₦airaland Forum

The Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has stated that the raid carried out in the home of Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho was within the ambit of the law.

The group described the move by the secret police as a 'proactive sting operation'.

A statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA signed by the convener of the group, Solomon Semaka, disclosed that Igboho's actions and utterances warranted the move by the Secret Service agency.

"Igboho serially infringed on fundamental rights of others."

"It is not out of place that the law came knocking on his door. Here we doff our cap for the DSS for that proactive sting action."

"The claim that security agencies have failed to combat the activities of criminal herdsmen and bandits operating in the country is too petty an assertion".

"The fact remains that government and security agencies have continued to confront the menace of banditry and terrorism in the North and everyday day bandits and terrorists are pounded."

"We are all witnesses to the killings and destruction of property during the #EndSARS protests in Lagos. It was certain Igboho was going to rehash this. No responsible citizen or media organ would support violence as a means to an end."

"Nigeria is not a Banana Republic; a reason the security agencies could not have idly stood by and watch them subvert the peace. Therefore, the NPF should not be blamed for placing a ban on protests as a proactive measure to prevent similar destructions under the guise of protests."

"The arrest of protesters for flagrantly disobeying its order especially that some were found to be in possession of incriminating items such as guns and other dangerous weapons should rather be commended and not condemned.", the statement read in part.

It will be recalled that the DSS raided Igboho's home a few weeks ago where they recovered several arms and ammunition, Fake passports, bloody charms and carious communication devices.

The All Progressives Congress, APC has denied suspending Senator Rochas Okorocha, a former governor of Imo state.

In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by the National Secretary, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe Ph.D, a letter reportedly announcing the suspension of Okorocha is 'Fake'.

The statement read; "It has come to the attention of the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that a fake letter of a purported suspension of Senator Rochas Okorocha from the party is circulating in the public space."

"Fifth columnists and forgers have obviously taken advantage of the unfortunate and recent leaks of our official correspondences with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to copy and paste forged signatures of the CECPC Chaiman and Secretary on equally fake letters."

"The APC does not currently have a "National Working Committee" as stated in the fake letter, but a Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) which has been saddled with the mandate to reposition, unite and strengthen our great party."

"We call on the discerning public to be wary of fifth columnists and jobbers relentlessly scheming to use every opportunity to stoke crisis in the party and polity through fake news. We also urge the media to always rely on our well-known and official communication and punlicity channels to get information on the activities of the party."

"We urge everyone to discountenance the fake letter as it is a figment of the imagination of fifth columnists.".

Nigeria's backward integration policy is se to be downplayed again, giving leverage to Africa's richest, Aliko Dangote, to wield a 'monopoly' in the oil industry.

A major player in sugar and cement production, Dangote has dominated with a lot of policies and waivers in his favour over the years. He is set to enjoy same in the oil industry if the Senate version of the Petroleum Industry Bill is passed.

The legislation will only permit active refining licenses and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited. As it stands, only Dangote's 650,000-barrel per day capacity refinery is eligible for an active refining license.

This implies that by the time the bill becomes law, the Dangote refinery, which is expected to completed by 2022, would be in operation, making him the only license holder that would be able to import any substantial amount of petrol.

The law also provides for the continuation of the NNPC's Direct Sale Direct Purchase contract, which experts have questioned for being fraught with inconsistencies.

However, there are concerns that the modular refinery license holders are exempted from importing like the rest of the country with this clause. POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that when the Olusegun Obasanjo led government introduced the same system in the cement industry, it did not yield results.

“It will bring an end to importation billionaires using our hard earned fx to import cement”, “it will crash the price of cement”, the government posited.

Meanwhile, cement supply is still relatively low when compared to the rest of Africa while demand increases by about 3 million tonnes a year with prices at record time high. Dangote Cement quickly acquired government owned cement companies and embarked upon an ambitious project building a gigantic plant in Kogi state.

Imports were restricted to only those who had operational cement plants or those in development similar to what is being proposed by Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Bill. Also, nearly two decades after the policy was introduced, more than 4 cement companies have been pushed out.

Those forced out of market as a result of the monopoly include the infamous Ibeto Cement saga which President Yar Adua tried to fix. Hardly has any company been able to enter and sustain itself in this liberalised market.

One pertinent question remains, won't the oil industry suffer the same fate like the cement industry?

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has welcomed the formation of Legal team by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to monitor the proceedings at the trial of the self-acclaimed IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu which is in line with the doctrine of the right of fair hearing rooted in Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This is according to a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA signed by Umar Jibril Gwandu, a special assistant to AGF Malami on media.

The statement read in part: "Inherent in the position of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo on the matter was the demonstration of their recognition of belonging to Nigeria and succumbing to the rule of law while maintaining their stance that they were not averse to the trial of Nnamdi Kanu."

"In similar vein the group showed a mature departure from mindset of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra when Ohanaeze said they “do not support the use of any form of violence” while channeling concerns and presenting demands."

"By urging the youths to be law-abiding and sheath their sword as well as asking them to try to obtain voter’s card to enable them contribute to national development, the position of Ohanaeze becomes glaringly constitutional and commendable."

"Let it be made abundantly clear that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government respects the rule of law and does not advocate for the breach of law. Hence, with or without the so-called monitoring group, justice will be adequately served to Nnamdi Kanu in compliances with the enshrined provisions of the law."

