₦airaland Forum

Former Ogun governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has not accounted for at least 780 bullets in the boxes of ammunition he handed over to the police on May 28, police commissioner, Bashir Makama, has told Inspector-General Mohammed Adamu.

The discovery could bolster suspicion that Mr Amosun might not have handed over all the weapons in his possession to the police — a puzzle Nigerians have said only a thorough inquiry could unravel.

In an urgent report which Mr Makama filed to Mr Adamu on June 27 — following a PREMIUM TIMES story about how Mr Amosun illegally stockpiled powerful weapons inside Government House, Abeokuta, for an extended period — the police chief said one of the boxes of AK 47 bullets that Mr Amosun handed over to the police was met opened.

In the June 27 memo, Mr Makama said Mr Amosun handed over 1,201 boxes, each holding 1,200 AK 47 bullets.

However, “one of the boxes was met opened and contains four hundred and twenty (420) rounds of live ammunition.”

Due to the missing bullets, the police chief said the 1,201 boxes contained only 1,440,420, instead of 1,441,200 that should have been there.

He also said 271 bulletproof vests and one armoured personnel carrier were amongst the items released to the police by Mr Amosun, and reiterated that no AK 47 rifles were received at the hurriedly-arranged handover ceremony because they had been donated to the police since 2012.

Missing nexus

Although Mr Makama appeared to corroborate Mr Amosun’s claim that only bullets, vests and an armoured personnel carrier were passed to the police a day before he concluded his two terms of eight years, the report did not show any connection between the AK47 rifles which Mr Amosun gave to the police in 2012 and the ammunition he surrendered in May 2019.

The report only said 1,000 AK 47 rifles were delivered to the police on July 20, 2012, by Joseph Ameh of Pointec Corporation on behalf of Mr Amosun. It also said the all the 1,000 guns were distributed to divisions across Ogun State and could still be accounted for as of the last audit in December 2018.

Mr Makama, however, failed to clarify to Mr Adamu why Mr Amosun did not hand over the bullets to the police at the time he gave them 1,000 rifles, especially as Mr Amosun claimed in his response to PREMIUM TIMES that the arms and ammunition were imported at the same time with the same end-user certificate, import waiver and customs clearance.

A top police source familiar with the report said Mr Makama might have failed to explain whether or not there was a connection between the 2012 guns that the police received and the 2019 ammunition because he was a new commissioner in Ogun.

“He failed to establish a nexus between the AK47 arms from 2012 and the ammunition from a few weeks ago,” the police chief said. “We are not sure yet whether the IG would order an additional probe into this crucial but missing part of the controversy.”

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/340382-exclusive-arms-scandal-amosun-yet-to-account-for-780-bullets-police.html

Team Nigeria for the trophy

Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, Nigerian billionaires, have promised the Super Eagles $75,000 for every goal scored in their remaining games at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Dangote has promised $50,000 per goal, while Otedola pledged the sum of $25,000 for each goal scored by the Eagles.

Earlier in the group stage of the 2019 AFCON, Aiteo group, one of the official sponsor of the senior men national team gave the Eagles $75,000 for the three goals scored in their 3-2 victory over Cameroon in the Round of 16.

Hosea Wells Okunbo, a businessman, also pledged the sum of $20,000 per player, while Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor, rewarded the team with $5,000 per player.

The Gernot Rohr’s men defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa 2-1 to qualify for the semifinals on Wednesday night at the Cairo International stadium.

The Super Eagles will take on the winner between Algeria and Cote D’Ivoire in the semi final game.

Femi Otedola recently donated $50,000 to Christian Chukwu, former Super Eagles coach in need of medical attention.

https://www.thecable.ng/dangote-otedola-pledge-75k-per-goal-in-eagles-remaining-afcon-matches

President Muhammadu Buhari is set to retain at least 70 per cent of his first-tenure cabinet members in this second term of his presidency.

A reliable source at the presidency told DAILY POST that the President is retaining most of cabinet members based on trust.

The top government source said that it was in the nature of Buhari to trust his allies despite the public outcry for him to change some of his previous appointees.

According to the source, a list which was submitted yesterday, contains the names of mostly the now ex-ministers.

The President is bound by the constitution to appoint a minister from each of the 36 states of the federation.

According to the source, “Nigerians should expect to see most of the old faces. There are no two ways about it.

“President Buhari is retaining at least 70 percent of his cabinet members. He works on trust. These are people who served with him in the last tenure and have not been found guilty of any offence.

“Most of his Ministers and aides are returning and most of them will still continue from where they stopped. The President does not believe in changing people just for the sake of doing so.

“You should have known this with the re-appointment of the Chief of Staff and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

Another government source, who spoke to DAILY POST on the condition of anonymity, was already frowning at the President’s decision to return some ministers, who according to the source, did not meet the expectations of Nigerians during his (Buhari) first term.

The source, who spoke in anger, wondered why the ex-Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Tunde Fashola; ex-Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalong; ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige; FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello; among others, are coming back to serve in the second term of President Buhari.

The source, who also confirmed the names of the appointees in Buhari’s second term list, said, “To tell you the truth, these men did not do anything that should warrant them coming back.

“Yes, the President has submitted a list to the National Assembly containing some of Fashola, Amaechi, Ngige and others, in fact 80 per cent of his previous cabinet members even the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, who obviously didn’t bring any change in Abuja in the last four years are there.

