A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
The Lagos State Government has denounced the purported restriction of movement announced in Itire on Sunday night as part of traditional rites on the demise of Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef Abayomi Akanbi Dauda, describing it as act of illegality.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, the State Government condemned the action of declaring a curfew without due consultation with the State Government before making the statement public.
He added that no individual or group has the right to infringe on the rights of citizens to freedom of movement and association as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He noted that the State Government is alive to its core responsibilities of protecting the citizens and is collaborating with security agencies to put in place measures that will guarantee safety of lives and property of its citizens in every part of the state.
The statement added, "While the state government commiserates with the royal family, Onitire Chieftaincy Family Council and the entire people of Itire over the demise of the monarch and highly revered our tradition and customs, it would not condone any act that tends to infringe on the right of its citizens which it has sworn to protect."
"The Lagos State Government is saddened by the demise of our ever-supportive Oba, but wish to assure that government will not fold its arms and allow a few individual or group of people to deny citizens of their right to movement or commune anywhere around the state."
He added that the State Government was collaborating with security agencies and assures that arrangements have been made to guide against any molestation and harassment by anybody or group. Lagos residents are assured of their safety and are advised to go about their normal duties without harassment and molestation.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday urged community leaders, youths and residents of the State to take ownership of the 114 roads newly constructed across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State, just as he vowed to continue to implement people-oriented projects and policies.
Governor Ambode, who spoke during the commissioning of the 114 roads, held simultaneously in 10 local governments, said residents must guard the infrastructure provided by government for them jealously, assuring that more projects would follow those already completed in the nooks and crannies of the State.
In Epe, the Governor, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Wasiu Anifowoshe, and a party chieftain, Alhaji Shakiru Seriki, commissioned about 610meters road in Ajijolaiya Street, Papa Epe and another 620meters road in Adegoke Atowa Street, Epe.
In his keynote address, Governor Ambode said that the construction of the roads across the 57 Councils, made the Lagos economy the most viable in the country between the period of January to August, adding that the completion of the roads was a glorious dawn of community development accelerated through inclusive governance and a historic leap of faith for his administration and the citizens.
Representative of Lagos State Governor and member of Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye (middle), unveiling the plaque, being supported by the Sole Administrator, Ojokoro LCDA, Mr. Ipaye Adeleke (3rd right); Oba of Ojokoro, Oba Rilwan Olorunlanbe Taiwo (left); Oba Orile Alagbado, Oba Ahmed Saka (2nd left) and Community Chieftains during the commissioning of Bioyin Street, Alakuko, one of the 114 Roads in Ojokoro LCDA, on Monday, September 19, 2016.
“At a time the national economy is facing financial challenges, our administration is able to inject over N19 billion into the economy of our State, stimulating employment and engaging the business sector.
“No fewer than 89 indigenous contractors executed the road project with thorough supervision by the communities and government. About 5,700 direct jobs were created for professionals, artisans and laborers in the construction industry. A larger number of people, approximately 10,000 suppliers and dependants felt the positive impact of this stimulus package in their lives,” Governor Ambode said.
In Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Governor Ambode also commissioned Molade and Temidire roads.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau at the commissioning of Temidire Street road, the Governor said; “We gave jobs directly to 5,000 construction professionals and artisans and indirectly to over 50, 000 dependents.”
Also at the commissioning of Molade Street road, being the second road project in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, the Ojora of Ojora Land, Oba Abdul-Fatai Oluyinka Aremu Aromire, who represented the governor said road projects are vital to the development of any community; adding that motorable roads make business strive and engender development.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Sole Administrator of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Mrs. Feyintola Danmole, thanked the governor for initiating the road projects; saying Molade and Temidire roads were in bad shape before their reconstruction and rehabilitation.
In Ojokoro LCDA of the state, Bioyin and Ademola Abiola streets were also commissioned.
Governor Ambode who was represented by a member of House of Representatives, Kosofe Federal Constituency, Mr. Rotimi Agunsoye, also urged elders, youths and residents to guard jealously all the infrastructure, expose cultism and vandals in their areas, to bring more community driven projects.
