also put machinery in place to ensure that the beneficiaries put in the monies only in agriculture related activities,” the Governor’s aide added.

He also said that plans had been concluded to train 250 youths from each Local Government Area on bricks production.

“In the next one week, the youths from the various local governments would be engaged in bricks production for a period to be determined by the company that would train them.

“At the end of the training exercise, the government would pay the money for the training and provide the youths with startup packs to enable them to establish their own production company and be self reliant,” he said.

He added that apart from the two empowerment programmes, the government had a lot of other packages that would empower the youths and take them off the streets.

https://www.akelicious.net/nasarawa-govt-to-empower-1-500-women-youths-to-achieve-food-sufficiency/

The former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka yesterday called on the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to remain committed to the modernisation of institutions in the state.
He made the call at the Emir’s palace in Kano state when he joined him for Durbar.

Chidoka who spent three days in Kano said he enjoyed the hospitality of Kano people “I enjoyed the hospitality of Kano people over the Sallah”.
“The Durbar was a colourful and beautiful spectacle to experience”. He said.

“My time with Emir Sanusi was elevating as his progressive views on education, the girl Child and passage of Childs Rights Act across the North encouraged me that hope abounds on the future of large population in the North.” “I encouraged Emir Sanusi to remain committed to the modernisation of institutions and not allow his voice to be stifled.” Chidoka said.

https://www.akelicious.net/photo-osita-chidoka-and-emir-sanusi-lamido-sanusi-at-emirs-palace-in-kano/

https://www.akelicious.net/breaking-nigerian-pastor-killed-in-china-over-expired-visa/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOy3VAt9zRA

Osita Chidoka arrives the Palace of His Royal Highness Emir Mohammed Sanusi, the Emir of Kano to join him for Durbar.

According to Ikechukwu Okafor his media assistant, the last time Chidoka visited the Emir's palace was as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission when he paid a courtesy visit to the Late Emir Ado Bayero.

Chidoka wished Eid Mubarak to all his Muslim friends.

The former Minister of Aviation who arrived Kano yesterday to condole with the family of his Late Deputy Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission Uba Hassan, was warmly received by his younger brother, two sons and other members of the family. "We prayed for the repose of his soul and condoled with the family". Chidoka said.

"I learnt an interesting Islamic culture during the visit, the family said they were planning to visit with me to find out if I have any transaction with late Uba that they need to settle. I answered in the negative. His brother said it is a requirement of Islam to ensure that all debts and obligations to people are settled. It gave me a new meaning to the saying 'Rest in Peace'." Chidoka wrote on his official social media handle.

https://www.akelicious.net/eid-mubarak-osita-chidoka-joins-emir-of-kano-sanusi-for-durbar/

The downtrend at the stock market continued last week, leading to a sixth consecutive negative close.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index (NSE ASI) fell by 1.17 per cent to 27,630.46, as investors ignored the earning season and continued taking profit. The market capitalisation shed N157.7 billion to close at 13.3 trillion. Year-to-date, the market has declined by 13.1 per cent. Although the market performance is seen as a negative development, it has depressed prices of stocks to a comfortable entry level.



The market had opened on Monday on a positive note as gains in Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc lifted the NSE ASI by 0.10 per cent.

However, the market turned negative on Tuesday, as it shed 0.5 per cent. The bearish trend was sustained on Wednesday with a decline of 0.4 per cent. There was a little respite on Thursday as the market inched up marginally by 0.05 per cent. But the bears returned on Friday, dragging the index by 0.40 per cent, leading to a fall of 1.17 per cent for the week.

In terms of sectoral performance, the NSE Banking Index led the losers with 6.1 per cent on the back of sell pressures in Unity Bank Plc (-13.5 per cent ), FBN Holdings Plc(-11.6 per cent) and Zenith Bank Plc (-10.7 per cent).

Banking stocks remained under pressure despite the improved results already released by some of the banks. Unity Bank Plc, which shed 13.5 per cent last week, had reported a 96 per cent jump in profit for the half year to June 30, 2019. Also, FBN Holdings Plc that went down 11.6 per cent, ended the H1 2019 with improved profitability and decline in non-performance loans(NPL).

The Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. UK Eke recently said the company was committed to delivery sustainable long-term performance following continuous improvement in the NPL.

FBN Holdings NPL ratio has dropped to 14.5 per cent from 25.3 per cent as of March 2019 and 25.9 per cent at the end of 2018 financial year.