“Talking about Fashola, is it not obvious to Nigerians that this man did not bring any visible transformation, or anything new to the country?

“Has the power sector witnessed any change as promised by this administration? How about the housing? I’m telling you that Fashola did absolutely nothing to warrant his return.

“Some of us were thinking that President Buhari will reward good works and dedication in his second term appointments but right now we are disappointed even with the inclusion on Ngige who had serious issues with Labour towards the end of the first tenure.

“The President’s decision means that Nigerians should expect little or nothing from his administration in the next four years because the people he has appointed have nothing to offer and this is a slap on the face of Nigerians who gave him a second chance.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/11/buhari-set-retain-70-percent-ex-cabinet-members-second-term-ministerial-list/

The Kaduna State House of Assembly on Thursday rejected the nomination of Aliyu Jafaru as commissioner over an old Facebook post criticizing Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s education policy.

Mr Jafaru, 42, was nominated for confirmation as Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture by Mr El-Rufai.

With the exception Mr Jafaru, a lecturer at the Department of Geography of Kaduna State University, all the nominees have been screened and confirmed.

During the screening at the today’s plenary, the Speaker, Aminu Shagali, reminded the nominee about his Facebook post in which he criticized the governor’s policies.

“You criticized the same administration about to employ you now in one of your posts on Facebook.

“You said there’s nothing good about the education policy and attacked the governor.

“Notwithstanding that, the governor chose you based on merits. Your CV was chosen among about 10 CVs presented to the governor, do you think it’s honorable to accept this nomination to work for an administration you think is a bad one?”

The nominee’s response however did not convince the House, which unanimously rejected his nomination.

https://dailynigerian.com/kaduna-assembly-rejects-commissioner-nominee-over-facebook-post/

Six men have landed themselves into trouble after they were convicted of performing money ritual popularly known as “mubobobo” in Zimbabwe, with 63 pairs of women’s panties in a graveyard. The ring leader of the group Handerson Chiwondo fled from the court leaving his disciples to bear the brunt of the judgment after Chief Makope’s traditional court in Nzvimbo village, Chiweshe, Zimbabwe, gave its ruling.

The culprits pleaded guilty to the charges and exposed 70-year-old Handerson Chiwondo as their leader who then fled before the judgment. The syndicate was only caught after traditional leaders summoned Bulawayo prophet Rutendo Mapurisa, also known as Madzibaba Sejiby from Umguza district to expose the criminals.

Chief Makope confirmed the incident and said six of the culprits pleaded guilty to the charge but one of the accused distanced himself from the allegations and called for a different set of prophets to prove his innocence.

“After the prophet from Bulawayo (Madzibaba Sejiby) identifying the culprits five of them said they were initiated into the “mubobobo” syndicate by the villager who fled after they were given small sticks which they used when going to bed.

“Five of the culprits wept in court, pleading guilty to witchcraft so I fined them 16 cattle and four goats since they were initiated unknowingly,” Chief Makope said.

Chief Makope is appealing for prophets who are not from his jurisdiction to come and prove the innocence of the villager who pleaded not guilty. The traditional leader said if the villager is found guilty, he will be judged harshly for wasting the court’s time.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/?p=1222527

mynd44 lalasticlala Seun

The body of Mrs. Elizabeth Ndubuisi Chukwu, the Deputy Director General of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), who was murdered in her hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa, last month after attending an international conference there, has been brought to Nigeria.

Vanguard gathered that the body was kept in a mortuary in Asaba, Delta State where it would remain until 25th of July when she would be buried in her home town, Ihiala in Anambra State.

Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba told Vanguard that arrangement for her burial has already begun, adding that members of her family were already aware of the arrival of her body.

Adinuba said, “Yes. Her body has arrived Nigeria. It is in Asaba as we speak and it will remain there until 25th July when it will be taken to Ihiala in Anambra State for burial.”

He, however, did not give details of the likely state government involvement in the burial, even as he said that the family was already aware of the arrival of her body to Nigeria.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/07/murdered-nigerian-ddg-of-ciin-ndubuisi-for-burial-25th-july/

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the accelerated promotion of two senior officers and a subaltern of the Nigerian Army.

This was contained in a statement by Army spokesman, Sagir Musa, on Tuesday.

It said the officers were granted promotion for their extra-ordinary feats, courage, examplary leadership, loyalty, uncommon commitment and valour in the counter insurgency operation in the North-eastern part of the country.

It read: “The two senior officers are Major General LO Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations at Army Headquarters who has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and Brigadier General AB Biu, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, promoted to the rank of Major General. Also, promoted to the rank of Captain is Lieutenant AJ Danjibrin of 211 Demonstration Battalion Bauchi.

“The President, Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has conveyed his personal congratulations to the promoted officers and charged them to continue to be shining examples to their colleagues.

“Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army felicitate with the newly promoted officers and extends his best wishes to them in all their future endeavours.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/09/breaking-buhari-promotes-generals/

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has confirmed that Neymar can leave the capital club this summer if an offer that suits all parties arrives and that Barcelona have been in vague contact.

PSG issued an official statement on Monday condemning Neymar for missing the first day of preseason training amid strong links with a return to Barcelona, while Leonardo spoke with Le Parisien at length about the situation.