"It is hoped that the unnecessary legal monitoring group will come with open-mind and guided by nothing but the rule of law in the process so as to convey the judgment of the Court as may eventually be delivered to their people in various languages and dialects of the members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo communities and the entire Nigerians."

A personal assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on social media, Lauretta Onochie has been making headlines over the last few days for declaring that she seized being a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC in 2019.

It would be recalled that controversy has trailed the nomination of Ms Onochie as a commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite public outcry that she is a member of the ruling APC and would be partisan, the Senate Committee on INEC proceeded with Ms Onochie's screening.

Responding to the criticisms that trailed her nomination and screening, Ms Onochie told the Senate that she resigned as a member of the ruling APC and also left active politics since the second election in 2019 that brought Mr Buhari into office.

"Since the 2019 elections, I have removed myself from active politics and even in the ongoing APC membership drive, I didn’t register and currently, I am not a member of any political party,” she said.

Erroneous affidavit goes viral

Shortly after her declaration, a sworn affidavit went viral on social media claiming that Ms. Onochie had declared under oath that she was a member of the APC. The affidavit had a stamp and signature, dated June 2021.

It was widely reported that she took the oath this year and apparently 'lied' to the senate.

However, checks by POLITICS NIGERIA reveal that Ms. Onochie did not swear to that affidavit in 2021 but in 2016. Her declaration was not done on June 30, 2021 as widely circulated in the viral affidavit but was sworn and admitted in court on February 3, 2016.

Ms Onochie swore in the affidavit that she is a member of the APC and was an active participant in a United Kingdom election where she also contested.

"I am also a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a volunteer at the Buhari Support Organization," part of the affidavit read.

A thorough check has shown that the widely circulated affidavit was not sworn to in 2021 but was part of her filings in a libel suit marked CV/852/16. Ms Onochie sought N1 billion in damages against one Emeka Ugwuonye.  She accused Mr Ugwuonye of defaming her when he referred to her as a trafficker of young girls for international prostitution, in a Facebook post made on January 21, 2016.

This newspaper's findings revealed that the June 30, 2021 date on the stamp is the date the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the document was obtained from court. A careful look at the affidavit revealed that it was indeed sworn to years ago as outrightly shown with Ms Onochie's signature under the passport attached.

It may very well be possible that she resigned membership of the party in 2019 as she claims but a viral tweet posted on her verified twitter timeline on June 24, 2020 casts some doubt.

In the tweet, she spoke about her ties with the party; "There is DEFINITELY an APC e-NEC meeting TOMORROW. We are going through a growth process. Thank you everyone,"

POLITICS NIGERIA has the complete five pages of the original affidavit with the signatory of the commissioner for oath dated February 3, 2016.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State has expressly stated that presidential media aide, Lauretta Onochie is not a card carrying member of the party.

In a communique on Sunday signed by Cyprian Ashibuogu, Clement Ozegbe, Nkem Osu and Onyeisi Nwokolobia, the party admonished the Senate to ignore protests and petitions against the nomination of Onochie.

“She is a technocrat and has been part of us and she is not a card-carrying member of our party.”

Onochie was nominated to become a commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Delta state. Her nomination has met serious opposition as she is believed to be partisan and a strong supporter of the APC.

She, however disclosed during her screening at the senate that she stopped being a party member in 2019.

The APC also described as ‘false’, a petition from a senatorial district in Delta State which has vehemently opposed her nomination because she is ‘Anioma daughter’.

A potential 3rd wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic has hit Lagos, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.

This is according to a statement by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu on Sunday.

Governor Sanwoolu while giving an update on the state's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, disclosed that from the beginning of July, there has been a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021 to its current rate of 6.6% as at 8th of July 2021.

The statement read in part; "Starting around the end of March 2021, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State began to wind down, and we began to enjoy some reprieve from the worst effects of the virus. This allowed us to further open-up the economy to allow the start of the journey towards full normalcy in our lives and the pursuit of livelihoods, after what has been a very difficult year."

"Regrettably, in spite of the hard work and dedicated efforts towards sustaining the return to normalcy, over the last three months, we are now finding ourselves at what appears to be the start of a potential 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Lagos State.
From the beginning of July, we started to experience a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021 to its current rate of 6.6% as at 8th of July 2021."

"The rapid increase within a week gives great cause for concern. Also, within the last two weeks, the occupancy rate at our 2 isolation centres increased from an average of 1% to 6%. This is the new and disturbing reality that now confronts us."

The governor pointed out that "Lagos State had recorded a total of 60,202 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 55,135 have recovered in-community and 770 are currently being managed actively incommunity."

"Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 4,382 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 357 registered fatalities. 3 In all we have tested 563,679 samples in Lagos State since the pandemic started. Today we have 30 accredited testing centers: 26 private and 4 public health laboratories in the State, a significant improvement in capacity over the course of the past year."

He added that government officials be focusing on increasing the distribution of vaccines to help reduce the number of cases.

"Vaccine Distribution and Access One of the major tenets of our mitigation strategy against the 3rd wave is our vaccination campaign, similar to other parts of the world. It has been observed by various credible studies that those that have received their 4 vaccines have demonstrated significant resistance to the effects of the virus, with fewer associated complications and deaths."

