₦airaland Forum

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/11/new-emirates-ganduje-presents-appointment-letters-to-new-emirs/

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has presented appointment letters to the four newly appointed Emirs in the state in defiance of a court order restraining him from doing so.

Those presented with letters on Saturday were Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Bichi, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar II, Emir of Karaye; Tafida Abubakar, Emir of Rano, and Ibrahim Abdulkadir as Emir of Gaya.

The presentation ceremony was held at Sani Abatcha Stadium.

Recall that Justice Saminu of a Kano High Court on Friday issued an interim injunction ordering the governor not to give effect to the law creating the new emirates which he (Ganduje) signed on Wednesday.

The suit had been instituted by one Rabi’u Sule-Gwarzo challenging the decision of the governor to create the four new emirate councils.

The court had also directed all parties in the suit to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.‎

In a press statement earlier on Saturday, the state government claimed not to have received the court order.

The statement signed by the Press Secretary to Gov. Ganduje, Abba Anwar, said the appointment of the new emirs was done before the court order, adding that the public presentation of the letters was a mere symbolic gesture.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/11/unilorin-promises-automatic-admission-to-outstanding-5th-nyg-athletes/

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Suleiman Age, on Friday expressed the institution’s readiness to grant admission to athletes who distinguished themselves during the 5th National Youth Games, NYG.

The Vice-Chancellor made the promise while hosting Directors of Sports from 23 states of the federation as well as other sports stakeholders.

The group and some officials of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development were in Ilorin for a Joint Technical Meeting of the 5th NYG scheduled for September.

“Unilorin is always open to hosting national and international sports competitions and events,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

The Director of Grassroots Sports Development Department, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Dr Ademola Are, in a speech said the Ministry would continue to play its role in the organisation of the NYG.

The delegates had earlier undertaken an inspection visit to the various venues and accommodation facilities earmarked for the Games.

While reacting, they commended the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development for the sustained hosting of the Games.

They also commended the Vice-Chancellor and management team of University of Ilorin for their hospitality and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Games’ next five editions.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/08/special-features-lea-primary-school-in-abuja-where-pupils-kneel-to-receive-lectures/


Agwan Kwaso Tonga Maje, is a small community inhabited by people of mixed ethnic origin and religion, but with the dominance of Gbagis and Igbos.

Agwan Kwaso located between Gwagwalada and Zuba is accessed through a rough road off the expressway. It is majorly a farming community though the inhabitants engage in other petty commercial activities to keep body and soul together. To say, however, that ends are barely meeting is putting it mildly.

Agwan Kwaso is not a place you would ordinary visit except there is a specific reason. Yet it is home to Nigerians, young and old whom the government is obligated to.

The only sign of government presence in the community seems to be the sorry excuse that represents a public primary school. One of the obligations of the government, be it at the state or federal level is to develop her citizens by ensuring the accessibility of education.

John Dewey, an American philosopher and educational reformer it was who said; “Education is not preparation for life; Education is life itself.”

Going by that saying, one can say then, that there is truly little or no life in Agwan Kwaso.

LEA Primary school is the only school in Agwan Kwaso. Built out of zinc and partitioned to carve out two classes and a small office for the Headmaster, the furniture and, indeed, every other material in the school is miserably inadequate.

The desks and chairs are grossly inadequate and often times the pupils either squeeze into existing ones or seat on mats to learn. They have also been known to kneel down, not as punishment but, just so they can stay in the class and learn.

Blackboards are also in short supply.

According to one of the teachers in the school, Miss Debora, there are no teaching aids so teachers spend from their personal resources to provide a semblance of teaching services to the children.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/10/police-recover-four-decomposing-corpses-from-septic-tank/

The Lagos State Police Command said its men exhumed four bodies from a septic tank in Ikorodu.

The bodies which have been deposited for autopsy were recovered following a report of two Bureau-de-Change operators who went missing on March 14, according to the Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Bala Elkana, in a statement issued on Thursday.

He said: “On March 14 at about 5.30p.m., the Lagos State Police Command received a complaint from Ikorodu area that some unidentified persons approached one Alhaji Yakubu Musa and Alhaji Hassan Umaru, both operators of Bureau de Change at Benson area, Ikorodu and informed them that they have a relation who returned from overseas and need to sell $10,000.

“They initially requested that payment will be made in a bank at Ikorodu but on getting to the bank, the suspects moved the operators to an unknown destination and started demanding for ransom from their friends and relatives.

“That despite paying the sum of One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,600,000) as ransom, the abductors refused to release the victims and nothing more was heard from them. The victims phones remained switched off.

“The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Zubairu Muazu mni, detailed the Commander, Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), to carry out an in depth investigation into the matter with a view to rescue the victims and apprehend the suspects.

“Operatives from SARS Ipakodo base led by SP Godfrey Soriwei arrested three suspects, namely; Oluwatosin Olanrewaju, Mayowa Olawuni a.k.a General and Babatunde Idris a.k.a Aloma.

SOURCE: https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/06/court-throws-out-case-to-stop-swearing-in-of-tanko-muhammad-as-substantive-cjn/

The Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out an ex parte application for an order stopping President Muhammadu Buhari from swearing in Justice Tanko Muhammad as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN.

Malcom Omirhobo Foundation, had filed a suit challenging Muhammad’s fitness to hold the office of the CJN

Muhammad was appointed acting CJN in January following the suspension of the former CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, with Onnoghen’s conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, it is believed that Muhammad would be confirmed as the substantive CJN.

rejected the group’s ex parte application requesting an order stopping Buhari from swearing in the acting CJN in an acting capacity, in a ruling on Friday.