“Despite the difficult operating environment, we remain resolute in delivering on our guidance across key metrics including our commitment towards a single digit NPL ratio by the end of year, as evidenced by the reduction in NPLs from the last quarter. Essentially, Atlantic Energy – our largest NPL, was written off, translating to a decline in the NPL ratio from 25.9 per cent in December 2018 to 14.5 per cent as at June 2019, a step that brings us closer to our FY 2019 target and creates more headroom for quality asset growth.

“This is paving the way for sustained improvement in asset quality and a further reduction in impairment charges that will allow us to take advantage of enhanced earnings opportunities when they arise. “Furthermore, we have remained focused on deepening our transaction-led income and are uniquely positioning for stronger revenue growth and value creation,” Eke said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, First Bank and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, said: “In line with our commitment to address the legacy asset quality challenges, exposure to Atlantic Energy was written off in the quarter.

“This is a material progress in our legacy NPL resolutions and clearly reflects our resolve towards achieving a single digit NPL ratio by year end. In addition, this step creates significant headroom for increased business opportunities and enhanced earnings especially in the oil & gas sector of the economy.”

The NSE Insurance Index shed 3.9 per cent, while the NSE Oil & Gas Index and NSE Consumer Goods Index went down by 1.6 per cent and 0.6 per cent in that order.

Market turnover

Investors traded 1.081 billion shares worth N12.014 billion in 16,246 deals last week, as against 759.266 million shares valued at N14.038 billion that exchanged hands in 16,209 deals last week. However, the Financial Services industry remained the most traded, recording led 900.334 million shares valued at N9.076 billion traded in 8,693 deals, thus contributing 83.3 per cent and 75.54 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with 51.224 million shares worth N64.388 million in 897 deals, while the third place was occupied by Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 40.906 million shares worth N946.210 million in 3,090 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely: Sterling Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 511.856 million shares worth N6.133 billion in 2,074 deals, contributing 47.36 per cent and 51.05 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also, total of 36,011 units valued at N495,359.07 were traded last week in 13 deals compared with a total of 87,142 units valued at N1.180 million transacted the previous week in 18 deals.

Similarly, a total of 18,100 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N20.049 million were traded last week in eight deals compared with a total of 433,774 units valued at N445.318 million transacted two weeks ago week in 16 deals.

Top price gainers and losers

Meanwhile, only 12 equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than 32 equities in the previous week, while 43 equities depreciated in price, higher than 27 equities in the previous week.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc led the price gainers with 13.3 per cent, trailed by Dangote Flour Mills Plc with 11.3 per cent. B.O.C Gases Plc chalked up 9.8 per cent, just as NCR (Nigeria) Plc garnered 9.4 per cent.

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc and Custodian Investment Plc appreciated by 9.1 per cent, just as Sterling Bank Plc and LASACO Assurance Plc 6.6 per cent and 5.8 per cent in that order. Lafarge Africa Plc and MTN Nigeria Communication Plc 4.1 per cent and 3.1 per cent respectively.

Conversely, Continental Reinsurance Plc led the price losers with 19.2 per cent, trailed by Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc with 17.0 per cent. Unity Bank Plc and Forte Oil Plc went down by 13.5 per cent and 12.6 per cent in that order.

Academy Press Plc depreciated by 12.5 per cent, just as FBN Holdings Plc shed 11.6 per cent. May & Baker Nigeria Plc and Zenith Bank Plc 10.8 per cent and 10.6 per cent. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc declined by 10 per cent apiece.

https://www.akelicious.net/equities-market-sheds-n158bn-records-sixth-consecutive-weekly-decline/

Blogger and social media personality, Kemi Olunloyo, has said that though she has a high sex drive, she cannot date a man who is way younger than her. Speaking with Saturday Beats during the week, she said, “Nigerians don’t talk about sex. They don’t get exclusive like I have done. The sex drive thing was something that happened to me at a stage but many people don’t like to talk about it in Nigeria because they don’t think it is proper. What is going on with me now at 55 (high sex drive) is the same thing that happened when I was a teenager. I think it is something peculiar to women in their fifties. I have spoken with a lot of women in their fifties and they tell me their sex drive becomes higher at that age. That is why there are a lot of sugar mummies. Many of these women are having sex with younger men but I want an older guy. Some of my friends say that the older guys are now impotent and cannot have sex anymore. But I believe there is somebody out there (for me). I really cannot date a younger guy. Maybe somebody who is in his forties, or a 50-year-old man.”