By Fredrick ‘Mr OneNigeria’ Nwabufo

The media naturally should serve only the public interest. What determines ‘’public interest’’ may be amorphous, but safety and security are principal elements of communal interest. The security of the nation and its people can be said to be a staple of shared interests. Therefore, national interest is a subset of public interest. To serve the public interest is to preserve the nation’s interest and security.

Nigeria’s constitution delineates the place of the media in the country. Section 22, chapter 2 of the canon says: ‘’The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.’’

Also, section 24 says: ‘’It shall be the duty of every citizen to - (a) abide by this constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the national flag, the national anthem, the national pledge, and legitimate authorities; (b) help to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria...’’

It is clear here that as media practitioners and citizens our duty is to the country and its people – ‘’holding the government to account and enhancing the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria’’.

Service to Nigeria is not a favour or obeisance to the government. Government will come and go, but Nigeria remains. Service to Nigeria is a duty to its people. Love for country is not lust for government, and loyalty to country is not servitude to government. Are we really doing our bounden duty as citizens and as seekers and keepers of the truth?

The Nigerian media is one that is somewhat politically governed. Some media organisations are owned by politically-exposed persons who are in different political parties. These media organisations are sometimes deployed to fight political battles, compromising the sanctity of information. Whose interest will these agencies naturally serve, their patron’s or Nigeria’s? This is the dilemma.

I shudder when I hear the statements of some political leaders and self-canonised activists – utterances belched from the bowels of prejudice and malice. But I am distressed when I find these blighted comments, which are capable of inciting violence, on the front pages or top corners of news publications. Everyone deserves to be heard, but can we modulate the outcome and concomitants of a potentially combustible statement? Is not judicious to control it from the source?

I recall the statements of Sunday Igboho which set off attacks on the Fulani in Igangan, Oyo state. These statements were given prominence in the media and Igboho was reported as an ‘’activist and youth leader’’ by a section of the media, ignoring his antecedents, and the precedent of his actions.

I understand the argument that the comments would have rippled on social media, regardless of whether it was published by the popular media. But the media as an agency of truth adds legitimacy to whatever is said. By reporting ‘’hate speech’’, the media cannot insulate itself from the collateral impact of bigotry.

Personally, I am of the view that voices of discord and anarchy should be muted. In the West, people who make homophobic, racist and sexist comments are de-platformed – shut out of the media. But why do we here give our platforms to anarchists and bigots?

Also, there seems to be a preponderance of negative news. This is understandable considering its ‘’market value’’. But as John Momoh, Channels TV CEO, advised in a paper he delivered at the National Defence College in 2016: “The media should avoid getting carried away by overstating negative news while under reporting positive developments’’.

In all, we cannot have a peaceful and secure country if we are remiss in our responsibility as gatekeepers. That Nigeria is still a going venture is largely because of the commitment of the media to the country’s unity.

We need to bond our voices as professionals for a united and progressive country. The military force cannot defeat insecurity without the ‘’national force’’ – which comprises the civil population. As Barack Obama said: “We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we have set. We have got to have civilian national security force that is just as powerful, just as strong.’’ Nigeria’s unity is under threat as well its peace. It is the responsibility of every citizen to defend it.

It is in commitment to my purpose and belief that I have convened an ideological group, ‘Journalists for United Nigeria (JUN)’; a think-factory for idealists who trust in the possibilities of a greater Nigeria. Nigeria can be better.

At this tempestuous moment, citizens need to rise up and pull our nose-diving country from a plunge to certain death. With great power, comes great responsibility.

Nigeria is ours to salvage. More Nigerian journalists and citizens are welcome to join me on this cause.

Popular Music star, Sound Sultan is dead, POLITICS NIGERIA has gathered.

He died after a long battle with Tlthroat cancer.

Avarice and prejudice drove European conquistadors to carve up much of Africa like cake. With the gradual end of the transatlantic slave trade spurred by the industrial revolution in Europe, the trespassers, possessed by capitalist fiends, sought sources of raw materials for their industries and markets for their manufactured products. These encroachers considered Africa as ‘’terra nullius’’ – a vast land belonging to no one –, so they struck, usurping natural boundaries and turning brothers into strangers. All for greed, prejudice and arrogance.

But nothing changed after the European raiders left Africa. Only the skin colour and facial features of the oppressors varied. Colonialism by aliens gave way for colonialism by natives; black-on-black oppression.

In Nigeria’s case, the worst form of colonialism steeped in prebendalism, carnivory, nepotism, tribalism, corruption and predation took root. Nigeria’s political class are a hybridised version of the European colonial masters.

It is about two years to the next general election in 2023, and already there is chaos, confusion and caustic rhetoric brought on by politics of conquest. It is always about the cake for the Nigerian political class — how to carve it up and serve it among themselves; who to get what and what portion. It is never about how to make life better for citizens. Nigeria abandoned the development plans of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. In fact, we do not have concretised development plans anymore, but we always have plans and budgets for elections.

It has been said that Nigerian politicians plan for the next election instead of staying in the present and working for the people. It is always about the next election for them. It is all about how to acquire power, abuse it and retain it.

On Monday, governors of the southern region met and issued a communiqué after the conclave. I must say, the official communication contained fine points like — ‘’the forum rejects the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the house of representatives’’ as regards the recently passed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). It is against sensibility that ewes which make the best milk should not eat more of the finest grass. To stave off possible agitations in the future, it is only reasonable that the Niger Delta region from where the bulk of our revenue comes from is accorded this advantage.

