https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/31/jamb-missing-n35m-court-remands-woman-charged-with-blaming-snake/

A Federal High Court, Maitama, on Friday remanded Philomina Chieshe and five other Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, officials, over their involvement in the missing N35 million from sales of JAMB e-card in Benue State.

She was arraigned alongside Samuel Umoru, Yakubu Jekada, Daniel Agbo, Priscilla Ogunsola, and Aliyu Yakubu.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned her and others on eight counts bordering on refusal to account for the board’s money between 2014 to 2016.





Justice Peter Afen ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of EFCC, pending the outcome of their bail application.

He then adjourned until Monday June 3, 2019, for the hearing of their bail application.

EFCC alleged that Chieshe , sales clerk, with JAMB told their registrar and his team that she could not account for N36 million she made in previous years before the abolition of scratch cards.

They alleged that she claimed that the money was swallowed by a snake in Makurdi, Benue.

Chieshe, alleged that it was her housemaid that connived with another JAMB staff, to “spiritually” (through a snake), steal the money from the vault in the accounts office.

EFCC said these contravened section 139 (a) of the Penal Code Law.

They pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Ekene Iheanacho prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and to remand the defendants in jail.

Iheanacho also admitted receipt of the bail applications filled by lawyers to the defendants, saying that he hasn’t read through because he was served on Friday, May 31.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/28/online-dating-tips-to-ensure-your-safety/

The Internet has become a great avenue for hooking up; making new friends and dating as well. Apart from meeting people on regular social media apps, there are a lot of other apps available exclusively for young people who are seeking partners.

While some people join these platforms with complete honesty, not everyone is everything their profile says they are. For anyone who wants to dip his or her toes in the online dating world, it is therefore, important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that you are safe both online and offline.

Below are tips to guide you through online dating safely:

Google is your friend

If the person you are talking to gives you a last name, google it. Everyone in today’s world has a digital footprint. Use the Internet to be sure they are who they say they are.

Don’t Give Out Information That Can be Used Against You

Be careful in divulging information. Refrain from giving out anything that can be used against you either online or offline.

Don’t give out your address until you have met and you are comfortable with the person.

Meet in Public

It goes without saying that when you are ready to take your online friendship or relationship offline that you meet where other people are present. Don’t ever have a first meeting in their house. Even when intentions may not be dubious, tread carefully.

First Meeting Rules

Be sure you drive yourself to your meet up spot or use public transport. If you’re using public transport, be prepared to use the same back at the end of the date.

Don’t drink alcohol or limit it the first time you’re meeting. You want to be clear headed to decide if the person is worth a second date or not.

Video Chat

As you progress in chatting, the next logical step to take is to have a video call. This goes further to verify that you are actually chatting with someone whose picture is on their profile. If you repeatedly get denied, then it’s time to re-evaluate that particular person.

Embattled Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, has filed a motion challenging her trial in court.
Ofili-Ajumogobia, alongside a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Godwin Obla, are standing trial before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos on 18 counts bordering on Conspiracy, Unlawful Enrichment, retention of Crime Proceeds and Money Laundering.
The charges were preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

They were re-arraigned on May 15, and both pleaded not guilty to all counts of the charge.

The court had granted them bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties in like sum.

When the case was called on Thursday, Mr. Robert Clarke, SAN, announced appearance for the first defendant, while Mr. Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, appeared for the second defendant.

Clarke then informed the court of a Preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the charge against Ajumogobia.

Counsel argued that the first defendant had not been dismissed as a judge of the Federal High Court, since there was no gazette evidencing her said dismissal.

He said that a failure to show evidence of such dismissal denied the court of the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the case.

Besides, defence argued that the contention of the prosecution in paragraph L of its affidavit that the defendant had not been tried was wrong.

He argued that the defendant was prosecuted for about two and half years before an Ikeja division of the Lagos High Court, with 18 witnesses called by the prosecution, before the court dismissed the suit.

He, therefore, urged the court to hear defendant’s application.

On his part, second defence counsel, Orbih also informed the court of his motion seeking to split the charge and try the second defendant separately.

He also argued that his application was not challenging the validity of the charge, but the purpose to which it is being used.

Orbih argued that the use of the process of the court was oppressive, and abusive, having in mind that same issue is being contested at the Court of Appeal.

He urged the court not to “Share” jurisdiction with the appellate court, but to first hear the various motions pending before it.

In response, the prosecutor (Oyedepo) urged the court not be persuaded to hear the motions alone, but that where the court is inclined to hearing same, it should also proceed with trial, following which the court would deliver a composite judgement in the end.

He argued that the various applications by defence was aimed at stalling trial and clogging justice, adding that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, seeks to redress such mischief of delays.

Besides, Oyedepo sought to abandon the said paragraph L of his affidavit, on the grounds that he was prepared to do so, if same will allow trial to proceed speedily.

After listening to arguments and counter arguments from respective parties, Justice Aikawa in a short ruling, held that in the court’s opinion, the prosecution was permitted to abandon the said paragraph of the affidavit.

The court, however, held that it would hear the various applications by defence, after which it will deliver its ruling immediately. The court consequently, adjourned the case until May 31 for hearing.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/23/ofili-ajumogobia-challenges-criminal-trial/

Fayemi Takes over as NGF Chairman

DETAILS> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/23/fayemi-takes-over-as-ngf-chairman/

JUST IN: Nigeria Closes Four Foreign Missions

GISTS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/21/just-in-nigeria-closes-four-foreign-missions/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/21/exclusive-next-edition-report-nigerian-army-benue-taraba-govts-take-action-against-extortion-on-highways/

The Nigerian military and the governments of Taraba and Benue States have initiated action to tackle the multi-billion naira extortion rings operating along federal highways in the two states.

