₦airaland Forum

Keystone Bank Limited has remained committed to empowering the Nigerian populace with the introduction of the Chat-bot feature called ‘OXYGEN’ as part of its financial inclusion drive.

Oxygen is the lender’s interactive virtual banker that chats with customers and carries out their banking transactions upon request. The feature which enables banking on Telegram and Facebook is fluent in English and is always learning to serve the customer better.

Some of the services on Oxygen include accounts opening, fund transfer, bills payment, airtime top up, purchase of movie tickets, balance enquiry, and lots more.

How does oxygen work?

Step 1: Download and install the Keystone Mobile App from the Play store or App store and register.

Step 2: Download and install Telegram or Facebook messenger as well, if you do not have it already installed on your phone.

Step 3: Launch the mobile app and click on the Oxygen Chat option on the landing page.

Step 4: Click on either Keystone Bot telegram or Keystone bot Facebook.

Step 5: Once this is launched, Oxygen welcomes you with “Hello Customer name/ the username used on either of the apps”. i.e. “Hello Thelma”

Step 6: Follow the Prompts and enjoy this chat banking service.

Subsequently, all a customer has to do to continue using Oxygen is to click on the search tab of either telegram or Facebook messenger and search for “keystone chat banking”.

Keystone Bank is a technology and service-driven commercial bank offering convenient and reliable solutions to its customers.

Following the controversial suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Executive and Board of the Igbo Canadian Community Association (ICCA/Umunna) has described the suspension as an ill conceived and provocative attempt at usurping the constitution to give way to dictatorial hormones intoxicating Buhari’s DNA.

In a statement issued in Toronto, Canada by the President, Chief Ugochukwu Okoro, through the Public Relations Officer, Ahaoma Kanu, the socio-cultural and pressure group said that President Buhari has brazenly unveiled his plans to rig the 2019 elections by suspending the constitution in order to pave way for his handlers to teleguide and corrupt the election tribunals having seen the evidence that Nigerians have rejected his incompetent government.

“We stand with Nigerians and lovers of democracy across the globe in condemning the selfish, unconscionable, undemocratic and unconstitutional action of President Muhammadu Buhari in suspending the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic without recourse to constitutional procedures requiring such action. The action of Mr President is dangerous to our democracy and should be fought against through all constitutional means.

“The Nigeria constitution Section 292 (1) and paragraph 20 and 21 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution stipulates that the CJN enjoys security of tenure and is not removable except within the strict procedure and for the specific reasons enshrined therein. The CJN can only be removed from office by the President acting on an address supported by two thirds majority of the senate for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment.

“It is not surprising that President Buhari, in all his attempts to overthrow democracy which have all been met with strong opposition, has unleashed a mutiny on the judiciary in a manner which illuminates his preference for overtaking power.

President Buhari’s action only exposes the desperate measures he and his handlers are now employing having gone across the country and seen how unpopular his government is hence his resort to unconstitutional means to remove the CJN. Also sad and diminishing is the reason Mr. President premised his actions on. This is a President that have constantly disobeyed court orders; shielded indicted criminals and turned a blind eye to hard evidences exposing his loyalists in corrupt practices. Listening to President Buhari give such fragile statements as his basis for taking on an unconstitutional path to usurp democracy does him no good but adds further assault to his already tattered reputation in respecting the rule of law.

“We call on President Buhari to, with immediate effect, reinstate Justice Onnoghen as the constitutionally appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria failure of which we urge both chambers of the National Assembly to confront this ugly and detestable development with the full wrath of its authority, invoking impeachment proceedings if need be.”

Also reacting, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara said the decision to suspend Justice Walter Onnoghen confirms that Nigeria is now a “full blown dictatorship”. Dogara, who made this declaration in his reaction to the president’s action, also maintained that the Nigerian constitution does not in anyway confer powers on the president to suspend a CJN. “With the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Muhammadu Buhari, the world has been served with notice that Nigeria is now a full-blown dictatorship.

“This did not come as a rude shock except to those that have been blind to the gradual but progressive erosion of democratic values in the polity as President Buhari’s government has never hidden its disdain for the rule of law,” he said.

…We’re on their trail -Police



Daredevil armed robbers, on Thursday, attacked a branch of Polaris Bank located in the Oke Ejigbo area of Ila Orangun, Osun State.

The robbers reportedly killed a policeman, simply identified as Oloke Mewa, who was one of the security guards working at the bank, and a medical doctor, who was simply identified as Moshood.

Two other people were also injured during the robbery.

A resident of Ila Orangun, who gave his name as Alhaji Animasahun and whose vehicle was parked few metres away from the bank premises when the robbery began, told our correspondent that the robbers, who were armed with dangerous weapons, stormed the bank around 3pm and left after about 30 minutes.

He said the residents of the area ran in different directions as the robbers shot continuously in the air before gaining entrance into the bank premises.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, also told our correspondent that the robbers shot at one of the security doors in the bank and destroyed it.

The source stated, “I could not count their number, but they were between eight and 10. They might have been more. Before they entered the bank, they shot at the building from a close range and destroyed the security door.

“They managed to escape through the Ayegun Road, which leads to Ikoro-Ekiti and Okemesi, both in Ekiti State. From where I was hiding, I saw the robbers carting away money in three bags.”

A security source, who volunteered information on the development to our correspondent, said the robbers were still trying to find an escape route out of Osun State as of 6.30pm yesterday, adding that policemen were still on their trail.

“The robbers abandoned one of the vehicles they brought for the operation in a village called Onipanu. We are still on their trail,” the security source said.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Folasade Odoro, confirmed the incident and promised to provide details as soon as more information was available.

Chelsea are through to the Carabao Cup final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard were cancelled out by Fernando Llorente’s second-half header.

Llorente’s goal was enough to force penalties after Harry Kane’s penalty in the first leg.

But Eric Dier blasted his spot-kick into the upper tier and Lucas’ effort was saved by Kepa, allowing David Luiz to fire home the winning penalty.

Maurizio Sarri’s Blues will now face Manchester City at Wembley in the final.

MORE TO FOLLOW . . .

Monaco have sacked manager Thierry Henry after 20 games in charge.

The Ligue 1 strugglers announced on Thursday he had been suspended, but BBC Sport understands that is merely procedural and that the France World Cup winner has already left the club.

Predecessor Leonardo Jardim is expected to replace Henry, just over three months after being fired himself.

The 2017 French champions are in the relegation zone after only five wins under Henry in all competitions.

Franck Passi, appointed as Henry’s assistant on 20 December, will take training on Friday, the club said.

Passi has previously had spells as caretaker manager of Marseille and Lille.

Henry – who was hired in October – had apologised for using foul language to insult Strasbourg defender Kenny Lala during his side’s 5-1 defeat on Saturday.

Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer is in his first managerial role, having previously been Belgium assistant boss.

He had been on the shortlist for the Aston Villa manager’s job in October before taking the job at the club where he started his playing career.

Abdullahi Yada’u, a resident of Kanam local government area of Plateau, has divorced his wife Hafsat Suleiman after failing to convince her not to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari in next month’s election.

Yada’u told BBC Hausa Service on Thursday that he decided to divorce Hafsat because she insisted on voting for Buhari.

He said both of them supported Buhari in the 2015 elections but this time, he felt disappointed with the administration and decided not to vote for him again.

“I told her that she must not vote for him but she insisted which led to a quarrel which attracted the attention of our neighbours, I slapped her and told her to choose between voting for Buhari and staying with me. She ran away,” Yada’u said.

“Later her parents called me and I narrated to them what transpired between us. But still my wife insisted on voting for Mr Buhari, that’s how I divorced her in the presence of her parents.”

Ibrahim Suleiman, the wife’s elder brother, said: “We decided to deal with him (Yada’u) but our father stopped us from joining issues with him.

“He really disgraced us. They have been having issues even in the previous election.

“She is the one that convinced him to vote for Buhari, now he insisted on voting for Mr Atiku Abubakar. We decided that we will not allow her to go back to him again.”

Oby Ezekwesili has withdrawn from the presidential race, her media office announced on Thursday morning.

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) will now devote her time “to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election”, Ozioma Ubabukoh, the spokesperson of the Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign Organisation, said in a press statement shared with TheMomentNG.

It is still unclear who the former minister of education will support, but she previously tried to get the trio of Kingsley Moghalu, Omoyele Sowore and Fela Durotoye to agree on a consensus candidate among themselves.

After Durotoye emerged in a ballot, the other candidates refused to step down and Ezekwesili herself joined the race.

Her decision to quit followed “extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and the Diaspora”.

“This decision followed extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days. I deem it necessary for me to focus on helping to build a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming
elections,” Ubabukoh said.

Ezekwesili was quoted as saying: “It is my ardent belief that this broad coalition for a viable alternative has now become more than ever before, an urgent mission for and on behalf of Nigerian citizens. I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our national revival and redirection.

“I wish to state that over the past three months, I have been in private, but extended talks with other candidates to birth a coalition that would allow Nigerians to exercise their choice without feeling helplessly encumbered by the evil twins of #APCPDP.

“While the deliberations continued, I never hesitated for a moment in my willingness and determination to sacrifice my candidacy in order to facilitate the emergence of the envisaged strong and viable alternative that Nigerians could identify with in our collective search for a new beginning.
“My commitment to this promising political recalibration has been consistent and in consonance with my agreement, at the request of candidates under the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) arrangement in 2018, when I consented to supervise the internal selection process as an outside observer passionate about building an alternative force.

