The couple got engaged in Los Angeles, United States of America..
They were billed to walk down the aisle in November..

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike on Friday charged new Commissioner of Police (CP) in Rivers state, Friday Eboka to shun politics and focus on core mandate of protecting lives and property.

Wike, receiving CP Eboka at Government House, Port Harcourt, told him, “I will never come to you to say Mr. CP go and do what is illegal. I will never come to you to say so and so person is my friend, he was arrested for kidnapping, so release him.

In fact, I’ll even say take him away. Because if I support the person who is kidnapping, it may be my turn tomorrow, I won’t always be governor. “So, whatever you can do with your team, please I beg you in the name of God, provide security. Don’t come here and play politics.”

The governor said he is not unmindful that some persons may have recommended him to be posted to Rivers, but he should let his conscience guide him. He commended the CP for reorganising the C4I unit of the State police command and pledged to support the team succeed in their task to combat crime.

He expressed concern that, “The level of kidnapping has gone high in the society. Your former colleague abandoned the job and was being deceived by some people who feign that they are traditional rulers.

“It’s most unfortunate that the former CP will be going to traditional rulers to be hosting him. It’s a shame. Now, Nigerians don’t have confidence anymore in security agents.”

He told the CP how a police officer, dressed in mufti and armed with AK 47 harassed his convoy while on inspection of new Rivers State legislative residential quarters on Thursday.

He narrated that, “Yesterday (Thursday), I was going out for inspection. We saw one guy carrying Ak4, not on police uniform. He was on mufti, blocking us from Waterlines Junction when we went to inspect the Rivers State Assembly’s quarters on-going project. “We moved on to inspect the Speaker’s residence project, and the man was still following us. So, the security wondered what’s going on and stopped him.”

Governor Wike disclosed to the new CP that his administration has provided the State Police Command not less than 150 vehicles, but regretted that most of the vehicles have been mismanaged and some diverted.

CP Eboka told the Governor that, “My duty, essentially in this State is to fight crime and criminality. I know I cannot do that work alone without synergy with other stakeholders. “I assure you (Governor) that any assistance given to us will be used to improve the security of this State. I’ve told my men, that there is no arm chair policing in my administration. Officers have been warned to shun corruption, be civil with the public, and we will not tolerate accidental discharge.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/dont-come-to-rivers-to-play-politics-wike-charges-new-rivers-cp/amp/

Human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), on Saturday, called for the unconditional release of all protesters arrested at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.

The senior advocated said he was “saddened and devastated” by the dehumanisation of the protesters.

Adegboruwa, who is also a member of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing alleged killing of #EndSARS protesters by soldiers at the Lekki toll gate, said he could not continue to sit at any panel when fresh assaults are being perpetrated with impunity.

He stated this in a statement titled, ‘The Arrest, Detention and Dehumanization of Protesters at Lekki Toll Gate Are Unacceptable’.

“I have been monitoring events at the Lekki Toll Gate since morning, and I am totally overwhelmed with the images, videos and sundry evidence of police brutality of armless civilians, who ventured to protest at the Toll Gate.

In one particular video, I saw citizens of Nigeria being dehumanized, striped half naked and cramped together in a rickety bus. This is totally unacceptable.

“While we are yet to come to terms with the events of October 20, 2020, it becomes worrisome that the security agencies have not learnt any positive lesson from those occurrences.

I commend the protesters for their peaceful conduct. “I cannot in good conscience continue to sit at any Panel of Inquiry to heal wounds and end police brutality, when fresh assaults are being perpetrated with impunity.

Consequently, I am presently consulting with my constituency within the civil society, as to my continued participation in the EndSARS Judicial Panel.

“I hereby demand the immediate release of all those arrested in connection with the peaceful protest at the Lekki Toll Gate today. On no account should anything happen to any of them while in the custody of the police.

“I appeal for calm on all sides, in order not to escalate the worsening security situation across the land. I cannot fail to point out the fact that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is a product of protest and civil disobedience.
Let history vindicate the just. Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!”