In general, the intention of the governors may be noble, considering that it is for the preservation of their region. But where does the manifest polarisation of Nigeria into north and south by political leaders leave the country? Regional agenda has become centralised against the goal of the collective. There is a pursuit of self in negation of the whole. The chasm between the north and the south is widened by the operations of political leaders.

The resolution of the governors that – ‘’the forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between southern and northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the southern region’’ – could be unnerving for people who are not from the south.

I think matters of this character require national consensus not a regional gang-up. It requires statesmanship.

Most political leaders in the north have openly expressed support for a power shift to the south in 2023. Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna governor; Babagana Zulum, Borno governor, and Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano governor, are some of the leaders who have said the next president should come from the south. Some northern groups have also voiced their support for a president from the south in 2023. So, what was the aim of that performance by southern governors?

What that resolution has achieved so far is to unnerve even those who have shown support for power shift to the south in 2023.

This is what Zulum, a proponent of power shift, said in reaction to the resolution by southern governors.

Zulum: “I have said it times without number that I, Professor Babagana Zulum, I am of the view that the presidency should go to the south in the year 2023 because the unity of our country is very important. Secondly, inclusivity is very important. Thirdly, I am in the APC. Six or seven years ago, APC had zoned the presidency to northern Nigeria based on the agreement that in the year 2023, the presidency should go to the south. But again, this is politics. We are supposed to meet and discuss this issue among ourselves, among the political class. This statement that people are saying that the president must go to the south, I want them to remove the word must.”

The politics of ‘’we against them’’ is one of conquest which benefits the political class. It is the politics of scrambling for spoils and partitioning the peoples of Nigeria.

The Nigeria Governors Forum used to be a formidable clique which spoke in one accord and even acted as a parallel government. It is sad to see this forum become a house of Babel. Now, we have Northern Governors Forum and Southern Governors Forum – representing and pursing regional interests.
By Fredrick ‘Mr OneNigeria’ Nwabufo
Twitter @FredrickNwabufo

In less than two years, Nigeria will hold another general election where citizens will be opportuned to elect new leaders and parties at various levels. The controversy rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the agitation for zoning.

While there is no written law that mandates this, it has always been the norm and this agitation comes up every four years and anytime elections draw closer. In the ruling APC, the major controversy today is over the zones that should produce its national chairman and presidential candidate for 2023 general elections, POLITICS NIGERIA can report.

According to findings by this newspaper, the postponement of the party's convention cannot be disconnected from a deep fear of division and a repeat of what led to the removal of the Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee last year.

Sources in the party told POLITICS NIGERIA that major talks among leaders of the party is to ensure that North produces the chairman of the party while the South takes the presidential ticket. If the South takes the party chairmanship, then the north will for the second time produce president.

Insiders said the agitations have created some blocs, with the largest belonging to National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. One of our sources said "Tinubu seems to have the largest share of party members. The only fear is that if the current situation is not properly managed, it may split the party."

"The fear of unnecessary split is one of the reasons why leaders considered the postponement of convention crucial. We are waiting to ensure that if division occurs, there is a party leader who can unite us all. The zoning is key but maturity is the most important because all forces must come together together for us to remain in power in 2023. Once we are able to produce the chairman of the party, election discussion will resume effectively."

This newspaper also gathered that some blocs are not interested in the zoning of the party's chairmanship position but more interested in who will favour their future ambitions. A source said the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Bagudu, is also interested in who becomes the chairman despite earlier saying the seat is opened to all.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that two months ago, Mr Bagudu said “APC belongs to all Nigerians. Everyone, from every part of the country, is free to aspire for any position in the party in line with provisions of our party’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.The guiding philosophy, as enshrined in the provisions of our manifesto, is economic, social and political development of Nigeria"

But sources reveal that all he said were 'gimmicks' and President Muhammadu Buhari himself is aware of this situation.

"The president is aware that there are a lot of blocs in the party and for that reason, he endorsed the postponement of the convention. The party must retain the control of the country in 2023. I am sure that it is the intervention of President Buhari that will address the situation,” another top official of the party said.

This newspaper also learnt that before the party made public announcement of extension of committee tenure, the party had met behind the scene two months earlier to postpone convention and make efforts to resolve some internal wrangling.

Speaking on where the South could get the presidential seat, political analysts explained that politicians in the southern part of the country are also divided.

Kunle Mamora, a political scientist said the problem is that "within the South, it must be South South; within the South, it must be South West; within the South, it must be South-East. So even if they zone it to the South today, the South South will not support the South West; and the South West will not support the South East. This is a big challenge and 2023 will be more than imagination."

It is, however, said that Mr Tinubu has penetrated the northern part enough to have their support. Even though he is yet to declare his ambition, it loud enough for the deaf and clear enough for the blind that the former Lagos governor is hopeful. Yes, he has the strength but politics within the party will tell.

Amidst all of these, several issues have been dogging the ruling party in Kano following the suspension of the member representing Kano Municipal in the House of Representatives, Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada. There is also the crisis of attempted factionalisation of the party by a staunch supporter of President Buhari in the state, Abdulmajid Danbiliki Kwamanda and his prompt expulsion from the party.

The political camps of the former Governor, Rauf Aregbesola has been at loggerheads with the camp of the incumbent Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola in Osun over the control of the party in the state.