Meanwhile, on her 55th birthday during the week, one of Olunloyo’s sons with the handle, @eni2171987, on Instagram, had written, “Happy 55th birthday my so-called-mother.” According to Olunloyo, the said post was actually made a year ago. She stated, “That was last year. My son called me around 2am just to wish me happy birthday, so I told him to call me in the morning because I was tired at the time. He then made that particular post, and a year later, it is now everywhere.”



On what she has planned for the rest of the year, Olunloyo said, “I am doing two new things in the media, as regards investigative journalism. I am working on COZA and the case of the young man, Chinedu Obi, who was killed in Ogun State by policemen who claimed that he broke windows of cars in their station. I am going to be doing an investigation on that because the police authorities haven’t released his body to his family until they pay for all the damages Chinedu caused. I have spoken with all the family members and I am about to ‘unleash’ that one.”

https://www.akelicious.net/my-sex-drive-is-high-but-i-cant-date-young-men-kemi-olunloyo/

The Delta Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 3,000 armed and unarmed personnel to ensure a hitch free Eid-el-kabir celebrations in the state.

Mr Eke Onyekachi, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba on Thursday.

He said that the state Commandant of the corps, Dr Eze Benito, had deployed the officers throughout the state to work in synergy with other security agencies.

Onyekachi said that the deployment was to provide adequate security during the holidays and ensure that the Eid-el-kabir celebrations was hitch-free and enjoyed by all.

He said that the officers were expected to patrol major areas in the state and would be positioned at strategic locations to ensure security for all Delta people throughout the period of the celebration.

“The commandant assures a hitch free Eid-el-kabir celebrations as the officers are ready to provide adequate security during and after the celebrations, ” he said

https://www.akelicious.net/eid-el-kabir-nscdc-deploys-3000-personnel-in-delta/

1. Goodluck Jonathan need to explain to Nigerians how he managed to pay fuel subsidy and yet sold fuel at N86 per liter.
2. Goodluck Jonathan need to explain to Nigerians how he manage to swallow our insults, criticism and protests without using the military and DSS to hunt us down

3. Goodluck Jonathan needs to explain to Nigrians how he managed to handle our group protests and yearnings without calling us terrorists

4. Goodluck Jonathan need to explain to Nigerians how he managed to controls our borders and yet a bag of rice was sold for 8k.

5. Goodluck Jonathan need to explain to Nigerians how he managed to build 17 federal universities in 17 states in Nigeria.

6. Goodluck Jonathan need to explain to Nigerians how he managed to build almajiri schools in all the Norther Local governments.

7. Goodluck Jonathan need to explain to Nigerians how he managed to hold $1=#165 for 4yrs

8. Goodluck Jonathan need to Explain to Nigerians how he managed to push Nigeria’s economy to be number 1 in African.

More at https://www.akelicious.net/goodluck-jonathan-we-need-explanation-now/

This is not the best of time for politics and politicians with character and self-discipline. This is because politics around the world has become muddy and questionable, perhaps the reason behind its reference as a dirty business. In Nigeria for instance, one would not be crucified to say that politics is queer and forlorn especially with what is playing out in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government. The party and its members will never stop amusing Nigerians with drama, controversies and daunting statements among others. The other day, a friend of mine spoke excellently in defence of President Muhammadu Buhari and painted a picture that exonerated him from the rest of political comedians. The gentleman swore with his life that President Buhari is a democrat to the core, a bridge builder and above all an incorruptible person.

Of course, Buhari’s pedigree is absolutely undisputable being a world class and Africa’s number one with no rival in sight at the moment. Never mind Dogara’s quibble about Buhari not being the only one that is corrupt free. However looking at president Buhari’s body language on certain issues with regards to national security, one would notice the biblical mother’s affection towards a particular child play out. On several occasions the federal government’s statements tend to sound like the voice of Isaac but the body of Esau. Over the years, the governments’ continued silence and unwillingness to call killer herdsmen terrorist to order and its sudden approach to resolve the herdsmen conflict with farmers with RUGA are questionable. There is also, the window of opportunity (six months) given to immigrants to flock the country in the name of registration. With regards to the above, does Buhari look like a true democrat or a bridge builder with such actions? No doubt, his immaculate and incorruptible robe earned him accolade internationally but it is not enough when back at home he cannot unite his people along ethnic and religious lines. If you are a careful observer and have been following President Buhari after the 2015 inauguration, one would notice that some of Buhari’s statements attract more questions than understanding what the president is trying to achieve or say. Not too long ago, the president’s tirade that Nigerian youth are lazy, a statement that brought the administration to its low ebb was greeted with serious condemnation across the country.

