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
Some Concerned Nigerians, both in Nigeria and in London, have said that they would stage a daily sit-out in Nigeria and at the Abuja House in London where President Muhammadu Buhari is currently staying to demand that the president returns to Nigeria and continue his presidential duties or that he resigns if his health would not permit him to continue his mandate of leading Nigeria to the promised land of economic development and security of the country.
The coalition of Concerned Nigerians who, in a statement by their convener, Prince Deji Adeyanju, Ariyo-Dare Atoye Convener, Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC) and the secretary, John Danfulani, said the sit-out protests would hold simultaneously in Nigeria and London on August 7th.
Buhari-jet
According to a statement by the group, "You would recall that the president has been away from the country on a medical trip to the United Kingdom since May 7th, 2017. "n In line with the provisions of Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, and in exercise of that right, we have therefore, written a letter to the Police and other relevant security agencies requesting for protection as we exercise our fundamental right as enshrined in the constitution.
"All participants are expected to be at the venue before 0900am in Abuja and 11am in London to demand for President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to Nigeria and to office or his resignation on the ground of incapacity to execute his functions as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"We are inviting the general public, members of the press and Civil Society Organizations to our peaceful Daily Sit-Out that is scheduled to take place as follows; August 7th, 0900am at the Unity Fountain Abuja and August 7th, 11am at the Abuja House, London, United Kingdom."
The Nigeria Police have reportedly embarked on an intensive manhunt to arrest Stephanie Otobo's accomplice, Wisdom Godstime, a statement signed by Phrank Shaibu, Communications Manager to the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Suleman stated.
In the statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, Mr. Shaibu said, "Based on a bench warrant issued by Court, Tinubu Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos, the police has been ordered to arrest Godstime and his surety to show cause why he should not be committed to prison or revoke the bail earlier granted him by the same court.
It also said that "the manhunt to arrest Godstime, who is the second defendant in a criminal trial, with charge number A/09A/17 emanated from the application made by the Prosecution Councel, Maruf Animashaun on July 20, 2017 before her Lordship, Chief Magistrate (Mrs) K. B Ayeye.
Stephanie Otobo and Apostle Joshua Suleiman
"The matter which was set for definite hearing saw on that day, the absence without any reason, of the second defendant, Godstime.
"The surety was not also in court to explain the reasons for the absence of the Second defendant.
"Considering the application, the Chief Magistrate Mrs. Ayeye, gave the second defendant 48 hours to report to the court, otherwise a bench warrant of arrest would be issued against him.
"Having failed to appear before the court at the expiration of the Chief Magistrate's ultimatum, a bench warrant was issued for his immediate arrest and that of his surety on Monday July 31, 2017.
"The police have since swung into action combing the nooks and crannies of the country in search of the accused and his surety.
Godstime, along with Otobo, attempted to extort One Million dollars, or an equivalent sum of N500,000,000 from Apostle Johnson Suleman, President and Founder of Omega Ministries with headquarters in Auchi, Edo State in March 2017 on allegation of an illicit affair that Otobo claimed the man of God had with her two years prior.
"They were later arrested by detectives from the Nigeria Police, under the Inspector General of Police monitoring unit and charged to court for blackmail, conspiracy to extort money and threat to life at the Tinubu Magistrate."
Two Ukrainian athletes, including Olympic relay bronze medallist Olesya Povkh, have been provisionally suspended for using banned substances, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced Thursday.
Povkh was entered to compete in the women’s 100m and 4x100m relay at the IAAF World Championships in London while Olha Zemlyak was due to race the 400m and 4x400m relay.
“The provisional suspensions have been imposed following each athlete being charged with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the use of a prohibited substance,” said the AIU, the independent body that manages all doping and non-doping integrity-related matters in athletics.
Each athlete is now afforded the right to a hearing to determine the charge in accordance with IAAF Rules, it said, adding the duo remain provisionally suspended until the outcome of their respective cases.
Apart from winning bronze with Ukraine’s 4x100m relay team at the 2012 London Olympics, Povkh also won relay bronze in the 2011 Daegu worlds and gold at the European championships in Barcelona in 2010. Her individual medal haul includes European 100m silver in Helsinki in 2012, European indoor 60m gold in 2011 and a silver in the same event earlier this year in Split.
Zemlyak won two European silvers in 2012 (400m, 4x400m relay) and relay gold two years earlier in Helsinki.
The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Syria has killed a plotter of the thwarted attack at last year’s Israel-Albania soccer match in Albania, a US official said Thursday.
