₦airaland Forum

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/el-zakzaky-indias-shiites-to-bear-cost.html


An Indian-based Muslim group, Anjuman e-Haideri, has offered to bear the full medical cost of treating the leader of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat.

El-Zakzaky and his wife were, on Monday, flown out to India where they are expected to undergo treatment for multiple health conditions.

They were received by medical doctors and wheeled into Medanta Hospital, New Delhi, upon arrival yesterday morning.

However, Anjuman e-Haideri Islamic group, in a letter signed by the General Secretary, Mr. Bahadur Naqvi, and addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Surgeon of Medanta Hospital, Dr. Naresh Trehan, offered to foot all the medical costs incurred by El-Zakzakys in India.

A copy of the letter, dated August 12, 2019, which was sighted by DAILY POST read: “Maulana Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky, who is a prominent Shi’a Muslim leader having a large following worldwide, will be treated in your hospital.

“The Executive Committee of Anjuman e-Haideri, Jor Bagh, New Delhi, by the direction of our Chief Patron, Maulana Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, has decided unanimously to bear all the medical costs incurred in India for his treatment. Kindly consider our request, do the needful and oblige.”

66 years old El-Zakzaky suffers from Ischaemic heart disease, chronic hypertension, right eye severe visual impairment with progressive open glaucoma, mental toxicity, lead poisoning, among other illnesses.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/transfer-deadline-alex-iwobi-becomes.html


Alex Iwobi has become the costliest Nigerian footballer in history, following his transfer deadline-day move from Arsenal to Everton.

Iwobi has agreed a five-year contract with Marco Silva’s men, in a deal worth €43million on Thursday.

The 23-year-old overtakes Super Eagles team-mate, Kelechi Iheanacho, who cost Leicester City 25million when he arrive from Manchester City.

The list features some of Nigeria’s present and past players, with names like Odion Ighalo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

Top 12 most expensive Nigerian players:

1. Alex Iwobi, Arsenal to Everton: €43million

2. Kelechi Iheanacho, Manchester City to Leicester City: €27.7million

3. Odion Ighalo, Watford to Changchun Yatai: €23.3million

4. John Obi Mikel, Lyn Oslo to Chelsea: €20million

5. Ahmed Musa, CSKA Moscow to Leicester: €19.5million

6. Wilfred Ndidi, RC Genk to Leicester: €17.6million

7. Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Middlesborough to Everton: €16.5million

8. Obafemi Martins, Inter Milan to Newcastle: €16million

9. Emmanuel Emenike, Spartak Moscow to Fenerbahce: €13million

10. Austin Okocha, Fenerbache to PSG: €12.4million

11. Victor Osimhen, Charleroi to OSC Lille: €12million

12. Victor Moses, Wigan to Chelsea:€11.5million

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/edo-guber-pdp-speaks-on-gov-obaseki.html



Ahead of the governorship election in Edo State, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, won’t get any preferential treatment if he decides to dump the All Progressives Congress, APC, and join them.

State Chairman of the Party, Dan Orbih said Obaseki won’t get an automatic ticket if he decides to cross over to the PDP.

Orbih stated this in a statement signed by the state chapter of the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare.

According to him: “On the rumours concerning Governor Obaseki – one issue that keeps coming up in the build-up to next year governorship election is whether Obaseki is coming to join us? My answer is I don’t know.

“Will you receive him if he wants to join us? My answer is Yes; our party membership is open to all Nigerians who want to join.

“Are we going to give automatic ticket to him? No provision in our party constitution guarantees an automatic ticket for anyone contesting governorship ticket.

“Our governorship candidate will be chosen in compliance with the provisions of our party’s constitution.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/ogun-governor-abiodun-under-fire-for.html


A group of concerned Ogun indigenes has berated the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, for allegedly underrating former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The indigenes, under the aegis of Ogun Concerned Progressives, said Abiodun goofed for not acknowledging Obasanjo as one of the great indigenes of Ogun State who had played important roles in the development of Nigeria; saying posterity and history would not forgive the governor.

Abiodun had on Tuesday, July 30, led a delegation of 62 Ogun indigenes on a ‘thank-you’ visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja for conferring the highest honour of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola, who is a son of Ogun State.

In his speech at the gathering with President Buhari, Abiodun listed out Ogun State’s past and living heroes and heroines, who he said played critical roles before, during and after the nation’s independence.

He mentioned the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Rev’d Ransome Kuti, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Olikoye Kuti, Dr. Beeko Kuti and Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye.

Others listed in his speech included: Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Earnest Sonekan, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, Pa. Anthony Asiwaju and Chief Biyi Afonja.

However, the Concerned Ogun Progressives, in a statement signed by Olusegun Showunmi, expressed dissatisfaction that Obasanjo’s name was missing on the list of Ogun heroes, describing Abiodun as a hypocrite and an unserious child who seems not to remember his father’s name.

“It baffles us to note that a governor, who is still standing on one leg, could, even before finding his feet, allow his handlers to make him seem like an unserious child that cannot even remember the name of his father. Or how else can one explain the omission of the name of our father, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, from the list of Ogun State indigenes, who have made and have continued to make invaluable contributions and sacrifice for the Nigerian nation, by a man who says he is fit to lead a state as great as Ogun?” he stated.

Showunmi, who described the visit as a jamboree to waste Ogun state resources, recalled how Obasanjo was jailed and almost killed by the then Head of State, late Major Gen. Sanni Abacha, for standing against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.