“However, despite resistance from the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria on these and other issues, I have decided that it is now necessary to show by action and example my determination on this issue by stepping down my candidacy so as to focus squarely on building the coalition to a logical conclusion.

“We have no right to allow citizens give in to despair. We will #Fight4Naija together and prove to all that the mess, which the political class has now become, should not be allowed to destroy our spirits and nation. We are also determined to ensure that the message keeps resonating that our beloved country deserves better, and that we will get the best that we deserve.

“From last year, when I joined the presidential race, I made it clear to Nigerians that the country has always had a 20-year cycle of change – 1958, 1979, and 1999. As such, 2019 begins another 20-year cycle, and together with all Nigerians of good will, I stand ready to play my part to ensure that we do not miss this golden opportunity to sing a new song. There is no more time to waste. Let’s get to work!”

Ubabukoh thanked Nigerians who supported Ezekwesili, saying that “every money donated to the campaign and funds spent will be accounted for in the coming days.”

Ahead of the 2019 National Assembly elections in February, traditional rulers of Isoko ethnic nationality in Delta State have expressed their desire to have the immediate-past governor of the state and All Progressives Congress 2019 Delta South senatorial candidate, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan represent the district at the upper legislative chamber for a change in status quo, and for the sake of progress in the area.

Speaking for traditional rulers of Isoko South in Oleh on Wednesday, His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ovrawah, Omogha 1, the Odio-Ologbo of Oleh, said Uduaghan had the blessings and support of the royal fathers for the senate seat.

“I have opened the door of the senate to Dr. EEU because he is an illustrious son of Isoko nation and we have confidence in him. We know him. Isoko nation benefited immensely during your tenure. You are one of us.

“I recall when you were governor, you paid me an unexpected visit. I was almost at the point of death. I didn’t complain to you or anyone close to you of any ailment but as a true medical doctor, you detected I was sick. You insisted that your personal ambulance take me to Oghara Teaching Hospital where I was treated free of charge.

“Before your visit, my people and I had resolved to throw our support behind you and the Itsekiris. The position [senatorial seat] belongs to three children. One child should not monopolize it. It is mother’s breast, only one child cannot suck it.

“Uduaghan has the blessings and support of Isoko nation for the senatorial seat. You’re our candidate for the senate. We picked you not because of APC but for who you are.”

“This is your time; we saw what you did as a state governor. Go to the senate and do more. Your name is already in the senate. Isoko is sending you,” the monarch declared.

The former governor also met with traditional rulers from Isoko North at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ogbogbo, Ebuka 1, Ovie of Ozoro kingdom, in continuation of his consultation with traditional rulers in Delta South for his senatorial ambition.

Speaking at Ozoro, HRM Ebuka 1, Ovie of Ozoro kingdom, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, said monarchs in the state would not forget in a hurry Uduaghan’s support for the traditional institution.

The monarchs noted that Uduaghan as a governor accorded the traditional institution its due respect and as well, raised the status of royal fathers to an enviable position in the country.

“The other kings from all the other kingdoms in Isoko North are here to see the man who elevated their status. You did well for us. You fought for traditional rulers and the sanctity of our culture. You won our hearts with your issue-based speech. It is rare.

“We (traditional rulers) in Delta State will not forget you in a hurry. You did well as a governor. You won our hearts with your issue-based speech. We pray God to grant your aspiration with a resounding victory,” the Ozoro king said.

Uduaghan, while speaking during the visit to the two palaces, said he was in Isoko land to solicit the support of Isoko Nation for his senatorial race in the next month’s National Assembly election in Delta South.

He noted that as a secretary to the state government (SSG) and later governor of Delta State, he is well abreast with the role traditional rulers play in ensuring peace in the state.

The former governor also told the monarchs that if elected as senator, he would sponsor bills and law that will give constitutional backing to the traditional institution in the country as well as ensure that their pains are addressed by the federal government.

“As an SSG and secretary to the State Security Council and later as a governor of the state, I know the enormous role traditional rulers play in helping to ensure peace and security.

“Kings have spiritual powers. Somehow, they are gifted with the act of mediation and peace.

“We would have been experiencing more violence if not for the intervention of monarchs especially from Isoko who ensured that their domains were peaceful during my time as governor.

“One of the reasons I am seeking your support to go to the senate is that I believe that our traditional institution should have legal backing in their role in ensuring peace in the country.

“If elected as senator I will also push for the recognition of monarchs in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which would give them a constitutional role to their people.

“I also believe that as people from oil producing communities, we should have a major stake in the ownership of the oil and gas companies in our communities. Through this, our communities will benefit more from the oil and gas that is derived from our area.”

“I will also push for the cleaning of impacted communities. Based on my experience as a governor, there is so much we can do to create jobs for unemployed youths in the region.

“I will push for communities to have at least 5 per cent ownership of companies operating in host communities in Delta South. This will create jobs for men, women and youths.

“I will also push for communities to be in charge of security of government and companies’ properties in their domain.

“Pipeline surveillance contract should be a form of empowerment to our youths but they are only paid peanuts at the end of the day because some persons who are not even from our region are the middlemen. When I become senator, the contract would come straight to our communities so that our youths would be empowered.

“The destruction of localized refineries otherwise known by the government as illegal refineries further causes more harm as much as our boys “cooking” crude oil in the creeks. When I become senator, I will push for the legalization of these localized “refineries”. This will ensure positive engagement across the value chain,” Uduaghan concluded.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is seeking new investors to take over nationalised lender, Polaris Bank after elections next month. It is also taking stock of the bank’s assets ahead of the sale, its spokesman, Jude Nwauzor, said yesterday.

“The election season has slowed down things,” Nwauzor, said.

Nigerians will vote on February 16 in a presidential election where incumbent Muhammadu Buhari is seeking a second term.

“We would advertise for Expressions of Interest from investors after elections and commence the sale process,” Nwauzor said.

Some of Nigeria’s banks have faced tough times since low oil prices put pressure on their business of lending to the oil and gas industry. The country emerged from a recession in 2017 but economic growth remains sluggish and this has weighed on credit growth.

Polaris Bank was set up last year to take over the assets of Skye Bank which collapsed and had its operating licence revoked by Nigeria’s central bank.

Polaris was then transferred to the state-owned bad bank for sale to investors. AMCON has previously sold three other nationalised banks.

The AMCON spokesman said the bad bank was seeking to recover debts owed to Polaris that were non-performing and had asked for proposals on repayment.

AMCON was set up in 2010 to take on non-performing loans from banks as part of the country’s efforts to resolve a financial crisis at that time.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it will commence issuance of the new passport in the Federal Capital Territory from March 4.

Sunday James, the public relations officer of NIS, made this known in a statement released on Monday.

It will be recalled that the new e-passport was officially launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, January 16.

He said that the cost of 32-page five-year standard passport stood at N25,000, 64-page five-year standard passport at N 35,000, 64-paged 10-year standard passport at N70,000.

At present, it costs N17,000 to get the 32-paged passport with five years validity and N22,000 for the 64-paged passport with five years validity.

According to James, the existing passport booklet will run concurrently with the newly enhanced passport booklet until the former expires.

He said that the passport will be available in Ikoyi, Lagos on March 25; Kano, April 1; Alausa, Lagos April 8 and London, United Kingdom April 15.

The phase two multiple roll-outs in New York, Washington, Atlanta, USA on April 22 while other locations, local and abroad, would follow in sequence from April 29.

Listing the advantages of the new passport, James said people can track their applications and there would be express centres for urgent application.

Other advantages he said included weather friendliness, compliance with the latest ICAO standard, polycarbonate technology that reduced incidences of damage.

“We urge Nigerians to take advantage of the reforms, avoid patronising third party or touts and utilise the online platforms provided by the service for their passport application,” he said.

General Overseer of Save the World Love Evangelical Ministry, Asaba, Delta State, Apostle Little-David Foc, has predicted victory for the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in the February 16, presidential election.

The Asaba-based cleric, who made 27 predictions in his ‘new year’s prophecies for 2019’, also predicted that the PDP’s governorship candidate for Kaduna State in the forthcoming election, would carry the day. He also, said the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, would emerge victorious.

The cleric, who admonished Nigerians not to treat his prophecies with levity, also, predicted that the governorship election in Lagos State would be a tight race, as APC may lose the election through a slight mistake.

He said: “Nigerians should not be afraid because this year is a better and brighter year to recover all they lost. The incumbent president will do everything possible, with the human capacity, to retain the presidency, but, God has said Atiku Abubakar is the chosen one. He will emerge victorious. His victory will be a great surprise to many. I see PDP governorship aspirant in Kaduna State winning the election. I pray the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would announce the proper result in Kaduna State.

I see the governorship election of PDP and APC head-to-head, one mistake from APC and they will loss the election in Lagos State. Akwa Ibom State, in the realm of the Spirit, the APC governorship aspirant will emerge as governor. It will take the mercy of God for PDP to get it back.