"Neymar can leave PSG if there is an offer made that suits everybody," said the Brazilian transfer guru. "For now, we do not know if anybody wants to buy him or at what price. What is certain is that this sort of thing does not get done in one day.

"We have not received any offers, but there has been very superficial contact (with Barca). They said they want to buy him but that we do not want to sell him. That is what [Barca chairman Josep Maria Bartomeu] said, but we did not see them in a real buying position."

Leonardo was adamant that Neymar knew that he was due to report for preseason training on Monday but that he has instead committed himself to his institute and sponsors without PSG's permission.

"He was not at the resumption of training," said Leonardo. "He needed to arrive but did not -- he knew to be there. We will study potential measures to take, as we would do with any other employee.

"He made commitments, but these dates were not agreed with PSG. His last match was June 6 and holidays were until July 8. Then, he did not come."

Leonardo also confirmed that he has spoken with Neymar and his entourage but refused to elaborate -- although he did emphasise that all parties are clear on his situation.

"I do not want to go into details over our conversation. We talked with his entourage too. Everybody knows everything -- the position is clear for everyone. One thing is absolutely concrete, though, and that is that Neymar has three more years of contract with us. With no offer, there is nothing to discuss.

"In the case of Neymar, who was late for preseason training, will it be the club's fault for not handling this? No. If the player arrives late, it is their fault. There are internal procedures that follow, so we will see how things go. Players do not show up for training elsewhere than PSG."

Meanwhile, the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Marco Verratti and new signing Ander Herrera were all present on Monday for a number of tests ahead of preparation for the 2019-20 campaign, but the French champions went public and said that Neymar did not report for duty as agreed.

PSG forward Neymar will be sanctioned by the club for not returning to training in time.

"On Monday 8 July, Neymar was due to return to preseason activities with the PSG senior squad," read the club statement. "PSG notes that Neymar was not in attendance at the agreed time and place."

PSG went on to clarify that Neymar did not have permission to be absent and stated that the Brazil international will be punished.

"This was without the club's prior authorisation," the Ligue 1 giants added. "The club regrets this situation and will therefore take appropriate action."

A spokesman for Neymar told ESPN Brasil that the club had been informed months ago that he would not return to Paris until July 15 due to his "commercial and institutional agenda."

Neymar, who has been warned about his commitment by PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi, missed Brazil's Copa America success on home soil this summer because of injury and was expected to be present in Paris so his latest fitness issues could be assessed.

Sources have told ESPN FC already this summer that Les Parisiens are open to selling the €222 million man after two incomplete seasons at Parc des Princes, while Barca president Josep Bartomeu has claimed that the La Liga outfit know that Neymar wants to return to Camp Nou.

Also, according to ESPN FC sources, Philippe Coutinho is likely to be added to any potential deal with PSG to take his compatriot back to Spain and Antoine Griezmann's impending arrival would not be an obstacle to Neymar's return.

https://africa.espn.com/football/paris-saint-germain/story/3896859/psg-says-absent-neymar-can-leave-for-right-offer

The statement by the Ligue 1 champions is the latest in a tumultuous summer for the Brazil star.

Paris Saint-Germain have vowed to take action after Neymar failed to report to pre-season training, the club have announced.

A PSG statement read: "This Monday, July 8, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior was summoned for the resumption of activities of the professional group of Paris Saint-Germain.

"Paris Saint-Germain found that the player Neymar Jr did not show up at the agreed time and place, without having been authorized by the Club in advance.

"Paris Saint-Germain deplores this situation and will take the appropriate measures resulting from it."

More to follow...

https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/psg-vow-to-take-action-as-neymar-fails-to-show-up-for-pre-season-/18yriqruopkyc10dd3esn1feqp

The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta of the Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Tunde Adeleye has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign.

He said the president had not been able to galvanise good support from the larger majority of Nigerians for his government. He said Buhari’s close aides and appointees had deceived the president to fail.

“If I meet the president today, I will tell him in plain language that he has failed and must resign. This is because his advisers and aides have deceived him. So many things have gone wrong in this country in recent times. There is louder outcry.”

He said as a result of poor advice and misgovernance, the country had failed and could soon explode if the president remained without adhering to popular advice and yearnings.

The Archbishop, while speaking at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Calabar on the preparations by the Communion for this year’s synod, touched extensively on the state of the nation.

He insisted that the unity of the country must be renegotiated and that restructuring was the best bet, stressing that the present structure was obsolete.

“Nigeria is ripe enough for restructuring. The present structure is obsolete and carry us far. Restructuring will affect some old structures of Nigeria’s sociopolitical and economic policy. It will involve honest dialogue. There is now injustice, marginalisation, resulting to a failed state. We therefore, need to ‘redesign’ Nigeria.”, he stressed.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/just-in-why-president-buhari-must-resign-now-anglican-archbishop.html

Super Eagles duo of Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem were picked after the Nigeria-Cameroon match on Saturday for a random dope test.

Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo
Both players who did not return to their hotel in Alexandria with other players were selected for the dope test as is the usual practice after such matches.

On their return from the dope centre, a few reporters met them at the entrance of their hotel as they alighted from the vehicle which brought them with the Super Eagles medical team.

Asked who he prefers to meet in the quarter final between Egypt and South Africa, while the encounter between the two teams was still going on, Omeruo just shrugged it with a smile as he sauntered into the hotel.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/%3fp=1221162&amp

Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, this weeked cautioned the people of the Southern part of the country to remain vigilant even with the suspension of the controversial RUGA settlement for Fulani herdsmen.