He also noted that Obasanjo played major roles in fighting for the nation during the civil war; adding that Gov. Abiodun attempted to rewrite or falsify Nigeria’s contemporary history because of ‘pointless politics’.

“One cannot forget in a hurry that Obasanjo himself went to jail and even escaped death by a hair’s breadth in the hands of the goons of the late head of state, General Sani Abacha, over his attempt to find a way for the nation out of the logjam that resulted from the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He still bears the scars of the inhuman treatment he was subjected to while in prison.

“How then would anyone, who is not acting in bad taste to massage the egos of some benefactors, choose to side step the most eminent son of Africa, living? This, definitely, is the Governor’s first needless major goof,” the statement read.

Showunmi submitted that the “unwarranted omission of Obasanjo’ s name was deliberate in order to “discount or discountenance Obasanjo’s contributions” to the nation.

“As citizens of Ogun State, we reiterate that for anyone, especially in the mould of the governor to choose, on such an occasion, to discount or discountenance Obasanjo’s invaluable contributions to nation-building is, to say the least, to do a great disservice to the country itself, the current and future generations.”

He added that “Those who decided to be sycophantic in the presence of President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, over an issue they should have been dispassionate and unbiased about, should have known that the President, who has always acknowledged Obasanjo as his boss, would be discerning enough to see, through their antics, that they are confirmed hypocrites that will do the same to him when the table turns. We are sure that posterity and history would not forgive them for this travesty of justice.”

The statement maintained that “Obasanjo is a statesman and an eminent international figure, whose image would remain larger than life in the arena of global politics, regardless of whatever negative picture of his anyone tries to paint locally, now and forever.”

“His prominent place in the history of the Nigerian nation, the struggle for freedom and peace in Africa cannot be denied or extirpated by anyone, no matter how hard they try. He remains a living legend.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/bayelsa-lands-not-for-ruga-but.html


Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has re-echoed that there’s no land for Ruga settlement in the State, except land for only investment.

Dickson stated this during the official launch of the New Yenagoa City within Yenagoa, the capital city, at the DSP Alamieseiyegha banquet hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

Dickson started with the presentation of lands to the former Presidents that have served the country including former President, Goodluck Jonathan and Former Military President, Abdulsalam Abubarkar.

The former heads of State also include President Muhammad Buhari, who served as Military head of State and former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Late Sani Abacha.

Also gifted with lands and Certificate of Occupancy are former State Governors, State Assembly members and the Security formations in Bayelsa State including the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force code-named the Operation Delta Safe.

Governor Seriake Dickson, while speaking at the launch held at the Banquet Hall of the State Government House, said the presentation of lands to the former heads of state was in recognition to their contributions to Bayelsa and the nation at large.

Governor Dickson noted that his administration has, in the last seven and half years, building on the dreams of past administrations in the state,’ it took a lot of hardworking, dreams and vision.’

He called on the people present at the occasion to shun divisive rumours being peddled about Bayelsa State, ‘ the State is more united for development and at peace with itself. We encourage investment in real estate with the immediate signing of Certificate of Occupancy in spite of political differences.

Also speaking, the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan commended Governor Seriake Dickson for the landmark projects in the state including the New Yenagoa City project and said he is pleased with the state.

Jonathan also pointed out that a similar project was muted by his administration in the state before his elevation to the position of the Vice President, insisting that the Dickson administration is actually building on the dreams of the past administration.

In his submission as the Chairman of the Occasion, the former military president, Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, said he is delighted that the state has developed under the administration of Gov. Seriake Dickson. ‘I can’t believe that Yenagoa has developed to this level. Yenagoa is one of the fastest developing city in the country. The vision of the new Yenagoa City is laudable.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/sowore-rejects-food-from-dss-remains-in.html

Sowore has called for the release of Nigerians arrested by authorities while protesting on Monday.




Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate, has called for the release of RevolutionNow protesters who were arrested by security agents during demonstrations on Monday, August 5, 2019.

Sowore was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday, August 3 for calling for nationwide protests against the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

The Sahara Reporters founder accused the current government of badly managing the affairs of the country and called on Nigerians to reject the wickedness of the establishment.

After the DSS picked him up on Saturday, the agency accused him of threatening the harmony of the nation by plotting to overthrow a democratically-elected government.

Despite the warnings of security agencies against the protests, many staged demonstrations in a few states in the country on Monday, leading to a crackdown that involved many arrests in Lagos, Osun, Ogun and Cross River.
Omoyele Sowore was arrested by the DSS for allegedly threatening Nigeria's harmony [Twitter@YeleSowore]





When he was allowed to meet with members of the Take It Back Movement late on Monday, a defiant Sowore called for the release of those arrested, according to a report by Sahara Reporters.

"I join others in demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested by the police on Monday," he said.

The activist turned politician said he was bothered by the crackdown on Nigerians who were merely expressing their civil rights through peaceful protests.

Even though he noted that he was being treated well in detention, he has refused to eat meals given to him by the DSS.

Take It Back spokesperson, Rachel Onamusi-Kpiasi, said the movement has been granted permission to deliver food on a daily basis to the detainee who she said remained in high spirits.

In its condemnation of the RevolutionNow protests, the presidency said only an electoral process determines a change of government, not a forceful overthrow.

Buhari won re-election in the February presidential election in which Sowore contested and performed woefully.

Many Nigerians have condemned his arrest and called for his release from detention.

They include Professor Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana, and former presidential candidates, Dr Oby Ezekwesili and Atiku Abubakar.