“Senator Hope Uzodinma, the APC governorship aspirant in Imo State, and his counterparts in All Progressives Grand Alliance and PDP, will have a head-to-head contest, but Hope Uzodinma will be victorious. I see the incoming governor restoring the hope of Imo people. I see the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, having a serious crisis after the 2019 general elections. I see Nigeria and Minna mourning a great man and a friend of the people. PDP governorship aspirant will emerge victorious in in Niger State. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State will be reelected. His victory is sure. PDP will also emerge victorious in Rivers State, while God is going to use three former presidents of Nigeria, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan to fix the country.”

I’m seeing a former governor of River State having serious political problems after 2019 general elections and former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, will recover his seized property as his political career will kick off again. There is going to be a serious competition in the cement industry. Ibeto will regain his licence and the price of cement will come down.”

On the foreign state, Apostle Foc, as said: “I see the president of South Africa having serious problems that may remove him from office. China will experience a great lost in 2019 because of natural disaster that will befall them. I see Japan’s prime minister being probed and forced to step down. The Igbo should not force themselves into leadership by dividing Nigeria, but should allow the Will of God to take place; and it will happen when they least expect it. The world will mourn a great footballer.”

Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sunnewsonline.com/presidential-poll-prophet-predicts-atikus-victory/amp/

Tunde Bakare, serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, says he is tired of speaking to the deaf about the issues bedeviling Nigeria as a country.

Just before he delivered his regular state of the nation address in Ogba, Lagos, Bakare said he had initially decided not to give the customary address because those expected to act have not done the needful.

Praying for the nation, Bakare said: “to whom do we go, you (Jesus) only have the word of life; our nation is sick, our leaders are not well, it appears the disease in incurable, therefore, only you can cure it.”

“We know there is still a balm in Gilead, so this day we ask as the church of the living God, do what only you can do, do not leave us in this mess, heal our nation, give us leaders after your heart,” he prayed.

Bakare added that God’s whirlwind will blow across Nigeria and destroy the wicked, the enemies of Nigeria, in the days ahead.

He went on to speak about his plans to cancel the state of the nation broadcast prior to God’s intervention.

“I need to lay the foundation before the state of the nation; very early in the year, my son Olusegun asked me if there will be a state of the nation broadcast in January, so the moment of truth telecast tapes could be rearranged accordingly,” he said

“I categorically told him there will be none, because I am tired of speaking to the deaf, however, while resting at home on January the 6th, the word of the Lord came to me strongly; the Lord said to me, ‘there can be no confirmation without proclamation, I have a word for your nation’

“Whenever He says that, who I am?”

ATIKU’S AMERICAN TRIP: APC, PDP MAJORING ON MINOR

Atiku’s first trip to the US in 13 years

Speaking on Atiku’s American trip, Bakare said Nigerian leaders major in minors, minor in majors, and make mountains out of molehills, “what has going to America got to do with the challenges that we face? On both sides, they are busy chasing shadows”.

“We welcome the Wazirin of Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from the United States of America. We sincerely hope that now that he is back, now that the real issues are no longer who can go to America and return, he would face the real issues of our polity.

“How does that become an issue? Can he go to America, can he not go? What is the issue there, that it became frontpage of the tabloid? So what after you have come back?
“And then the opposition keep saying he can’t go, he can’t go, now he has gone; there is nothing as embarrassing than when he does something you say is impossible.”

BAKARE SPEAKS ON ONNOGHEN’S TRIAL

The CJN is being arraigned by the state.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is a land where no one is above the law; where the law applies equally to the rich and the poor; to the president and the petty trader; to the Senator and the janitor; and, I dare say, to the Chief Justice of the Federation and the gateman in a magistrate court,” he said.

“It is in this regard that I enjoin every Nigerian to put Nigeria first and approach the current matter involving the highest judicial officer of the 20 land without bias, in the interest of justice and accountability, with the objective of institution building and in the spirit of the New Nigeria.

“Note, in addition, that the prosecutors must themselves operate in accordance with due process, with utmost respect for the independence of the judiciary, and in compliance with constitutional provisions on both substantive and procedural matters, knowing that two wrongs, no matter how seemingly well-intentioned, cannot make a right.”

RESTRUCTURING WAS CPC’S PRIME CAMPAIGN PROMISE

Bakare speaking in Akilo, Ogba, Lagos on Sunday

Bakare, who hailed the candidacy of Fela Durotoye, Kingsley Moghalu, Omoyele Sowore, and Oby Ezewesili, says many people are wondering who he is supporting, adding that his loyalty has not changed — he is for “team restructuring and nationhood”.

He said “the number one item in the CPC manifesto; it was why I accepted to be a delegate to the 2014 National Conference convened by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a conference at which we, by God’s grace, sponsored the ‘Nigerian Charter for National Reconciliation and Integration’ that was unanimously adopted by the 492 delegates from across the nation”.

“Fellow Nigerians, beyond the elections, this is what our nation needs: a uniting force that can rally our diverse strengths around a common narrative, towards a common objective, to achieve a common vision – The Nigeria of Our Dreams – and through a common strategy – the Sixteen Pragmatic Steps Towards Restructuring Nigeria.

“After all is said and done, may Nigeria win, no matter who wins or loses in this year’s elections. After the elections, we have a nation to build together.”

The full state of the nation address can be read here.

It is a funny twist of political irony that a serving head of a major parastatal is the same person orchestrating the ceaseless and outrageous smear campaign against the same governor that appointed him into office.
Welcome to the centre of drama or shall we say theatre of the absurd as this is precisely the case with the MD of Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) a certain Mobolaji Sanusi who in cohort with a few implacable elements within and outside of Lagos State government is hell bent on destroying Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Even after all principal players in Lagos APC have moved on with a forgiving spirit after the dramatic turn of events that produced Babajide Sanwo-olu as the gubernatorial candidate of the party, Mobolaji Sanusi and his shadowy gang are not ready to back down from the ‘Hack Ambode Down’ self-imposed project. And it is all for selfish, pecuniary reasons (more on this later).

To these promoters of evil smear campaigns, Governor Ambode conceding defeat after the primaries and pledging total loyalty to the party and its candidate were not enough, the development must create financial windfall for those like Mobolaji Sanusi who fancy themselves as the foot soldiers of the powers that be in Lagos. This is how his ilk has fed fat on Lagos – deliberately create disharmony and strife, blew it up in the media as handiwork of the enemy and turn around to request for huge sums to douse the tension that they masterminded by themselves.

These master fabricators know this formular has always worked except, perhaps, with Ambode. And so with expectations of post-primary brouhaha harvest dashed, the usual suspects entered another gear accusing Ambode of all sorts from lies about anti-party activities, to funding Jimi Agbaje, PDP and Accord party, to hobnobbing with the Presidency and lately to spending hundreds of millions to foil the attempted removal of Edgal Imohinmi, Lagos State Commissioner of police.

And for reasons of personal vendetta and the usual evil machinations, nearly every close associate of the governor is being mentioned to be involved in the Governor’s alleged moves just to garnish their evil fabrications and malign those they believe can’t be compromised to betray the governor.
This of course is not any anyway connected to the party leadership in the state or the Sanwoolu campaign team that is working in harmony with Ambode men to deliver Lagos State for APC and ensure continuity. This evil plot from known perpetrators is just the way of Mobolaji Sanusi and the like to arm-twist the governor. It’s all about money money money.
If LASAA is now perceived to be a shadow of its old self with in-fighting and counter petitions becoming the order of the day at the once vibrant agency, Mobolaji Sanusi is unperturbed. He divides his time solely between looking more yellow (ask for his #10Years Challenge to see the colour transformation) and fanning the embers of disunity just for personal gains. If you wonder why you’ve not seen the LASAA MD grant tv or newspaper interviews or contribute to enriching advertising industry discourses like his predecessors are won’t to do, this bolekaja MD is not interested. His focus is always to forment troubles for those he couldn’t extort or blackmail or those he just dislikes for no logical reason.
It is in his character though. He is known to have done the same to a former Commissioner of Environment who complained that his belicose attitude to corporate institutions in the state was giving the government a bad image. This was the same Commissioner he ought to be reporting to. But belligerent Sanusi does not report to a mere Commissioner, only to other powers that be.

His fracas with another Special Adviser over his (Sanusi’s) condescending attitude towards corporate players in the outdoor advertising space nearly embarrassed the government. Sanusi survived the attendant scandal that could have removed him from his plum seat because of a forgiving and compassionate governor only to fire a volley of unsubstantiated allegations and outright libel against the SA thereafter. And this fellow called Sanusi is supposed to be a lawyer and journalist.
But only a few should be surprised.
This is how the untouchables behave in an empire under captivity. Repaying kindness with evil; shaking tables and threatening terror on account of their perceived closeness to the landlords of the farmland.
He did the ‘hack him down’ game on former governor Babatunde Fashola. Ambode and his trusted aides are his current target. And knowing that a leopard does not change his skin, Sanusi will still ultimately apply the same hammer on Sanwoolu when his wild expectations are not met.
However, when Moboloji Sanusi is eventually forced to step away from the lean contaminated finger he is hiding behind; when bleaching substances won’t be able to wash him clean, he will then realise to his chagrin that lies can only travel for so long before exposure comes with sword of damocles; and that power is transient and no empire lasts forever.