SOURCE: https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/06/keyamo-refutes-reports-on-buhari-son-yusuf-being-4th-richest-president-son/

The Director of Strategic Communication of the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organization Festus Keyamo, SAN, has refuted reports that Yusuf Buhari, son of President Buhari, was the fourth richest child of sitting presidents.

The report by Forbes, to that effect had gone viral on social media last week and had set many tongues wagging.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/06/ramadan-buhari-greets-nigerians-as-saraki-urges-faithful-to-pray-for-peace/

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country in his Ramadan greetings to Nigerians in general and Muslims in particular as the month-long Ramadan fast begins.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, said the President’s greetings followed the sighting of the lunar month of Ramadan.

He quoted the President as describing Islam as “a religion of peace that upholds the values of tolerance and mutual coexistence without a place for hatred and violence.”

He, therefore, urged Muslims to use the period to build a relationship of friendship and harmony with fellow citizens of other faiths and prayed to Allah for the continued peace, progress, and the wellbeing of the country.

In his own goodwill message, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, enjoined Muslim faithful to pray for the betterment of Nigeria’s fortune as they join their counterparts across the world to observe Ramadan.

He pointed out that since fasting symbolised internal cleansing and spiritual renewal, the country could benefit immensely from prayers of the faithful during the period.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/06/london-trip-presidency-calls-nigerians-apostles-of-evil-imaginings/

The Presidency on Sunday described those who speculated that President Muhammadu Buhari may be hospitalised during his private visit to London, thereby extending the visit as ‘apostles of evil imaginings.’

It said such people should swallow their words and retract their ‘tendentious stories.’

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, expressed the Presidency’s position in a statement in Abuja on Sunday as the President Buhari returned to the country from his London trip.

Adesina attacked some online publications and others for speculating that the President would not return as scheduled saying they should “apologize to millions of Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora that they have fed with hogwash.”

He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday returned to Abuja, after a 10-day private visit to the UK.

“Some reckless online media, irresponsible political opposition, and other bilious groups and individuals, had gone on overdrive since the President left the country on April 25, insinuating that he was going for hospitalization, and would not return after 10 days as stated.

“In their vain imaginations, they even stated that fictive doctors have advised President Buhari to stay longer for more intensive care.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/05/couple-sell-only-son-for-n300000/

A couple, identified as Chinonso Anyanwu and Oluebube Anyawu, have allegedly sold their three-day-old son for N300,000.

The Punch reports that the couple had had three daughters before the male child came along.

It quoted a source as saying: “We were surprised that a family with such history could behave this way by selling their only son,” the source stated.

According to Punch report, the couple, who hail from Imo State, sold the baby to one Sandra Odimege of Umuezike, Amorka in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed,who confirmed the incident. said the police apprehended the couple following intelligence report.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/04/another-nigerian-stabbed-to-death-in-south-africa/

President Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, NICASA, Ben Okoli, says a Nigerian, Mr. Okechukwu Henry, from Imo State, was stabbed to death by unknown South African robbers.

The NICASA president said this in a letter to the Consul-General, Nigerian Consulate Johannesburg, South Africa.

A copy of the letter was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Saturday in Abuja.

Okoli said that the association was tired of sending Nigerians back home in body bags due to premeditated and organised crime against them in South Africa.

“Tragedy has struck the Nigerian community again, just after 4p.m. on Friday, May 3. Mr. Okechukwu Henry was stabbed to death by unknown local South African robbers.

“The late Henry, a car dealer who specialised in used cars, lived in Middleburg Mpumalanga Province.

“Earlier before his death, two local guys had indicated interest to buy his car – a white VW polo.

“They had negotiated the price and agreed to buy; late Henry had produced all necessary documents to seal the deal when suddenly the local buyers said they wanted to test-drive the car first before paying,” he said.

According to him, Henry obliged them but insisted he would drive along with them.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/04/banditry-naf-inaugurates-271-detachment-in-birnin-gwari/


The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, on Saturday Inaugurated a 271 detachment in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, as part of efforts to tackle security challenges in the country.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that 271 NAF Detachment was established as a blocking force for troops involved in Operation DIRAN MIKIYA and SHARAN DAJI.

Gov. Nasir El-Rufai said the establishment of 271 NAF detachment in Birnin Gwari and instituting the necessary infrastructure was to ensure that Nigeria could meet and conquer many security challenges it was currently facing.

“I have no doubt that your efforts will continue to keep our country safe and our economy growing,”El-Rufai said.

According to him, the prevalence of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping has increased in recent times.

“And we are grateful that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the NAF, is boosting security operations and developing even more effective strategies to end this menace.

“The establishment of the 271 NAF Detachment in Birnin Gwari is therefore timely, as it will further boost the ongoing Operation DIRAN MIKIYA, Operation SHARAN DAJI and play a very crucial role in restoring and maintaining the peace in all affected areas.

The Governor expressed appreciation of the Kaduna State Government for the support NAF extended to the state to acquire UAV-Drones.
“The Chief of Air Staff may recall that it was the NAF that applied for the end user certificate that made it possible for the state government to acquire the drones.

“The drones were inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari, the commander-in -:Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces on the Feb. 27, but they are not fully operational due to the necessary clearance that is required by the security agencies, of which the Air Force is central.

“We are hereby requesting the Chief of Air Staff to intervene in this matter,” he said.

“While we recognise the efforts of the NAF we also want to appeal to the Chief of Air Staff to approve the deployment of NAF Special Forces for the Abuja-Kaduna road to participate in the new Joint security operations aimed at confronting the prevalence of banditry and kidnapping that have bedeviled the road for the last two years now.