Onamusi-Kpiasi said the Take It Back movement will continue to agitate for Sowore's release as well as that of its other comrades whose voices the "oppressive regime" has tried to silence.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/living-faith-pastor-killed-by-gunmen.html



A resident pastor of the Living Faith Church in Romi New Extension, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, Jeremiah Omolara, has been killed by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

The incident, which happened along the dreaded Kaduna-Abuja road when the pastor, his spouse and son were traveling to Abuja, had Omolara’s wife abducted.

According to ThisDay, the gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, killing the pastor on the spot and taking the wife to the bush.

However, the son was said to have escaped unhurt.

Confirming the incident, on Monday, the Kaduna State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, decried the increasing rate of kidnappings in Kaduna, especially, the abduction of clergy men.

Hayab told newsmen, “the killing of the pastor (Omolara) and the abduction of his wife is sad and devastating.”

He further recalled that the parish priest of Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru Local Government Area, was attacked by gunmen at his resident and a security guard was killed last week.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/govt-announces-recruitment-of-teachers.html



The Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on Monday commenced the process of recruiting teachers into public primary schools in the state.

A statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti by the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Francisca Aladejana, said the planned mass recruitment was sequel to the approval of Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

According to her, the Governor had directed the board to fill vacancies in public primary schools in the state without delay.

She said that application forms would be distributed free to applicants at the SUBEB headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday and Wednesday between 8 am. and 4 pm.

Aladejana stated further that only applicants with verifiable credentials would be allowed to obtain the application forms.

She advised interested applicants with prerequisite qualifications to visit the SUBEB headquarters to collect their forms which must be submitted in person at the same venue on or before Friday for processing.

According to her, qualifying examination will hold on Aug. 17 at Ado-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti, Ido-Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti and Ode-Ekiti.

The SUBEB chairman warned that the board would not accept application forms submitted late.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/revolutionnow-police-mount-surveillance.html



A combined team of security operatives Monday mounted surveillance around major streets of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The police in the state said the move was to combat the #RevolutionNow protesters and prevent violent protesters from turning the state to a theatre of war.

Ogun state police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi however warned against unlawful gathering, saying that anyone caught breaching the peace of the state will be dealt with by the police.

“In Ogun State, we are on the ground and we are fully ready for any form of violent protest anybody might want to embark on.

“We will not fold our arms while this state is being thrown into confusion.

“The Federal government, the force headquarters, have made their stand clear about this revolution now protest.

“We want to make sure that Ogun State will not be used as a theatre of war.

“That is why we are having this show of force,” Oyeyemi said.

Channels TV reports that the state capital remain has however remained calm as residents go about their lawful businesses.

The #RevolutionNow protest is planned by the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the last general election, Omoyele Sowore.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/im-combative-i-cant-change-oshiomhole.html



National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that he was not about to change his style of leadership as the National Chairman of APC.

Oshiomhole said he did not join politics to be changed by the way things are done by politicians.

The former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and ex-Governor of Edo State, has been heavily criticised for being combative as APC National Chairman.

Oshiomhole said his long stay in Labour taught him to be combative, stressing that he did not commit class suicide but to impose his own ways of doing things.

He spoke at a reception organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for the Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Guy Ryder.

Oshiomhole said, “Whatever I am doing today, my style and choice of what I do and what I abstain from doing, I owe to Labour. If you study the Nigerian media, there is this saying that as national chairman of a governing party, I am not supposed to be combative. I am even more convinced now about the need for combat.

“If this country is going to change and deliver to the poor, deliver decent jobs, we need not diplomacy, but aggressive engagement to force those who are benefiting from the status quo to change and in such a way that will make the country to work for the people who live on their wages.

“Some people said to me that I am too combative and I said to them that I was not coming to copy their method, but coming to impose my method to change the system and not for the system to change me.

“I refuse to be changed by the system. My hope is that with more comrades coming into politics, we will work together to change the system for a better future.

“I am very proud of my background, as a factory hand, as a factory organiser, as a General Secretary of Textile Workers and as President of NLC. Some people said I have I cross over and I ask, to where? I just continue with the struggle.

“I move from conveying my grievances with placards and organising strikes with protest and pressure, to trying my hands on the drivers wheel, to try to do those things that I try to communicate with placards and then use executive pen to get them done.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/epl-guardiola-close-to-breaking.html


Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, is on track to set another Premier League record, with one of Jose Mourinho’s achievements in his sights.

Having become the first manager to win the English domestic treble with the Citizens last season, Guardiola is closing in on the record for least amount of matches required to get 100 Premier League wins.

Mourinho currently holds that record from his time at Chelsea, with his first 100 wins coming in only 142 league matches.

But Guardiola looks set to surpass that mark as he currently has 87 wins from 114 games.

This means he only needs 13 victories in the next 27 matches to eclipse Mourinho’s mark.

Guardiola will also eclipse the games it took to reach 100 wins for Sir Alex Ferguson (162), Arsene Wenger (179), Rafa Benitez (181) and Claudio Ranieri (187).

Manchester City can win their first trophy of the campaign on Sunday, when they take on Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley.

Their Premier League campaign begins with a trip to West Ham, before a home game against Tottenham.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/fake-lagos-bank-how-we-arrested.html



The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects, who operated an illegal Microfinance bank called STAAGMART Nigeria Limited, situated at D69 Oyingbo, Lagos State, and recovered a sum of N961,375.

The state’s commissioner of police, Shina Olukolu, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday while presenting the suspects before newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Ibadan.

Olukolu said that the command got information from the public on July 30 that some hoodlums suspected to be armed robbers lodged at S.L hotel at Boluwaji area in Ibadan.