The secretary of CAN in the 17 Southern States, Dr. Joseph Ajujungwa made this warning in a statement issued to pressmen.

Ajujungwa, who said the suspension of the programme by President Muhammadu Buhari may not be its end, said there was every indication “though it is claimed that it has been suspended, the underground work is still going on.” He called on every Southerner “to be watchful”, stressing that “even as we pray, we don’t need to keep quiet; they are experts in underground work.”

He added that “we do not have land to give to anybody as a grazing field or colony and we call on the South East governors to maintain their stand that they do not have such a place. Do you know what it means to give 10 hectares of land to herdsmen? We say no to that.

“As CAN, we will preach it from our pulpit, every Imam should peach from the mosque and the traditionalists should stand against it; nobody should relent; no land should be given; any traditional ruler that does that should be dethroned.

"In the North, we have largest hectares of land, very vast that nobody is occupying. Why are they not building the ranches, Ruga of whatever there? They can come here, take grass and go, and we buy cow in exchange, just like the governors said. We do not have such mass land required.”

“We are also calling on the Federal Government to be mindful of what they are doing because cattle rearing is a private farming business. Why should the government support individual cattle farmers against other farmers?” On the threat and ultimatum issued by a coalition of Northern Youths, Ajujungwa said “they should understand that nobody has the monopoly of violence. As they are planning to attack, others are planning to defend themselves and we cannot run away for them.

“CAN is calling on all Christians, all law abiding citizens of the Southern Nigeria to please watch and pray. Watch means that you must open your eyes to see what is going on and therefore pray; do not relent.

“Anybody that is coming to buy land now, in the name of business, factory, and what have you, let us be cautious in dealing with the person, because their plot is to turn such into colony”, the statement reads.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/07/ruga-suspension-be-vigilant-fg-is-still-doing-underground-plan-can-warns/

Tragedy struck in the riverine community of Biagbini in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday following the death of a 70-year-old woman and her four grand-children in an inferno.

According to an eyewitness, who gave the name of the deceased grandmother as Moyo Jide, the grandchildren identified as Jennifer, 3; Gbana, 7; Biddaddy, 5 and Wisdom, 9 were all consumed by the fire, which allegedly started from the kitchen.

Two of the grandchildren were said to be living with the grandmother since after the death of their father (Mrs. Moyo’s son) few years ago.

It was gathered that the building where the incident happened was completely razed.

The eyewitness added that the fire started in the early hours of Saturday morning when the deceased were still asleep.

He said the matter was immediately reported at the Arogbo Police Division while the corpses of the deceased had been deposited at a hospital.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in the state, Femi Joseph stated that investigation had begun towards unraveling the cause of the inferno.

“We are yet to ascertain the cause of the fire incident but we have commenced our investigation into it."

https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/06/tragedy-70-year-old-woman-four-grand-children-die-ondo-inferno/

mynd44
lalasticlala

A lecturer in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Dr Jamiu Abdullahi has died of High Blood Pressure (HBP)

DAILY POST gathered that, Late Dr Abdullahi slumped in the hospital while awaiting his test result.

Family source told our correspondent that the deceased could not treat himself of the ailment that eventually took his life because his salaries were being held for several months by the Kogi State Government.

DAILY POST also learnt that, Lecturers in the University last collected their salaries in February, 2019.

“The family of the deceased could not take him to a better hospital because of lack of fund. The deceased had nothing in his account as he has not been regularly paid by the State government.

“It is unfortunate that the drug that was prescribed for him by his doctor could not be bought because we could not raise anything. And the situation got worsened yesterday at about 2pm when he died,” he said.

The corpse of the Doctor of Arabic Studies was conveyed to his country home in Iyamoye in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State and has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

When contacted, the Kogi State University Public Relations Officer, Mr Jacob Edegbo confirmed the death of the lecturer.

He,however, said his death has nothing to do with unpaid salaries.

According to him, ” Late Dr Abdullahi has been sick for some time. When he went to the hospital for check-up, before the result came out, he gave up the ghost.”

Dr Abdullahi is survived by a wife and four children.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/05/lecturer-slumps-dies-kogi-university-family-blames-non-payment-salary/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mLShHkEIO4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVIb73C9azk

Residents of Ijegun area of Lagos State have continued to count their losses following the pipeline explosion that rocked the community early hours of Thursday.

Casualties have continue to grow with scores reported dead and several vehicles burnt.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/07/videos-aftermath-pipeline-explosion-at-ijegun-scores-dead-vehicles-burnt/

lalasticlala
mynd44
Seun

Brazil players celebrate a goal against Argentina.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino saw Brazil to a 2-0 win over Argentina in the Copa America semifinals on Tuesday night as the host nation booked a spot in their first Copa final since 2007.

The result means that Argentina's Lionel Messi is still without a trophy during his international career with La Albiceleste despite having playing in three finals for his country.

Brazil, who have won every Copa America hosted on their home soil, scored first when Jesus turned home Firmino's low cross after some nice build-up play to make it 1- 0.

Sergio Aguero nearly got Argentina back on level terms on the half-hour, but his looping header from a Messi free kick hit off the crossbar after going over the outstretched arms of Alisson in the Brazil goal.