The Presidential election of Paralympic Committee of Nigeria held on Tuesday, 15th January 2019 has been dubbed fraudulent, full of irregularities and outcome totally rejected by the President of Para-powerlifting Federation of Nigeria, Queen Obuh.
Rejecting the election in its entirety, Queen Obuh told newsmen that the process of the election subverts the constitution and guidelines for election into the body.
The Para-powerlifting Federation of Nigeria President, Obuh who is one of the presidential candidates said delegates for the election were handpicked within the National Stadium venue of the election instead of from federations across the six geopolitical zones of the country as stipulated by the constitution of PCN.
She said: “One of the zonal representatives claimed Para Tennis but to my amazement Kano State Director of Sports said they don’t do such sport in Kano.
“The elections lacked merit in all ramifications and the evidences are there. Most of the zonal representatives were not eligible to vote. Most of them were hand-picked by the officials of the Sports Ministry on the Election Day.
According to PCN election guideline, “The elections will be conducted by the electoral committee which shall comprise not more than (5) five persons and not less than (3) three persons or members.
“The Elections shall be monitored by the representatives of Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and members of the Nigerian Olympic Committee.”
Furthermore, it was clearly stated in the Conduct of Election in the Guideline for the election that “The chairman of states Para Sports Associations or The Director of state sports council/Commission shall Authenticate the zonal candidates letter for the zonal election, but all these were fragrantly flaunted.
The most shocking according to Obuh is why the election should be conducted by the Ministry instead of playing observatory role as the constitution stipulates.
Recounting her experience, Lucy Ejike, the team captain of Para-powerlifting of Nigeria said she stood for Athletes Representative election on the 10th of January against Flora Ugonwa which was declared inconclusive but to her dismay, at the PCN presidential election yesterday, Flora Ugunnwa was called to vote as Athletes Representative.

The last may not have been heard on a case of alleged fraud involving Sterling Bank Plc and one of its customers, Providence Heights Secondary School Staff Welfare Association, as the latter has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to wade into the crisis, we learnt.
The customer had accused Sterling Bank of defrauding it to the tune of N1.2 million at the bank’s branch on Iju Road, Iju, in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.
According to the customer, on two occasions within a period of five months, millions of naira were withdrawn from its saving accounts with numbers 0000886683 and 0068955741.
Findings further revealed that on Thursday, 6 July 2018, the sum of N1,200, 000 was stolen from the saving account number 0000886683 by fraudsters probably working in tandem with some staff of the bank. The leadership of the association reported the theft to the bank management.
This newspaper gathered that after the official complaint on the theft by the association’s leadership, the bank refunded N500,000 to the association. When the association sought for the balance of N700,000, the bank management refused saying the N500,000 it refunded was the one intercepted from the N1, 200, 000 initially stolen.
While the association was struggling to recover the N700,000 balance, we learnt that there was an election to usher in new executive members for the association and to prevent another theft saga, the new executive members opened a new savings account, 0068955741 with the same branch of Sterling Bank with new signatories.
But to the utter surprise of members of the association, we learnt that on Thursday, 1st November 2018, another N1, 700, 000 was stolen in several illegal withdrawals from the account.
Responding to our inquiry, Sterling Bank’s spokesperson, Mr. Olubukola Adejokun, however, denied the allegations, stressing that the confidentiality and security of financial information tied to the association’s accounts were compromised by its executives.
The statement reads: “Sterling Bank is not in a fix over the fraudulent transaction referenced. It was investigated with the outcome indicating that confidentiality and security of financial information tied to the association’s accounts were compromised by its executives. We take the protection of the financial information of our customers seriously by always updating policies and procedures to stay ahead of new strategies used by fraudsters. The bank also understands that customers have a role to play in keeping their financial information safe out of the reach of fraudsters, and are consistently educating them to protect their identity, smartphones, accounts, avoid suspicious emails, text or phone calls.
“The ex-chairman of the welfare account reported a case of N1.2 million after his phone was stolen and fraudulent transactions done through USSD, Flutterwave and mobile app on the 6th of July 2018. He, however, reported to the bank on 9th of July 2018 after the fraud had happened. We were able to salvage the sum of N500,000.00 and deactivated the account across our e-channel platforms.
“Immediately the issue was reported, we contacted the respective banks where the funds were transferred if we could still salvage the funds. We were able to salvage the sum of N500,000.00 and this had been credited to the customer’s account and was acknowledged by the customer.
“The custodian of the account (ex-chairman of the welfare account) failed to report incidence of stolen phone to the bank immediately it happened which would have ensured the deactivation of his account across all our e-channel platforms and ultimately prevent the fraud.
“The account was linked to one of the signatories’ personal account after his account had been profiled on Sterling Mobile platform using his registered mobile line and personal debit card details (PAN, Security, expiry date & PIN). The customer’s account was debited with the sum of N1,746,000.00 and funds transferred to two banks and also used for virtual top-up. We contacted the beneficiary banks with the sum of N129,000 salvaged.
“The association’s executive who had his personal account profiled on Sterling Mobile and linked to the welfare account, confirmed that he was called by someone who claimed to be from the bank and in the process, divulged his card details – PAN, Security, expiry date and PIN to this supposed staff. The divulged card details were subsequently used for the fraudulent transactions,” the bank concluded.
We further learnt that the EFCC has begun investigation into the matter.
Though, Sterling Bank recently unveiled a new logo aimed at driving its mission to be Nigeria’s foremost bank, delivering highly impactful and valuable solutions to its customers, depositors have continued to wonder how safe their monies are with the lender as the financial institution has allegedly become a haven for fraudulent officials.
Recall, a staff, one Ebenezer Alonge, a cashier with Sterling Bank’s Ado-Ekiti branch, alongside his wife, Isakunle Oyinlola and his mother-in-law, Isakunle Moradeke, were recently arraigned by the EFCC for allegedly diverting N2.4m deposited by a customer.
One of the charges preferred against them read: That you Ebenezer Adeolu Alonge ‘M’, Isakunle Olamide Oyinlola ‘F’ and Isakunle Eunice Moradeke ‘F’ between the month of January 2017 and March 2017, at the premises of Sterling Bank PLC Ado-Ekiti branch, did steal the sum of N2,400,800.00 (two million, four hundred thousand and eight hundred naira) only, property of Sterling Bank, by diverting same to the personal account of Isakunle Olamide Oyinlola with account number, 0047750660 and the personal account of Isakunle Eunice Moradeke with account number 0064222881, all with the Sterling Bank, Ado-Ekiti branch, being money for Ekiti State primary and secondary education development levy, and thereby committed an offence.”
According to a statement by the EFCC acting spokesman, Tony Orilade in Abuja, it was alleged that sometime in February, Sterling Bank received a complaint bordering on financial impropriety involving N62,400 belonging to a customer.
“The incident was investigated and another sum of N2,400,800 belonging to a customer was found to have been diverted by Alonge to his wife’s account.
“Further investigation revealed that there was a turnover of over N21m deposit from other customers in Alonge’s wife’s account.
“Other sums were reportedly traced to his mother-in-law’s account,” said EFCC.

The fourth season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) will be staged in Nigeria, the organisers have announced.

It will be the first time the reality television show will be shot outside South Africa.

During the second season of the show, Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, had directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to investigate why it was being staged in South Africa.

The minister had said the NBC should determine whether Multichoice, by shooting the show in South Africa, breached the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.

During a press conference on Tuesday, the organisers said auditions for the fourth season will be held on February 1 and 2.

The auditions will take place in eight locations; Lagos, Abuja, Warri, Benin, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Calabar and Enugu.

For its fourth season, Big Brother Naija has parted ways with online store, Payporte.

Betting platform, Bet9ja, was announced as the new lead sponsor of the reality show.

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, media personality and event compere, will return as the host of season four.

The reality show is expected to air after the 2019 elections.

Miracle Igbokwe emerged winner of the 2018 edition, taking home the N45 million grand prize and a sports utility vehicle.

Efe Ejeba won the 2017 edition of the reality show.

The Action Alliance (AA), a party formed by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State 14 years ago, has adopted Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party as its presidential candidate in the February 16 election.

The national chairman of the party, Kenneth Udeze, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

“We are for Atiku/Obi leadership and we are glad to work with all believers of true federalism and efficient administration of governance at all levels to accomplish this as we approach the forthcoming elections,” Mr Udeze said.

“The National Executives Committee (NEC) of our party are on the same page concerning our support for Atiku, same with all our state chapters in this matter.

“We hereby restate out position through this medium that AA as a certified and active member of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have not for a moment reconsidered or wished to alter that position.

“For your information, AA moved the motion for the adoption of Atiku as the Presidential Candidate of CUPP, and we are on it to the end,” he said.

The national chairman said the support for Mr Abubakar and his running mate, Peter Obi, was a support for the growth of the country’s democracy and the required restructuring of the country.

Mr Okorocha formed the AA in 2005 and planned to run for president on its platform in the 2007 elections.

He was a founding member of the PDP on whose platform he ran for the governorship primary in Imo State in 1999 but lost to Achike Udenwa who flew the flag of the party.

He later dumped the PDP for the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) where he was a presidential aspirant in 2003.

After a few years in ANPP, Mr Okorocha floated the AA where he hoped to actualise his presidential ambition, but in a dramatic move abandoned the new party to return to the PDP.
While in PDP, he showed interest in the 2007 presidential race and ran for the primary. He emerged runner up to the winner, former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

In September 2007, Mr Okorocha unsuccessfully aspired to become the national chairman of the then ruling party.

He later defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on whose platform he ran for governor in Imo State in 2011 and won, beating the incumbent, Ikedi Ohakim of the PDP.