He said that his officers led by ASP Muhammed Jamiu swung into action and apprehended the suspects.

Olukolu explained that one of the suspects, who claimed to be the Chief Executive Officer of bank, said the bank was situated in Lagos State but operates at Lokoja, Kogi state capital.

“The company is a financial institution and is into giving soft loan to their customers.

”The customers are to invest the sum of N30,000 and above to be entitled to 10 per cent of the total money invested within 5 days.

“The suspects after receiving huge unaccounted amount of money from their customers in Lokoja, decided to abscond with the money to Ibadan and Lodge at S.L hotel, Boluwaji area, Ibadan, before they were arrested,” Olukolu said.

The commissioner of police said that the exhibit in possession of the suspects are a sum of N961,375, Staagmart Nigeria Ltd., documents, certificate of incorporation and a criminal charms.

He said that all the suspects have confessed to have committed the offence and would be charge to court as soon as investigation is completed.

One of the suspects, in an interview, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they absconded from Lokoja when their customers wanted to attack them because they were unable to keep to their promises.

The commissioner of police advised the public to be wary of Okada riders who carry two passengers, especially at the early hours of the day or late in the night.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/waec-moves-to-expose-fake-certificates.html



The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced plans to acquire technological devices for authentication of documents.

WAEC Head of National Office (HNO), Mr. Olu Adenipekun, made the disclosure on Thursday in Lagos.

“One thing that will be coming on board is how we can apply technology to improve our service delivery.

“The place of technology in the education sector is one thing that will take the centre stage by looking at how innovations and technologies can be deployed in the conduct of public examinations in Nigeria.

“In this regard, therefore, WAEC has concluded plans to acquire three Magic Scanner PS 1000 from a company in the UK which has shown interest to come and unveil this technology at the conference.

“This Magic Scanner will be used to authenticate documents and responses before they are taken to the clouds”.

Adenipekun added that the council would also acquire a tracking device that would be used to dispatch examination materials.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/boko-haram-reno-omokri-reacts-to-claim.html



Reno Omokri, an aide to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the claim that President Muhammadu Buhari government secretly buried 1,000 Nigerian soldiers killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had since reacted to the report.

In a tweet on Thursday, Omokri said the Wall Street Journal’s report on the matter was saddening, adding that President Buhari was not winning the war against Boko Haram as his government would want Nigerians to understand.

He noted that the secret burial was an attempt to hide the true state of the war on terror.

“If you have a SON, DAUGHTER, HUSBAND, WIFE, BROTHER or SISTER in the @HQNigerianArmy that you have not heard from in a while, [Let] Nigerians know the truth about the 1000 soldiers secretly buried by General @MBuhari’s regime.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/08/buhari-govt-working-towards-nigerias.html


The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government of “doing all kinds of things that can divide the country”.

Afenifere said this in response to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s call on those seeking the dissolution of Nigeria to look at the case of Sudan which broke up yet the problems still lingered.

In a statement signed and issued yesterday by its spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere said the federal government’s action can “make the breakup inevitable”.

According to Odumakin: “The president said yesterday that Abiola would have solved ethnic and religious problems in Nigeria, why are they not solving it. Why are they doing all kinds of things that can divide the country?.

“So if a break-up is not the solution but all the actions they are taking make the break-up inevitable. The Fulani people are doing so many things in the country, they are not doing anything against them. You are doing many things that can break up the country and yet you are saying break-up is not the solution.

“What kind of sermon are they preaching? If they are declaring Shites group as terrorists, what act of terrorism have they done, whereas those who are perpetrating terror in Nigeria you are giving them money.

“The Afenifere has never set out to ask for the break up of Nigeria, as a matter of fact, we don’t like it. It is those who are pursuing the policy of not making Nigerians good neighbors to themselves, those who regard some Nigerians as masters and some as slaves, those who discriminate and pursuing policy of discrimination, those who don’t provide employment for the millions of able-bodied Nigerians, even though, there are opportunities to do so, that could break up the country

“Some Nigerians who have the opportunity to utilise the resource to develop Nigeria and fail to do so. It is these people directly or indirectly, who are breaking this country up.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/recruitment-police-shortlist-candidates.html



The Police Service Commission, PSC, has disclosed that 80,724 persons have been shortlisted from its screening exercise conducted for applicants for the position of Constable in the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC said those shortlisted would sit for an aptitude test on the 3rd of August, 2019 across the country.

PSC stated that the Commission is currently sending SMS to the telephones lines of the shortlisted candidates with a view to inviting them for the aptitude test which is scheduled to start by 8 am.

Candidates have also been advised to “check the comprehensive list from the Commission’s website,www.psc.org.ng or visit the State Command headquarters in their states where the comprehensive list will be pasted.”

The Commission, however, warned candidates to avoid any form of examination malpractice as culprits will be apprehended and punished accordingly.

At the close of the Commission’s recruitment portal on January 11th, 2019, a total of 315,032 applications were received but 210,150 applicants were shortlisted for the screening exercise.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/suicide-senate-others-raise-alarm-move.html



The Deputy Senate leader, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice has called on all and sundry, including traditional and religious leaders, to take the fight against suicide seriously as it has become a national issue that needs the cooperation of all.

He made the statement at the official induction ceremony of Africa Project Against Suicide Board of Trustee members held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Boroffice was inducted as the Chairman of the Board. Other members of the Board are Mr Swem Collins, Mr Debulak Lamu, Pharm Sotunde Adenike, Pastor Peter Inyang, Pastor Honey Olawale and Mr. Roland Andekin.