“To all our brave Air Force officers, I assure you that the nation sees your selfless sacrifice and appreciates your many efforts of providing peace and security in our communities.

“Your efforts and sacrifice will not be in vain,’’El-Rufai said.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, said NAF for some time now had been involved in various internal security operations in the country, either singularly or in conjunction with sister security agencies.

Abubakar said one of such operations was Operation DIRAN MIKIYA, which was intended to neutralise and flush out bandits and kidnappers as well as cattle rustlers operating in the North-West.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2017/07/06/exclusive-ikeja-strippers-hub-nigeria/


Strip clubs are fast dominating the night life in Lagos. For most night crawlers that have money to spend, regular clubs have now become somewhat ‘boring’ as strips clubs offer more ‘excitement’. In strip clubs, there is music like regular clubs. The major difference is that girls strip naked while dancing on stage by a pole.

While there are a few strip clubs on the Island, like Silver Fox Adult entertainment at Victoria Island, Ikeja is the heart of strip clubs in Lagos and Nigeria at large. On Allen Avenue alone, there are no fewer than six of them known to the public. At Opebi Road, behind Olajuwon Hotel there is Ocean Blue, which is the oldest strip club in Lagos. There is Liquid lounge at Hilton close, Drizzo, which is also on Allen and Unique Gentlemen’s club also on Allen.

At Ogba there is one called Millennium koko, while Ikeja GRA is home to the biggest of them all, called The Cave, Aficionados Lair.
The Next Edition first took a trip to Millennium Koko on Abdullahi Street off Oke-Ira at Ogba. It looked like where all the hoodlums in Lagos gathered for a party. It was 8pm and the girls numbering about 20 were getting prepared for the night’s show. Due to its location, it attracts every Tom Dick and Harry. It was a gathering of rough looking men with marijuana on display like ordinary cigarettes.

Next stop was Liquid Lounge at Hilton close, opposite Hilton Hotel on Allen Avenue. It was just a regular club initially, which was later converted to a stripper’s club in order to attract more customers. At Liquid Lounge, entrance depends on how you dress. If they observe that you look like a rich man who is ready to buy expensive drinks and make use of the VIP rooms in the club, they will let you in for free. When it comes to alcoholic drinks, they don’t sell beer. They only have spirits and Champagne. For instance, a bottle of Andre champagne goes for N 8, 000. As soon as this reporter walked into the club, he was led in by ushers without paying the gate fee. After asking the necessary questions, he left promising to be back later in the night.

This reporter later visited Unique Gentlemen’s club, which is one of the oldest strip clubs in Nigeria. This club is a stone throw away from Liquid Lounge. What makes unique stand out according to the customers and managers alike is the ability to separate the wheat from the chaff. They only allow decent looking people in. The tight security also encourages guest. The standard there has always been high. Gate fee from Tuesday to Thursday is N1, 000 for men and free for ladies while Friday and Saturday night is N2, 000 for gate fee. However, those who are regular customers no longer pay gate fees.

A customer, who goes by the name Mike, told The Next Edition that “This place keeps me relaxed after a stressful day at work. I come here every Friday night to unwind. If you want to know what makes this place special, stay here for a while and you will see for yourself.”

The show starts by 7p.m but heats up around 10p.m when more guests have arrived. One by one, each dancer mounts the pole on stage and dance for several minutes. The first dancer that night looked like a teenager due to her petite frame. She danced on stage like her life depended on it. She wore just a pant and bra. After a few minutes, she removed her bra. One of the guests was so excited by her dance moves that he went close to her and dipped N500 in her pant. A few minutes later, she removed her pants and she was completely naked on stage. She swung up and down the pole in excitement not minding that she was baring it all.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/04/unilag-student-emerges-overall-mathematics-competition-winner/


A final year student of Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos, Jeremiah Adedoyin, has emerged the overall winner of the 2019 National Mathematics Competition.

The competition, organised by the National Mathematical Centre, NMC, was for university students across the country.

The competition which started on April 28 featured 80 contestants from 20 universities and 40 contestants won bronze, silver and gold medals.

Prof. Stephen Onah, the Chief Executive/Director, NMC at the closing ceremony on Friday, congratulated Adedoyin for his outstanding performance.

He told other contestants that “in every contest there must be a winner and a loser, but know that you are the best in your various institutions.”

He urged them to positively showcase the centre in their interactions, saying “also use knowledge gained to better the society.

“If there is anything you have benefited from this programme, do well to tell others, portray us in good light so that more persons can come to get similar experience.”

The director, however, explained that the contest was aimed at identifying the best students in mathematics in the country and to assist them to develop in their future endeavours.

“This contest also helps us to identify the departments in our Nigerian university system that are outstanding in the teaching and learning of mathematics, such that we will be able to recommend them even to the outside world,” he said.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/03/court-sacks-adamawa-apc-rep-elects-over-forgery/

The Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday, sacked Abdulrauf Modibbo as member-elect representing Yola South/Yola North/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa in the National Assembly.

Justice Inyang Ekwo nullified Modibbo’s election while delivering judgment in a suit filed by Mustapha Usman, challenging the election.

Modibbo was declared winner of the All Progressives Congress’ primaries held on Oct. 7, 2018 in Yola, and eventually represented the APC in the 2019 general elections, which he was also declared winner.

Usman dragged Modibbo to court after the election alleging that he falsified his age and was not eligible to contest the APC primaries.

He prayed the court to disqualify Modibbo as APC candidate for Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency.

He joined the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as defendants in the suit.