Down 1-0 at the start of the second half, Argentina were able to force the action a little more than in the first half and came closest to an equaliser on 66 minutes when Messi forced a fine save from Alisson.

Soon after, Brazil doubled their lead when Jesus set up Firmino for tap in after a mazy run from midfield in which he held off several defenders before squaring to the Liverpool striker.

Brazil now await the winner of Wednesday's other semifinal between Chile and Peru to determine their opponent for the final in Rio at the Maracana on July 7.

https://africa.espn.com/football/report?gameId=548054

This one is strong.

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the President, General Muhammadu Buhari, to follow the example of the Senior Pastor of the Common Wealth of Zion Assembly, (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, who has stepped down from his position following allegations of rape against him. ‎

Timi Frank in a statement in Abuja noted that since Buhari has been accused of rigging himself into office during the last presidential elections, the best thing would be for him to step down until the petition filed against him by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is decided by the Tribunal and the Supreme Court.

"What General Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) did to Nigeria during the last general elections amount to a grievous rape on our democracy. Therefore Buhari must of necessity step down just like Pastor Fatoyinbo has done, pending the final determination of the ongoing petition by the Justices of the presidential election petitions tribunal and the Supreme Court.

“As a man who claims to have integrity, it is only normal that you (General Buhari) step aside so that the judiciary can do its job without fear, favour or bias that could stem from the ongoing interference in the official activities of the Justices by agents of the executive.

“As at today, the tribunal members are being intimidated, outrightly harassed, blackmailed, coerced, bribed and above all, covertly threatened by the executive in order to fraudulently procure a favourable judgement,” Frank stated.

He noted that Buhari’s manifest incompetence, poor leadership and his unabashed rigging of the last presidential election has brought untold pain and hardship upon Nigerians.

He added: “Your administration raped Nigerians by denying them the true outcome of their vote which was to ensure that a man who can help further the fight against insecurity, tackle unemployment, mitigate poverty and boost the economy in the person of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was elected.”

The political activist also called on all Nigerians especially members of the civil society, labour unions and celebrities that spearheaded the protest at COZA last Sunday to apply the same pressure on the present illegitimate government so as to stop their present illegalities which is tantamount to continuous rape on the nation’s democracy, pending the outcome of the presidential election petition tribunal and the Supreme Court.

Frank said: “Following the colossal rape of the nation’s democracy and rule of law by General Buhari and his gang through the wholesale rigging of the last general elections, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other deadly security malady have become a daily affair across the country.

“Added to this evil is the ongoing forceful establishment of Ruga Settlements all over Nigeria which will lead to further rape, killings and maiming of innocent citizens and the systematic annexation of their ancestral lands by his foreign collaborators and others known as fulani herdsmen.”

He called on well-meaning Nigerians to urgently rise and take a decisive stand against the ongoing pillaging and stripping of their common patrimony and the mortgaging of the future wellbeing of their children’s children by General Buhari and his gang.

“Those who led protests against the COZA pastor that forced him to step down must also prevail on General Buhari to step down pending the outcome of the ongoing judicial process against his election because the allegations against Pastor Fatoyinbo and General Buhari are the same,” Frank declared.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/07/frank-urges-buhari-to-step-down-now-to-take-a-cue-from-coza-pastor/

Seun
Lalasticlala
Mynd44

Several people were on Monday reportedly roasted to death after a tanker loaded with petroleum product (PMS) skidded off the road and exploded in Benue.

They tragedy occurred in Ahumbe village along Aliade -Makurdi federal highway in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state at about 5pm.

Although, it could not yet be ascertained the exact number of people killed in the incident, some eye witnesses said the casualty figure might be over 50.

According to an eye witness, Mr. Austin Nembe, who spoke from the scene of the accident via the telephone with our correspondent, the tanker which was conveying fuel from the eastern part of the country, heading for Makurdi, lost control while trying to dodged a pot hole and fell off the road.

“As soon as it fell, many villagers from the area and other adjoining villages moved to the scene and started scooping fuel. As they were evacuating the fuel, they were hitting the metal tanker with iron so as to have enough space to drain the fuel more freely, then suddenly the tanker exploded and in a twinkle of an eye, there was fire everywhere.

“Another vehicle, a bus with about 14 passengers ran into the incident and the entire passengers on board were all consumed by the explosion. There was an explosion at the time that the bus was passing and all the passengers in the bus also got burnt.

“Many people were roasted beyond recognition. The sight is so gory and as I speak to you now, the fire is still on and people are running helter skelter in confusion here.”

The Benue State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the story but could not give the exact causality figure.

However, Sector Commander on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aliyu Baba, who was at the scene of the accident, confirmed about ten people dead but that the exact number of death could only be given after the fire had been put out.

Aliyu also noted that over 50 people who sustained various degrees of burns in the inferno were being move to various hospitals in the town at the time of this report.

“We are yet to ascertain the real number of the dead but the fire is still coming from the nozzle of the tanker. The tanker fell in the neigbourhood and many shops were also burnt.”
https://www.sunnewsonline.com/breaking-several-roasted-to-death-in-benue-tanker-fire/
Seun
Lalasticlala
Mynd44

Former Secretary of the Political Committee of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, is not a person who makes pretenses. A political analyst of the old stock and one of the founders of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) headed by the late Abdulrahman Okene, in this interview says Nigeria’s presidency in 2023 can’t go to a southern Christian, adding that only a southern Muslim not in the mould of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu can be president of Nigeria.