While speaking, the Deputy Senate Leader said the frequent suicide cases in Nigeria has become an issue of concern to the Nigerian Senate.

The senator said the issue was thoroughly discussed on the floor of the Senate and the Senate recommended the ban of snipers and other urgent measures.

In his words, “I agreed to serve as the chairman of this board because of the seriousness of the issue on ground”.

He also counselled the newly constituted board members to work in unity and unison with a focus on combating Suicide.

Meanwhile, the guest speaker, Mr. Kola Akinpelu said only Botswana has National strategy on suicide in Africa. He appealed to the Nigerian Government to also come up with a national strategy on the issue of suicide.

He also said the fight against suicide cannot be effectively done individually by any organization without the cooperation of the government.

On the rising cases of suicide in Nigeria, Akinpelu advised that awareness programs should be taken to all parts of Nigeria.

The International Director of APAS, Pastor Honey Olawale said many lives have been rescued by APAS since the inception of the project in Nigeria, reiterating the commitment of the organization to preventing suicide in Nigeria.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/nigeria-has-lost-20-rangers-national.html



The National Park Service, on Tuesday, revealed that Nigeria has lost 20 Rangers since its inception in 1991.

The Conservator-General, National Park Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Goni, disclosed this at a pre-event news conference to mark the 2019 World Rangers Day in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Goni, the World Rangers Day is celebrated round the world on July 31 to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the bravery of those on the field.

He said that the day was also to celebrate the critical work rangers perform in protecting the world’s natural and agricultural treasures.

“Nigeria has lost 20 rangers and a few others have been injured or maimed since inception of the national park in 1991.

“In the last five years, 1, 860 suspects have been arrested for various offences; some have been prosecuted, jailed, served jail time, paid the fine, or warned and released in line with the provision of the national park service.

“The service however is not relenting in its efforts in ensuring the welfare of our Rangers in terms of training and capacity building, support of families of fallen heroes, prompt payment of salaries and welfare.

“This will not only boost their ego but make them to feel they are part of the system,” he said.

Goni said that Rangers all over the world were underequipped and underpaid and under-honoured and because they work in the remote areas media hardly captured their activities “and this is a major challenge’’.

He said the Federal Government was making efforts to ensure the national parks have sufficient staff to meet the demands of the national parks.

Goni said Federal Government had approved 120 more staff for the national park bringing the total number to 2,100, adding “they are still insufficient because not all are field staff’’.

He commended the Federal Government for allocating of over 50 per cent capital allocation to the agency for the first time this year, which he said had helped the service resolve some challenge to some extent.

“Every officer now enjoys the paramilitary payment structure, we have acquired some patrol vehicles and released them to some parks and also rehabilitated some tourist facilities in some of our parks.

“We are gradually acquiring technology and working with the office of the National Security Adviser so we can be licensed to use our drones to collect information and monitor the activities in the parks.

“This will not only save us time, and reduce expenditure on rangers and vehicles, it will also improve our monitoring activities because information will be gathered in the shortest possible time. ”

Speaking on the effects of insecurity in the country on tourism, Goni said there had been a decline in tourism since 1998 till date.

“Most tourists visit places that are security safe and our national parks are located in the remote parts of the country, so tourist hardly visit there except the ones in the South.’’

He said the North West and North East had a decline of tourists because of the security challenges.

He said activities lined up for the celebration of the 2019 World Rangers Day include a parade which would be hosted by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment at the Park headquarters and awareness creation on the work of a ranger.

World Ranger Day is celebrated around the world on July 31 annually on the anniversary of the founding of the International Ranger Federation (IRF), an organisation that supports the work of rangers as the key protectors of parks and conservation.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/el-zakzaky-ig-of-police-confirms.html



The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has confirmed the proscription of the Ibrahim El-Zakzakky-led Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) by the federal government, following deadly protests by the Shi’a members in Abuja.

Adamu made this known at a press conference on Tuesday.

While meeting with senior police officers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, he said the Nigerian Government has officially banned the activities of Islamic Movement of Nigeria led by Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzakky in the country, PM News reports.

The presidency confirmed that the proscription of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has nothing to do with banning the larger numbers of peaceful and law abiding Shiites in the country from practising their religion.

Garba Shehu, spokesman to President Muhammadu Buhari, had explained that the move was made to discourage wanton violence, murder and willful destruction of public and private property.

The IMN leader, Zakzaky has been in detention since December 2015 following the break-out of violence during a religious procession in Kaduna State.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/gov-makinde-begins-probe-of-ajimobis.html



Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has inaugurated a committee to probe contracts awarded by the immediate past administration in the state led by Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Governor Makinde conducted the inauguration on Monday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat in the company of top government functionaries

The inaugurated 10-man committee, headed by the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Oyo State chapter, Mr. Damola Falade-Fatila, is to review contracts and projects awarded by the Ajimobi’s government between 2017 and 2019.

The committee has a four-week duration to carry out the assignment.

Speaking during the inauguration, the governor said: “the committee is meant to examine the status of some of the ongoing contracts to ascertain if they were justifiably tied to the socio-economic development of the state.”

Noting that some contractors were making claims on ongoing projects, Makinde added: “The committee is to examine if the costs of contracts awarded were appropriate, and examine if the contractors were capable enough to deliver the contract in terms of quality and scheduled time.

On her part, Falade-Fatila assured the governor that the committee will not disappoint the people of the state.