Justice Ekwo in his judgment declared that Modibbo was not qualified to contest the APC primaries as well as the 2019 House of Representatives election for the federal constituency.

The court held that Usman was the lawful winner of the Oct. 7, 2018 APC primaries and candidate of the party for the constituency.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/03/gunmen-storm-government-school-abduct-caterers-children/

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the kidnap of five persons at the Government Girls Secondary School, Moriki, in the Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Shehu, confirmed the incident to Punch correspondent on Thursday, but said no student was abducted.

He, however, stated that the gunmen abducted two caterers and three of their children.

Shehu said, “On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, around 9.30pm, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Zurmi division received a distress call that armed men entered Government Girls Secondary school in Moriki through the back fence with the intent to attack the school and abduct students.

IPOB Declares May 30 sit-at-home in Remembrance of its Fallen Heroes

Details (> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/02/ipob-declares-may-30-sit-at-home-in-remembrance-of-its-fallen-heroes/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/02/gang-rape-absence-of-defence-counsel-stalls-trial-of-5-unilag-students/

The trial of five students accused of gang-raping and blackmailing a fellow student at an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court was stalled on Thursday due to the absence of defence counsel.

The students; Moboluwaji Omowole, 19, Chuka Chukwu, 19, Peace Nwakanma, 19, James Aguedu, 20 and Josephine Osemeka, 20, students of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, were arraigned over defilement of a child, permitting the defilement of a child in a premises, and pro-curation.

Proceedings on Thursday, scheduled for the cross-examination of the complainant, name withheld, could not hold due to the absence of Mr. Bisi Ademulegun, the new defence counsel to Omowole, the first defendant.

Ademulegun, had written to the court seeking for a short adjournment because he was Omowole’s new defence counsel and had just been briefed on the case.

He noted that on the day scheduled for the continuation of the trial of the students, he had a case before the Court of Appeal in Ibadan.

Reacting to the letter, which was read in court by Justice Abiola Soladoye, Mr. Jide Martins, a Deputy Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and lead prosecutor in the case requested that the trial should go ahead.

Martins noted that the DPP intended to re-arraign the students on fresh charges.

“I am of the view that the matter is due for hearing and the delay occasioned by the learned gentleman is unfortunate, as this case has been on since Feb. 26.

“There is also an amended charge before the court,” he said.

The defence counsel, however, did not oppose Ademulegun’s request for an adjournment.

Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN, the defence counsel to Chukwu (second defendant) in supporting the request for an adjournment said; an accused is entitled to representation by counsel.’’

“If a counsel is absent for cogent reasons, I do not know what the hurry is. We were just served with the amended charge on April 29, which was on Monday. We will not be opposing the adjournment.”

Mr. Ben Aigbangbee, counsel to Nwakanma (third defendant) noted in his submission, that he was yet to be served with the amended charge by the prosecution.

Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, counsel to Aguedo (fourth defendant) said that the new charge filed by the prosecution, had brought a “new twist” to the case.

“My brief was to represent the fourth defendant on pro-curation, which is a misdemeanor. The new charge has changed the context of my brief.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/02/alleged-6-3m-oil-fraud-access-bank-mds-arraignment-stalled/

Arraignment of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, and eight others charged with $6.3 million fraud, was on Thursday stalled due to absence of Wigwe and the others.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Wigwe was to be arraigned alongside Cast Oil & Gas Ltd., Seyi Sanni, Adekunle Adebayo, Access Bank Plc, Titi Oshontoki, Chinyere Bishop-Adigwe, Sunny Offiong and Augusta Energy Nig. Ltd.

The Police Special Fraud Unit, SFU, charged them with conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences, obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

They were charged before an Ikeja High Court.

When the case came up on Thursday, however, only two of the defendants, Access Bank Plc and Sunny Offiong, were in court.

Counsel to Access Bank, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, who is the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, informed the court that he filed a preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

Justice Hakeem Oshodi noted that some of the defendants were absent in court and that the preliminary objection was not “ripe for hearing,” as the prosecution had just been served with a copy.

The judge said: “I can see that the defendants are not complete; so we cannot take their pleas.

“This case is adjourned until June 3 for hearing of the preliminary objection.’’

NAN reports that the SFU accused the defendants of committing the offences between January 2015 and December 2015 alongside one Tunji Amushan said to be at large.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/02/incomplete-service-again-stalls-adelekes-appeal-proceedings/


The hearing of an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the September 2018 Osun State governorship election, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, challenging his disqualification, has again been stalled in Court of Appeal, Abuja.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the appellate court on April 25 adjourned hearing on the appeal on account of improper service.

At the resumed sitting on Thursday, similar situation resurfaced as the complete processes were not before the Justice Abubakar Yayaha led-panel to commence hearing on the appeal.

NAN reports that Yahaya went ahead to adjourn the matter until May 8 in spite of the court’s indulgence in abridging time to admit some interlocutory applications.

Yahaya said the matter could not go on because of a pending Notice of Appeal filed by the PDP on the same matter.

“We are not going to consolidate the appeals, but it is only proper for us to hear all the appeals on similar subject matter on the same day.

“We have seen that most of the processes have been exchanged but the PDP appeal against the judgment challenging the appellant’s qualification to contest the Osun Governorship election must be heard alongside Adeleke’s appeal.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/02/workers-day-rivers-government-lifts-ban-on-workers-promotion/

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has announced the lifting of the embargo placed on promotion of workers in the state civil service.

The governor made the announcement at the 2019 Workers’ Day Celebration in Port Harcourt held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia.

Wike, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, disclosed that the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission had already received directives to conduct interviews and promote those qualified to their next salary grades.