At Eti-Osa East LCDA, Prince Murphy Adetoro and Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who represented Governor Ambode at the inauguration of 800km Busola Adalemo street in Langbasa and 480km Shola Omole street in Ado respectively, said the dream of making Lagos a megacity would be actualized if the government continues with the construction of 114 roads annually in all the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs across the state.
Adetoro noted that the roads had been in bad shape for years, but the recent development had brought relief to residents and motorists linking Ajah Badore axis.
While inaugurating the Erejuwa street road in Yaba LCDA, Governor Ambode who was represented by the state Assembly Committee Chairman on Local Governments, Mr. Kazeem Alimi, thanked the local contractors for delivering the projects and demonstrating tube capacity of the construction industry in the State.
A chieftain of the APC, Chief Mutiu Are, who commissioned the Igbore-Omitogun street Iwaya, also in Yaba LCDA, on behalf of the Governor said the roads would contribute massive to the economic landscape of the area.
At the commissioning of Matthew and Famuyiwa Olayiwola Streets in Mangoro and Agege area of the state, Governor Ambode, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare and the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Oyedeji respectively, said his administration remains committed to running an all-inclusive government.
Governor Ambode, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip in the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Omotayo Oduntan and Chairman, Ikeja Community Development Council, (CDC), at the commissioning of 41 Road, Gowon Estate and Remi Ogunjimi Street in Mosan Okunola LCDA, assured residents that more community infrastructure would be delivered in the next one year.
In Lagos Island, two roads, 320metres Agarawu Street and Sanusi Olusi Street were commissioned by Governor Ambode, who was represented by House of Representatives member, Lagos Island Federal Constituency, Hon. Yakub Balogun and Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun.
*Renews warning to First Hydrocarbon, Seplat, Total E&P, Shell, Agip, Saipem, Mobil WARRI- THE Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, NDGJM, a militant group in Delta State, yesterday, claimed that its strike force blew up the Afiesere-Ekiugbo delivery line, operated by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC/Shoreline Petroleum at Ughelli, Delta state, on Sunday.
In a statement by self-styled Gen Aldo Agbalaja, the group said: "The Opudo strike force, at about 11:30 pm on Sunday, September 18, 2016, struck the Afiesere – Ekiugbo delivery line in Ughelli, operated by NPDC/Shoreline."
"The Operation Crocodile Tears is not slowing down, but determined to achieve target. Until the federal government takes the proper steps, this song will continue to play," it added.
The group asserted: "This is to once again emphasize our earlier revelation that the so-called Operation Crocodile Smile is nothing but a scam: some jumbled job, sewn together to retire some recently embezzled military budget."
"Were it a serious endeavor, as the entire military system has sought to bamboozle Nigerians and the entire world to believe, the half-baked operation would have at least been reaping marginal results, besides those wrong arrests, lacking in intelligence that it had realized," it added.
Day of reckoning close for Burutai
On protection of oil pipelines by the military, it said: "This is to you, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, let you crocodile continue to smile, your time of reckoning is at hand, probably by the time the smiling crocodile finally sinks, you will see its tears and blood."
"Under your nose, the very task of guarding oil assets (which we consider a waste of time, resources and a failure of priorities) will fail because you are both insincere and incompetent.
We're just starting "The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate is just starting, you are yet to see what we are about, by the time the alpha operations are initiated, you will need more than these fighter jets to keep your troops safe in any part of the Niger Delta," NDGJM asserted.
The group warned the oil and gas companies, who have put their trust in the guns and fighter jets of the Nigerian armed forces to wait for their rewards.
Its words: "We have observed that you have placed your trust in the guns and fighter jets of the Nigerian armed forces, our words for you are few: keep at it and wait for your rewards, which have almost come upon you. It is a reflection of your minds towards our people; you obviously do not believe that the people of this part are deserving of good lives. You hide behind the guns of the oppressors to pillage our lands and our people, leaving us despoiled and our lands raped. You do all manners of things you will dare not imagine in other parts of the world where you operate."