Already, 76 persons have been arrested in Benue for creating illegal checkpoints in the state.

Out of the number, 60 have been prosecuted while 16 are still under investigation.

The action followed the public outrage generated by the undercover report published by The NEXT EDITION newspaper, which exposed the high-wired corruption and extortion of motorists.

In a two-part report, this newspaper obtained first-hand evidence on the shocking scale of corruption and extortion by the nation’s security forces and gangs on federal and state roads.

It was found that over N5.8 billion is extorted annually from traders conveying livestock from the far North to the country’s South-South and South-East states.

With a minimum of 400 truckloads of cattle leaving the North to the 11 South-South and South-East states weekly, traders pay a minimum of N300, 000 per truck in illegal levies, fees and taxes.

In a month, no fewer than 1,600 truckloads of cattle are transported to the two regions and more than 19, 200 truckloads in a year.

The report had also shown how the criminal extortion has significantly turned up the cost of food and goods, leaving average Nigerians to pay dearly for them.

This newspaper carried out the investigation with support from the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and the Ford Foundation.

It would be recalled that shortly after this newspaper and its collaborators published the second part of the report detailing the atrocities of armed security operatives and gangs on the highways, the Nigerian Police issued a code of conduct on checkpoints.

Insert the report on the code of conduct on checkpoints here

However, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sagir Musa, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, confirmed the Army is tackling the menace.

This was further confirmed by the National Chairman, Livestock Transporters and Welfare Association, Simeon Iliyasu, in separate interviews with this newspaper.

Mr. Musa, a Colonel, said the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Burutai ordered the setting up of a task force to ensure that every form of extortion on the nation’s highways is brought to an end.

“I am aware of the activities of the task force and it has been on-going. For too long the extortion had continued,” he began.

“But the Chief of Army Staff had a meeting with the livestock dealers association after they wrote and drew his attention to the cases of extortion on the highways.

“He, therefore, set up the task force to ensure that the thing is brought to an end. I can assure you that within the next few months every form of extortion will come to an end.”

On his part, Mr. Iliyasu said both the Benue and Taraba state governments have taken stands against the continued extortion of livestock and foodstuff dealers along the routes and thanked The NEXT EDITION for its undercover report.

“We are so grateful to your newspaper for taking the pains to bring what has been happening to our members to the whole world.

“We have had meetings with officials of Benue and Taraba State Governments and they have also set up task forces to rid the highways of criminals who extort from our members.

“I was in a meeting in Benue where we met with officials of the Board of Internal Revenue and they have promised to stop all illegal checkpoints within the state.

“After the meeting, I joined the military task force and they have cleared the roads in Benue and from here, we are heading to Cross River to ensure that every illegal checkpoint is cleared and those involved arrested.

“We are so grateful that The NEXT EDITION did that report and we hope that the commitment made by the governments in Benue and Taraba will be kept. We will meet with the officials of the Cross River State Government soon,” he said.

…Asiwaju’s Erstwhile Commissioners to Top List

As lobbyists continue to mill around Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor-elect, for appointments as Commissioners and other offices, indications have emerged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) apex Leaders, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former State Chairman, Henry Ajomale, and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will decide those who will make the cabinet list.

Top APC sources confided in The NEXT EDITION at the weekend that Asiwaju Tinubu, the APC National Leader and godfather of Lagos politics, would indeed have upper hand and had already enlisted some former Commissioners who served under him when he was the state governor.

The ex-Commissioners had wanted to succeed him, but were dropped in the last minute in favour of Babatunde Fashola, his then Chief of Staff.

The sources stated that some of the former Commissioners had thought that they were in good books of Tinubu to succeed him then and were preparing grounds for the party’s primaries and had even printed posters as well as made a few public appearances as aspirants under the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

However, at the dying minute, according to our sources, they were individually called and told in clear terms that the Alausa seat of power was not vacant and were advised to indicate in whatever capacity they could serve the state apart from the governorship.

Some of the then commissioners who managed to stay till the end of Tinubu’s tenure, however, became inactive, though they remained in the party, while others defected to other parties, where they could not make much impact.

Although some of the former Commissioners also left to their states of origin to contest for offices, a few others bagged federal appointments, while others who left the party, returned and had been very active in the APC and helped the party win the 2015 and 2019 general elections.

Our source maintained that as the election had been won and people were being pencilled down for appointments by the in-coming governor, the party’s leadership in the state felt that the time had come to reward these ex-Commissioners and aspirants, whose dreams of governing Lagos were cut short by the special privilege granted to Fashola then.

This, the party leaders felt, would assuage any bitter feelings among the ex-Commissioners and pay them back for their loyalty to the platform over the years from the days of Alliance for Democracy (AD) to ACN and APC.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, stressed: “In fact, Sanwo-Olu will make do with these ex-Commissioners as his cabinet members. Many of them will be rewarded this time around. One of them, a very powerful lady in the party who returned from the PDP with her full structures, has been tipped as Secretary of the State Government (SSG).

“Most of the younger people who have been lobbying for appointment as Commissioners may not be named as such. The position of Commissioners and Special Advisers may be a no-go area for them. But, they may be appointed Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) or other positions in agencies.”