In Ekiti, a camp of the party is loyal to Asiwaju Tinubu and another to Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, who is said to be nursing presidential ambition as well. Also, the expulsion and counter expulsion of factions within the party threatened APC membership in Gboko LGA of Benue State.

The big question remains the same. Will APC settle for zoning as 2023 draws closer?

The department of state security services has issued a statement on a raid it carried out in the early hours of Thursday at the home of activist and pro-secessionist, Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday Igboho.

In a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, Igboho and his boys engaged DSS officials in a gun battle.

The statement read; "In the early hours (about 0134 hours) of today, 1st July, 2021, a joint team of security operatives raided the residence of Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo a.k.a. SUNDAY IGBOHO at Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State. This was based on intelligence that he had stockpiled arms in the place. On approach to the residence, the team came under heavy gun attack by nine (9) men, suspected to be IGBOHO’s guards. Six (6) of them were armed with AK-47 gun and Three (3) others, with Pump-Action riffles."

"In the course of the exchange, two (2) of IGBOHO’s armed men were gunned down while the rest were subdued and arrested. Only one operative who was shot by the assailants on his right hand sustained injury. He has however received medical attention and is very stable."

"Afterwards, the team procedurally searched the house and subsequently recovered the following among others:
i. Seven (7) AK-47 assault rifles;
ii. Three (3) Pump Action guns;
iii. Thirty (30) fully charged AK-47 magazines;
iv. Five Thousand (5,000) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition;
v. Five (5) Cutlasses, One (1) Jack knife, One (1) Pen Knife
vi. Two (2) Pistol holsters;
vii. One (1) binoculars
viii. A wallet containing Five (5) US Dollars in one (1) Dollar denomination; local and international driver’s licences in his name, ATM Cards, a German residence permit No. YO2N6K1NY bearing his name;
ix. Two (2) whistles;
x. Fifty (5) Cartridges;
xi. Eighteen (18) Walkie-Talkies;
xii. Three Voodoo charm jackets/traditional body armour;
xiii. Two (2) Laptops (One (1) Toshiba and One (1) Compaq); and
xiv. His International Passport and those of many others (as displayed here). Further exploitation and forensic analysis are ongoing.

Aside the items recovered from the building, about thirteen (13) suspects including twelve (12) males and one (1) female were arrested and brought to Abuja. While one suspect is being profiled, the other twelve (12) paraded here are:

i. Abdulateef OFEYAGBE
ii. Amoda BABATUNDE aka Lady K (female)
iii. Tajudeen ERINOYEN
iv. Diakola ADEMOLA
v. Abideen SHITTU
vi. Jamiu NOAH
vii. Ayobami DONALD
viii. Adelabe USMAN
ix. Oluwafelumi KUNLE
x. Raji KAZEEM
xi. Taiwo OPEYEMI and
xii. Bamidele SUNDAY.

"This is Inform Nigerians and the world that Sunday IGBOHO and his group, in the guise of campaign for self-determination, have become well-armed and determined to undermine public order. This, the arrests and seizures are, no doubt, a confirmation of a grand plan by IGBOHO and his cohorts to wage a violent insurrection against the Nigerian State."

"Alert foreign missions and licencing authorities within and outside Nigeria about this development and the possibility that IGBOHO could declare some of his personal permit and identity cards missing in order to seek their replacement."

"Apprise stakeholders that the Five (5) AK-47 assault rifles recovered from the building are suspected to be those collected by IGBOHO’s men from Nigerian Customs and Immigration personnel at Idi Iroko, Ogun State."

"The gun duel which lasted for an hour offered IGBOHO the chance to escape. Sunday ADEYEMO a.k.a Sunday IGBOHO is now on the run. IGBOHO may run as far as he can. He may hide as long as he wants. He might have attacked security operatives as his strength carried him. But this will be the end of his shenanigans. Soon, he will not have a hiding place. His strength will sure fail him. And the law will catch up with him. The law may be slow. But it will be steady."

"Consequently, ADEYEMO/IGBOHO is advised to turn himself in to the nearest security agency. Those cheering and eulogising him may appeal to or advise him to do the needful. He should surrender himself to the appropriate authorities. He or anyone can never be above the law. Meanwhile, those arrested will be charged accordingly."

Nigeria's Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed has finally spoken on the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mohammed disclosed that Kanu was arrested through a joint effort by Nigeria's security agencies. Addressing newsmen on the development, he said;

"Kanu, who is facing an 11-count charge of treason,treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, among others, jumped bail in 2017 and left the country. On Tuesday, Kanu was re-arraigned in court and ordered to be remanded in the custody of the DSS, while the case was adjourned till July 26-27, 2021."

"Gentlemen, the Federal Government wishes to commend the Nigerian security and intelligence agencies, who collaborated to re-arrest the proscribed IPOB leader in one of the most classic operations of its type in the world. We commend the professionalism, diligence, patriotism and painstaking efforts of our security and intelligence agencies. We also thank the sister international agencies that collaborated with us to pull off this arrest."

"It will interest Nigerians to know that for over two years, our security and intelligence agencies were on the trail of the proscribed IPOB leader as he lived a five-star life across several countries, travelling on chartered private jets, living in luxury apartments and turning out in designing clothes and shoes. Of course, as we all saw, he was wearing an attire made by Fendi, a luxury Italian fashion brand, when he was arrested."