Again, quite recently, one is surprised at how Buhari has continued to put his party and administration in a tight corner with his not too refined statements. No doubt, the president has the free rein to bluntly speak his mind, but not without some kind of guide or management from his media aides and political advisers. While receiving elders and leaders of thought from Ogun State at the State House, the other day, President Buhari tried to count himself among the genuine praise singers of Moshood Abiola’s charisma and he unknowingly discredited his government with a slap of mud on the face when he said: “If chief Moshood Abiola was allowed to rule, the religious and tribal issues now in Nigeria would not have been strong, …because of his personality, he went across the country and was accepted. He used his resources and energy to convince Nigerians that all he wanted was a solid Nigeria.” Now, the big questions begging for answers are: Did Buhari not traverse the length and breath of the country during his elections campaigns just like Abiola did? Did the people not accepted or received him with open hands and ecstasy because of his personality just like Abiola? Why then is ethnic and religious bigotry so pronounced in his government and by extension the entire country? Is President Buhari therefore, admitting to Nigerians and the world in general that his government has woefully failed to unite the nation along ethnic and religious lines, hence the tension in the country today? It would be highly imprudent on the part of the president’s kitchen cabinet, political advisers and media and publicity aides especially to continue to expose Buhari in making such political blunders, which the opposition party may be documenting to shame the ruling party in the near future. At a point during Donald Trump’s campaign in 2016, his campaign managers and aides saw the need to disallow him from using his Twitter handle having discovered that its usage was giving the opposition an edge and to a large extent it contributed immensely to Trump’s election victory.

Aside President Buhari’s promises, if there is anything that voters and Nigerians in general wanted from Buhari’s government before they massively voted for him in 2015, it was to end corruption, unite the nation along ethnic and religious lines and conquer the Boko Haram menace that has held the nation to ransom, causing havoc and fear among the people. But instead of tackling the above, other ugly vices like herdsmen dilemma, kidnapping, and killings among others reared its head and engulfed the nation. Without employing the services of a soothsayer, the ruling government ought to know that the chief threat to security is lack of education and unemployment for the teeming young population. On this note, the president resounded strongly the other day while receiving a group which identified itself as the progressives in Academics (Pro-Acad) in Aso Rock and said that education remains his government’s priority with N1 trillion so far been injected into the sector in the last four years. However, the effect of such huge investment is questionable as education remains neglected and in tatters. Of course, the issue of affordable housing, constant electricity, and good road network among others remain as a dream waiting for its reality at dawn.

At the moment, President Buhari’s plan to keep his most important election promises is failing. This is so because his administration seems nearly as weak as the one he defeated at the polls. As it were, majority of the people no longer earn his trust, they see the administration as deceptive and pompous with an over-bearing indices of selfish interest. Therefore, it is unarguable that the ruling government may go down in history as one that came with a whirlwind of ‘change slogan’ and so it changed everything from usual to abnormal during its first term in office and currently on a second with another slogan that seems to take the nation to an uncertain next level.

However, to come out of the doldrum, President Buhari in clear conscience has to retrace his steps and refine his future statements. Also, political appointments that seem lopsided to a particular section of the country and religion should be balanced. Most important, something about Nigeria’s leadership style has to change for good forever and the nation’s interest must be paramount first. Those in government need to know that their job is to take the lead and show leadership by example. Then, the people’s responsibility is to make sure that such exemplary move will on their part yield results in more resilient and prosperous Nigeria. This is because, all over the world, everyone talks about Nigeria’s abundant resources as they make inferences that Nigerians ought not to suffer poor healthcare, unemployment, inadequate education among others but enjoy incredible sweet presence of basic human amenities, an enjoyment, almost too good or better that the American dream. Therefore, Nigeria’s political leaders should endeavour to eschew corruption and squarely face national development as a matter of priority.

https://www.akelicious.net/nigeria-ongoing-crisis-what-exactly-is-president-muhammadu-buhari-saying/

As the Election Petition Tribunal in Akwa Ibom State enters the final stage, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have engaged themselves in trading claims and counter-claims in an apparent bid to sway the tribunal and public opinion, as they throw everything into the ring to come out victorious. Notably among the cases attracting so much attention and mudslinging are the ones by Senator Godswill Akpabio of APC instituted against Senator Chris Ekpenyong, PDP and INEC. Then there is another by the governorship candidate of APC, Obong Nsima Ekere against Governor Udom Emmanuel, PDP and INEC.