He also disclosed that he had approved the recruitment of Rivers indigenes to fill existing vacancies from retired staff as part of efforts to strengthen the commission for effective service delivery to the people.

Wike disclosed that government had begun the implementation of the N100, 000,000 interest free-loan to civil servants in a bid to advance the welfare and well-being of civil servants and promised to begin payment of the new minimum wage as soon as he received the official transmission from the federal government.

The governor said that under his watch, the government was committed to tackling social problems by creating the enabling environment for the private sector to create jobs and empower unemployed youths in the state.

Furthermore, he said the government was bolstering the education sector to produce better equipped graduates.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/04/24/satellite-police-arrest-two-for-stealing-female-pants/

The Satellite Police Division of the Lagos State command, has arrested two men, who specialised in stealing female pants for alleged ritual purposes.

The suspects, according to the command’s spokesman DSP Bala Elkana, were arrested after they engaged each other in a brawl following the failure of one of the parties to keep to the terms of agreement regarding the stealing of female pants.

Elkana, said in a statement on Wednesday, that the two men were arrested at Mile-2-under-the-bridge while fighting each other.

He gave their names as Friday Emmanuel (21) and Obiora Nwabueze (29).

The police spokesman said one of the suspects (Emmanuel) claimed that Nwabueze assigned him to steal used female pants for a fee of N30,000, but reneged on his promise and forcefully attempted to take the pants from him after he has had stolen them, which led to exchange of blows.

“During interrogation, the said Friday Emmanuel regretted listening to his friend, Obiora, who was pestering him to get him female underwear he desperately needed to become rich,” Elkana said.

He said that both suspects were on Tuesday charged to Magistrate court-23, at Mbah road, Ajegunle, Lagos for conspiracy and stealing.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/04/24/three-men-jailed-for-having-sex-with-horses-cows-goats-dogs/


Three men have been jailed for up to 41 years for having sex with horses, goats, cows and dogs over a five-year period.

Matthew Brubaker, 31, Terry Wallace, 41, and Marc Measnikoff, 34, had sex with 12 animals in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

All three were sentenced to 20 to 41 years in a state prison with additional probation, according to WJAC.

Brubaker, Wallace, and Measnikoff, were charged with having sexual intercourse with at least nine female horses, a cow, a goat, and dogs.

A teenage boy who also lived at makeshift farm in Munson was reportedly forced to help the defendants restrain the animals while they committed the acts.

When interviewed by police, Brubaker admitted having sex with every female horse on the farm, as well as a goat, a cow and his dog at least once a day for around four of five years, the police report states.

Measnikoff said he had intercourse with the horses several times a week, but not the dogs, according the report.

The suspects pleaded guilty to misdemeanor corruption of minors, 730 misdemeanor counts of sex with animals, and 730 summary counts of cruelty to animals.

All three said they were sorry and the sentencing judge asked if the trio planned to sell the footage they made of the sex acts, according to Gnat Daily

Chris Pentz and the attorneys representing the two other defendants argued the men should not be given such harsh sentences as they do not have criminal records and the crimes committed were not against humans.

Pentz told Judge Paul Cherry: ‘There is no question this case has an ”eww” factor.’

Clearfield County District Attorney William Shaw said the videos the men made of their illegal acts had ‘burned my corneas and will live with me the rest of my life’.

Judge Cherry described the case as ‘one of the most disgusting, despicable courses of conduct I’ve ever seen’.

Shaw said at the time of the trio’s arrest in August last year: ‘This is an unpleasant topic, but the facts are that we received a report of folks having sexual intercourse with animals, farm animals.

‘I’ve been doing this for over 20 years and this is probably the worse situation of this type of case that I’ve come across.’

Clearfield County SPCA animal charity was called to the property to care for the animals.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/04/24/pandemonium-as-shiites-break-into-national-assembly/?https:///B2W1FQ

There was pandemonium at the main gate of National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday as members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, popularly known as Shi’ites forced their way into the assembly complex and chased away armed policemen on duty.

The protesters besieged the National Assembly in continuation of protests to commemorate the 68th birthday anniversary of their spiritual leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015.

Members of the movement were initially peaceful in their conduct although they were chanting anti-government songs from outside the gate.

But situation turned awry when some of them suddenly descended on the gate, shaking it vigorously until they succeeded in forcing it open, almost causing a stampede because of the crowd.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/04/24/nigerians-react-to-labour-ministers-comment-about-doctors-leaving-nigeria/

Nigerians have jumped into the conversation as to whether Nigeria has enough medical doctors or not.

The Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Chris Ngige kick started the conversation when he said in an interview on Channels Television that Nigeria had more than enough doctors and could therefore afford some of them leaving to other countries.

Speaking on Channels’ Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, he said: “Who said we don’t have enough doctors? We have more than enough. You can quote me. There is nothing wrong in them travelling out. When they go abroad, they earn money and send them back home here. Yes, we have foreign exchange earnings from them and not just oil.” He added.

Below are some reactions from Nigerians:

“How Chris Ngige- one of the most respected governors in S.East Nigeria suddenly became a source of ridicule in this govt has to be the single biggest mystery of governance!

From saying minumum wage is enough for a family of 4…. now doctors can leave Nigeria (Surplus doctors)” – @monye_morris

“There is a kind of infection in APC that turns every smart human to a full blown Idiot. Chris Ngige use to be a very smart Governor. Whatever happened must be really acidic.

Now I see what happened to Raji Fashola and the dude from ExxonMobil, Kachukwu.” @achebebarclays

“Chris Ngige just spoke like a normal Igbo man in Alaba or Auto parts market that sees nothing wrong in the country as long as his containers are cleared.