The sources stressed that Asiwaju Tinubu, as the party leader, has a very strong influence over who would become members of Lagos State cabinet, adding that after the APC leader has finished compiling the list, he would then invite other leaders like Henry Ajomale, the party’s former State Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, a former Commissioner under Tinubu and immediate past Governor of Osun State for their input.

One of the sources said there was nothing anybody could do about the arrangement by the leadership of the party as that has been the usual practice in Lagos State, adding that the governor-elect would never think of going against the wishes of the party leaders.

The sources indicated that one of the people the party’s leadership has been having sleepless night over on how to reward him was Moshood Salvador, the ex-PDP State Chairman who defected to APC before the elections with his mega structure, and contributed immensely to the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and Sanwo-Olu.

The NEXT EDITION gathered that Salvador might be given a federal appointment as he might not want to be a commissioner.

However, the snag about Salvador might be the special interest President Buhari seemed to have taken on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who the sources said, might be considered as a replacement of Fashola who has served for four years in the federal cabinet and might be offered another plum appointment, likely at the ambassadorial level.

The sources, however, maintaned there was still room for new additions and subtractions since the list was still being considered as it would take some days after the May 29 inauguration for both Sanwo-Olu and Buhari to name their cabinets and by then the APC leaders would have concluded their vetting.


Source> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/20/exclusive-tinubu-ajomale-aregbesola-to-decide-sanwo-olus-commissioners/

The Nigerian Police have issued a Code of Conduct at checkpoints less than a week after The NEXT EDITION published its undercover investigation detailing multi-billion extortion of motorists by security operatives on the nation’s highways.

In a two-part report, this newspaper obtained first-hand evidence on the shocking scale of corruption and extortion by the nation’s security forces and gangs on federal and state roads.

It was found that over N5.8 billion is extorted annually from traders conveying livestock from the far North to the country’s South-South and South-East states.

With a minimum of 400 truckloads of cattle leaving the North to the 11 South-South and South-East states weekly, traders pay a minimum of N300, 000 per truck in illegal levies, fees and taxes.

In a month, no fewer than 1,600 truckloads of cattle are transported to the two regions and more than 19, 200 truckloads in a year.

The report had also shown how the criminal extortion has significantly turned up the cost of food and goods, leaving average Nigerians to pay dearly for them.

This newspaper carried out the investigation with support from the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and the Ford Foundation.

Despite several meetings and promises by heads of security operatives at State and Federal levels, the extortion persisted.

The battle to end the extortion started in 2015 and has been largely fought by the leadership of the Amalgamated Cattle Dealers Association of Nigeria (ACDAN).

The group had also approached President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate to seek their intervention to end the menace to no avail.

But a few days after this newspaper and its collaborators exposed the multi-billion extortion ring; the Nigerian Police issued a 14-point Code of Conduct for motorists plying the nation’s highways.

The Code of Conduct has since been posted on the Nigerian Police official Twitter handle @PoliceNG.

The Code of Conduct was unveiled by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba

New Code of Conduct at police checkpoints in Nigeria, by NPF

1. Endeavour to slow down your vehicle. It shows that you are not reckless. It also douses suspicion that you are a criminal and may want to speed off.

2. Turn down the volume of your car stereo. Courtesy demands this. Besides, you are able to hear each other better. This simple act will also help you to win the confidence of the security operative.

3. Keep your hands visible to avoid unnecessary suspicion or fear by the officers that you are attempting to bring out a gun or other harmful objects to attack them.

4. Turn on the inner light of your vehicle while approaching the cops (if at night). It readily sends an unspoken message that you have nothing to hide.

5. Be friendly and cheerful. Commend the officers especially when you see them working under very unfriendly weather conditions such as the rains, the harsh harmattan conditions, excessive heat, cold or sunshine. We know it’s their job, but a little kind word from you will do a lot of good. Remember when you smile at the mirror, the mirror smiles back at you.

6. Endeavour to be polite even when answering questions put to you by the officers.

7. Don’t dare or challenge an armed security man to a duel. Oftentimes, you hear people say things like ‘shoot me if you can!” Note that this is a recipe for disaster! It is very provocative and an unnecessary call for war. So, please play safe, more so, as you do not know the state of mind of the officer concerned.

8. Also, don’t go into a physical fight with an armed security officer. He may resort to the use of his weapon (rightly or wrongly) to defend himself.

9. Avoid unnecessary argument with armed security personnel. There are a thousand and one ways to seek redress where you feel your rights have been infringed upon.

10. Never try to touch an officer in an unfriendly manner. He may suspect you of trying to disarm him.

11. If you are a regular traveller or road user, make sure you have the police emergency phone numbers of the route you operate. You never can tell when an emergency situation could arise and you need the Police to come to your aid.

12. Make sure you have all your relevant car papers and desist from actions or inactions that constitute either a criminal or traffic offence. Such infractions of the law provide veritable grounds for possible charges and other forms of adversarial contact with the Police or other law enforcement agencies, including unnecessary arguments.

13. Don’t give the impression that you are unhappy to see an officer on his beat or that he is wasting your time. But if you do have an emergency, politely inform the officer. Don’t speed off while still being checked.

14. Take note of the name tags, Force or Service numbers, personal description, description of weapons or patrol vehicle of the security officer especially where the officers begin to conduct themselves in an unprofessional manner.

15. Seek an audience with the most senior police officer at the checkpoint if things are not working out smoothly.

16. Politely insist to be taken to the police station if your complaint is not properly addressed.

(C) @PoliceNG



Source>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/20/exclusive-next-edition-report-police-issue-code-of-conduct-for-checkpoints/

The Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate in the last general elections, Atiku Abubakar, is demanding N500m and an apology from President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide on social media, Lauretta Onochie, for “spreading lies capable of damaging” his reputation.