Also, accusations and counter accusation from all sides have thickened as the matters progress.In a statement signed by its state’s Publicity Secretary, Nkereuwem Enyongekere , APC said, “We have received credible intelligence and classified information that the PDP and other respondents in the ongoing Governorship Election Petition trial are making desperate attempts to tamper with the avalanche of the exhibits and documented evidence tendered by our great party, APC, and its governorship Candidate, Ekere, at the tribunal. The PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel, we understand, have been embarrassed and flummoxed by these exhibits which show clearly what we have been saying even before the elections: that the PDP and INEC were working together to perpetrate one of the worst electoral frauds in the state. Our evidence and the exhibits have shown clearly that there was no accreditation at most of the polling units during the Governorship Election. This is why INEC allowed PDP supporters to engage in multiple voting using unclaimed PVCs.

“It is therefore no surprise that given their proclivity for fraudulent practices, the respondents in the case may want to extend their stock in trade to the court premises. It was in anticipation of these nefarious and fraudulent tendencies on their part that necessitated our earlier call for the tribunal to sit in Abuja. But our suggestion was vehemently opposed by the PDP. We now know why.
“We are calling on our security agencies to be on the lookout for these unscrupulous politicians who have no restraint in executing any unconscionable action to achieve their evil purposes. The tribunal secretariat staffers are hereby warned not to be induced into criminal activities by the promise of huge financial payments, a familiar practice of the PDP. To be forewarned is to be forearmed”.

Two weeks ago there were publications in some national dailies alleging that the Returning Officer for Essien Udim in the 2019 National Assembly Elections, Dr. William Olosunde, had cancelled Akpabio’s vote at the instance of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini. That Olosunde had said the results which had already been collated at the local government and senatorial district offices of INEC which showed that Akpabio had won convincingly were cancelled on the orders of Igini in his office in Uyo. But Olosunde at the tribunal debunked the allegation, saying it was the absence of results from the polling units that caused the cancellation of Akpabio’s votes and the results.

Just last week, an audio and video in the social media was said to have been released by Akpabio’s team and the APC alleging a conversation between Olosunde and a lady. In the alleged audio conversation, Olosunde was heard to have said that the original 61,000 votes allocated to Akpabio were done without card reader and not evidenced on the register of voters because when the card reader was checked or queried by him and that the only valid legal accredited votes contained were 5,000 but INEC had said, “our record shows that the officer so claimed in the video was not posted to that ward he claimed he worked”.

The former Vice President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Mr. Monday Ubani, was reported to have allegedly boasted that he would use his connections with some renowned lawyers and judges in Abuja to secure Akpabio’s triumph in the ongoing tribunal against his opponent, Sen. Ekpenyong and incite the public against Igini.

While rising in defense of Igini and INEC, the Convener Countryfirst Movement, Mr. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, said the attempt of the legal team of Senator Akpabio to blackmail and rubbish the person of Igini “will not stand, for truth will always prevail over falsehood”.

He said, “The truth about the integrity of Citizen Mike Igini is profound. As INEC REC Mike Igini has remained a non-conformist and a believer in due process; his records in Cross River and Edo States are halcyon; so, the media and legal teams of Akpabio should be told to focus on the case in court and spare us the social media theatrics and effort to blackmail and rubbish the person of Mike Igini. No, the blackmail won’t stand; it won’t. We know Mike Igini.

“I’m compelled to challenge my friend and brother, Barrister Monday Onyekachi Ubani, to prevail on his colleagues in the Akpabio legal, and media team to face the matters before the court, as the doctored tape on social media alleging that Mike Igini ordered the Electoral Officer (EO) who superintended over the Senatorial contest between Akpabio and Ekpeyong ditto to cancel some votes that were pro-Akpabio is not only spurious, but demonic, and is not before the court. The tape presently on social media was clearly manufactured and procured with the impish and impious motive to destroy one of our own, and present him in bad light. But the evil motive will, shall and must fail. Mike Igini is the untainted gift of the civil society to INEC. The records are there, and no conspiracy of falsehood will prevail over truth.