Lavdrim Muhaxheri was killed in a June 7 air strike near Mayadin, which is close to Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria, coalition spokesman Colonel Ryan Dillon said.
“He was an ethnic Albanian from Kosovo and a self-proclaimed leader of ISIS foreign fighters from Kosovo,” he said.
Albanian authorities have charged four people over allegedly plotting to attack the World Cup qualifier in Albania last November.
The game had been due to take place in the northern town of Shkodra but was eventually held in Elbasan, about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the Albanian capital Tirana, under a massive security presence.
Dillon said Muhaxheri was “the most prominent and radical ethnic Albanian fighter” in Syria who was responsible for inciting jihadist ideology in Europe and encouraging foreign fighters to travel to IS-controlled territory.
“He was also responsible for planning numerous terrorist attacks, to include the failed plot to bomb the 2016 Israel-Albania soccer match in Albania,” Dillon told reporters in a video call from Baghdad.
Kosovo, a predominantly ethnic Albanian and Muslim country, has been confronted with more than 300 of its citizens waging jihad in Syria and Iraq.
It has subsequently strengthened legislation and attempted to root out radical Islamist networks.
Dillon said eight other “colleagues” of Muhaxheri had also been killed.
A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Beni Lar, has called on the Federal Government to dialogue with the various groups in the country agitating for separation and independence.
Lar, (PDP) representing Lantang North/South Federal constituency of Plateau, made the call on Thursday in Abuja while addressing newsmen.
She also urged the Federal Government to revisit the report of the 2014 constitutional conference with a view to implementing some of its recommendations.
"By so doing every part of the country will have a sense of belonging and put an end to the various agitations threatening the unity of the country.
"The truth is that agitations come when a government has not responded adequately to the needs of the people.
"When a certain part of the country is not getting that sense of belonging, they tend to agitate.
"Before now, we did not have these agitations so why now; however Nigeria remains an indivisible country.
"We should not entertain anything that would bring about the division of the country.
"Most of these agitations attest to the fact that the people have not felt a sense of belonging.
"There are minorities all over the country and their demands should be taken seriously and government should carry everybody along.
"I personally believe that there is no comprise to the unity of the country, Nigeria will remain one.
"Agitations to divide this country is not in the best interest of the nation and I don't think any right thinking government will agree to that,'' the lawmaker said. On the clamour for restructuring, Lar also emphasised the need for dialogue, adding that the national assembly is key to restructuring.
"We need to hold public hearings and listen to the worries of the people; it is not something that one group of people can sit down and decide.
"People need to revisit the report of the constitutional conference and come to the national assembly for debate,'' she said. On the security challenges confronting the country, Lar said there was need to intensify efforts if the war against terrorism must be won.
"The question in the minds of every Nigerian is, are we truly winning the war against insurgency? "And the reason is very clear, we see more attacks from Boko Haram. "It seems like we still have a long way to go so I think we should not politicise issues. "Security has not improved dramatically since the inception of this government so we need to do more in tackling insecurity. "Yes there has been some improvement but not significantly," Lar said.
Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, as he turns 58 years on Friday, August 4.
Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, extolled the enigmatic political prowess of his former boss, describing him as an astute administrator and enthusiastic leader of impeccable disposition.
James Ibori
While noting the sterling and legendary contributions of Chief Ibori to the political development of Delta State and Nigeria, the Governor added that the Ibori political philosophy which has endeared him to Deltans and beyond will remain a subject of research by contemporary political watchers.
The Governor paid glowing tribute to Chief Ibori for championing the fight for Resource Control and Fiscal Federalism in Nigeria.
Okowa said: "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I felicitate with a leader par excellence, Chief James Ibori, on the occasion of his 58th birthday.
"Deltans and Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry how you laboured to build the most virile, potent and unassailable political family in Delta State and beyond even as your legacies still dot the nooks and crannies of the state.
“It is our prayer that God will continue to protect you and grant you good health to render more services to mankind.” He said
Neymar’s world record move to Paris Saint-Germain is set to be completed when the player jets into France on Friday after the Brazilian paid his 222 million euro ($263.6 million) buyout clause to Barcelona on Thursday.
Neymar
Barca confirmed Neymar’s lawyers “made the payment of 222 million euros in the player’s name” to release him from the five-year contract he signed just last year.
Earlier, Spain’s football league threatened to stall the saga by refusing to accept a cheque presented by Neymar’s representatives at its Madrid headquarters.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has accused the French club of breaching UEFA’s financial fair play rules.