Ahead of the 2015 election, the governor again dumped APGA for the newly-formed All Progressives Congress (APC) following the successful merger of three other opposition parties and a section of APGA which he led.

In APC, he also attempted to become its presidential candidate but was beaten alongside others by President Muhamadu Buhari at the party’s primary in Lagos in 2014. Mr Okorocha came a distant fourth having mustered only 624 votes.

While Mr Okorocha sojourned in PDP and APGA he managed to keep AA afloat and the party became handy.

When APC refused to name his son in-law, Uche Nwosu, its governorship candidate for the March 2 election, Mr Nwosu moved to AA where, without contest, he was accepted and adopted as its flag bearer in the March 2 election.

The APC snub has pitted the governor against the national leadership of the ruling party with both sides often exchanging verbal punches in the past months.

Mr Okorocha, who is the candidate of the APC for the Imo West senatorial District, is believed to have facilitated Mr Nwosu’s defection to AA.

While the spat with the leadership of APC lasted, the governor repeatedly said Mr Nwosu would run on the platform of another party if he was not offered the APC ticket.
On Saturday, Mr Okorocha, at the APC’s South East women and youth rally in Owerri, the state capital, clashed with the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, as both canvassed votes for different governorship candidates.

While the governor rooted for his son-in-law, Mrs Buhari, represented by Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, canvassed support for the APC candidate, Hope Uzodinma, and other candidates of the party in the general elections.

“A vote for Buhari is a vote for progress. APC has done well and we must all support all APC candidates,” the first lady said.

“I am happy with the crowd we saw today. It shows that Imo is APC and I want to urge all youth not to fight, avoid any form of crisis because President Buhari is a peaceful man. From what we have seen today President Buhari has won the South East the same way all our APC candidates have won.”

But when he rose to speak at the rally, which had Mr Uzodinma in attendance, Mr Okorocha vowed that nothing would stop Mr Nwosu from succeeding him as governor, come May 29.

He said, “Let me say this Madam First Lady, this time around we are not here to ask you to campaign for Buhari. What my wife has done is to tell you that Buhari is on ground.

“Imo victory for Buhari is designed, sealed. In Imo State, we have 47 political parties and one of the perfect alliances is Action Alliance led by Uche Nwosu.

“Nwosu is APC in spirit. APC owes Imo an apology because of the injustice meted to Imo people. In Imo State, Nwosu will win Imo State. It is not anti-party. We refused imposition in Imo State,” he said.

At Monday’s press conference, Mr Udeze said Mr Nwosu still remained the governorship candidate of AA in lmo State, adding that he (Nwosu) was the one running for the election under the party, not Mr Okorocha.

“We shall do our best to deliver him, as he still remains the candidate to beat among all the gubernatorial candidates,” he said.

“On this note, let me warn all our members in Nigeria, and the lmo State Chapter, in particular that we don’t need any infraction in our party (and) in fact there is no room for that.

“It is our unshakable/unfailing resolve to work for the emergence of Atiku/Obi, in the presidential election, and that we must not only be seen to be doing, but to truly do.
“I will not hesitate to invoke from relevant sections of our Party Constitution to deal with erring members no matter how highly placed, as AA constitution which I swore to protect remains supremely sacrosanct. Please be warned,” he said.

It is not however clear if it was Mr Okorocha and his supporters, who are backing Mr Buhari for the February election Mr Udeze referred to as “erring members.”

Mr Udeze could not be reached for comments as he did not respond to repeated calls from this reported on Tuesday morning.

When contacted, Sam Onwuemedo, media aide to Mr Okorocha, said his principal was now a member of the APC and would not comment on the adoption of Mr Abubakar.

When reminded that Mr Okorocha floated the AA in 2005, Mr Onwuemedo said the only link currently between the governor and AA was that his son-in-law was running for governor on the party’s platform.

“That is not important now. The only relationship between him (Okorocha) and AA is that Uche Nwosu is contesting on its platform and we are poised to deliver. We are for Buhari but on the issue of the governorship election, it is Nwosu. They should leave to us,” Mr Onwuemedo disclose in a telephone interview Tuesday.

EFCC has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Adewale Dalmeida, an employee of Dangote Cement, Ibese, Ogun State, to five years imprisonment before Justice O. J. Bamgbose of the High Court of Ogun State, Abeokuta for an offence bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N15, 000, 000 (Fifteen Million Naira) only.

Dalmeida along with Ibrahim Lawal, Lukman Adam and Afeez Olaniba were arraigned on December 6, 2018 on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N15 million.

The complainant, Dangote Cement, alleged that Dalmeida, a Fleet Analyst, Dangote Cement; Lawal, Chief Driver, Dangote Cement; Adam, a Ghanaian driver, Dangote Cement and Olaniba, who is an agent of a contractor to Dangote Cement, diverted nine trucks carrying 800 bags of cement each valued at over N15 million.

The defendants were said to have diverted the trucks carrying the bags of cement, which were meant for the company’s customers in Togo, using fake identification cards and number plates.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

The Judge remanded the defendants in Ibara Prison custody, Abeokuta, Ogun State and adjourned till December 17, 2018 for hearing of their bail applications and commencement of trial.

At the next adjourned sitting on December 17, 2018, counsel to the first defendant, Adewumi Adisa, told the court that he had filed a bail application on behalf of his client, Dalmedia, and also expressed the intention of his client to change his earlier plea of not guilty to guilty.

Consequently, the court had ordered the charge to be read to the defendant, who pleaded guilty to the two-count charge.

Also, counsel to second defendant, Z. D. Garuba, told the court that he had not filed any application on behalf of his client, Lawal, because he wanted to enter a plea bargain.

Counsel to the third defendant, Abolanle Davies, and counsel to the fourth defendant, K. O. Moshud, had also told the court about bail applications on behalf of their clients.

In his response, the prosecution counsel, Idris Mohammed, had told the court that he was ready to proceed with the trial of the third and fourth defendants.

He had also prayed the court to take a very short date for a review of the facts and adoption of the plea bargain.

Consequently, Justice Bamgbose had adjourned the matter to Friday, December 21, 2018 for the review of the facts and adoption of plea bargain.

At the close of the review of the facts and adoption of plea bargain agreement, Justice Bamgbose had convicted the defendants on both counts on December 21, 2018 and adjourned to January 14, 2019 for sentencing of the convicts.

At today’s proceedings, Justice Bamgbose sentenced the first convict to two and a half years imprisonment on each count. The sentences are to run concurrently from the date of arrest and detention, being September 14, 2018.

The Judge also ordered that the money and property recovered from the convict should be forfeited to Dangote Cement.

The second, third and fourth defendants were each sentenced to eight months imprisonment on each count. The sentences are to run concurrently from September 12, 2018.

The Judge ordered that the N1.6 million recovered from second defendant should be forfeited to Dangote Cement.

Also, the total sum of N900, 000 recovered from the third defendant was ordered to be forfeited to Dangote Cement.

The money recovered from the fourth defendant was also ordered to be forfeited to Dangote Cement.

The convicts were all ordered to enter into a bond with the Commission to be of good of character and never to commit any crime again in or outside the country.

*Why Police declared him wanted

+ Yasin, Kunle Poly, union members react



Pandemonium broke out on last Tuesday on the 8th of January 2019, during the inauguration of the campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the Sky Power Ground, Oba Akinjobi Road, Ikeja, Lagos, as hoodlums suspected to be members of the National Union Road Transport Workers, NURTW, invaded the campaign flag-off and engaged in a supremacy battle.

Among those who reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the clash were the Group Political Editor of The Nation, Emmanuel Oladesu; a correspondent with New Telegraph, Temitope Ogunbanke; and a cameraman with Ibile Television, Abiodun Yusuf.

The hoodlums invaded the venue with guns, daggers and other dangerous weapons, engaging one another in a bloody factional fight. The campaign, however, ended abruptly as violence broke out mid-way into the well-attended programme. Be factual in your reportage, Lagos state government admonishes journalists the situation sent panic across the campaign ground as party members ran in different directions to avoid being hit by bullets being fired indiscriminately by the hoodlums. Security operatives had a hectic time controlling the situation.

After the historical event Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Chike Oti, confirmed the incident and declared one of the top shot of NURTW, Mustapha Adekunle, aka Seigo, wanted for attempting to disrupt the APC rally.

Those who witness the rally and narrowly escape been injured kept wondering why Seigo was declared wanted because many on grand believed that some loyal boys to another union top shot, Azeez Adekunle Lawal popularly known as Kunle Poly were the cause of the mayhem.



While some alleged it was because Kunle Poly was on stage with King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (k1) and enjoying praises by K1which they (Seigo and Mc Oluomo) was not privilege to that is why Seigo, an NURTW chieftain, whom was said to have attended the rally with his supporters unleash the mayhem on APC supporters enjoying good music of K1 at the front stage of the event without affecting or disrupt the ongoing speech of Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

However, MC Oluomo, another NURTW chieftain, was beaten to stupor with dangerous weapons and was reportedly, stabbed on his cheek and was rushed to Eko Hospital where he was said to be recuperating, while two other victims of the attack were taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

The crisis was quickly contained by policemen at the venue.

“It will be recalled that a few hours before the rally started, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, held a meeting with the leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and other affiliate groups where all the parties agreed to eschew violence before, during and after the electioneering.