The PUNCH had earlier reported that popular comedian Debo Adebayo, also known as Mr Macaroni, and about 30 other #OccupyLekkiTollgate campaigners were arrested on Saturday for protesting at the Lekki toll gate where they demanded that justice be served to the victims of the October 20 2020 #EndSARS protest at the toll plaza.

The panel had decided to hand over the tollgate back to its operators, Lekki Concession Company. Four members of the panel including Adegboruwa faulted the decision of the panel but the chairman of the panel, retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, and four other members of the panel acceded to LCC’s request to repossess the toll gate.

Source: https://punchng.com/occupylekki-i-cannot-continue-to-sit-at-endsars-panel-adegboruwa/

Hmm..

Few hours after the Federal government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the suspension of Emirates Airlines operations into Nigeria in response to a hostile policy earlier slammed on the Nigerian Dubai bound travellers, the Nigerian government has again reversed the airline suspension announcing the immediate lifting of the earlier suspension.

In a statement just issued and signed by the director-general of the NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, the NCAA few hours after announcing the suspension of Emirates Airlines, has notified the public of the reversal of the earlier suspension.

The reversal of the suspension may not be unconnected to Emirates Airlines decision to inform the NCAA in writing that the UAE Government has given the airline approval to suspend the pre-departure RDT requirement for passengers travelling on their flight to Dubai.

Consequent upon the foregoing, the PTF directed the NCAA to lift the suspension placed on Emirates Airlines flights into Nigeria with effective from 5th February 2021.

According to the reversal announcement, NCAA declared: ” The Presidential Task Force (PTF) of COVID19 was made aware of the requirement by Emirates airlines and KLM for passengers travelling from Nigeria on their flights to Dubai and Amsterdam to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test (RDT) Four (4) hours from the time of flights departure.

This requirement is in addition to the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test done 72 hours from the date of departure by passengers. “The implementation of the additional requirement by the Two (2) airlines was commenced without the prior notification or approval of the PTF and other regulatory bodies in Nigeria.

This led to the provision of RDT testing by organizations and Laboratories that have not been approved by the PTF and other Regulatory agencies for RDTat or around our international airports in Lagos and Abuja.

“The PTF upon review of the situation directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to inform the airlines to either suspend the requirement for pre-departure RDT or their flights to the country until such a time when the required infrastructure and logistics have been put in place for RDT by the Government.

“Emirates Airlines, however, continued their operations requiring passengers to carry out the RDT test Six (6) hours from the time-of-flight departure from Nigeria. The PTF, therefore, directed for the immediate suspension of Emirates Airlines operations to Nigeria effective 4th February 2021 until when the needed infrastructure and logistics are put in place for the RDT test by the Nigerian Government.

Emirates Airlines on 5th February 2021 informed the NCAA in writing that the UAE Government has given the airline approval to suspend the pre-departure RDT requirement for passengers travelling on their flight to Dubai.

Following the agreement by the Dubai authorities to suspend the pre-departure RDT requirement for Nigerian passengers travelling on their flight to Dubai, the NCAA has therefore informed as follows that: “Emirates Airlines no longer requires passengers to carry out pre-departure RDT.

No laboratory has been approved by the PTF and other regulatory agencies to carry out RDT for incoming or departing passengers. The PTF will inform all Nigerians of any change(s) to the above..

Source: https://tribuneonlineng.com/breaking-few-hours-after-suspension-of-emirates-airlines-ncaa-reverses-self-lifts-suspension/

The ban on crypto currency transactions or payments for crypto exchanges has continued to stir reactions from Nigerians.

The Central Bank of Nigeria had in a circular signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Bello Hassan directed all Financial Institutions to close the accounts of those engaged in crypto transactions.

The apex bank also threatened severe regulatory sanctions on institutions that may breach its directive.

However, a former lawmaker, Shehu Sani says the ban by the CBN points only to the fact that the country is hell-bent on moving backwards.

He condemned the CBN directive on his Twitter page, wondering why the decision was taken.

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2021/02/05/crypto-ban-nigeria-running-backwards-shehu-sani-queries-cbn/

KANO – District Head of Dawakin Tofa in Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Rabiu, has died as a result of Covid-19 complications.