She is to publish the apology in six national dailies, one international daily and all social media platforms where the contentious publication was made.

He is also threatening to sue her for N2bn and cyber bullying if she fails to comply with his demands.

A letter addressed to Onochie and signed by his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Atiku said he took exception to Onochie’s tweet which states, ‘Atiku on UAE watch list- Security Sources.’

According to Atiku, he is not and was never on any watch list.

The letter reads in part, “We have our client’s instructions to demand and we hereby demand from you the following: That you publish and tender a written retraction and apology for the said libellous publication in six national dailies circulating in Nigeria and one international daily as well as on all social media platforms wherein the said publication was made.

“That you pay to our client through the firm, the sum of N500,000,000 only representing minimal damages to assuage his already battered image wholly caused by your said defamatory publication.

“Take notice that if you fail or refuse to accede to our modest demands within the next 48 hours from the date of this letter, we shall be compelled to activate the full weight of the legal machinery against you without any further recourse to you. We shall be in such a suit claiming against you the sum of N2bn representing exemplary aggravated and punitive damages.”

SOURCE>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/19/atiku-threatens-to-sue-buharis-aide-demands-n500m-damages/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/19/boko-haram-herdsmen-want-to-fulanise-islamise-nigeria-africa-obasanjo/

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday said the objective of the Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen has shifted from fighting against Western Education to plotting to “Fulanise” and Islamise the country.

Obasanjo also observed that the activities of the Boko Haram terrorists and herdsmen have grown beyond what Nigerian could handle alone.

He also noted that the objective of the groups has shifted from fighting against Western Education to plotting to ‘fulanise’ and islamise the country.

He said such plan was evident in the collaboration between the groups and the Islamic State, ISIS, West African Province fighters.

Obasanjo, who lamented that the menace of the terrorists could have been nipped in the bud, said the groups had been treated with kid gloves by those in authority.

The former President spoke at the 2nd session of the seventh Synod of the Anglican Communion, Oleh Diocese, in the Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Delivering a paper on ‘Mobilising Nigeria’s Human and Natural Resources for National Development and Stability,’ he said; “It is no longer an issue of a lack of education and employment for our youths in Nigeria which it began as, it is now West African Fulanisation, African islamisation and global organised crimes of human trafficking, money laundering, drug trafficking, gun trafficking, illegal mining and regime change.

“Every issue of insecurity must be taken seriously at all levels and addressed at once without favouritism or cuddling. Both Boko Haram and herdsmen acts of violence were not treated as they should at the beginning.

“They have both incubated and developed beyond what Nigeria can handle alone. They are now combined and internationalised with ISIS in control.

“We could have dealt with both earlier and nip them in the bud, but Boko Haram boys were seen as rascals not requiring any serious attention in administering holistic measures of stick and carrot. And when we woke up to the reality, it was turned to industry for all and sundry to supply materials and equipment that were already outdated and that were not fit for active military purpose.

“Soldiers were poorly trained for the unusual mission, poorly equipped, poorly motivated, poorly led and made to engage in propaganda rather than achieving results. Intelligence was poor and governments embarked on games of denials while paying ransoms, which strengthened the insurgents and yet governments denied payment of ransoms. Today, the security issue has gone beyond the wit and capacity of Nigerian government or even West African governments.”

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/19/covenant-university-accountant-in-efcc-net-for-diverting-n180m/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested an accountant with Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, for alleged diversion of N180 million school fees belonging to the school.

The Commission’s Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Tony Orilade, who confirmed the arrest said, “I can confirm that a Covenant University accountant has been with us for some days now over an alleged case of stealing reported by the Chancellor of the school.”

The Chancellor of the University, Bishop David Oyedepo, who is also the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, aka Winners Chapel and founder of the University was said to have described the accountant’s lifestyle as “riotous.”

It was alleged that the suspect bought some flashy cars, which he kept in a mansion he bought with part of the stolen money at Lekki, Lagos, despite having a house in the school where he lives with his wife.

Reports have it that the diversion of the funds went on for years before the university could find out.

DETAILS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/19/criticism-good-for-growth-human-development-obasanjo/


Criticism Good for Growth, Human Development — Obasanjo

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/19/criticism-good-for-growth-human-development-obasanjo/

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that the Church would continue to play a very critical role in the overall growth and development of the country.

Obasanjo made the statement on Saturday at the 2019 Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State while speaking on the topic, “Mobilising Nigeria’s Human and Natural Resources for National Development and Stability.”

He said the Church had in the face of daunting challenges continued to mould opinions.

“A clear testimony to this ennobling role of the church can be seen from the topic: Mobilising Nigeria’s Human and Natural Resources for National Development and Stability.

“The main mission of the Church is the salvation of the soul but without ignoring the physical, mental and the general social well-being of humankind.

“This topic is, to me, very apt, particularly as our dear country Nigeria keeps seeking ways and means of overcoming the developmental challenges that confront it.

“When closely examined, it can be seen that the topic is prescriptive, as against the general norm nowadays, which tend to dwell only on the ills that afflict us and consequently end up with only criticisms.

“But I must hasten to say that criticism particularly objective criticism is good for growth and human development,” he said.

Obasanjo said development was all about the people, for the people and by the people.

He said, “This implies that no aspect of the development of any nation must be seen as an end in itself, but rather, as a means to acquiring human wellbeing and welfare.