To Abdulrahman, an International Security Surveillance expert, who also worked closely with the late Generals Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Sani Abacha and military President, Ibrahim Babangida, Tinubu should think no more of becoming Nigeria’s president, “unless as president of Oduduwa Republic.”

Where do you stand on Nigeria’s presidency in 2023?

You see where I stand with regards to the 2023 presidency is that …remember that Chief Obafemi Awolowo said long time ago that the children of the poor who have been neglected will be so powerful that they will revolt against the government and stop the government from operating. I think that Bola Tinubu cannot be president of Nigeria. He will not be unless as president of Oduduwa Republic. That is the way I see it. Buhari will still be president, but if he is not careful with the cabinet he is trying to set up and the quarrel with the Southeast that they did not vote him and as such they would not be included, it is going to be hell because they need to do something. Buhari’s government needs to stop cattle herders and Boko Haram. They need to put back life in Nigeria the way we used to drive in our vehicles to Abuja and back. They need to clear the road from Abuja to Kaduna. But let me tell you that the South and North issue has to do with religion. A Muslim Yoruba can be president of Nigeria, but Tinubu is ChrisMus. You know what ChrisMus is? It means somebody who is a Christian and a Muslim. Tinubu is ChrisMus. He may be the son of Iyaoloja, but he is not in control now of the real Lagos people who do the voting. There is still going to be hell in Nigeria if the government does not thread softly. How we are going to get a Muslim Yoruba is what is going to make a southerner be president of Nigeria as one country. A southern Christian cannot be president of Nigeria. That is why Abiola won election even in Kano. I hope you still remember how we handled the Abiola issue when I was very close to Abacha. It is impossible as I see it for a Christian to be president of Nigeria now. For now, it is impossible, certainly not in 2023. The man who was coasting home to victory in APC, Rochas Okorocha; he stood well for APC and they tried to push him out because he was becoming so popular. He has Rochas Foundation, he was well vast in Sokoto, Kano and all these places, he is now being pulled by the tongue to have his action with this government. It is only a real Southwest Muslim that can win election and become president of Nigeria, but not Tinubu because he is double faced. Tinubu is a double-faced Muslim. Sometimes you begin to wonder whether he is a Christian or a Muslim. That is left to God.

Abiola had his faults

Leave all this talk about complex conspiracy against Abiola. Abiola too had his faults. You remember when Tempo and other newspapers were operating from the trenches. I know Abiola and Abacha personally. Abiola wanted to bring in Kola Abiola and the rest of them, the Oduduwa into power in Nigeria’s power bloc and block the Muslim North out of control in the presidency, which the North will never take. The North will never take that. Who will allow anybody to do that? The declaration he made at Epetedo was what caused it and exposed them. We were working there and all the time we were advising Babangida we meant well. All the time I was advising Abacha I meant well. When I advised Jonathan about many things his group schemed me out and some people stole my compensation, about N10 million up till today they have not paid me. They used my brain and took the money. So, all I am saying now is quickly get Aliyu Gusau and Buhari on the negotiating table and like I told you Abdulrahman Dambazzau, Baraden Kano and Minister of Interior should be there. That is when they will find solution to what will happen in Nigeria.

Igbo, not a political force by number

An Igbo presidency cannot be possible as long as IPOB, Biafra and all that…they keep on distracting themselves and they do not know what they want. They should not think of the presidency of Nigeria; not for now. Is there going to be an Igbo Muslim? Do you ever foresee…there are many Igbo Muslims. We even have Igbo Muslim leaders and clerics in Igbo land, but they are not politicians. It is politicians that can run for the leadership of Nigeria. So forget it; they will keep on disturbing each other and fighting each other. You are talking of justice and fairness. Fair enough, but the presidency of Nigeria is not akara that they distribute. The presidency of Nigeria takes dedication and commitment. For now they are committed to Biafra. If not how can small boys stop them from thinking about whether or not they should stay at home because of Biafra. Igbo is Igbo right from the colonial days. Igbo try to dominate their environment in everything. That’s why they are everywhere in Nigeria. In trying to do so they have forgotten that since amalgamation, politics is a game of numbers. How many Igbo exist? Are they a political force by numbers? Politics is played by numbers and voters unless it is going to be rigged. Igbo are businessmen; they are not politicians. Even the Igbo Muslims are businessmen; they are not politicians. So, how is Igbo presidency possible? It is not possible. That Igbo is not president will not generate problems for Nigeria. Do they want the military to come back? Do they want a military government to have sense to live peacefully in Nigeria? Are they trying to drive us back to Ironsi’s time and we go in roller coaster in circles? Is that what they want Nigeria to become? Only those dedicated can be president of Nigeria if they have the commitment.

Read more at: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/2023-its-impossible-for-southern-christian-to-become-president-abdulrahman-acf-stalwart/

THE Western Zone of Rosicrucian Order, AMORC (Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis), has said it was shameful for government officials to gloat about producing 6,000 megawatts of power for the whole country when a town like Johannesburg in South Africa, produces 4,000 megawatts for its people.

This was disclosed by the Grand Councillor of the Order, Mr. Samuel Akinfe while presenting a keynote address during the 2019 Western Zonal Conclave, entitled: ‘Spirituality for Social Justice,’ held at the Alcuin Temple, Adeyemo Layout, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State, at the weekend.