Rabiu, a former House of Representatives member and veterinary doctor died on Thursday at Kwanar Dawakin Isolation Centre, in Kano.

A relative of the family, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who confirmed the death to newsmen in the state, said the deceased died at the age of 72.

He said the late District Head was survived by a wife, children, and relations.

The deceased who was also a Special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau on Economic matters have since been buried according to Islamic rites..

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/kano-district-head-dies-of-covid-19-complications/

The FEC meeting of February 3, 2021 The Federal Executive Council has approved a memo from the Ministry of Education for the establishment of 20 new private universities across the country.

The 20 new private universities are to be given provisional licenses to run for three years while the ministry monitors and evaluates their growth.

This brings the total number of private universities in the country to 99. Also during the meeting, members observed a minute of silence for two late cabinet members who died recently.

The minute of silence was observed just before the commencement of the weekly meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari Council Chambers of the State House.
The former members are Alfa Wali and Tony Momoh.

Wali, a prominent Kano State indigene and former Minister of Agriculture, died on Monday, January 25th, 2021. He also served as Permanent Secretary in many ministries, including the Ministry of Defence.

The late Momoh was a veteran journalist and politician who was Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, who died on February 1, 2020, at the age of 82.

The Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Mongunu, as well as seven ministers physically, attended the meeting.

The ministers included Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, and Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Source: https://www.channelstv.com/2021/02/03/breaking-fec-approves-establishment-of-20-new-private-universities/amp/

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Tony Momoh is dead at the age of 81.

Momoh who was appointed as Minister of Information and Culture by General Ibrahim Babangida, a position he held from September 1986 until 1990 died at his Abuja residence on Monday February 1.

Before his death, the lawyer and veteran journalist was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Jos..

Source: https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2021/2/former-information-minister-tony-momoh-is-dead.html

Operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have reportedly invaded the camp of Fulani herdsmen in Isiukwuato, Abia State, chasing them away and killing dozens of their cows.

In a video shared by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and seen by SaharaReporters, ESN operatives were seen burning houses and cows allegedly belonging to the herdsmen.

“Video of men at work last night across all the towns and villages of the old Bende Division, especially Isiukwuato,” Kanu captioned the video shared on his Facebook page. “ESN has commenced the combing of parts of Isiukwuato forests last night and engagement with the enemy is ongoing and will continue until they no longer present a threat to our communities along that axis.

“Our intel so far has revealed that those terrorising Isiukwuato are rogue elements in the Nigerian Army & police who pass on their victims to Fulani killer herdsmen.

#ESN shall find and neutralise these murderers and kidnappers in the coming days, be rest assured.” A lady was also heard in the video accusing the Fulani of being behind the rising insecurity in the Eastern region.

“We are here to tell these idiots, these stupid Fulani that this place is not for them, they must leave our land. We are formidable, we have dealt with them, their cows are dead, we have chased them away,” she said.

“They should leave our land, there is no place for them. We cannot allow you to stay in our land, you kill our people, you rape our women, you think you will go scot free, there is no place for you. These are their houses, we are setting fire on (sic) it. They should leave our land.”

Kanu had in December 2020 launched ESN to protect the people of South-East and South-South regions from terrorists and bandits allegedly trooping in from the North.

The IPOB leader described the outfit as a replica of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, earlier launched by the governors of the South-West to curb insecurity in the region.

“The sole aim and objective of this newly formed security outfit known as Eastern Security Network is to halt every criminal activity and terrorist attack on Biafraland,” Kanu had said. “

This outfit, which is a vigilante group like the Amotekun in the South-West and the Miyetti Allah security outfit, will ensure the safety of our forests and farmland which terrorists have converted into slaughter grounds and raping fields.”

SaharaReporters reported that the military search had been ongoing for days, and had no time frame, as the army was acting on "orders from above."

From drones and hidden cameras believed to be installed by the ESN, a video captured the Nigerian Army helicopters and their vehicles and soldiers searching for the camp of the ESN to make arrests.