“It was therefore surprising that a prominent member of NURTW would attempt to violently disrupt a peaceful political rally.

“Meanwhile, Police spokesman Chike Oti said two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident and urged Adekunle to come out and clear himself”.

He said: “This matter is not debatable, it is on camera. Sego was caught on camera unleashing violence on people. That is the reason he was declared wanted. It is not a case of peddling falsehood or perception, it is about reality. Our declaration of Sego wanted still stands. Whatever anybody has to say on the matter, such a person should come to the police. You do not resort to violence to resolve issues.”

Adekunle last Friday challenged the police to release the video evidence for the world to see.

He said: “Whoever has any videotape of Sego unleashing mayhem on people should let the world see it. Whosoever has any evidence against Sego should come forward with it. That’s what I want. Anybody can fight for his right with his mouth by speaking against what he feels is not right. Besides, employing the use of a weapon is against the law and nobody on Tuesday can say he or she saw me with any weapon.



“For emphasis, I did not hold any weapon on that day. I only spoke against what is not right. I went to the rally as a member of Team Lagos and not on behalf of the union. I have been a party member since 1999 and we have been in Team Lagos since then. Go and ask Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Oba Demola Elegushi, APC state Chairman Tunde Balogun and King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal what Team Lagos stands for. I was at the rally under the banner of Team Lagos. Agbede came under the banner of the union (NURTW).”

Our further findings, however, reveal a video where Seigo was seen challenging the men of the Nigeria Police, telling them to leave his boys to carry out the violence.

“In the video we saw Seigo who came out beside K1 stage to meet the Task Force and telling them not to chase those boys (his alleged boys). After telling them that he went back to that same area (beside the stage) and those boys with different king of weapons including guns came out and shot a guy at leg while chasing others with weapons. In the video there was nowhere Kunle Poly show whether abusing, confronting, fighting or instruct/encourage any boys there to attack or fight.

Also, our investigation report indicts some notable Lagos Island boys (handlooms) who appear in the video to have disrupt the APC rally. The likes of Kazeem Olokodana, Tessy leader, Smart, Habeeb, Fela, Ike Owo, Ige Fema those are the few that can be recognise in the video.

At this point we want the people to watch the video on our site to have a better understanding of what happen that day.

In lieu, we try to get in touch with Seigo and Kunle Poly to react to the role they play in the crises and why their boys was allegedly attacking each other but was futile as their numbers are not go through.

Thought, the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, has summoned members of the State Administrative Council (SAC) to an emergency meeting in Abuja.

“This is to get to the root of the violence in which some members of the union were mentioned as active participants,” he said.

The union under his leadership, he said, would do everything possible to unravel the role played by all members of the union mentioned in connection with the violence “and whoever that is found wanting or involved directly or indirectly will be dealt with in accordance with the union’s constitution.”

Yasin said members of the union as law abiding citizens are free to belong to any party, stressing, however, that they should be careful not to drag the name of the union into partisan politics.

“Our union, NURTW, is not affiliated to any party. We are an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Our members are free to belong to any party of their choice. Members who attend political rallies do so on a personal note and not in the name of the union,” he added.

NURTW assured citizens that its leadership will not allow anyone or group of persons to drag its name in the mud.

It said the union is working hard to get rid of some bad elements using its name for their selfish interest.

“In view of the development, the Command wishes to encourage members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of Mustapha Adekunle popularly known as Seigo to report such at a nearest police station.

Video Player

The Nigeria Police Force headed by Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police, Frederick Taiwo Lakanu, as the new Force Secretary and member of the Nigeria Police Force Management Team.
In a statement released by the police and signed by the Force Police Public Relations Officer, DCP Jimoh Moshood, the appointment takes immediate effect. The new Force Secretary takes over from AIG Abdul Bube, who retired from the Force on December 31, 2018, after 35 years in service.
The statement reads in part: “He (Lakanu) served in various capacities in the Force as AIG Federal Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police in Imo and Ekiti States, Commissioner of Police Airport Command, Lagos, Principal Staff Officer to the IGP (Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, among others.
“Until his recent appointment, he was the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja comprising the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger and Kaduna States. He has since assumed duty as the Force Secretary, Nigeria Police Force.”
Meanwhile, AIG Godwin Nwobodo has assumed the office of the new head at the Zone 7 Command, comprising Kaduna, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory.

Until his new appointment, Nwobodo was in charge of the Nigeria Police Border Patrol Force.
Born on August 12, 1959, to the family of Mr. & Mrs. Samuel and Margret Nwobodo of Aninri Local Government Area, Enugu State, he completed his primary school education at Alafia Institute (Free Section) Mokola Ibadan, Oyo State in 1973 and obtained his WASC and HSC at Olivet Baptist High School, Olivet Heights Oyo in 1978 and 1980 respectively.

He earned a B.Sc (Honours) degree in Biochemistry in 1983 from UI and participated in NYSC scheme in 1984 in Ondo State and later joined the Nigerian Police Force with effect from 31 Dec 1984. AIG G. C Nwobodo also holds an LL.B, BL (Law), M. Sc in Legal Criminology and Security Psychology as well as MSS (Masters Strategic Studies) both from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigerian Branch), the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Institute of Management, the Society for Peace Studies and Practice as well as a fellow of the prestigious National Defence College, Nigeria. He is a member of the Air Assault and Ikeja Golf Clubs.
AIG Nwobodo was the CP (Courses) at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano, before his recent promotion to the rank of AIGP (Assistant Inspector-General of Police) and his initial deployment to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru near Jos. He had served earlier in a number of Commands and Departments of the Nigeria Police Force from 1986. He was equally in the Nigerian contingents to the United Nations Peace Missions in Kosovo and Haiti.
AIG Godwin Chijioke Nwobodo has attended several courses both within and outside Nigeria. Among them are Strategic Leadership and Command Course, and Advanced Detective Course both at the Nigeria Police Staff College, Jos, Unit Commanders Orientation Course and Training in Combat/Operations at Police Mobile Force Training College, Gwoza Borno State Nigeria, Police Administration and Management Course II, Nigerian Army School of Military Police, Basawa, Zaria Kaduna State and the Higher Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College, Nigeria. His M Sc. Strategic Studies dissertation on the “Nigeria Police Force in the Criminal Justice System and National Security” was recently approved leading to the award of the MSS degree of the prestigious University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
AIG Nwobodo is married and blessed with two children. He loves travelling, golfing and badminton.

Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, on Thursday claimed he is being castigated by some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), because of his achievements and commitment to the development of Abeokuta, the state capital, ahead of other regions in the State.

Amosun stated this during the kick-off of his ward-to-ward senatorial campaign, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun Central Senatorial District.
According to him, no right-thinking Governor would abandon the capital to remain the glorified condition it was, before he became Governor in 2011.

Amosun said: “Why am I being castigated? Abeokuta was made the State capital over 40 years ago and the only offence I have committed is to have developed Abeokuta but I tell you, no sane governor will neglect Abeokuta, else that governor will see the result.
“I have never neglected other areas. We have one of the best flyovers and roads of our administration in Sagamu, there are two flyovers in Ijebu Ode with good roads and the same things are done in Ijebu Igbo and Yewa.

“What we’ve done is that when we do three things in Abeokuta, we do two or one in other places and we are running round day and night to get this done.

“I am not the first governor in Ogun State but I appreciate what they’ve done but if anybody castigates me? No governor worth his salt will abandon Abeokuta.”
He solicited the votes of people in all the wards, appealing to them not to trade their Permanent Voter Cards(PVCs) for monetary gains.

“Don’t be deceived into trading your PVC, they will come with promise of loans and grants requesting for your PVC number, tell them they are thrives and criminals, ask them where they have been since all these years that they are now coming on the eve of the election,” he added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the party has transferred its corrupt leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it is now free of corruption.

The party spoke during a political stakeholders’ forum organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos.

Various parties and their candidates, during the event, presented their programmes and manifestos to Christian leaders and opinion leaders in attendance.

The event was also attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the National Orientation Agency, among others.

The PFN said it would monitor the elections and provide five agents in every polling unit in Lagos.

During the presentation of the parties, the PDP said it had shed its corrupt leaders to the APC.

“We are the only party that went through democratic selection when we were doing the structural replacement of our hierarchy, including the presidential candidate of our party.

“A party that does not practice internal democracy cannot help Nigeria out of the problem it has found itself. We have provided the leadership.

“And the corruption that they put on our neck, we have shed all the corrupt party leaders to the APC and I can say it.

“So, the PDP is free of corruption; APC is the mother of corruption for the past 16 years,” a representative of the party, Kunle Okunola, said.

Okunola, who is also the House of Representatives candidate of the PDP for Ikeja Federal Constituency, said the party would restructure the country.

Aliko Dangote is Africa’s richest man for the eighth consecutive time although his wealth dropped by $2 billion from $12.2 billion in January 2018 to $10 billion in 2019.

This is according to Forbes’ Africa Billionaires List released on Wednesday.

Mike Adenuga, chief executive officer of Globacom with interests in oil exploration and real estate, moved up to be Africa’s second richest man.

The American magazine said Adenuga’s net worth dramatically increased from $5.3 billion to $9.2 billion because he provided more detailed information about his assets.

Abdulsamad Rabiu, chief executive officer of BUA Group, featured on the list for the first time since 2015.