Describing the current power generation as unacceptable, he said it was myopic for our leaders to be boasting about the power generation that cannot meet the demands of their people.

He said, “The present habit of some government officials, gloating about producing 6,000 megawatts of power, whereas Johannesburg alone, in South Africa, produces 4,000 megawatts is myopic or deceptive, and not acceptable.”

This came just as the Order warned the government to tackle the prevailing social injustice so that it does not degenerate into an unmanageable proportion.

According to the order, which claims it has been in existence for the past 3,372 years, the only antidote to check the injustice is to stop tacit support for criminals but to make them face the wrath of the law.

Akinfe said, “The Federal Government should fix the lingering problem in the power sector so as to generate sufficient energy for the industries in Nigeria which operate below capacity. Small and medium scale industries can also have power to function.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/amorc-flays-fg-over-poor-power-generation/

Lalasticlala

The paramount ruler and people of Akpa/Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, one of the areas designated by the Federal Government to host the proposed (Ruga) settlements for herdsmen in Benue State yesterday led his subjects in a peaceful protest in Otukpo town rejecting the proposal.

The people who came out in their numbers bearing placards with various inscriptions like ‘we do not have land for Ruga’, ‘open grazing is not allowed in Benue’ and ‘we will resist Ruga’ chanted war songs as they marched through major streets in the area.

One of the leaders of the protesters, Steve Ocheme said they embarked on the march to impress on the Federal Government the need to cancel, in the interest of peace, the decision to give their land to herdsmen.

"We are peasant farmers and we can’t grow our crops with cattle. We are calling on Federal Government to reconsider this plan in order not to throw our communities into crisis,” he said. On his part, the Acting District Head, Akpa Otobi community, Chief Ochinya Ofeka said, “we gave lands to Federal Government for dam, Research Center and for the School of Health Sciences but we don’t have for open grazing in whatever name or form."

Receiving the protesters who also handed him a protest letter, Caretaker Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Mr. George Alli appealed for calm adding, “Nigeria’s Constitution is very clear on the issue of land administration as provided for by the Land Use Act.

"And like Governor Samuel Ortom has always said, we are in full support of ranching, but we are against open grazing under any nomenclature, whether cattle colony or RUGA settlement,” Alli added.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/benue-royal-father-subjects-chant-war-songs-protest-herdsmen-ruga-settlement/

…Says “We are handicapped on way forward”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) surprised the court today, as its counsel, Mr. S. A. Obafemi, said they were yet to receive briefings as to the ways to go since the trial of immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, was transferred from Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, to Justice Chukwujekwu Joseph Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC counsel, who opposed the rearraignment of Fayose by reading the charges preferred against him, said; “Since the matter was transferred, we are yet to hear from the EFCC on the way forward. We apologize to the court. That is the predicament we found ourselves.

"At this point, we ourselves, we are handicapped as to way forward in this matter. We urge the court to give us another date for the defendants to be arraign properly.”

While giving further reasons the matter should be adjourned, the EFCC counsel said “information we gathered is to the effect that the 1st defendant is still being investigated for further matters. The leading counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) has not been directed on the ways to go, that’s why he is not in court today.” Nigeria ‘ll continue to support ICC – Buhari(Opens in a new browser tab) Justice Aneke however responded; “So I will just be here, waiting for EFCC to give directive when the matter is already before me? I don’t take directive from EFCC.”

In his response, Counsel to Fayose, Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN), said “We are taken aback that the prosecution is now saying it is not ready and in the interest of justice, these defendants cannot be on trial perpetually.

Olanipekun said the EFCC, which he described as nominal complainant in the matter, started investigating this case before the expiration of Fayose’s tenure as governor.

“Their activities were so disturbing of the official functions of the defendant that he had to write the EFCC that he will make himself available the very day he leaves office, and he so did,” he pointed out.

He added that the EFCC had not given any cogent reason why the trial should not go on.

Counsel to the second defendant, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) wondered why defendants who have been charged to court will have their arraignment postponed because other cases are being investigated.

“This is absurd. These alleged new cases were being investigated before they was arraigned before Hon. Justice Olatoregun. If it was competent for the defendants to be arraigned then, what stops it now?

The judge however adjourned the matter till July 2, 2019, citing the interest of justice, considering the non presence of EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs.

Earlier, the defense counsel had withdrawn the application objecting the transfer of the case to the new court by the Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdul-Kafarati, owing to a petition against the trial judge, Justice Olatoregun by the EFCC.

Withdrawing the application, Olapenikun said; “we have no preference whatsoever for any particular judge before whom this case should be tried. “Our concern is purely for the rule of law and this should not be cited as authority that the Chief Judge can transfer any criminal matter that is already being tried.

”In his own submission; Olalekan Ojo, said “the administrative decision of the Chief Judge, with all due respect, is an example per excellence of a rape on the rule of law.

“It is a very sad precedent in the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. “The Chief Judge is acquainted with the law and what he has done is illegality and unconstitutionality. The defendants have been foisted with a situation of total helplessness.

"Even if this application is decided in our favour, it will not be of any meaningful benefit to the defendants. The EFCC has gotten from the back door, what it couldn’t have gotten thru the due process of law.” He therefore supported the withdrawal of the application and urged that the trial should commence before Justice Aneke.

Fayose was arraigned by the EFCC on October 22, 2018, alongside a company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on an 11-count charge. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N50 million, with one surety in like sum.