READ ALSO: Nigeria, Ghana Collaborate to Curb Cyber Crime

What a waste! Buhari should do better in the second term!” – @AOJ_Jesse

“Seriously I can’t really blame ogah Chris Ngige, his boss who is the number one man of this country is a medical tourist who doesn’t believe in medical practitioners based in Nigeria..

So you see my friend Ngigie is just a branch of the tree, Buhari is the root.”- @Ody_Johnson

“Chris Ngige: 5 Issues.

1. Is the labour minister- a medical doctor- ignorant of the stark realities in Nigeria’s medical field?

2. Prof Adewole- the health minister- once advised medical doctors to take to farming & tailoring, is there more to this than meets the eye?

3. @MBuhari travels abroad periodically for medical attention, why is the president not receiving his treatment here if we have “surplus” doctors as Chris Ngige claimed?

4. Thousands of Nigerians die annually over inability to access competent medical personnel to offer emergency medical services. Does it not smack of insensitivity for Ngige to have suggested that the govt does not care if doctors stay or leave?

5. Shouldn’t Ngige & the govt he serves be concerned that young Nigerians abandon medical practice for menial jobs abroad?” – @rootstvnigeria

“Chris ngige doesn’t care what comes out of his mouth, it’s obvious he doesn’t know the ratio of doctors available to millions of Nigerians. If he gets sick he can fly abroad for treatment.

Wole soyinka say’s his generation has failed Nigerians, he wasn’t wrong.” – @iampryde

“What type of arrogance is this? We have enough doctors? Is that why your boss, President @Mbuhari, spent 1 year and 39 days abroad, including over 6 months in a UK clinic? This government is a punishment on the Nigerian people #FreeLeahSharibu #RenosDarts” – @RenoOmokri

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/03/19/presidential-poll-declare-me-winner-or-cancel-poll-atiku-asks-tribunal-lines-up-400-witnesses/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have formally filed a petition before the presidential election tribunal challenging the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the February 23 election.

Meanwhile, the petitioners said they have lined up over 400 witnesses to testify in their case which would be handled by about 20 lawyers.

Atiku and the PDP filed the petition before the tribunal in Abuja on Monday, asking it to either declare him winner of the election or order that a fresh poll be conducted, according to the PDP national legal adviser, Emmanuel Enoidem.

Addressing journalists, after filing the petition at the premises of the Court of Appeal, Abuja where the tribunal is situated, Enoidem, said: “We asked that our candidate who won the election massively across the country be declared the winner.

“In the alternative, we also asked that the election be set aside on the ground of irregularity which was apparent across the country.

“We have also lined up more than 400 witnesses that are going to testify in this petition.

“We have a pool of 20 SANs, who are tested in election petitions matters, and other senior lawyers who are also working with them. So we are very ready for the petition.

“The depositions are well put together. Nigerians are at home with what happened on February 23 in this country, the sham they called election.

“Of course, we are going to re-present the facts to Nigerians as the facts are already in the domains of Nigerians. We are not going to manufacture facts.”

Enoidem however, disclosed that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was still to comply with the order of the tribunal for it to allow the petitioners access to election materials adding that they had to file the petition to beat the 21 days deadline which is Tuesday (today), March 19.

Commenting on the petition, a member of the petitioners legal team, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said: “Our petition is quite solid, strong unassailable and we believe that by the grace of God the true keeper and owner of the mandate will have his mandate given to him.”

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/03/17/sugar-killing-i-am-innocent-oyo-lawmaker-tells-police/


The Chief Whip of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has exonerated himself from the killing of a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Temitope Olatoye.

Olatoye, popularly known as ‘Sugar’, was killed by unknown gunmen during the March 9 Governorship and House of Assembly elections at Lalupon Area of Lagelu Local Government area of the state.

Akinmoyede contested for the Lagelu State Constituency seat for the second time under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, but lost to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate.

The lawmaker, who has been in detention at the State Criminal Investigations Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan in connection with the incident, said that he knew nothing about it.

The legislator, in a statement issued on Sunday by his media assistant, Mr Segun Olawale, said that he was not in any way connected with the death of Olatoye.

“Although both of us are from rival political parties, “Sugar” was my friend, brother and long time political ally. We were together in APC for a very long time before he defected to the African Democratic Party, ADP, under whose platform he contested the Oyo South Senatorial election.

“I am a man of peace and this can be attested to by my political associates, my colleagues in the House of Assembly and indeed, the people of my constituency. The fact that Sugar and I are not from the same political party does not mean that we should be at each other’s throats.

“Incidentally, we were not contesting for the same political office. While he contested for the Oyo South Senatorial seat, I contested for the Lagelu State Constituency for the second term,” he said.

Akinmoyede further explained that he did not hesitate to honour the invitation of the State Police Command at Eleyele, Ibadan, in connection with Sugar’s death.

He said that he voluntarily walked into the police command since he knew that he was innocent as far as the incident was concerned.

He also said it was worthy of note that the unfortunate killing of Olatoye did not happen at his polling unit, Ward 7, Isale Osun, where he had earlier cast his vote.

The chief whip said that there was no crisis whatsoever while the voting lasted until the arrival of the late lawmaker in Lalupon town from his Alape village with his “boys”.

According to him, “not long after Sugar’s arrival did I hear that gunshots were being exchanged between his “boys” and some people at the Lalupon motor park which eventually led to him being shot.

“I am therefore surprised by the reports in a section of the media to the effect that I was arrested by the police.

“I must state emphatically that I was never arrested, I reported myself to them voluntarily upon receiving their call,” the lawmaker said.