Other members of the committee include Mr. Seun Adelore, Dr. Idowu Oyeleke, Mr. F. O Omokemi (Cabinet Governor’s Office) and Mr. A. Popoola (Ministry of Finance and Budget).

Others are Mrs. M. Adeshina (Office of the Head of Service), Mr. A Olabiyi (Ministry of Justice), Mr. S. Ogunjimi (Bureau of Public Procurement), Mr. T. Oduniyi (Office of the Auditor-General for State) and Mr. O. Popoola (Office of the Head of Service).

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/fashola-ambode-may-be-invited-as-lagos.html


Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday agreed to probe why equipment at the N7 billion cardio-renal center in Gbagada General Hospital were abandoned.

The centre was commissioned in March 2015 by ex-Lagos governor, Babatunde Fashola but allegedly abandoned by immediate past governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Akeem Sokunle, and members had embarked on a tour to ascertain health facilities across the state.

“We observed that there is a shortage of manpower, non-functioning ambulances, insecurity, unequipped laboratories and more importantly, abandonment of multi-billion naira cardio-renal facility,” The Nation quoted him as saying.

“I got a report that the cardiorenal machines only worked for two weeks before the facility was locked up. Also, most of the sensitive equipment are obsolete,” Sokunle said.

House Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1), said if the equipment of such magnitude are cited in the state, it was for a purpose.

He, therefore, moved that the suppliers of the equipment be invited for questioning and that the investigation must attract public participation.

The House resolved give to invite the Ministry of Health to appear before the probe committee to give clarification on issues bothering the facility.

The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni, to write a letter to the Ministry of Health and invite necessary stakeholders on the issue.

Meanwhile, has spoken on his rumoured planned defection from the All Progressive Congress, APC, to the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

There have been speculations in some quarters that Ambode was disappointed he did not make the ministerial list President Muhammadu Buhari submitted to the Nigerian Senate.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/ambode-speaks-on-dumping-apc-for-pdp.html


Former governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode has spoken on his rumoured planned defection from the All Progressive Congress, APC, to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

There have been speculations in some quarters that Ambode was disappointed he did not make the ministerial list President Muhammadu Buhari submitted to the Nigerian Senate.

Many had thought the nation’s leader would compensate Ambode for losing his return ticket to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Buhari picked two nominees from Lagos and Ambode lost out.

Those picked were ex Lagos Governor and immediate past Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, and the Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora.

But Habib Aruna, Ambode’s spokesman, in a terse statement Monday night, said any information of his principal leaving the ruling party was “totally untrue”.

While debunking the news as an attempt to malign former Lagos helmsman, Aruna appealed to the public to disregard mischievous persons and their sponsors.

He said: “We enjoin the general public, particularly Lagosians to disregard the planted news by some faceless and mischievous individuals in some unknown blogs, who are hell bent on creating acrimonious situation, spreading fake news that the immediate past governor of Lagos State, HE. Akinwunmi Ambode has dumped the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for the PDP.

“The news is fake. The former governor is firmly a member of APC, working in his own capacity to see that the progressive ideas and the next level agenda of President Buhari succeed”.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/lagos-assembly-takes-action-on-sanwo.html


Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday constituted a 16-man ad-hoc committee to screen Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet nominees.

Sanwo-Olu had transmitted a list of Commissioner-designates to the House of Assembly for ratification.

Obasa, who read the list of the ad-hoc committee members on the floor of the house, said it would be headed by Hon Rotimi Abiru, a fourth-term lawmaker, representing Somolu Constituency II.

According to Obasa, members of the screening committee are: Hon. Jimi Mohammed (Ikeja I), Hon. Yinka Ogundimu (Agege II), Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe I), Setonji David (Badagry II), Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo I) and Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara (Surulere II).

Others are: Hon. Mojisola Alli-Macaulay (Amuwo-Odofin I), Hon. Rasheed Makinde (Ifako-Ijaiye II), Hon. Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island II), Hon. Noheem Adams (Eti-Osa II), and Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja II).

The rest are: Hon. Suraju Tijani (Ojo II), Hon. Olusola Sokunle (Oshodi/Isolo I), Hon. Olumuyiwa Jimoh (Apapa II) and Hon. Abdulsobur Olawale (Mushin II).

The Speaker directed the ad-hoc committee to report back to the House in a week’s time.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/fani-kayode-reacts-as-boko-haram-kills.html


Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of Aviation, has condemned the dastardly attack on a funeral procession in Borno State, which led to the death of over 60 mourners.



We reported that insurgents on a reprisal mission attacked Badu village in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno and killed over 60 persons and wounded 11 others.

The Chairman of the local government council, Muhammad Bulama, who spoke on the incident on Sunday, said the insurgent had recently attacked Badu village but they were repelled by the villagers and members of the vigilante group.

Reacting, Fani-Kayode mocked President Muhammadu Buhari’s government over claim that Boko Haram has been ‘defeated’.

The former minister expressed sadness over the level of insecurity.

Fani-Kayode wrote: “Boko Haram kill 65 mourners at a funeral in Borno! Is this “technically defeated” Boko Haram?

“It beggars belief that Buhari can sleep well.He has no empathy for the victims and no sense of urgency about the security free-fall that he has thrown us into.I am at a loss for words.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/president-trump-attacks-sweden-demands.html


President Donald Trump of the United States has come hard on the Swedish government over the arrest of American rapper, Rakim Myers, better known as A$AP Rocky, who is facing assault charges for a confrontation in June.



We earlier reported that ASAP was charged with assault in Sweden over his alleged involvement in a street brawl

According to the Swedish prosecutor’s office, the rapper is to remain in custody pending trial.