“The United Nations Development Programme espoused the concept of Human Development as the ultimate goal of National Development.

“Growth and development are positive attributes. Anything God creates needs to grow and develop,” he said.

The former president noted that the welfare and security of the people were, to a large extent, synonymous with national development and stability.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/18/presidential-implementation-committee-charges-state-governors-on-legislative-judicial-autonomy/


The Presidential Implementation Committee on autonomy of state legislature and judiciary has called on state governors to implement full autonomy for the two arms of government.

The committed lamented the minimal level of compliance across the states.

Rising from a two- day retreat that ended on Friday, the committee noted that compliance in various states fell short of expectation “as budget performance across 36 States of the federation show that while the least allocations to state judiciary in the past three years was 0.6 per cent of the state budgets, the entire allocation was 4.89 per cent.”
The committee in a 12-point communiqué, therefore, called on the governors “as heads of the Executive Arm of Government to begin full implementation of the financial autonomy granted the legislature and the judiciary.”
It further advised them to adopt the budgeting model being operated at the federal level where the money due to the judiciary and the legislature are captured as first line charge in the budget laid before and passed by the Legislature.

The communiqué signed by the Chairman of the Committee and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the Secretary, Ita Enang and 20 other members of the committee, also recommended that the budget proposal of the legislature and judiciary should be defended before the relevant committees of the legislature.

Other recommendations by the committee include that:

“The total sum, both Capital and Recurrent, approved in the Annual Budget of the state, be released monthly on a pro–rata basis by the Accountant-General of the State, directly to the heads of the legislatures and the judiciary, and heads of Judicial Service Committee or Commission.

“The current practice in some states where appropriated recurrent expenditure due the judiciary and legislature in the budget, were released to the judiciary and legislature and the capital components are warehoused in the Executive be abolished.

Burna Boy, Teni, Mr. Eazi Nominated for BET Awards

GISTS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/17/burna-boy-teni-mr-eazi-nominated-for-bet-awards/

Burna Boy, Teni, Mr. Eazi Nominated for BET Awards

GISTS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/17/burna-boy-teni-mr-eazi-nominated-for-bet-awards/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/18/game-of-thrones-who-sits-on-the-iron-throne-fans-predict/

The award winning series ‘Game of Thrones’ is in its final season with only one episode left and still fans are confused as to who will sit on the much coveted Iron Throne.

Game of Thrones is based on the book ‘A Song of Ice and Fire,’ set in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

The whole series has been about who rules the Seven kingdoms. From the very first season, the series chronicled the violent struggles among the realm’s noble families for the Iron Throne.

In Game Of Thrones, you can only become king via conquest or bloodline. There are nine great houses in Westeros: Starks, Baratheon, Targaryen, Tully’s, Lannister, Greyjoy, Tyrell, Martell and Arryn. The Targaryens, Starks, Baratheon and Lannisters have laid claim to the throne at one point or the other throughout the show.

The seven kingdoms, which they seek to rule include; The North, The Vale, The Crownlands, The Stormlands, Dorne, The Reach, The Westerlands, The Riverlands and The Iron Islands.

The show started with Robert of House Baratheon sitting on the Iron Throne after unseating Aerys Targaryen in a war that was called the Robert’s Rebellion. This set a series of actions in motion.

Throughout the show there were many coups and fights amongst the noble houses and their allies. Daenerys of House Targaryen has been fighting her way back to take what she believes is rightfully hers. Cersei of House Lannisters who was married to King Robert House Baratheon has insisted the throne belongs to her and her children, two of whom have served as Kings for short periods of time in the show.

With season eight almost ending and many of the top contenders having been eliminated or rendered unfit to rule, the Iron Throne is still vacant.

The Next Edition spoke to fans to predict who they felt was best qualified to sit on the Throne.

Ed Stark, Production Officer

“Well, I think Gendry should sit on the Iron Throne because the best leader just turned into a Mad Woman by burning all of King’s Landing. She was my favourite, still is my favourite, sha.

“The next best king would be Jon Snow, but I think he isn’t ready and he doesn’t want the throne.

“The next person with a legitimate claim to the throne is Gendry; bastard son of the last real king of Westeros, Robert Baratheon. Thankfully, he was legitimised by Dany. So now he ain’t just a bastard but a true Baratheon.”

Wekky Francis, Lawyer

“Jon!! He’s the main actor. Things haven’t been going the way we all hoped it would. Mad Queen will die in the next episode, Arya or Jon will kill her.”

How important is sex to you?

GISTS>>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2018/06/21/important-sex/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/18/firs-posts-n1-5tn-revenue-in-q1-of-2019-fowler-says/

The Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, generated N1.5 trillion revenue in the first quarter (Q1) of 2019, according to its Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Fowler.

Fowler disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in New York at the weekend.

He said the amount included revenue from non-oil taxes that were 11 per cent higher than what the agency realised from that sector in Q1 of 2018.

“In the first quarter (of 2019), what I will say is that in the non-oil sector, we generated 11 per cent higher than what we generated in 2018.

“Basically, we have generated about N1.5 trillion,” Fowler told NAN on the sidelines of a high-level meeting on illicit financial flows hosted by the United Nations General Assembly.

The 2019 amount is N330 billion or 28 per cent higher than the N1.17 trillion reported by FIRS in the same period of 2018.

NAN reports that the Q1 figure also represents 18.7 per cent of the agency’s total revenue target of N8 trillion for 2019.

Fowler said the target, described by economy watchers as quite ambitious, was realistic with the cooperation of tax payers, among other factors.