Akinmoyede, a former Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, called on the police to intensify their efforts and do thorough investigation with a view to finding the killers of Olatoye.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/03/17/not-too-young-to-run-davido-blazes-the-trail/


In May 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari, signed the “Not Too Young to Run” bill into law.

The purpose of the law basically is to encourage youth participation in the Nigerian politics by reducing the age limits for candidates vying for different elective offices.

For instance, the law brought down the age qualification for presidential candidates from 40 to 30; Governorship candidates from 35 to 30; Senators from 35 to 30; House of Representatives and House of Assemblies, from 30 to 25.

It can also be said that in broad terms, the law seeks to get the youths interested in politics.

Nigerian pop star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido is perhaps one youth that could be said to have taken the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ campaign to heart.

Though not seeking any elective position, Davido got actively involved in politics late in 2018 when he began campaigning for his uncle, Sen. Isiaka Adeleke, who was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State.

Even though Sen. Adeleke didn’t was not declared the winner, the influence that Davido’s involvement brought to his electioneering campaign and the election generally cannot be overlooked.

He organised rallies in parts of the state such as Iwo, Ilesa and Osogbo where his presence attracted a large number of people, giving the rally the hue of a sold-out concert.

The singer entertained the crowd while also charging them to cast their votes for his uncle, Sen. Adeleke. Most people referred to him as the “star attraction on his uncle’s campaign trail.”

Besides his real time, live campaigns, Davido also put his uncle’s ambition on the consciousness of his numerous social media followers.

When his uncle lost out in the elections that is still being contested, he didn’t let that dampen his spirit.

In 2019, he kick-started a campaign with the hashtag “#DefendYourVote,” urging Nigerians to get their PVCs and endeavour to vote for a change in government.

He made it clear that he was not supporting a specific party, but rather individuals whom he believed would be able to do what needed to be done to move the country forward.

He joined the campaign team of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, round major cities in the country.

According to him, he was not paid by the party, but gave his time and voice to the party out of love for the country and the desire for a change in power from the incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari.

He also took the campaign for ‘his’ candidates to his social media accounts, a platform where he is a force to reckon with in the continent and regions outside of it being the African singer with the most followings on social media, with over 10 million followers on Instagram and about 4 million followers on Twitter.

The 26-year-old star used his social media power to the fullest, taking on the role of a publicist, albeit an unpaid one, to give his mass of followers political information, campaign activities and election updates.

On election days, he shared and tagged INEC’s official account with detailed information and election updates on his twitter account, including crises that took place at different polling units.

One of the most effective thing Davido did on the election days was the commentaries he provided on social media, especially on Twitter where he pressurised INEC and President Muhammadu Buhari to be transparent with the election process.

During the Presidential election, he posted about the crises, killings and snatching of ballot boxes at different polling units, thereby mounting pressure on INEC to cancel the elections at such places.

There is indeed no doubt that Davido’s actions contributed significantly to the global interest in the election, especially from the youth. So many youths and celebrities who had no interest in the elections prior to his campaign showed interest and also joined the #DefendYourVote campaign.

Everybody cannot vie for elective position, on the other hand, nobody should be exempted from playing politics. Arguably, the most touted expression among the senior citizens and even the youth is that ‘the youths are the future of the country.’

Yet sadly, the youths seem to have little or no interest in the politics of the country forgetting that politics controls everything.

Even if they are not interested in seeking offices, they can and should influence who takes decisions and makes polices for them; that’s what politics is all about.

Did Davido influence the youths? Definitely!

The elections are over but is politics over? The answer is no. Those who have been elected into various offices must be followed up to ensure they live up to their campaign promises.

The campaign for accountability must be sustained and more youths must join the train.

Davido has blazed the trail, here’s hoping that others, celebrities and none celebrities alike would come on board.

The Next Edition celebrates and wishes Davido, the Nigerian Super Star, the best in all his endeavours!

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/03/17/foods-to-eat-to-boost-your-sex-life/

Studies have shown there are many habits to cultivate that can lead to great sex. Habits like exercising more, engaging in pre-intimacy before the ‘bedroom’ etc. According to experts, diet also plays a big role in guaranteeing a satisfactory sex life to both women and men.

Some foods are libido boosters and will affect how your body functions. These are not just food you use during the act to enhance the experience but foods that will encourage the release of hormones that are related to sexual performance and pleasure.

Some of such foods are discussed below.

1. Watermelon

Watermelon is sometimes referred to as the ‘natural viagra’. This is because it contains citrulline, a compound that helps the body relax blood vessels, boosting blood flow. For sex to be pleasurable, one needs to relax and blood flow to certain areas is key as well.

2. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate also belongs to this list. It’s not a myth as some people believe. Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins (the same happy-making chemicals released after a great workout) and feel-good dopamine. This is what makes it a great food to eat to boost your sex life as well.

3. Oysters

You’ve probably heard about the aphrodisiac properties of oysters. Research shared at a 2005 conference of the American Chemical Society that oysters, clams, and scallops contain compounds that raise testosterone and estrogen levels. A boost in hormone production translates into heightened sexual desire in many cases. Oysters are also an excellent source of zinc, which aids blood flow to sexual organs in both genders. If you don’t care for mollusks, you can opt for lobsters or crabs instead. Both types of shellfish are loaded with zinc.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Instead of snacking on candy, snack on a handful of nuts and seeds not only are they the healthier option they also have the added benefit of spicing things up in the bedroom. Cashews and almonds are full of zinc.