"Here, you have failed all basic corporate social responsibilities, leaving the people to languish in lack and ruin. Continue with your insolence against our people, but we will vow to you today that we shall uproot every asset and facility you think you have secured with soldiers and their guns.
"Shorelines, First Hydrocarbon, NPDC, Seplat, Total E&P, Shell, Agip, Saipem, Mobil and co wait for us, we are just coming out for you," it added.
The management of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu said on Monday that it was planning to celebrate Nigeria's 56th independence anniversary with the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy. Paul Ozor, the General Manager of Rangers said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Ozor said that it would be an honour guiding Rangers to a successful league title after going trophy less for 32 years. "A committee has been put in place for the celebration that will follow the team's league victory. "The celebration will be like when Chelsea lifted the premiership title in England because the stadium will be jam-packed on the day of the last match.
"There will be road shows and gala night; every good thing one can think of will be on parade that day. "Enugu cannot wait a night to that last league match because it will seem as if we have already won the league trophy,'' Ozor said. He said that arrangement had been made to ensure Rangers fans troop to the stadium to watch the team's season's last match free of charge.
"The gate will be thrown open on the final match day because it is a home game against El-Kanemi Warriors of Miaduguri; we are playing Ikorodu in Abeokuta before the last match against El-Kanemi. "We are not thinking of losing the trophy.
"We have started putting on our championship jerseys, caps, fliers and so on. "We held a meeting this morning with the House of Assembly members, Commissioner for Sports, board members and other stakeholders on the best way to organise the celebration.
"His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi met with us last week and he is already preparing to shower the team with gifts,'' Ozor added. Rangers is currently occupying the top spot on the league table with 57 points, while Rivers United is second with 56 points. Wikki Tourists of Bauchi is placed third with 54 points, while FC Ifeanyi Ubah is occupying the fourth place with 53 points.
Prof. Uche Uwaleke, Head, Banking and Finance Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, says the country's economy has not deteriorated to the extent that government will sell off some of its assets to generate revenue.
"I do not think the state of the country's economy has reached the point where viable national assets such as the NLNG must be sold in order to generate revenue.
"If a country is in a liquidity trap to the point where the government loses the capacity to borrow, then it can sell its assets.
"Then a case can be made for the sale of non critical assets at least to keep the government running.
"Nigeria is not in any liquidity trap and so the issue of selling performing national assets should not arise.
"The NLNG is not known to have posed any burden on government resources, as a matter of fact; the company has a record of regular dividend payments to the government.
" So, why sell off the government's majority stake in the company as has been suggested.
He explained that it was only a bankrupt state that could sell its national assets and Nigeria could not be said to be bankrupt.
He said that was the reason the government hoped to borrow from external sources including issuing Eurobonds to revamp the country's economy.
"Notwithstanding the high ratio of debt service to government revenue, the ratio of the country's debt stock to GDP at less than 25% is within sustainable level.
"And it is one among the lowest in the world,'' Uwaleke added.
African richest business mogul, Aliko Dangote, had in media reports urged the Federal Government to sell off the NLNG and other dormant but huge capital-generating sectors. here
He suggested that government should invest the proceeds back into the economy to bring Nigeria out of its current recession before the end of fourth quarter.
"If I had challenges in my company, I would not hesitate to sell assets, to remain afloat, to get to the better times, because it doesn't make any sense for me to keep any assets and then suffocate the whole organisation.
"What we need to do now in my own thinking. we have a lot of assets to sell. We can sell part of the joint venture; part of the shares. You know government normally owns 60 percent," Dangote said.
On the way forward, Uwaleke, however, urged the government to apply both monetary and fiscal stimulus to tackle the recession.
He also urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to ease the monetary policies to enable SMEs get cheaper access to funds to do business and strengthen the country's currency.
"On the fiscal side, the Federal Government should move speedily to obtain concessional foreign loans that should be channeled into employment generating activities such as agriculture, solid minerals and infrastructure.
"Committed efforts in these areas will ultimately open up multiple streams of foreign exchange and strengthen the naira in the process,'' Uwaleke said.