He said, “It is quite realistic as long as we have the cooperation of tax payers in addition to deployment of technology.

“We have already started the enforcement of over 50,000 accounts that have banking turnover of 100 billion and above that have not filed their returns.”

The FIRS boss also spoke of plans by the agency to surpass the over N1 trillion it realised from Valued Added Tax (VAT) in 2018.

“We will get more people into the tax net and deploy more technology.

“We have what we call Auto VAT Collect, and that basically assists tax payers at the point of transaction, and the VAT portion is sent straight into the federation account.

“So, we know that there is more room for growth in the VAT sector,” he explained.

The N8.83 trillion proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari for spending by the Federal Government in 2019 was based on a revenue target of N6.97 trillion.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/18/election-petition-tribunal-bulkachuwa-wife-mother-of-apc-members-pdp/


The Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday insisted that the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, be disqualified from presiding over their petition challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the February 23 Presidential polls.

The party supported their objection to Bulkachuwa’s appearance with a 19-paragraph affidavit and a letter stating their reasons.

In the affidavit, the PDP contended that Justice Bulkachuwa was “a wife and mother of card carrying members of the All progressives congress.”

They also alleged that her son, Aliyu Haidar Abubakar, campaigned for President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the February 23 presidential poll.

In addition, the party contended that Abubakar also contested the APC governorship primary election in Gombe State.

Recall also that Adamu Muhammed Bulkachuwa, husband of the Justice, contested and won the senatorial election under the platform of the APC.

They, therefore, insisted that Justice Bulkachuwa’s “close family ties to top APC members” would make it impossible for her to handle the proceedings of the tribunal without bias and asked that she disqualify herself as a member and head of the tribunal.

The affidavit deposed to by the PDP Deputy National Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Agbo, read in part: “I know that Honourable Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa (PCA) who currently presides over the Panel hearing the Petitioners/Applicants’ Petition is the spouse of Honourable Adamu Muhammed Bulkachuwa, a stakeholder in the 3rd Respondent.

“Honourable Adamu Muhammed Bulkachuwa, the husband of Honourable Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, is a Senator-elect sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the 3rd Respondent in the extant Petition, for Bauchi North Senatorial District, Bauchi State.

“The election challenged in the Petition, that is the subject matter of this application held simultaneously in Bauchi North Senatorial District with the election of Honourable Adamu Muhammed Bulkachuwa, both on the platform of the 3rd Respondent.

“I know that in the said Petition, Bauchi State is one of the focal States in which the Petitioners/Applicants have alleged that electoral infractions occurred.

“Honourable Adamu Muhammed Bulkachuwa, is not only a card carrying member of the 3rd Respondent and a Senator-elect under the sponsorship of the 3rd Respondent, he is also a staunch member and prominent stakeholder in the 3rd Respondent and has a stake in the election of the 2nd Respondent as President, having extensively campaigned for the 2nd Respondent.

“I know that as a spouse of Honourable Adamu Muhammed Bulkachuwa, the Honourable Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, is so closely related to Honourable Adamu Muhammed Bulkachuwa that she cannot fairly hear and determine the instant Petition without eliciting the suspicion and anxiety of all right thinking persons, including myself.

“The Court of Appeal has more than eighty (80) Justices who are able and competent to participate in the hearing and determination of the extant Petition in the absence of Honourable Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa (PCA).

“I also know that her biological son, Aliyu Haidar Abubakar, is a card carrying member of the 3rd Respondent and he contested the gubernatorial primary election of the 3rd Respondent in the just concluded general election in Gombe State.

“Attached hereto and marked Exhibit 2 is a print-out made today from the Facebook page named Aliyu Haidar Abubakar Volunteer Group, containing his campaign posters, photographs and various posts showing his campaign messages for himself and the 2nd Respondent, both of whom contested on the platform of the 3rd Respondent.

“I also attach hereto and marked Exhibit 3 a print out of a Daily Post online news publication in which Aliyu Haidar Abubakar, was prominently featured as the son of Honourable Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, and who contested the governorship primaries of Gombe State on the platform of the 3rd Respondent (https://dailypost. ng/2018/09/16/gombe-2019-justicebulkachuwas-son-joins-race-succeed-dankwambo/ampl).

“On 27th October 20 l 8, the Daily Post online news also published reports that the 3rd Respondent had given its Senatorial ticket to Honourable Adamu Muhammad Bulkachuwa to curry favour with his wife, Honourable Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, whose court would handle election petition cases arising from primary elections.

“Attached hereto and marked Exhibit 4 is a print out of the said publication. (Seehttpszl/dailypostmg/ZOI8/]0/27/apcbauchi-stalwarts-claim-oshiomhole-gave-tuggars-ticket-appeal-courtpresidents-husband-bulkachuwa-documents/).

They, therefore, sought “an order that Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, President of the Court of Appeal, and the presiding justice of the panel hearing petition numbered CA/PEPC/2019 be recused from further sitting or participating in the proceedings in this petition and be replaced by another justice of this honourable court to sit in her place to hear and determine the petition.”

Recall that Bulkachuwa, who led a five-man panel of the tribunal during Wednesday’s proceedings had directed the petitioners to file a formal application that would be heard and ruled upon in the open court.

The respondents are expected to file their replies to the motion on Monday.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/18/lagos-financial-outlook-very-positive-says-ambode/

Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos State governor, on Friday commissioned the new digitised central storage facility of the State Treasury Office (STO), saying it is gratifying to note that the financial outlook of the state is very positive.