Rabiu’s Kalambaina Cement firm merged with Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, which he controlled, in December 2018. He now owns 97% of the entity.

Kalambaina, which operates a new cement production facility, started selling cement in mid-2018. Separately, Rabiu’s OBU Cement recently expanded its operations, adding a new production line.

Folorunsho Alakija, whose net worth dropped to $1.1 billion from $1.3 billion, was ranked 19th.

The rank was a tie with South African banker, Michiel Le Roux.

Commenting on the reduced net worth of the personalities, Forbes said “buffeted by plunging stock prices and weaker currencies, the number of African billionaires has shrunk to just 20, down from 23 a year ago.

“Four people fell off Forbes’ annual list of the continent’s richest since last year while one returned to the ranks after a four-year absence. All but four members of the list have smaller fortunes than a year ago.”

In a per country ranking, Egypt and South Africa are tied with five billionaires each, followed by Nigeria with four and Morocco with two. Forbes found one billionaire each from Algeria, Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of the sums of N1,250,000,000; $327,132.35, £167.85 and €157.91 recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Federal Government.

Justice Chuka Obiozor gave the order on Tuesday, following a suit filed by the EFCC against Heritage Bank Plc and Secure Electronics Technology Limited.

The anti-graft agency said the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Iheanacho Ekene, Counsel for the EFCC, told Justice Obiozor that “The persons in whose possession the funds were found are not laying claim to them and surrendered them for forfeiture.”

In August, Justice Obiozor had made a temporary forfeiture order in respect of the funds. He ordered the EFCC to publish the interim order in the newspapers for anyone interested in the money to show up in court to prove why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

On Tuesday, Iheanacho told the judge that the publication order had been complied with, adding that no one had shown up to lay claim to the money. He urged the judge to order that the funds be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

As there was no opposing application, Justice Obiozor ordered the sums of N1.2bn, $327,132.35, £167.85 and €157.90 permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

In a supporting affidavit to the forfeiture application, a female investigator with the EFCC, Oghare Ogbole, had averred that the funds were discovered following an intelligence report received by the anti-graft agency.

She added that, “Heritage Bank did not provide any legitimate explanation for the above transactions (involving the sums) and consequently returned the said money through 16 separate bank drafts issued in favour of the EFCC Recovered Funds Account.

“Attached and marked as exhibits EFCC 7A to 7F are the bank drafts representing the refund of the sums of N157,000,000,000 by Heritage Bank Plc, on the sums of $327,132.35, £167.85 and €157.90,” she said.

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says President Muhammadu Buhari has failed lift the morale of soldiers fighting Boko Haram insurgents.

In a statement on Wednesday, Abubakar criticised Buhari over his absence at the funeral of five air force officers who died in a helicopter crash while providing support to troops in the north-east.

They were buried at the national military cemetery in Abuja on Tuesday.

The former vice-president said Buhari’s failure to attend the funeral is “part of a pattern of unpatriotic behaviour demonstrated” by him.

“At a time when the morale of our soldiers should be lifted up as they face the difficult task of defeating the terrorists who are threatening our national security, I find it most regrettable that President Muhammadu Buhari, despite being in Abuja, chose not to attend the funeral of the five airforce officers who died in a helicopter crash while prosecuting the war on terror,” he said in the statement.

“Last month, I had cause to advise the President to find time to attend the funerals of the hero soldiers of the 157 Taskforce Battalion in Metele, Borno state, who paid the supreme price for Nigeria in large numbers.

“Sadly, due to reasons best known to him, President Buhari chose not to attend their funeral, neither was he represented by the vice-president nor any federal delegation. This was despite the fact that the President had time to host Nollywood actors and actresses the previous day. Imagine celebrating just before such a solemn event.

“The most recent funeral held in Abuja, the President was in Abuja on the day of the funeral. The previous day, he had inaugurated his re-election campaign council. My question for Mr. President is this: is securing your second term, more important to you than securing Nigeria?”

Abubakar urged Buhari to learn from French President Emmanuel Macron, who on March 28, 2018, attended the funeral of a French policeman killed by terrorists in Southern France.

“That single event boosted the morale of the French security forces, because it showed a commitment to their wellbeing and honour for their memory by the head of state. Very sadly, President Buhari missed another opportunity to demonstrate such commitment to our armed forces,” he said.

“Let me end this by commending our military for their sacrificial efforts to secure all of us. You have my full support and solidarity.”

Rotimi Amaechi, director-general of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign organisation, has described Lagos as a glorified village in an audio clip leaked on Monday.

The transportation minister said there is insufficient water and roads in Lagos while lamenting the spate of traffic jams in the state.

The audio tape was released by Phrank Shaibu, an aide of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shaibu had on Sunday released an audio where Amaechi said the only way Nigeria can change is for everybody to be killed.

The minister made the comments during a conversation with some journalists.

He said: “I live in Abuja, tell me where else we have infrastructure. Lagos is a glorified village. The only difference between Lagos and other cities is the fact that business is in Lagos, everybody is there doing business, so you can at least have food,” he said in the new audio clip.

“If not tell me what else you have in Lagos? 1,000 plus megawatts. That’s all. That’s what you have. What else do you have? No water, there are no roads. The reason why you meet traffic jams in Lagos is because there are no roads.”

There have been interesting events in the political terrain in the past few weeks, but the one that has gained unnecessary attention was this allegation by Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, presidential flag-bearer of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) that the president, Mohammadu Buhari and his family owned shares in Etisalat and Keystone Bank. He also called for probe into the substantial shares in Etisalat now known as 9mobile which has an estimated $2b (about N727b at 360 per dollar) of its estimated $20b global net worth.

No doubt, all that have transpired in the political circles do not spring any surprise to many a political watcher, because we know it is all politics, going by the fact that 2019 elections are just few weeks away and this has elicited desperations from desperate politicians. However, the masses, nay the electorate will end up getting more confused as a direct product of spurious allegations like the aforementioned.

Luckily, a group of investors in Lagos have put things in the right perspectives, declaring that the sale of the two companies followed due processes with the involvements of industry regulators. They affirmed that neither President Muhammadu Buhari nor his family members owned shares in either Etisalat or Keystone Bank.

The above explanation should have put paid to further grumbling over who owns either 9mobile or Keystone Bank.

But it is so unfortunate that Nigerian politics have been reduced to this appalling dimension where an aspiring leader or leaders would leave issue-based discussions and campaigns to embark on mud-slinging and false claims. We as Nigerians expect our politicians to tell us what they have in stock for us when they claim the mantle of leadership, instead of beating about the bush just to hoodwink us.

In recent times, careless talks and spurious allegations have had telling effects on businesses, Nigerians and it is high time we exercised restraints to save the nation. Are our youths truly lazy? Succumbing to the carrots dangled by these politicians and helping them to spread their lies, peddling unfounded stories? Nigerian youths, this is a clarion call to put on your thinking caps ahead of the election.

In a saner clime, the miraculous transformation experienced by Keystone Bank which was almost a dying entity a few years ago, would have attracted kudos and commendations from both the general public and politicians alike. It would be recalled that after many years in the doldrum and following its most recent acquisition by Sigma Golf-Riverbank consortium, Keystone Bank, for the half-year ended June 30, 2018, recorded a Profit Before Tax of N5.9billion compared with a loss of N7.1billion over the same period in 2017 while deposits have grown from N209billion in August 2017 (when the new management came on board) to N358billion as at November 2018.

On the part of 9mobile, the Investor Group had said after about a year of back-and-forth process of selecting a preferred bidder for the sale of 9Mobile, formerly Etisalat, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) jointly, in their roles as regulators opted for an innovative approach to deal with a distressed company operated by Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (EMTS) which its predecessor, Mubadala Group, Etisalat International brand pulled out of the country due to massive debt.

At this point in Nigerian history, politicians are expected to show maturity in their chase for political positions rather than heat up the polity in a way that would further damage an already dented economy.

Nigerians should be asking the candidates to present their manifesto/ plans to re-energize the economy rather than falling for their cheap tricks to distract us from the real issues.

Hopefully, 2019 will not be the usual tea party.

– Gbenga Ogunleye, a political analyst wrote from Lagos, Nigeria.

The President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, is in trouble as President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered his prosecution over an alleged multi-billion Naira scam in the organisation.

It was also learnt that the Federal Government through the Presidential investigative panel headed by Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, had placed Pinnick on travel ban.

Punch reports on Saturday that Buhari gave the order for Pinnick’s prosecution when the Obono-Obla presented a preliminary investigation report to him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission also addressed a report on the NFF to Mr President detailing the outcome of their investigations which tallied with what Obono-Obla’s panel had submitted to the President.

EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu had in his six-page report informed Buhari that the anti-graft agency had investigated and prosecuted the Director, Finance and Administration, Christopher Andekin; Head, Finance and Administration, NFF, Jafaru Mamzah and a cashier with the Finance and Administration department of the NFF, Rajan Zaka over an alleged financial scam in the football governing house in connection with financial payments from the Federation of International Football Associations and Confederation of African Football to NFF between 2014 and 2016.

But Buhari who was said to have been visibly angry over the alleged monumental scam ordered Pinnick to also be prosecuted. He directed Magu to embark on a wider investigation into the remittances to the NFF between 2017 and 2018.