The 30-year-old rapper has been detained since July 3 along with two members of his entourage in connection with a fight in central Stockholm on June 30.

Reacting via Twitter, , President Trump expressed disappointment over the development.

“Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Löfven for being unable to act.

“Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States.

“I watched the tapes of A$AP Rocky, and he was being followed and harassed by troublemakers.

“Treat Americans fairly! #FreeRocky.

“Give A$AP Rocky his FREEDOM.

“We do so much for Sweden but it doesn’t seem to work the other way around.

“Sweden should focus on its real crime problem,” Trump wrote.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/abdulmummin-jubrin-misses-out-as.html


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has announced the composition of the chairmanship of standing committees of the House.

The Speaker named the chairmen of the committees during plenary on Thursday.

Notably absent in the list is the Chairman of the Gbaja/Wase Campaign Director-General, Abdulmummin Jubrin.

Muktar Betara Aliyu (APC, Borno) is the new chairman of the appropriation committee, Tunji Ojo emerged as chair of the NDDC committee and James Faleke as the new chairman of Finance committee.

AbdulRasak Namdas is the new chairman of Committee on Army; the longest serving lawmaker, Nicholas Mutu is the chairman committee on Gas Resources; Oluwole Oke the new chairman of Committee on public accounts, while Land transport committee’s new chairman is Tajudeen Abbas.

The list appears not to favour some lawmakers as several of them gathered in front of the Speaker in what appears like a protest.



Details to follow…

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/nysc-7-corps-members-re-mobilised-for.html


Seven corps members of the 2018 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nasarawa State, are to re-mobilise for new service year due to absconding from their Places of Primary Assignment (PPA), during the service year.

While speaking with newsmen on Thursday, just after their Passing out Parade (POP), for the 2018 Batch “B” Stream II corps members in Lafia, Hajiya Ramatu Sanda, NYSC Coordinator in Nasarawa state, made this public.

She, however, stressed that seven corps members would be re-mobilised for a new service year, while three others would face various periods of extensions for different offences committed during the service year which contravened the NYSC bye-laws.

Sandra added that the punishments would take effect after final ratification by the Nasarawa State NYSC Governing Board.

“Some corps members erred during the service year. We have seven corps members who totally absconded from service.

“Others left their places of primary assignment without permission among other offences.

“For those who absconded, they will be remobilised for a new service year. The extension of the other three will depend on the gravity of their misconducts,’’ she said.

The coordinator said the decision to punish the erring corps members was based on the recommendation of the state NYSC Disciplinary Committee.

“We have a committee on corps discipline, comprising all Assistant Directors and all heads of branches in the secretariat.

“This body looks into the cases and invites the corps members concerned to defend themselves.

“At the end, a decision is taken, strictly in accordance with our laws but the decision takes effect after the NYSC governing board has ratified it,’’ Sanda said.

Advising 2018 Batch “B” Stream II corps members passing out in Lafia, she said, “It is important that they engage themselves with the training they got during the service year to sustain themselves, instead of relying on their parents or waiting for white-collar jobs.

The NYSC coordinator went further to thank the state government for supporting NYSC, adding that 10 corps members that were passing out would be given awards for their exemplary service during the year. NAN reports.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/shitte-vs-police-corps-member-precious.html

Precious Owolabi, a Corps member attached to the Channels Television, who died during the Shi’ites’ protest in Abuja has been buried amid tears from family, friends and colleagues on Thursday in Wusasa cemetery, Zaria in Kaduna state.

We had reported that a clash between members of the IMN and Nigerian police left at least six people dead.

DCP Usman Musa and Channels Television reporter, Precious Owolabi were among those that lost their lives.

He died after a stray bullet hit him during the clash around the Federal Secretariat in Abuja on Monday.

According to Channels TV, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and staff pf Channels Television were on ground to ensure that Owolabi was given a befitting burial. The Director-General of NYSC was also represented by a Director in the corps.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/ministerial-list-apc-speaks-on-buharis.html


The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Sen. George Akume, on his choice as one of the ministerial nominees by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The state’s Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr James Orgunga stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Makurdi, NAN reports.

The statement reads: “Benue state warmly rejoice with our leader, Sen. George Akume on his well deserved nomination as ministerial nominee by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“You have been an esteemed asset to our state and the nation from time immemorial, having offered effective and selfless service as Permanent Secretary in the state Civil Service.

“You were also Executive Governor for 8 years, and Senator for 12 years, with clean records.

“Your name is proudly engraved in the APC hall of fame due to your laudable contributions to the growth of the party, right from its formative years to now that it has taken over as the ruling party in Nigeria.

“The state chapter of APC is confident that your presence in the “Next Level” cabinet of Buhari will make great impact and facilitate the realization of the President’s agenda for the nation, as you will bring your enormous wealth of experience to bear on the programmes and policies of the administration.

”The party thanks the President for bringing on board, the best hands that will serve both the government and the party as exemplified in your outstanding performance as the Vice Chairman North, of the President’s Campaign Council, 2019.

“Right from creation, good things have always run after good people and you perfectly fit the mettle of a good man who is reaping the rewards of his good works”.

Ornguga said Akume’s nomination is being celebrated across party lines; a clear indication that the entire state is pleased.

“it is the party’s prayer that you be deployed to a vital ministry where your input will be felt by the entire nation.

“Congratulations, our leader for attaining this new feat; we are proud of you and wish you more medals,” Orgunga said.