The governor also commissioned dualised Bisola Durosinmi Etti Road and new Hakeem Dickson Road in Lekki, Eti-Osa.

Speaking in Ikeja at the unveiling of the STO storage facility, a project initiated during his tenure as Accountant-General of the State in 2006, Ambode, who was represented by Akinyemi Ashade, Commissioner for Finance, said though he would be exiting office in a few days time, his commitment to bring about financial accountability and robust financial base for the state remains unwavering.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the tenure of our administration is coming to an end in a few days but our commitment to maintaining the financial accountability, transparency and creating a robust financial base in the State is unwavering.

“Let me assure you that our State is safe; its finances are secure and the outlook is very positive,” Ambode said.

He said aside being in line with the civil service reform embarked upon by his administration, the ultra modern edifice, was also part of the vision to continually innovate and transform the financial processes of the state thereby evolving an improved service culture for the benefits of Lagosians.

According to him, “Today is a special day for us because we are writing a new chapter in the success story of public financial management in Lagos State. Today, we are moving from an analogue system to a digital and state-of-the-art platform for storing our critical documents.”

Giving details about the facility, Ambode said the edifice was fitted with modern equipment, which would convert all physical payment vouchers and supporting documents into electronic form and subsequently stored to aid easy and seamless archiving as well as retrieval of security documents, saying that the transformation would go a long way to ensure that the state’s public financial information management system was in line with leading practices across the world.

“By transitioning from manual to electronic system of archiving and retrieving vouchers and other supporting documents, we have demonstrated a commitment to investing in information and communication technology to steer the state on its journey towards a Smart City.

“Asides the electronic storage, this complex also houses an ultra modern staff training facility with capacity to accommodate 150 persons for treasury staff in the state’s civil service. With the premium our administration places on regular capacity development, this training facility became imperative and would provide the conducive environment for in-house technical training of finance and account officers which will no doubt enhance the productivity and quality of output as we continue to build the technical capacity of our staff,” Ambode said.

Earlier, the governor commissioned the dualised Bisola Durosinmi Etti/Hakeem Dickson Road, Lekki in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos, saying his administration only prioritised renewal and development of road infrastructure but utilised an all inclusive approach that has touched both rural and urban areas in the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, the governor said his administration had given the axis the attention it deserved in terms of infrastructural development considering its proximity with the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

“Our passion and focus on this corridor was anchored on the reality that this axis is the new Lagos and Lekki Phase 1 in particular is the gateway to the biggest free trade zone in the whole of West Africa"

“In deciding to upgrade Bisola Durosinmi Etti Drive and Dickson Road, we took cognizance of the need to create additional access to Lekki Phase 1 and improve the traffic along Lekki axis. This I believe will ultimately uplift and add value to the surrounding environment,” he said.

He said before the projects commenced, the roads were in bad shape as they were riddled with pot holes which impeded free flow of traffic, adding that it caused the residents a lot of stress with attendant effects on the many business outfits that operate within the area.

The governor expressed appreciation to Lagosians for their prayers and support particularly in the discharge of their civic responsibility through payment of taxes, while urging them to extend the same hand of cooperation to his successor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In his remarks, chairman of the Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association (LERA), Kayode Otitoju, who spoke on the projects, commended the governor, saying that the road had transformed the axis and upgraded their standard of living.

He recalled that it was also during the administration of Ambode that the Freedom Way and Admiralty Way were constructed, adding that the projects were executed with high standard engineering reflecting, durable interlocking stone, good drainage street lights and other modern road infrastructure.

"We all knew how the two roads were before now and can see the positive change, which would now be used to manage the corresponding increase in human activities, especially, the high volume of human and vehicular traffic, including commercial activities.

“We are grateful for all you have done for us in this community especially the location of the LRU within Lekki to respond to emergencies and the periodic cleaning of shanties by the Lagos State government Special Task Force on Environment. The evacuation and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development cannot go unmentioned.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees; the Executives and all the residents of Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, I say thank you and farewell to you, our indefatigable Governor Akinwunmi Ambode,” Otitoju said.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/17/efcc-arrests-kwara-assembly-member-elect-for-alleged-n26m-property-fraud/

The Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a member-elect of the Kwara House of Assembly, Mr. Abdulgafar Ayinla, over alleged involvement in property scam.

A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Mr. Tony Orilade, on Thursday said Ayinla was also arrested for alleged forgery and obtaining money under false pretences to the tune of N26 million.

According to him, the suspect who has confessed to the crime told the commission that he used the money to finance his political campaigns.

Ayinla’s arrest, the statement explained, followed a petition by a Nigerian lady based in United States.

The statement read: “The petitioner who resides in the United States, stated that Ayinla who is a legal practitioner was introduced to her by her late aunt as capable of helping her purchase some property in Ilorin, the Kwara capital.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/17/ganduje-understanding-the-pathology-of-revenge/

The Sarkin Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, always wanted to be to local. Even in his heyday as governor of the Central Bank, he said he was often amused when public office holders fought for appointment as ministers, state governors, ambassadors or for any position at all on the big stage.

All he ever wanted after his tour of duty at the Central Bank, he said, was to be Sarkin Kano, the emir.

He got his wish. But as it has turned out almost from the onset, and progressively ever since, he has been subjected to far more siege than he might have experienced even if he had become Secretary General of the United Nations. Yet, it appears to be a largely self-imposed misery.

The Sarkin Kano wanted the best of two worlds, but much to his grief, a third is being created for him – a hyperlocal ruler.A local emir with the power, glory and omnipotence of a global icon is a mirage. Local with global reach is the stuff of advert copy. In the real world, to change local, you must make haste slowly.