"We can tell you that the forensic investigation carried out so far has revealed a treasure trove of information on the proscribed IPOB leader and his collaborators. While the investigation continues, we assure you that none of the collaborators, irrespective of their standing in the society, will be spared. They will all face the full wrath of the law for their activities that challenge our nation'ssovereignty and threaten its unity. No one, no matter how highly placed, is bigger than the country."

"It is interesting that many are suddenly calling for a fair trial for Kanu as if he didn't get one before he decided to jump bail and flee. However, I can assure you that the fair deal that Kanu denied many of the victims of the violence which he willfully instigated through his broadcasts and tweets will not be denied him."

A wife of Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo alias Sunday Igboho has been abducted by armed gunmen who attacked his Ibadan home on Thursday.

This was announced by the leader of the Umbrella Body of Yoruba Self-Determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua (IOO), Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye, while reacting to the invasion of the Ibadan, Oyo State Residence of Yoruba Nation Agitator, Chief Sunday Igboho at the early hours of today.

In a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by his media aide, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, Akintoye, a Renowned Historian, alleged that the attack was carried out by the elements of the Nigerian Army who were accompanied by International Terrorists hired by the Nigerian State.

He also alleged that the Assailants were all dressed in Military Uniform and spoke French language fluently.

He further said that the Gun Men killed Seven Occupants in the building and whisked Igboho's Wife and several others away.

"This is an emergency response to an emergency matter by Ilana Omo Oodua. Around 1am today Thursday 1st July, 2021, the Ibadan, Oyo State Residence of one of the leading men in our struggle for Self-Determination in Yoruba Land, Chief Sunday Adeyemo fondly called Sunday Igboho was unfortunately attacked by Gun men."

"I want to say to the whole world that the attack was carried out by the elements of the Nigerian Army who were accompanied by International Terrorists hired by the Nigerian State."

"The Assailants spoke French Language fluently. Seven people were killed by the attackers, with their corpses taken away. Scores of people, including the Wife of Chief Ighoho, were also taken away by the Gunmen."

"Let me state without any fear or intimidation that the Muhammadu Buhari led Administration was responsible for the war that has just been declared against the peace-loving people of Yoruba Land."

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the founder and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, on his appointment by French President, Emmanuel Macron, as President of the France-Nigeria Business Council.

President Buhari believes the appointment of the BUA Chairman, after inauguration of the France-Nigeria Business Council, further highlights the warm and growing relations between both countries, typified by strong partnership at different levels, which include security, education and health.

He noted the worthy achievements of the businessman and philanthropist, who has consistently contributed to development of the country through social and infrastructural interventions and, most recently, playing a frontline role in the health sector, particularly in the fight against global pandemic, COVID-19.

He appreciated the goodwill and liberality of the French Government in improving relations with Nigeria, with focus on strengthening trade and business ties, while congratulating the business community for a successful outing at the Choose France Summit held at Chateau de Versailles, outside of Paris.

The Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe has reacted to the arrest of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Igbokwe took to social media to ‘praise’ God over Kanu’s arrest. He shared pictures of himself kneeling and raising his hands in worship to God accompanied with the statement below;

“To God be the glory. May the Souls of hundreds of young men who lost their lives in the South East rest in perfect peace. Amen! An Endless Alleluia!”

“THE JUDGEMENT DAY COMETH. MAY THE SOULS OF TGE DEPARTED REST IN PERFECT PEACE.”

Kanu appeared in court on Tuesday and was remanded in DSS custody till July 26th for a continuation of his trial.

Apex-Igbo Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has reacted to the capture of fugitive IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Ohanaeze in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Tuesday afternoon, praised the arrest of Kanu adding that it has brought an ‘end to violent agitations’ in the country.

The statement read: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for calm and cautioned Igbos to desist from any form of protests and processions that will bring more catastrophe for Southeastern Nigeria.”

“The re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu the leader of IPOB is the beginning of the end of violent agitations in southeastern Nigeria and a lesson to others that, deviation from the nonviolent agitations contradict what Igbos are known for, and self-determination should not be used for purposes of fortune and fame-seeking”.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s refusal to adhere to the advice of Igbo leaders, Elders, and Political leaders is the outcome of what had befallen him, he made a lot of enemies especially those that would have saved him and Federal Government will never lose grip on him again. We don’t think that any Igbo leader will stick out his/her neck for him, his re-arrest will eventually bring peace and stability to the region and averted another civil war that was raging on.”

“Federal Government should handle the situation carefully because his large followers of Ipob wouldn’t resort to violent revolts, his trial should be strictly based on the laws of the land, they shouldn’t kill him because it will destabilize the entire country.”

The Synagogue Church of All Nation (SCOAN) on Tuesday disclosed that its founder, Prophet TB Joshua, would be laid to rest on Friday, July 9, at the church premises in Lagos.

Dr Gary Tonge, an international member of the church made this known while addressing newsmen in Lagos on the programmes for the burial of the prophet.

According to him, July 5 to July 11, is dedicated to a series of laying to rest activities tagged ‘Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Prophet Joshua, born (1963 to 2021)’. He told newsmen that the event would start with a private candle light procession at 6:00p.m.

Tonge said on July 6 to July 7, there would be a tribute service at 10a.m. to 7p.m. which would be opened to the public but with limited physical presence.He said there would be a service of songs and all night praise starting at midnight.