The Senate had yesterday refused to quiz George Akume because he was a former lawmaker, hence he was asked to “take a bow.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/imo-okorocha-reacts-to-efccs-sealing-of.html

Rochas Okorocha, Imo West Senator, has reacted to the sealing of some properties belonging to him and his family by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

EFCC had yesterday sealed properties owned by the former governor of the state and his family over their failure to appear for questioning.

Reacting to the development, Okorocha said most of the sealed properties preceded his emergence as governor of Imo State.

In a statement by his Media Aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, the lawmaker also denied claims of EFCC’s invitation to Managements of the Colleges and other establishments sealed.

According to the statement: “On Tuesday, July 23, 2019, as at about 6am, Agents of the Economic & Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, from its Office in Enugu with Hilux buses loaded with armed military and mobile Policemen stormed the Rochas Foundation College Owerri, with more than three thousand students, and most of them, orphans, and sealed the College.

“The Commission also sealed the East High College and Academy, Owerri with Uloma Rochas Nwosu as the proprietor, among other investments belonging to the former governor and family which the Commission Sealed.

“The action of EFCC with the presence of heavily Armed Military and Police Mobile Personnel frightened the students and most of them began to cry. It was a sympathetic scenario.”

He accused the current state governor, Emeka Ihedioha of launching a war against him.

The statement added: “What is obvious is that the PDP government in the State with Chief Emeka Ihedioha as governor and all the PDP Chieftains who felt politically displaced from 2011 to 2019 by Rochas Okorocha had come together to launch war against Rochas and his family. And APC members. And that was why they needed INEC to declare their Candidate winner even when he didn’t meet the requirement. Unfortunately, they have instigated certain agencies like EFCC into taking some hasty actions following flood of petitions by them.

“Our concern about the action of the EFCC is the approach. There was no prior invitation to the Managements or Proprietors of the Colleges and other establishments sealed by the Commission as expected before such action. To the best of our knowledge too, these Colleges have not been under the investigation of the Commission. We have had the feeling that the Sealing of the Colleges or any other structure as the case maybe, would have been based on the outcome of their investigation in which the managements or the proprietors would have also been interrogated.

“Sealing the colleges and other properties because they belong to Rochas Okorocha’s family before investigation is what is difficult for us to comprehend especially when most of these establishments had preceded the governorship of Rochas Okorocha.

“The Rochas Foundation Colleges have existed in Imo and in several states of the Federation including Plateau, Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Oyo, Bauchi and so on, years before Okorocha’s governorship. And the EFCC may also go to those states outside Imo to seal the rest of the Colleges.

“What is happening in Imo at the moment is not governance. It is a total war against Rochas and his family, APC members, members of other parties and Opponents. They said they want to make the State uncomfortable for Opponents and they are doing it with recklessness.

“It should also not be forgotten that there is a subsisting Court Order to this effect. And we believe that the Commission’s office in Enugu is aware of the Court Order in question as it concerns the Commission and Okorocha’s investments. The EFCC is a highly responsible Institution and our appeal is that it should not be incited against Okorocha and family and should equally take cognizance of the Court Order in question.

“Senator Rochas Okorocha and family believe strongly in the State and have relocated most of their businesses to Owerri unlike these PDP bigwigs who do not love the State, with all of them having nothing to show that they have a stake in the State.

“We want to appeal to the EFCC to unseal the Colleges and other ventures they had sealed pending the outcome of the investigation they said they have begun. And also considering the stand of the Court of Competent Jurisdiction on the issue.

“The students of the Colleges, most of them without parents, cannot be allowed to suffer because of the action of a wicked government in the State. It is not all about Rochas Okorocha and the family, but about humanity and posterity.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/buharis-ministerial-list-how-kwara.html


Governor Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Razaq of Kwara State on Tuesday congratulated Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, for their nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari as prospective ministers.



TITOPE BLOG reported on Tuesday that Mohammed and Saraki were included in the list of ministerial nominees sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, said it is a great honour to have two ministerial nominees from the state.

Abdul-Razaq congratulated both Mohammed and Saraki for the honour done to them by their nomination.

He said it is a great honour to have two ministerial slots ceded to the state by the president.

“It is an affirmation of the special place the state holds in the heart of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Abdul-Razaq added.

He, however, urged the National Assembly, especially senators from the state, to offer their full backing for the smooth screening of the nominees in the overall interest of the country.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/07/ministerial-list-senate-begins.html


The Senate on Wednesday commenced the screening of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Ministerial nomination.

Currently ongoing on the floor of the Upper Legislative chambers is the screening of Uchechukwu Oga.

President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, had announced the Ministerial nominees to the senate for approval.

He had confirmed the receipt of the list during plenary session and went on to reel out the names.

Among the ministerial nominees, were former Ministers such as: Chris Ngige, Hadi Sirika, Rotimi Amaechi, Adamu Adamu, Mohammed Adamu, Babatunde Fashola and Lai Mohammed.

Others in the list are Uche Ogah, Emeka Nwajuiba, Sadiya Farouk, Musa Bello, Godswill Akpabio, Sharon Ikeazor, Ogbonnaya Onu, Akpa Udo, and Adebayo (Ekiti).

Also, Timipre Sylva, Adamu Adamu, Shewuye (Borno), Isa Pantami, Gbemi Saraki, Ramatu Tijani, Clement Abam were also declared as part of the nominees.

Paullen Tallen, Abubakar Aliyu, Sale Mamman, Abubakar Malami, Muhammed Mamood, Rauf Aregbesola, Mustapha Buba Jedi Agba, Olamilekan Adegbite, and Mohammed Dangyadi were equally nominated.