He said that any attempt to dispose viable government assets to temporarily shore up reserves could create the wrong impression for the country.
A mechanic, Christopher Nwachukwu, on Monday appeared before an Enugu North Magistrates' Court for allegedly slapping a commercial tricycle rider, Jonah Uwana.
Uwana was said to have obstructed the entrance to the accused person's workshop at Coal Camp in Enugu which made him to slap and inflict injuries on him with the help of other mechanics.
Testifying before the court, the complainant who hails from Cross River said he was riding his tricycle when his brother called him and told him that his keke broke down.
He said that he drove to where his brother was and helped him to transfer the goods in his tricycles to his own before the accused accosted them and demanded that the keke be removed from his entrance.
Uwana told the court that he and his brother pleaded with the accused to allow them transfer the goods but he refused.
"We begged him to allow us finish transferring the goods to my keke but he refused. "My brother even went to stop the oncoming vehicles to enable him pass but he insisted we remove our keke,'' he said.
The complainant said that before he knew it, the accused slapped him and pushed his keke away while other mechanics came and joined him and inflicted injuries on both of them.
Uwana said that he reported the matter to the Central Police Station (CPS), Enugu and the accused was arrested and charged to court for assault.
The Magistrate, Mrs Ifeoma Oruruo, adjourned the matter to Oct. 12 for continuation of hearing.
President Muhammadu Buhari hascongratulated the Nigerian Paralympic team for its outstanding performance at the Paralympic games in Rio, Brazil.
This was made known on Monday by Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari Spokesperson.
Garba Shehu on his Facebook page said ”President Muhammadu Buhari warmly congratulates Nigeria's team for an outstanding performance at the Paralympic games in Rio, Brazil.
President Buhari joins all sports-loving Nigerians in commending the athletes for doing the country proud by winning 12 medals and setting new records, which made them the top-performing African team at the 2016 games.
The President extols the resilient spirit of the Nigerian Paralympic athletes, who were able to excel in the face of adversity. President Buhari applauds the athletes for their tenacity, focus and determination, which has brought glory to the country.
The President also extends gratitude to all the officials and trainers of the Paralympic athletes, who made sacrifices and persevered to fly the country's colours.”
There was a little drama in Abuja yesterday, precisely at Durumi area a few yards away from Winner’s Chapel when a man, alleged to be a member of the church pulled a gun on Federal Road Safety officials (FRSC) who tried to impound his vehicle on an charge that he and his wife did not put on their seat belts while driving.
Man pulls gun on FRSC official who told him to put on seat belt
A video footage trending on the social media captures the man saying he would blow off the heads of the officials during an argument that ensued thereafter.
The man who was driving a Honda Accord car with plate number SD01-RBC pointed his gun very menacingly at the officials while his wife backed him.
The officials who seemed helpless in the situation however got a video clip of the argument as well as the plate number of his car and released the video on social media with a call to Nigerians to identify the man for arrest.
Mallam Garba Shehu, the Spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the President spent about twenty million naira as medical expenses for his ear treatment.
Shehu in a post on his Facebook page which he titled “In Response to Prof. Farooq Kperogi”
Reads “The disclosure on Prof. Farooq Kperogi’s wall that President Muhammadu Buhari’s ear treatment in the United Kingdom cost a whopping six million pounds must have shocked many of the respected scholar’s followers.Buhari
The story reads like an incredible tale by moonlight that belongs to a different era, which fortunately is now history. That’s when a fortunate lady saved USD15 million for medical treatment!
But was it possible that the account of this balanced journalism teacher was hacked?
I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
Given the austere president we have, Muhammadu Buhari would not have approved this amount if he was shown a six million Pounds bill. I won’t be surprised if the President may have asked if the fat bill was for the purchase of a brand new pair of ears!
I’m prepared to share documents with Farooq, one of the brightest ever produced from the Bayero University Kano (BUK) that the whole treatment, including a follow-up visit by a specialist to Nigeria didn’t cost 50,000 pounds.