The international member also said that on July 8, there would be the lying-in-state of the prophet from 11:00am to 5:00pm. He said the event would be open to the public to pay their last respect to the man of God.

Tonge said that July 9, would be the laying to rest service and interment activities which would begin at 10:00am.
He said the thanksgiving service would be held on July 11 by 9.00a.m.

According to Tonge, Prophet TB Joshua, was a man of the people with global influence, therefore, the church is aware that the eyes of the world are upon this event.

He said that SCOAN was working with Lagos State Government and the ministry of health to ensure that the current public health and security protocols would be observed during the duration of the event.

The Senator representing Zamfara Central in the National Assembly, Hassan Mohammad Gusau, has tendered his resignation as a member of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that his resignation was conveyed in a latter addressed to the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and read during the start of plenary on Tuesday.

He explained in the letter that, “My decision is necessitated due to the collapse of internal democracy and factionalisation of the party from ward levels in Zamfara State.

“Further decisions on political movement and party affiliations will be communicated to this chamber in due course.”

Gusau's defection is coming ahead of the rumoured defection of Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle on Tuesday. The PDP is currently in crisis as it has lost 3 governors to the ruling party so far.

The Ghanaian Government, through its Ministry of Education, has been awarded a $3million education infrastructure support grant from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa). This grant will be drawn from ASR Africa’s annual $100million Africa Fund for Social Development and Renewal and was announced during the presentation of the letter of award to the Ghanaian Government at the Jubilee House in Accra, recently.

Speaking at the event in Accra, Ghana's capital, Udoh Ubon, the Managing Director of ASR Africa commended the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo for his sincere commitment to developing the educational system at all levels in Ghana. According to Ubon, this award was significant because Ghana is also the first African country beneficiary of an ASR Africa grant after Nigeria. “ASR Africa is an initiative of industrialist and philanthropist, Abdul Samad Rabiu, who has decided to give back to the African continent to promote sustainable health care, education and social development. Whilst reviewing potential national beneficiaries for the African aspect of the grant, we were encouraged by the strides made by the Ghanaian government in Education. We believe this $3million ASR Africa education infrastructure grant will go a long way in supporting the eradication of “schools under trees” across the country whilst developing primary education infrastructure across the country.

Receiving the ASR Africa delegation on behalf of the Government, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, thanked ASR Africa for the award of the $3million grant. According to her, the President Nana Akufo-Addo administration is committed to improving the quality of education and educational infrastructure across the country and this grant is a welcome development which would accelerate the work already being done.

She further added that the government will work together with ASR Africa based on the agreed Mutual Accountability Framework to come up with a programme to build several primary schools across Ghana under the grant. She further praised the Chairman of BUA Group and ASR Africa, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his commitment to the African continent in business and philanthropy.

In his response, Udoh said "Abdul Samad Rabiu and ASR Africa will remain an active partner in solving developmental issues across the continent. Ghana is just the start and more African countries are set to benefit this year."

The brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa .

Governor Nasir El-rufai has reacted to the killing of a student protester in Kaduna by security agents dispatched to quell a protest by students over a hike in school fees.

Gidan Waya, a student of the Kaduna State College of Education was shot dead while protesting alongside other students against an increase of school fees by the state-owned institution.

In a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on monday evening, signed by Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs in Kaduna, Gov. El-rufai has since comisserated with the family of the deceased.

The statement read: "The Kaduna State Government is awaiting full reports on Monday's protest by students of the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya."

"In the preliminary report received so far, one student lost his life and some others were wounded, while three security personnel also sustained injuries."

"The Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai condoled the family of the student that lost his life, and wished the students and operatives who sustained injuries speedy recovery. The government of Kaduna State also wishes to debunk reports that it deployed security operatives to suppress protesting students. KDSG is awaiting briefings to enable it understand the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate violent incidence in Gidan Waya."

"At the time of this update, the Governor is awaiting reports from the military, police, DSS, the management of the institution, the student union as well as the traditional institution in the area. The government will publicise its findings after receipt of the expected reports."

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has resumed its case against Ex-first lady, Patience Jonathan.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that Justice T.G. Ringim of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday June 28, 2021, adjourned till October 7, 2021 to hear a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking the final forfeiture of the $5.78million and N2.4billion linked to a former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

The EFCC had filed an application for the forfeiture of the sums of money warehoused in Skye Bank Plc and Ecobank Plc, respectively in 2017 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

Following an ex-parte application by the EFCC, Justice Olatoregun had, on April 26, 2017, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the money. Dissatisfied with the order of the trial court, Jonathan alongside other respondents, LA Wari Furniture and Bathes, had first approached the Court of Appeal and subsequently the Supreme Court to set asise the order of the lower court. However, both the appellate court and the apex court affirmed the order of Justice Olatoregun.

Midway into the conclusion of hearing on the motion for the final forfeiture of the said sums, Justice Olatoregun retired from the Bench in 2019. Consequently, the Chief Judge of the Federal High court re-assigned the matter to Justice Chuka Obiozor for hearing.

Justice Obiozor, however, could not hear the case before his transfer to the Federal High Court, Benin , Edo State. At the resumed hearing of the matter today, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, narrated to Justice Ringim how far the matter had gone.