“Since the INEC’s EO who superintended the Senatorial election in dispute has unequivocally said in and out of court that at no point was he asked by Mike Igini to cancel any result or figures. I implore Monday Ubani and the entire Akpabio legal and media team to withdraw the false, spurious and wicked tape seeking to demean one of our own. Everyone has the right to keep the friends and clients of their choice; Monday Ubani has chosen to do so with Akpabio, but I’m unable to believe that he will do so at the detriment of one of our own. I also doubt that he will support efforts to rubbish one of the leading lights of the civil society. However, Monday Ubani’s rebuttal of the allegation that he has chosen to rubbish Mike Igini for Akpabio to win the case in court appears weak, and he knows that.

“At this point in our nation’s history, we must support and defend the few visible lights of truth, decency and decorum we have, and repudiate every tendency to rubbish the brightest for lucre. We must reevaluate our collective values and etch profound mores on our collective canvass. I cannot therefore watch unaddressed the calculated effort to rubbish one of the best of the progressive left. No, I can’t. Akpabio and his team should face the matter in court and spare us their dance macabre and shenanigans. For light will constantly overcome darkness, and truth will continuously prevail over falsehood. Leave Mike Igini alone, the darts won’t stick”.

According to a political analyst in the state, Dr. Bassey Edet, “This is the smear campaign to dent the image of lgini. If Akpabio knows that this doctored and edited audio conversation has massive evidential value to his case why did his legal team not tender it to the tribunal like the cooked, discredited one he brought showing Akpabio on long sleeve walking to a voting centre, but under cross examination to show accreditation, he was wearing short sleeve? Why is this audiotape that “indicts” lgini found useful only on social media and not at the tribunal to prove his case where he has closed his case?

“A society, a country and government that will not encourage, promote and protect men and women of honesty and integrity but allows corrupt people who plan to bomb official vehicle of an electoral commissioner to walk free and still continue to carry out smear campaign against such a man of proven integrity is an unviable country that does not deserve the loyalty of citizens”.

Equally commenting is another political activist in the state, Mr. Imaikop Udosen, who said, “I didn’t expect anything less because Ubani has lost public trust, relevance and significance. But crying will not save his face and Nigerian should note his antics as new deceitful tactics.

“It’s a shocker and it beats my imagination to hear that even those that should be the custodians of truth, these self-styled activists have transmogrified themselves to oracles of falsehood, lies and deceit. They have been dignified as inventors of evil and deceit. It shows how decayed our society and those who on a daily basis deceive Nigerians that they are defending their interests on radio and television”.

Udosen said it was deceitful for anyone to say anything negative against Igini because “this is a man who made it possible for all the Akwa lbom people to see ballot papers for the first time after 1999, who our people see as our liberator from the manipulators of our state and their devious group all these years”.

However, INEC has put a lie to APC and its chieftains’ claims, saying it never robbed Senator Akpabio and APC of victory in the February 23 and March 9 general elections. Rather, the commission said the APC and its faithful are busy fabricating stories to sway the tribunal and the public.

INEC, in a reaction captioned, “Media Campaign Against Igini as a Strategy for Winning at the Tribunal”, dated July 29 and signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Don Etukudo, said, “Conscious of its status as an umpire, INEC is only interested in the justice of the matters before the tribunal and it’s only there to explain how it conducted the elections in the state.

“In spite of this resolve not to join issues with anyone, the commission wishes to note that the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the APC and Senator Akpabio had since identified Igini as the man they must demonise if they are to win their cases at the tribunal. Just as they saw his removal from the state as the only way they could win the 2019 elections, their current thinking seems to be that if Igini is abused, maligned, vilified and scandalised enough, the tribunal will award them their ‘their mandate’, no matter the strength or weakness of their petitions. So media mercenaries are hired to pick snippets from tribunal proceedings, twist and convulse the narrative to portray Igini as a villain and plant the retches online and pliable media houses.

“First, it was that INEC was withholding election materials ordered to be released to them by the tribunal. Now it is that Igini instructed the Collation Officer to cancel their votes in Essien Udim. Media spaces are bought, spurious audio and video recordings are procured, doctored and splashed on social media to promote these falsehood.

“Perhaps, they need to be assured that no one in the commission is by any means fazed by their shenanigans. The commission has a clear conscience, convinced that it did its best to give the Akwa Ibom people the opportunity to elect their leaders according to the law. If they are capable of reasoning, we would advise that rather than dissipate their energies in whining and waging a futile media campaign against Igini, they should invest their exertions at the tribunal where they can reclaim ‘their mandate.”

https://guardian.ng/politics/apc-pdp-inec-in-mudslinging-battle-as-akwa-ibom-election-tribunal-heats-up/amp