For the records, the administration advanced a higher sum, but the President’s doctor returned the balance to the treasury. Indeed, it’s a New Day, and President Buhari’s change mantra is real. Let no one confuse my fellow countrymen and women.”
Abuja – The Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has drawn a monitoring plan to check unsolicited messages and calls.
This information is contained in the second quarter report of the Compliance Monitoring Enforcement Department pasted on NCC website.
The report said the department held series of engagement sessions with critical stakeholders to ensure hitch-free implementation and full compliance.
It said the move followed complaints from telecom subscribers on the menace of unsolicited text messages and nuisance calls from mobile network operators in the industry.
"The commission issued a direction to all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on April 19, 2016 to dedicate short code 2442 on their networks for use by subscribers to opt-in to the ''Do Not Disturb'' database to restrict unsolicited marketing messages (Voice and SMS) on their mobile lines.
"All MNOs have been directed to ensure full compliance with the directive on July 1 or risk a fine of N5 million only."
It would be recalled that NCC on Sept. 12 issued final warning to telecommunication operators who still send unsolicited text messages (SMS) to customers.
The warning was contained in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, where he reiterated the Commission's readiness to protect subscribers from unsolicited text messages and calls from MNOs.
He stated that in spite of earlier warnings to telecommunication service providers to activate their Do-Not-Disturb facility, the Commission was still inundated with complaints by subscribers.
The various options under the facility are "SMS 1" for receiving SMS relating to banking, insurance/financial products to 2442;
"SMS 2" for receiving SMS relating to real estate to 2442, "SMS 3" for receiving SMS relating to education to 2442;
"SMS 4" for receiving SMS relating to health to 2442; "SMS 5" for receiving SMS relating to consumer goods and automobiles to 2442.
"SMS 6" for receiving SMS relating to communication/broadcasting entertainment/IT to 2442, "SMS 7" for receiving SMS relating to tourism and leisure to 2442, "SMS 8" for receiving SMS relating to sports to 2442, "SMS 9" for receiving SMS relating to religion to 2442."
He called on the service providers to immediately comply with the directive as further complaints from subscribers would be taken as serious infractions.
The Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has drawn a monitoring plan to check unsolicited messages and calls.
This information is contained in the second quarter report of the Compliance Monitoring Enforcement Department pasted on NCC website.
The report said the department held series of engagement sessions with critical stakeholders to ensure hitch-free implementation and full compliance.
It said the move followed complaints from telecom subscribers on the menace of unsolicited text messages and nuisance calls from mobile network operators in the industry.
"The commission issued a direction to all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on April 19, 2016 to dedicate short code 2442 on their networks for use by subscribers to opt-in to the ''Do Not Disturb'' database to restrict unsolicited marketing messages (Voice and SMS) on their mobile lines.
"All MNOs have been directed to ensure full compliance with the directive on July 1 or risk a fine of N5 million only."
It would be recalled that NCC on Sept. 12 issued final warning to telecommunication operators who still send unsolicited text messages (SMS) to customers.
The warning was contained in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, where he reiterated the Commission's readiness to protect subscribers from unsolicited text messages and calls from MNOs.
He stated that in spite of earlier warnings to telecommunication service providers to activate their Do-Not-Disturb facility, the Commission was still inundated with complaints by subscribers.
The various options under the facility are "SMS 1" for receiving SMS relating to banking, insurance/financial products to 2442;
"SMS 2" for receiving SMS relating to real estate to 2442, "SMS 3" for receiving SMS relating to education to 2442;
"SMS 4" for receiving SMS relating to health to 2442; "SMS 5" for receiving SMS relating to consumer goods and automobiles to 2442.
"SMS 6" for receiving SMS relating to communication/broadcasting entertainment/IT to 2442, "SMS 7" for receiving SMS relating to tourism and leisure to 2442, "SMS 8" for receiving SMS relating to sports to 2442, "SMS 9" for receiving SMS relating to religion to 2442."
He called on the service providers to immediately comply with the directive as further complaints from subscribers would be taken as serious infractions.