Oyedepo said: “This matter is a non-conviction suit instituted before your learned brother, Justice Olatoregun now retired, where we prayed for the final forfeiture of the sum of $5,781,173.55, warehoused in Skye Bank Plc and N2,421,953,502.78, property of LA Wari Furniture and Bathes in Ecobank Plc.

“It was instituted and an interim order was granted on April 24, 2017, upon which it went up to Supreme Court and an application for its final forfeiture was moved. But the trial judge didn’t deliver the judgment before retiring. It was upon that fact that the file was transferred to the registry, where it was re-assigned to the former judge and subsequently your Lordship.”

Counsel to Patience Jonathan, Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, and Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, also informed the judge that the case was adjourned for mention because it was coming up for the first time before him.

Counsel to the companies, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, therefore, urged the court to adjourn the case on the premise that it was starting afresh and that he intended to file an application challenging the constitutionality of the entire proceedings.

He prayed the court for a long adjournment to enable him file the said application.

In his response, Oyedepo opposed the application and prayed the court not to grant same, because, according to him, there is a procedure enshrined in Section 17 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, which the EFCC had complied with except the last step, which is a motion for final forfeiture.

Oyedepo, therefore, invited the judge to look at the proceedings of February 17, 2021, where the former judge adjourned hearing of the motion for final forfeiture till April 13, which could not be held because of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike.

He also prayed that should the court be inclined to grant an adjournment, it should be for the motion of final forfeiture.

All Progressives Congress (APC) governors are expected to receive Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara on Tuesday. [b]POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that Matawalle has since dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the ruling party.[/b]

His defection is coming barely two months after Cross River state governor, Ben Ayade also dumped PDP.

The Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee of the organising ceremony and Zamfara Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, disclosed in an interview with journalists in Gusau on Monday.

"The Progressive governors will be led by the APC Chairman Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) and Gov. Mai Mala-Buni. We are also expecting all our national assembly members as well as state legislators to declare their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC during the occasion."

"Similarly, all the 14 local government caretaker committee chairmen who just finished their tenure, council members and teeming supporters will join the hundreds of thousands of the Matawalle loyalists, friends and supporters in our movement to our new party, the APC.’"

He pointed out that the event will further unite politicians and strengthen the APC in the state.

Abidemi Rufai, is in fresh trouble for attempting to deceive a United States Court in a desperate bid to get bail, documents obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA reveal.

Mr Rufai is facing serious charges for committing a $350,000 fraud in the US.

According to the court documents filed by the United States Department of Justice, the Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorma, told the United States Courthouse, in Tacoma, Washington, on June 23, that Mr Rufai participated in a fraudulent surety scheme to mislead the court.

The documents revealed that when looking for a person to stand surety for a $300,000 bail bond earlier granted him by a magistrate’s court, Mr Rufai gave false narratives.

The U.S. government said it obtained call recordings of his efforts to deceive the court.

“It is evident from the recording that the defence’s presentation of the surety as a friend of Rufai was false, and that, in fact, Rufai does not even know the surety. In the call, Rufai’s brother states that ‘they found a lady to set up the bail’.”

“In fact, Rufai did not even know ‘the lady’ and did not know basic biographical information about her. The recording also makes clear that Rufai has significant assets (at least enough to cover a $300,000 bond), which he is willing to use, however, he can to secure his own release."

“This is contrary to his statement to Pretrial Services in New York that his only asset is $6,000 in the United States and $10,000 in Nigerian checking and savings account. And, the recording shows that Rufai and his brother conspired to set up a replacement sham surety to buy Rufai’s release."

POLITICS NIGERIA reported how Mr Rufai was busted for using the identities of more than 100 Washington residents to steal more than $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

He has since been detained despite efforts to release him on bail by his lawyer, Michael Barrows.

Last Friday, U.S. District judge, Benjamin Settle of Tacoma, agreed with federal prosecutors that Mr Rufai represented a flight risk, hence he will remain in jail until his trial.

Nollywood actor, Olarenwaju Omiyinka alias Baba Ijesha has been granted bail.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Ikeja Special Offences Court granted bail in the sum of two million naira and two sureties to Omiyinka.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the judge ordered that one of the sureties must be a blood relative of the defendant and the other, a lawyer.

The defendant is facing a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.

The Department of State Security Services, DSS has called on the general public to disregard reports that Abia senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe has been arrested by the agency.

On Wednesday, a report went viral on social media that the controversial senator was arrested for wearing a t-shirt with the inscription, ‘dot nation’.

Another report alleged that he was arrested in Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja during a function.

The agency in response to inquiries made by POLITICS NIGERIA on Thursday, disclosed that no such thing ever happened.

“It’s not true pls”, a text from spokesperson, Peter Afunanya (Phd) read.

Nigeria's Minister for Labour, Chris Ngige has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is very 'afraid' of breaching the Nigerian Constitution, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.

Ngige, who appeared on Channels on Monday, stated that Nigerians want to 'ride' President Buhari to death because of the 'latitude' he gives them.

In his words; "There must be a limit to Politicking, If a government has done well, if a president has done well, you should give him accolades in the areas he has done well. Areas he has not done well, point them out and discuss."

"This president is a democrat, this president is so afraid of breach of the constitution of any law, I'm even stronger than him in terms of that. He is so circumspect about what the law says".

He continued further; "Even President Obasanjo can he give you this latitude? He will not. I know him"

"This President is now a willing horse and you people want to ride him to death, No!".