EFCC had opened the case for prosecution on November 19, 2018 and had called 13 out of the 15 witnesses it listed before the case was transferred to a new judge for the trial to begin afresh.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/we-are-not-ready-for-fayoses-trial-yet-efcc-counsel-tells-court/

The Cross River State Government has invited the President and Chief Executive Officer of ROPA Corporation Inc 8219 Candle Green, Housten Tx 77071, Mr. Robert Glover for negotiation over the sales of a Multi Billion Naira Tinapa Business and Leisure Resorts in Calabar, the state capital.

A statement dated June 26, 2019 with reference no GO/S/17/Vol.1/149, titled, ‘Re: Expression of interest to acquire and gain assets of Tinapa in Calabar, Nigeria’ signed by Margaret Unyalachie, Personal Secretary to Governor Ayade said that Governor Ayade has acknowledge receipts of letter written to him on expression of interest to buy the company.

“I write on the directive of His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria to acknowledge receipts of your letter dated March 11, 2018, wherein you expressed interest to gain the liquidated assets of Tinapa with the associated licenses and assets.

“The Cross River State Government notes your interest in acquiring Tinapa and wishes to inform you that arrangements are ongoing with the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to meet with you and chart the way forward.

“Please be notified that the meetings between your good self, the Cross River State Government and AMCON have been scheduled to hold between 16th and 18th July 2019.

“The meeting between the State Government and your organization in Calabar, including a visit to Tinapa is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 16th while the tripartite meeting at Abuja will hold on Thursday 18th July 2019

“Accordingly, kindly please furnish us with details of all the parties that shall becoming to Nigeria for the engagement from your organization, to enhance a formal invitations and to also fast tract the visa process,” Margaret Unyalachie stated.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/06/27/cross-river-govt-considers-selling-multi-billion-naira-tinapa-business-leisure-resorts/
Lalasticlala Dominique Seun

Members of the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday cut short their adjournment and reconvened under tight security to swear in two more members-elect.

Principal officers were also elected during plenary.

Recall that nine out of the 24 members-elect of the House were inaugurated last Monday, behind closed doors.

The House thereafter adjoined to July 17, 2019, to enable others to complete the necessary documentation.
The two members-elect sworn-in by the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Audu Omogbai were Emmanuel Okoduwa (Esan North-East l) and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South-East) respectively.

Their swearing-in makes it a total of 11 lawmakers so far.

Principal officers of the House elected were, Roland Asoro (Orhionmwon ll), House Leader, Marcus Onobun (Esan West) as Deputy Leader, Henry Okhuarobo (Ikpoba Okha) as Chief Whip, while Nosayaba Okunbor was co-opted into the Principal Officers Council.

However, only nine members, including the Speaker, were present at plenary, while two were absent.

The House thereafter adjourned till July 17, 2019.

https://punchng.com/two-more-members-elect-sworn-in-as-edo-assembly-reconvenes/

Profesor Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has called on the Federal Government to place an embargo on the establishment of new universities.

Oloyede stated this during the 4th convocation lecture of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa state this weekend.

The Registrar, in the board’s Weekly Bulletin released by JAMB’s Head of Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said efforts should rather be geared towards developing existing universities in the country.

He said: “A situation where universities are only established to massage the ego of rich individuals and politicians is not healthy for educational development of the country as tertiary education is too crucial to be reduced to a commercial outfit for an ego-tripping venture.

“Since education is everybody’s business, all Nigerians should support the effort towards educational development.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/06/23/jamb-kicks-establishment-new-universities/
Lalasticlala Dominique Seun

Considering what's happening here,we even tried sef...honestly

Nigeria is the 16th least peaceful country in the world, according to the 2019 edition of Global Peace Index, GPI. At 148 of 163 countries, the most populous black nation retained its position in the previous year, even though its score rose by 0.025, from 2.873 in 2018 to 2.898 in 2019.

The report “measures the state of peace using three thematic domains: the level of Societal Safety and Security; the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the degree of militarisation.

"The GPI covers 99.7 per cent of the world’s population, using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.” Iceland and New Zealand retained their positions as the first and second most peaceful countries respectively, while Portugal dethroned Austria to take the third position. Syria went from being the least peaceful to second least peaceful while Afghanistan went one place down to being the least peaceful country. According to the report, produced by Institute for Economics and Peace IEP, Ukraine, Sudan, Egypt, North Macedonia and Rwanda showed the largest improvements in peace in 2019.

Like in 2018, Nigeria ranked 40 out of 44 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Mauritius topping the list, while South Sudan was ranked the least. “Although the number of countries suffering from internal conflicts increased, the number of deaths decreased due to a lower level of intensity in conflicts in Syria, Ukraine and Nigeria,” it read. “The impacts of a lack of water has also affected conflict dynamics in Nigeria. Lake Chad, a major source of fishing and farming livelihoods, lost 90 per cent of its surface area in the past 40 years due to climate change and environmental mismanagement.

Resultant unemployment and related food insecurity contributed to Boko Haram’s successful recruitment of unemployed youths in the area.” While it said peacefulness increased slightly, the organisation added that the 2019 GPI showed “conflicts and crises that emerged in the past decade remain unresolved.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/nigeria-worlds-16th-least-peaceful-country-report/

Lalasticlala
Seun
Mynd44