BENIN-PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governorships candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has again asked eligible voters in the state to cast their votes for him in September 28, elections insisting that he is a better candidate having lived all his life in Edo state and knows the challenges facing it and how to address them.
He was addressing stakeholders during flag stops at Umogun-Nokhua, Evboesi and surrounding communities in Orhionwon local government area of the state, in continuation of his campaign tour of the state to solicit votes for the PDP in the coming elections.
He also said he was better equipped to govern Edo state saying his interest in in politics was not for selfish reasons but borne out of a desire to ensure that the commonwealth of the people was administered in the best possible way for the wellbeing of a greater number.
He said, “I was born in Edo state. I schooled in Edo state. I worked in Edo state. I married from Edo state. My business is in Edo state. In fact I have lived all my life in Edo state. To me this means that I am completely committed to the prosperity of Edo state”.
“I believe that we can make Edo better and greater than it is presently, so that our children can agree to live here and in turn help in contributing their own quota to the growth and development of our state”.
“I ventured into politics because I am concerned about the situation of our state and the condition of our people. And that is because no matter how much you do as an individual you can only scratch the surface”.
“The only institution that has the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of many is the government. Government is the custodian of our commonwealth. So anybody with such passion like mine must be in government so that our commonwealth is used for the good of more people”.
He pledged to make a better job of governing the state if given the mandate , assuring voters in the state that their votes will count if they turn out en masse early on Election Day to be accredited and cast their votes accordingly.
ABUJA - Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has said she wants the central bank to lower interest rates so that the Federal Government can borrow locally to bolster the economy which is currently dogged by a recession.
According to Adeosun, lower interest rates implies the government can access more loans domestically without expanding its debt servicing costs.
The minister articulated this on Monday during a special interview on CNBCAfrica monitored by Vanguard.
She said the central bank needed to re-evaluate the hike in loan fees which it announced at its last meeting in July, in order to support the Naira and attract foreign inflows into the security market.
Adeosun also said that Nigeria's foreign exchange problems will not be easy to resolve because of the import-driven nature of the economy. She however, expressed strong belief that the government can ‘spend its way out of trouble’ through fiscal stimulus by specifically investing in infrastructure and ease of doing business.
She said: "What hurts us more is interest rates, we would like to see them reconsidered.
Kemi Adeosun
"We need lower interest rates. If we drive the economy and there is growth, that is the payback. I would rather seek growth, we can manage inflation – let’s stimulate the economy.
"Our economy is largely import driven so we are always going to have a foreign exchange problem. At the moment we still have two rates for the Naira, it needs to be resolved – we need to narrow the spread.
"We need to move from a consumption led economy to an investment led -one. if Nigeria just does what it says it will do, which is investing in infrastructure and ease of doing business it will be fine."
Meanwhile, the central bank is due to announce a new interest rate decision on Tuesday
A member of the House of Representatives, representing Mbaike Federal Constituency of Imo, Mr. Henry Nwawuba said the rumour of his constituents plan to recall him was baseless.
House of Representatives
Nwawuba who stated this while addressing newsmen on Monday in Owerri, said he has not been officially communicated on the issue.
According to him, those behind the rumou were aggrieved PDP members who had problems with him during the state congress of the party.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that a group under the auspices of Mbaike Movement, had moved a vote of no confidence on Nwawuba during a meeting last week.
The group claimed that Nwawuba had not carried members of his constituents along since he was elected, and vowed to begin recall procedures against him.
The group had also accused Nwawuba of poor representation and high handedness.
Nwawuba, however, dismissed the threat, saying that the group was only expressing their anger on the outcome of the party's congress.
According to him, he is representing his constituents well and is carrying everyone along.
"My constituents have never complained of misrepresentation or high handedness.
"This is the fallout of the party congress and I want people to disregard the rumor,'' he said.
At least eight people were killed outside a church in a suspected Boko Haram attack carried out by gunmen on bicycles in northeast Nigeria, local residents said on Monday.
The attack happened shortly after morning service on Sunday in Kwamjilari village, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) east of the town of Chibok, in Borno state.