The president, who was reportedly shocked by the mind-boggling report and additional revelations directed Magu to ensure a comprehensive and discreet investigation with watertight and unassailable facts and
pieces of evidence that would nail the suspects at the court.

According to the EFCC preliminary report sighted by Punch correspondent, EFCC stated that it commenced full investigation into the finances of the NFF where it discovered that the domiciliary accounts of the NFF domiciled with Zenith Bank and UBA had received total inflow of $16,417,761 from FIFA and CAF between January, 2014 and June, 2016 as follows:

1. 18/12/2014 Zenith Bank, Ac No: 5070407456, $8,400,000 (FIFA); 23/01/2015, Zenith Bank, Ac No: 5070407456, $450,000 (FIFA); 25/03/2015, Zenith Bank, Ac No: 5070407456, $1,081,000 (CAF); 13/10/2015 Zenith Bank, Ac No: 5070407456, $3000 (CAF); 12/01/2014, UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $1,500,000 (FIFA); 15/01/2014 UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $1,746,745 (CAF); 19/03/2014 UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $249,950 (CAF); 12/12/2014 UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $301,467 (FIFA);14/05/2015 UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $30,000 (FIFA); 31/07/2015 UBA, Ac
No: 3000004944, $315,149 (FIFA); 14/08/2015, UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $399,000 (FIFA); 11/09/2015 UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $300,000 (FIFA); 16/10/2015, UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $850,149 (FIFA); 18/11/2015, UBA,
Ac No: 3000004944, $2,990 (CAF); 12/02/2016, UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $79,540 (FIFA); 15/03/2016, UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $299,000, (CAF); 22/06/2016 UBA, Ac No: 3000004944, $9,930 (CAF).

Magu in the report also informed Buhari that investigation into the case had been concluded. He added that Christopher Andekin; Head, Finance and Administration, NFF, Jafaru Mamzah and a cashier with the Finance and Administration department of NFF, Rajan Zaka were indicted and arraigned on October 15, 2018 before Justice P.O. Affem of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, No 19 Maitama Abuja on five criminal charges of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust by a public officer.

The EFCC’s boss further informed Buhari that the commission also received another petition dated April 24, 2016 captioned ‘Monumental stealing and financial crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation’, from James Peters of Amal Pepple Estate, Abuja.

He stated that in the course of investigation, the Minister (Sports) forwarded to the commission, documents in support of the petition revealing sponsorship deals amounting to N1.14bn and $1.55m via his letter No. HMY &SP/003/2018/55 dates August 7, 2018.

Magu said, “Investigation into this petition has so far established that the NFF has sponsorship deals with 21 corporate organisation. The investigation further revealed that between 2008 and 2018, 11 out of the 21 corporate organisations made sponsorship payment of N5,288,990,000 and $1,550,000 to NFF as against the amounted stated in the ministers’ letter under reference above.

“One of the companies appointed as financial consultant to the NFF is owned by the 2nd Vice President of the NFF in person of Alhaji Shehu Dikko. The audit trail of the funds and its utilisation is currently ongoing with a view to prosecuting anyone found culpable of any offence.”

The year 2018 may have ended on a bleak note for all six General Managers of Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited, as they “voluntarily” disengaged their services from the firm.

Although their disengagement is yet to be announced officially by management, a source close to the company in Abuja told PREMIUM TIMES the top officials were forced against their will to take the decision.

It was not clear why the management of the company decided to ease out the top officials.

According to the source, who requested not to be named to avoid being victimised, Addax Petroleum Nigeria had announced a Voluntary Separation Programme (VSP) for all staff last November.

The VSP is a programme usually implemented every three years by the management of the company to encourage all categories of staff to take advantage of an enhanced remuneration package as benefits to voluntarily disengage from the company.

To benefit from the programme, staff are usually encouraged to apply to management to request approval to voluntarily exit from the company ahead of their retirement date.

In 2012 and 2015, the programme, referred to as “Voluntary Severance Package,” saw many staff of the company take advantage of the attractive offer to take early retirement.

In November 2018, the source said following management’s rollout of the VSP, all interested staff were given one month to submit applications to voluntarily leave the service of Addax Petroleum.

We learned the announcement came with a proviso that management reserved the final right to decide which application it would want to accept or reject.

At the end of the deadline for the submission of applications, the source said, although several applications were received from other staff, none of the six General Managers submitted any request indicating interest to voluntarily bow out of the company.

While some of the requests were accepted, the source told our reporter that many from people the management believe still have a future in the company were rejected and asked to return to work.
Earlier this week, the source said, a new organogram introduced by management effectively phased out the general managers’ positions, leaving them redundant, with no functional role in the operations of the company.

Under the new management structure in the company, the highest managerial positions became senior managers to replace the general managers.

The action was said to have taken the six general managers by surprise, as Managing Director of the company, Younghong Chen, feigned ignorance of what was going on.

Mr Chen was said to have told some of the affected general managers who went to seek clarification from him that the decision was beyond his authority.

Consequently, the affected general managers were said to have been left with no option than to put in their applications to request for the voluntary separation package.

“As I speak to you, all six general managers are out of the Addax Petroleum system effective December 31, 2018,” the source said on Friday.

“What that means is that every staff who applied and his or her application was accepted by management will cease to be a staff of Addax Petroleum by December 31, 2018,” the source added.

We learned those affected included the General Managers in charge of External and Government Affairs; Exploration and Production (E&P); Human Resources (HR); Health Safety and Environment (HSE); Supply Chain Management, and Drilling.

The General Manager, External and Government Affairs, Dorothy Atake, in response to a text message, said the exit was voluntary.

“Call Yinka Adeyemi. He’s now the media manager. No one was sacked. The company offered a voluntary severance package to all its regular staff. It was open to all regular staff. Those who applied for the Voluntary Severance Package were paid off. So, it’s not a sack,” Ms Atake, one of those affected said in her text message.
When our reporter contacted the company’s new Manager, External Affairs, Adeyinka Adeyemi, he refused to confirm or deny the development.

“Can you call someone else? I don’t know who gave you this number. I am out of Lagos. You can hear its very noisy in the background where I am. I can’t talk right now. You can call me on Monday,” Mr Adeyemi said on the telephone.

Pressed further to confirm the development, Mr Adeyemi insisted he could not talk, as he was out of Lagos. “When I am back in Lagos, we can have a conversation on Monday on this. Thank you,” he said.

Addax Petroleum, which began operations in Nigeria in 1998, is the operator of some Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The company, which operates 11 oil concessions with about 80 production wells in OMLs123, 124 and 126, is now owned by the Chinese state firm, Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Corporation (SIPC).

Dino Melaye, lawmaker representing Kogi west senatorial district, has surrendered to the police after over a week siege at his Abuja residence.

The police had vowed not to leave Melaye’s residence without arresting him. He was accused of culpable homicide, an allegation he denied.

We understands that Melaye is currently at the head office of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) in Abuja in the company of some lawmakers and his lawyers.

More to follow…

Kafayat Shafau-Ameh, a popular Nigerian dancer, says she won the battle when she was depressed.

In a post on her Instagram page on Thursday, she advised Nigerians not to believe the display of wealth on social media.

“A lot of people are going to lose their grips this year. A lot of people who have been struggling since 2018 are going to lose their grips because of social media pressures,” the 38-year-old dancer said.

“Wherever pressure is coming from, work on it but as for those of social, I can guarantee you that 70 percent of them are bullshit. Most of them don’t have the cars they claim to have. The cloths that they claim to wear, they don’t have them.”

Speaking further, Kaffy, as she is popularly called, advised fans to get back to their hustle and overlook the highly enticing falsehoods that have dominated social media platforms.

“I faced depression, I battled it and I won. You can win. The first thing to do is not to let people define your happiness. We all have our races, our paths are different,” she wrote.

“First-to-do doesn’t mean last-man-standing. If anyone runs past you; does better than you; or has anything you want to have, just wave and say ‘I will catch up later’. Don’t be in a hurry.

“Do you want to be pressured by the same people that do make-believe? The best time to ‘get our hand dirty’ is now. Get back to your hustle, run your race and avoid being pressured by anyone.”

Amina Zakari, a national commissioner at the Independent and National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been appointed to head the collation centre of the elections.

Zakari was appointed to head the committee on collation centre, one of the two committees for the election which the commission inaugurated on Thursday in Abuja.

Speaking during the inauguration, Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, said the committee shall be responsible for the national collation centre – the International Conference Centre – from where results of the Presidential election will be announced.

“It will serve as the secretariat for collation of results and venue for briefing of international observers and the media,” he said.

The national commissioner was once appointed acting chairman of INEC.

She had been at the commission’s department of health and welfare after being redeployed as the head of electoral operations and logistics.

Her redeployment took place after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused her of working for President Muhammadu Buhari and demanded that she be moved.

Kola Ologbondiyan, spokesman of the PDP, had said in a statement: “While Prof. Mahmood Yakubu can no longer be trusted to conduct the 2019 general election, it is public knowledge that Mrs Amina Zakari, the INEC Director in charge of Operations and ICT, is a direct blood relation of Mr President and as such, we believe that she cannot be an impartial arbiter in an election involving her uncle.”

The party had also told the commission not to “bow to pressure” and return Zakari to her former position.The second committee, on electoral logistics, is chaired by Ahmed Mu’azu, national commissioner.

It includes key government institutions and security agencies whose roles according to the chairman are defined in the electoral act.