Try the following:

walnuts
pumpkin seeds
sunflower seeds
pecans
hazelnuts
peanuts
Walnuts are doubly helpful in the love department, as they are also rich in omega-3s.

READ ALSO: Can opposite sex be one’s best friend without getting romantic?

5. Garlic

Though eating garlic before a date or during a date can be detrimental because of the smell it leaves behind in your mouth, there’s another reason you might want to risk it. The pungent herb is a natural blood thinner often used to prevent high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Garlic is chock-full of allicin, the anticoagulant properties help ensure plenty of blood flow to your nether regions. This makes everything down there sensitive to touch. For the men, it stimulates blood circulation for stronger erections and greater endurance in the bedroom. You and your partner can both benefit from a healthy dose of garlic before an amorous evening. If you’re both eating it, nobody will mind the strong breath it leaves behind, problem solved! If it’s really a problem, keep some breath mints handy after consuming it.

6. Red Wine

Alcohol generally makes everyone looser and more open to sexual advances. A glass of red wine may help ladies get in the mood. Research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that one to two glasses of red wine a day increased sexual desire and lubrication in women. Red wine contains quercetin, which might account for the positive response. Researchers noted that drinking more than two glasses of red wine daily or indulging in other types of alcoholic beverages didn’t produce the same results. There are certain brands that have been known to boost libido in both men and women.

Foods to eat to boost your Sex Life
7. Eggs

A consumption of eggs is great for a healthy erection. Eggs contain amino acid L-arginine that can improve erectile dysfunction. Introduce more eggs into your diet so as to enable you perform even better in ‘the other room.’

Rerun: We can’t afford to slack up—Osinbajo


Gists>>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/03/15/rerun-cant-afford-slack-up-osinbajo/

Rerun: We can’t afford to slack up—Osinbajo


Gists>>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/03/15/rerun-cant-afford-slack-up-osinbajo/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/03/15/2019-elections-real-reasons-low-turnout/

The 2019 Elections have come to an end with a lot of controversies surrounding the way and manner the process was executed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Based on commentaries by Nigerians, so some Local and International observers, the elections remain the worst in Nigeria with regards to turnout.

In a country of 195 million people, only 84,271,832 people registered to vote, according to INEC. This number actually rose from the 69,720,350 voters registered for the 2015 general elections, as the commission registered 14,551,482 new voters. Out of that 84 million, 72,775,585 million collected their Permanent Voters Cards that made them eligible to vote at the polls.

The high number in PVC collection, however, did not reflect at the polls. The overall turnout of voters across the country for the Presidential and National Assembly elections was 28,614,190 million or 35.6 percent of registered voters according to Reuters. This compares to the 43.6 percent voter turnout in the 2015 presidential election.

On March 9, during the governorship and State House of Assembly elections, the voter turnout was even lower. The total number of votes for the Presidential election, according to INEC, was 15.2 million and 11.3 million for the Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly Elections. There were several reports and pictures online showing near empty polling units, which were even fuller during the previous elections. In some areas in Lagos, officials had to call voters out with the use of a bell.

More than half of all registered voters about 51.1 percent, are between 18 and 35, according (INEC) and yet the youth didn’t seem to show interest in going to the polls. This is very unfortunate considering that in the years to come, this will be the generation that will be expected to lead the country.

Three states had less than 20 per cent voter turnout in the Presidential election; Lagos, Abia and Rivers states.

Lagos State led the states with the lowest voters turnout with 17.25 percent (1,089,567), followed by Abia with 18 percent (323,291 ) votes and Rivers with 19.97 percent (642,165).

In a state like Lagos that has an estimated population of 20 million, they were only 6,570,291 registered voters of which 5,531,389 collected their PVCs. These numbers did not translate to a high turn out at the polls. In 2015, Lagos also had one of the lowest turnouts at only 29%. Compared to this year’s 17.25%, it was quite a dip in that number.

The implications of these numbers may very well show a democracy in jeopardy.

Mr. Yinka Odumakin , a spokesperson for Afenifere believes that the turnout will be better when true democracy is established.

“Well, you can only have proper democracy when true democrats are running the system. You saw how APC that went to court in 2015 manipulated the votes all over the country even in a state like Lagos. You saw the violence that was reported. They have killed the people’s interest in the process. Until they restore true democracy, the electorate won’t be interested in going out to join the process,” Mr. Odumakin said.

The general assumption is that the turnout was affected by a number of factors such as the sudden shift in dates of the elections. Also, after the first set of elections and the violence and disenfranchisement that characterized the process, some people refused to go out to vote during the second round of elections.

Giving the reasons for the low turnout in the 2019 general elections, Head of Research, SBM intelligence, Cheta Nwanze, in an interview with Premium Times, said most people believed their votes would not count.

“A lot of people registered for the voters’ card because of the population growth. People believe their votes do not count, they believe their voices are not heard so they feel reluctant to come out and vote,” he said.

Mr. Nwanze said the best way to resolve the issue of low voters turnout is ‘good governance.’ “When the people start noticing positive changes then the turnout will increase.” he said.

For the Director of Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Idayat Hassan, one of the reasons for the low turnout of voters was the postponement of the election by one week.

“So what is the essence if people do not have the basics of life provided for them? The nature of politics, the fear of violence and people not being contented with the system are also a major factor for the low turnout,” she said.

Ms. Hassan advised the government, politicians and the electoral body to show credibility in order to gain the people’s trust. “It is important that people see that democracy is working for them. It is about better governance,” she said.

The 2019 general elections should be a lesson to Nigeria and Nigerians. It’s hoped that all the parties involved would learn from it and make amends to have the confidence of the electorates so as to ensure a higher voter turnout come 2023.