“Some of the worshippers remained around the church and the gunmen opened fire and eight men died,” said Luka Damina, from nearby Kautikeri village, where locals fled.
Boko Haram
“Unknown to the residents, the gunmen had stationed some of their comrades on the road leading out of the village and they shot anyone who tried to flee.
“Many people ran into the bush with gunshot wounds. But so far we can only confirm eight deaths.”
The attackers set fire to homes and fields of maize that were almost ready for harvest, according to a local chief in Kautikeri, who also said eight people were killed.
The chief said soldiers were later deployed to Kwamjilari from Chibok — the scene of a notorious kidnapping in 2014 when more than 200 schoolgirls were seized.
A similar attack in the area last month left 10 people dead and saw 13 others kidnapped, while homes were looted and set on fire.
Both raids bear the hallmarks of Boko Haram Islamists, who have frequently attacked villages, churches and mosques across northeast Nigeria and beyond since 2009.
Nigeria’s military maintains it now has the upper hand against the insurgents in a conflict that has left at least 20,000 dead and made more than 2.6 million people homeless.
But such sporadic attacks underline the continuing difficulty in securing remote rural areas
An Ilorin-based legal practitioner, Temidayo Isa, on Monday, criticised "incessant adjournment of cases in Nigeria's judicial system'', saying it is justice denied.
Isa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that delayed justice indirectly meant justice denied as some innocent people suffer unjustly.
He said that the rate at which cases were being adjourned was becoming worrisome as victims and aggrieved persons would not get justice when they needed it.
He added that "some people are innocent but continue to suffer because their innocence has not been proven.
"People are getting frustrated for spending a lot of time on their cases without making any headway.''
The legal practitioner also said that it was the incessant adjournment of cases that caused prison congestion.
"This is because many people are just remanded in prison without any mention of their cases or offence and they have been like that for years without knowing their fate.
"Some of them will later be discharged and acquitted at the end of the day, making them to suffer in vain.
"So, it is important that our judicial system is looked into so as to ensure justice is effectively dispensed without delay.''
The Chief Magistrate's Court, Ota, Ogun State, has adjourned till November 21, 2016, to hear the application filed by Mr. Joachim Iroko, the man charged to court for naming his dog 'Buhari,' challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.
Mr Iroko was charged before the Court on August 22, 2016, on a one count charge, which states as follows:
"That you Joachim Iroko (aka Joe) and another still at large on August 13, 2016, about 1730hrs at Ketere area Sango, in the Ota Magisterial District did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by writing a name BUHARI on a dog and parading same in the Hausa section of Ketere market Sango and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 249 (d) of Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006."
He was granted bail but as he could not afford money to perfect his bail, he was remanded in prison custody while the case was adjourned to September 21, 2016.
Mr. Iroko, upon his release from prison custody, later briefed human rights lawyer and pro-democracy activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and some other lawyers, who all offered to defend him, pro bono.
On September 16, 2016, Mr. Iroko, through his lawyer, Mr Adegboruwa, filed an application before the court, asking the Magistrate to dismiss the criminal charge, as the conduct complained of did not disclose any criminal offence.
He is further the court for an order quashing Charge No: 671C/2016 preferred against the Applicant herein for want of jurisdiction.
*An order setting down this application for hearing preliminarily.
*An order staying further proceedings in this Honourable Court, in Charge No. 671C/2016, pending the hearing and final determination of this application."
The fresh application and prayers are predicated on the grounds that follows:
*This court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to entertain and adjudicate upon charge No. 671C/2016, preferred against the applicant herein.
*The subject matter of Charge No.671C/2016 preferred against the applicant herein does not a criminal offence in law for which the applicant could be put to trial.
*This court has the jurisdiction to quash a charge where there is no disclosure of an offence and the trial would amount to an abuse of the process of the court.
*There is an inherent jurisdiction in this Honourable Court to prevent an abuse of its process.
*Charge No.671C/2016 as presently constituted is unconstitutional, null, void and cannot form the basis of any criminal trial.