However, there have been clashes between the military and ESN operatives in Orlu, Imo State, leading to the death of at least five persons. Recently, it was also learnt that some Nigerian soldiers resigned and joined the ESN, on the grounds that the ESN, being funded by both international and local donors, had better welfare packages for its officers than the military.

“The Kanu ESN boys are not a bunch of rookies and untrained fellows brandishing guns. I personally know five guys from my hometown in Anambra State who left the Nigerian Army to join the ESN. Two of them were formerly serving in Operation Lafiya Dole, Borno State, before they quit.

“We are being reliably informed that there are other soldiers, particularly of the South-East extraction, who will soon leave for other various reasons and they are likely to be recruited into the fold,” a military source told SaharaReporters.

In July 2012, about 356 soldiers in the North-East and other theatres of operation had resigned from the army – some on voluntary retirement, while others cited loss of interest as their reason for disengagement.

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2021/01/31/herdsmen-flee-ipob’s-eastern-security-network-invades-fulani-camp-abia-kills-many-cows

India blocked mobile internet services in several areas surrounding Delhi on Saturday as protesting farmers began a one-day hunger strike after a week of clashes with authorities that left one dead and hundreds injured.

Angry at new agricultural laws that they say benefit large private buyers at the expense of producers, tens of thousands of farmers have been camped at protest sites on the outskirts of the capital for over two months.

A planned tractor parade on Republic Day last Tuesday turned violent when some protesters deviated from agreed routes, tore down barricades and clashed with police, who used teargas against them.

Sporadic clashes between protesters, police and groups shouting anti-farmer slogans have broken out on several occasions since then.

India’s interior ministry said on Saturday internet services at three locations on the outskirts of Delhi where protests are occurring had been suspended until 11pm (1730 GMT) on Sunday to “maintain public safety”.

Indian authorities often block internet services when they believe there will be unrest, although the move is unusual in the capital.

At the main protest site near the village of Singhu on the northern outskirts of the city, there was a heightened police presence on Saturday as hundreds of tractors arrived from Haryana, one of two states at the centre of the protests.

Farm leaders said Saturday’s hunger strike, to coincide with the anniversary of the death of the Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, would show Indians that the protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful.

Source: https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/30/india-blocks-mobile-internet-at-sites-of-farmers-protest

Room 028, the venue of the public hearing on the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB has been thrown into pandemonium following a fight by some attendants.

Vanguard is yet to confirm who the individuals are but could say they are members of the oil host communities who had come to make presentations on the bill.

The fight broke out exactly 12:10 pm when the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on PIB, Hon. Mohammed Monguno who had been moderating the proceedings called the host Communities to make their presentation.

To this end, lawmakers and other participants are scampering for safety. Vanguard could sight security agents currently trying to calm frayed nerves..

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/breaking-fight-breaks-out-at-reps-pib-public-hearing/amp/

The Oyo State Government has deployed 200 operatives of the Oyo State Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun in Ibarapa Local Government Area of the state.

Of late, there has been crisis between Ibarapa indigenes and Fulani herdsmen accused of perpetrating crimes ranging from kidnappings, killings, rape to invasion of farmlands with their cattle in the area.

In a statement on Wednesday, Governor Seyi Makinde said the deployment of Amotekun Corps followed a meeting with security agencies and stakeholders in the crisis-torn area.

He said, “Following the meeting held with representatives of Igangan, Ibarapaland which was attended by security stakeholders including the recently appointed Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko, our administration has come up with a security strategy for that zone.

“We have resolved to redeploy 200 members of the Oyo State Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun to kidnapping/banditry hotspots in the state, especially in the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun zones. ‌
“These operatives will launch missions to rid the forests of criminals.

They will be presenting daily reports of their activities to me in the short run and periodic reports in the long run. “In the next few weeks, we’ll hold town hall meetings and community outreaches, bringing together residents and security agencies to talk about any issues of immediate concern and how they can be resolved through dialogue and more effective community policing.”

Source: https://punchng.com/herdsmen-crisis-oyo-deploys-200-amotekun-operatives-in-ibarapaland/?amp=1

Hmm..