It was not only that what he wanted all his life was not in the office he passionately desired, it was also, in a significant way, anathema to it. Two years ago, a courageous journalist with deep interest in the North, Jaafar Jaafar, published an article in which he directly accused Sanusi of financial recklessness.

Jafaar claimed that about six weeks after the Sarkin Kano was enthroned the emirate’s safe was raided and, within two years, stripped of over N4billion, apart from nearly N500million spent on luxury cars. That was outside the millions of naira spent on travels and phone calls, which more than doubled the annual overheads of the palace.

Just the sort of thing that the Sarkin Kano condemned in the Goodluck Jonathan government for which he earned brownie points.

Why did he not see the plank in his own eye? Why did it not dawn on the Sarkin Kano who comes from the worst poverty-endemic zone in the country and who himself said that if we do nothing that Nigeria might remain the world’s poverty capital for another 30 years, that his lifestyle was inconsistent with what he was preaching?

And this is not kicking a man who’s down. There are, of course, other versions of the story out there. It’s been said, in some circles for example, that Sanusi’s problem started after the 2015 election when he made a pitch to President Muhammadu Buhari for the Senate presidency for his friend and old King’s College schoolmate, Bukola Saraki.

Beyond old boys’ ties, Saraki, once chair of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, was also instrumental to Sanusi’s appointment by President Umaru Yar’Adua as Central Bank governor.

The Sarkin Kano felt obliged to repay a good turn. Buhari rebuffed him, but his friend, Saraki, got the Senate presidency through the backdoor, to the displeasure of the party and the Presidency. He was said to have returned again, this time, to ask for a reprieve for Saraki during his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). That second visit cemented the impression that the Sarkin Kano was a man to be kept at arm’s length.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/16/pdp-to-buhari-order-investigation-into-n14-trillion-corruption-before-may-29-challenges-sagay-to-compile-list/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has given President Muhammadu Buhari 14 days to account for the humongous corruption and treasury looting under his watch, amounting to over N14 trillion.

The Party, in a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said he must do this before the May 29 expiration date of the “disastrous All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.”

The PDP challenged the President to show his integrity by opening up his tenure for investigation, the same way his Presidency was demanding of other elected officials in the legislature and state governments across the country.

The party also charged the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, to help the nation by advising President Buhari to present his stewardship for investigation for alleged corruption, instead of his (Sagay) unnecessary fixation on court rulings on Rivers State.

The PDP noted that “the Buhari-led APC administration is going down in history as the most corrupt administration ever; a stinking sanctuary of treasury thieves that thrives in manipulation, deception and official concealment.

“It is totally unpardonable that President Buhari, despite his claimed integrity and zero tolerance for corruption, not only superintended over an administration that reeks and wallows in ocean of corruption but also refused to allow any investigation into earth shaking corruption under his watch.

“The PDP therefore demands that the Buhari Presidency should order investigation into the whereabouts of N9 trillion ($25billion) allegedly stolen in his Ministry of Petroleum Resources, through under-hand oil contracts as detailed in the leaked NNPC memo.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/13/speakership-onyejeocha-urges-apc-to-revisit-zoning/

Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to revisit the party’s zoning formula in the interest of fairness.

Onyejeocha, APC, Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, said zoning the office of the Speaker, House of Representatives to the South West should be looked into since the zone has produced the Vice President of the country.

She reminded the party’s leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise to run an all inclusive government and quoted Adams Oshiomhole’s assurances that the party would carry everybody along in the scheme of things.

The lawmaker stated this recently when she featured as a guest on Arise TV programme, ’The morning show,’ where she reiterated her determination to contest for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives next month.

She urges the APC to respect the principles of Federal Character as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that it is not too late for the party to reconsider the zoning formula in order to accommodate the women as well as the South East and North Central zones in the incoming Assembly.

Onyejeocha who said that she is qualified to occupy the Speakership position, appealed to the preferred choice of the party for the position, Femi Gbajabiamila to advise the party’s leadership properly to ensure that every zone is represented.

She said contesting the election as a woman in male dominated environment cannot affect her chances in the race since the male Reps are also her colleagues whose support she has been enjoying as a committee chairman.

She pointed out that she has been discharging her duties as the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, a position she has occupied for two terms, adding that the women as stakeholders in the nation’s democracy should not be relegated to the background in the 9th Assembly.

“We are all equal when it comes to parliament. The women cannot continue to be at the background every time because we as stakeholders contribute more in the voting strength in any election. So it is time for the women to be heard, not just because I am a woman, I am qualified and at no time has anyone given me a less responsibility because I am a woman.

Youth Corps Member Allegedly Imprisoned For Criticizing University Management


DETAILS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/13/youth-corps-member-allegedly-imprisoned-for-criticizing-university-management/

Seized Properties: Saraki Says EFCC being Mischievous


DETAILS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/12/seized-properties-saraki-says-efcc-being-mischievous/

Presidency to PDP: Stop Your Smear Campaign against Judiciary

DETAILS>>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/11/presidency-to-pdp-stop-your-smear-campaign-against-judiciary/

Presidency to PDP: Stop Your Smear Campaign against Judiciary

DETAILS>>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/11/presidency-to-pdp-stop-your-smear-campaign-against-judiciary/

Presidency to PDP: Stop Your Smear Campaign against Judiciary

DETAILS>>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/11/presidency-to-pdp-stop-your-smear-campaign-against-judiciary/