The case is slated for September 19, 2016. Mr Iroko has consistently maintained that he has the legal right to give his dog any name and that the name 'Buhari' is not synonymous with or exclusive to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The case is being presided over by Magistrate B.J. Ojikutu ogf the Chief Magistrate's Court 2, Ota, Ogun State.
At the hearing in the matter on Monday, before Chief Magistrate B. Ojikutu, Adegboruwa informed the court that the defence had filed two applications to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, but that the prosecutor in court had declined service of the said applications, preferring rather that the motions be served on his office at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta. Consequently, Mr Adegboruwa urged the court to suspend the trial since the defendant is challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
Mr Adegboruwa also applied to the court to direct the prosecutor to furnish the defence with the proof of evidence for the case.
After hearing arguments from Adegboruwa, the court agreed to hear the applications challenging the jurisdiction of the court, which was then fixed for November 21, 2016. The court also directed the prosecutor to furnish the defence with the proof of evidence in the case, which was complied with immediately.
Mr Iroko has consistently insisted on his right to give his dog any name suitable to him and that there is nothing to suggest that the name 'Buhari' was given to spite the President, Gen Muhammadu Buhari or indeed cause breach of public peace.
The Enugu State Government has set up a committee to verify academic standards of all private primary and post-primary schools.
The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday that the committee would visit all private schools in the state within six months.
Eze said that the terms of reference for the committee included ascertaining the education qualifications of teachers in private schools, the school environment and infrastructure.
He said that the government would re-certify all private schools in order for them to meet approved standards.
"We are tired of seeing or hearing that children study in inhabitable conditions, as well as private schools employing unqualified teachers that know very little above the pupils they teach.
"We are going to stop people that think that opening a school is for money-making without providing the prerequisites for such schools.
"Some of these schools merge different classes, and at times, have up to three classes packed within a classroom,'' he said.
The commissioner added that the state government would ensure that private schools would no longer employ non-professionals to teach.
"We want to be strict in ensuring that every teacher has, at least, National Certificate of Education (NCE) before teaching in any school,'' he said.
Eze told NAN that the government would appropriately sanction defaulting schools if recommend by the committee.
The commissioner gave the assurance that government and private schools in the state would collaborate to conduct teachers' verification in order to rid schools of unqualified ones.
World Junior Championships silver medallist, Divine Oduduru, said on Monday that returning 7th in the 200m semi-finals of the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil was an eye-opener for him.
Oduduru, who had a personal best of 20.34 seconds in Rio, revealed in Lagos that he would win a medal at the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
"My next move after the 2016 Olympics is to work hard towards the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships and 2020 Olympics.
"I will put in my best to get better results in Japan. Believing in God, training hard and attending international competitions will boost my chances in 2020,'' the sprinter said.
Reacting to how he felt running alongside his mentor, the 200m silver medallist at the 2014 World Junior Championships, Oduduru said that it felt great competing with Usain Bolt.
"It was great running alongside Bolt, I was happy but I also knew that I had to compose myself because of my emotion,'' said the silver medallist at the 2015 Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo.
Oduduru who has high hopes of being great in the sprints, said he hoped to surpass the world's fastest man's record someday.
The Delta-born athlete was discovered at the Dr D.K. Olukoya Championships, sponsored by the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry (MFM), Daniel Olukoya.
20-year-old Oduduru is a five-time African Junior champion in 200m.
The Ughelli indigene said he would not disappoint his fans at the 2020 Olympics.
Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the death of two pilgrims from the state during the just concluded 2016 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Aliyu Jajirma, Secretary, state Publicity Committee on 2016 Hajj, confirmed this in a telephone interview from Mecca on Monday.
Jajirma, who is also the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists [NUJ], however, did not disclose the names of the pilgrims, but said the two, male and female, died in hospital as a result of brief illness.
He said that the affected pilgrims, who were buried in the Holy city of Mecca, hailed from Maiyama and Augie Local Government Areas of the state.
According to him, wife of the state governor, Dr Zainab Bagudu, who also performed the Hajj, had commisserated with the families of the deceased.
A total of 4,107 pilgrims from Kebbi performed the 2016 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