Clubs can be sanctioned by European football’s governing body for making a loss of more than 30 million euros over a three-year period.
However, UEFA insisted the move will not automatically trigger a failure to comply with FFP regulations.
“The transfer of Neymar to PSG will have an effect on the club’s finances over several years but the impact of such an operation cannot be judged in advance, notably as PSG could well sell several players for a significant amount,” UEFA said in a statement to AFP.
Barca added that they will aid UEFA in any future enquiry into whether the French side fall foul of regulations.
“The club will pass on to UEFA the details of the above operation so that they can determine the disciplinary responsibilities that may arise from this case,” continued the Barca statement.
Neymar is due to arrive in Paris on Friday, according to airport sources, and could be presented at PSG’s Ligue 1 opener at home to Amiens on Saturday although he is unlikely to play.
His new mark is more than double the previous record set by Manchester United’s capture of Paul Pogba from Juventus last year for 105 million euros, leaving many commentators aghast at the rampant inflation in football transfer fees.
Leading coaches such as Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger and Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho lamented that the move could cause even greater inflation in transfer fees and player wages.
“It also looks like the inflation is accelerating,” said Wenger, whose 21 years at Arsenal have been characterised by prudent spending.
“It’s beyond calculation and beyond rationality.”
– ‘Transfer of the century’ –
However, in the French capital there is huge excitement at PSG’s Qatari-backed project landing a star name to finally make them feared among European football’s elite with even French president Emmanuel Macron enthused.
“It adds attractiveness. Yes, it’s good news,” said Macron.
“Neymar to PSG — the transfer of the century”, splashed Le Parisien’s front page on Thursday with the first five pages devoted to his impending arrival.
The mood is understandably more sombre in Barcelona where attention has turned to who the Catalans can sign to replace Neymar in the month before the transfer window closes.
Neymar’s Brazilian international teammate Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele have both been linked.
There is also scepticism at the role played by PSG’s owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) at a time of political crisis for the energy-rich state which has been boycotted by its Gulf neighbours in recent months and will play host to the World Cup in 2022.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo described the move as a “state signing.”
But whilst La Liga protests at losing one of its biggest stars, Barca’s players have continued to wish their now former teammate well.
“My friend I wish you the best in everything that comes!!!” Luis Suarez posted on Instagram alongside a picture of the two hugging.
“Also thank you for your support, for everything that I learned with you and for the unique moments that we spent together!!!! Keep like this and never change love you little bro.”
The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, has urged the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to fast track the process of issuing all Nigerians with the National Identification Number (NIN).
The minister said this on Thursday in Abuja when the Director-General of NIMC, Aliyu Abubakar, led a delegation to present the minister with his national ID card.
He emphasised the need for NIMC to focus on the enrolment and issuance of NIN to all Nigerians rather than the actual production of the national ID card "which is very expensive".
"The NIN is the most important thing, I want you to do everything possible to ensure that all Nigerians get their number and not just on the production of the national ID card which is very expensive," he said.
He said that the Federal Government was working round the clock to link the NIMC database with all other government agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Earlier, the NIMC boss, Aliyu Abubakar, said that the Commission was now focusing on the issuance of NIN to Nigerians rather than the national I.D. card due to paucity of funds.
It will be recalled that the NIS Comptroller-General, Muhammad Babandede, recently said that from January, 2018, Nigerians without NIN will not be able to process their e-passport.
By Emma Amaize WARRI- THE Reformed Egbesu Fraternity, REF, a coalition of militant groups in the Niger Delta region, Thursday, advocated the peaceful dissolution of Nigeria into Arewa Islamic Republic, Biafra Republic, Oduduwa Republic, Republic of the Niger Delta (RONDEL) and the Republic of the Middle Belt to be collectively known and addressed as the United Republics of Nigeria.
REF, comprising Egbesu Mightier Fraternity (EMF), Egbesu Red Water Lions (ERL) and the Egbesu Marine Commandoes (EMC) in a statement by the General Officer Commanding, self-styled "Gen" Tony Alagbakereowei, called on the United Nations, UN, British Prime Minister and President Donald Trump of the United States to conduct a referendum for the quiet disbanding of the Nigerian state.
"We reaffirm our collective resolve to actualize the Republic of the Niger Delta (RONDEL) which had been proclaimed in 1966; taken into cognizance the reality that there is nothing yet binding us as a people rather than the crude oil and the gas in the Niger Delta," the group said.
Its words: "We call on the British Prime Minister, President Donald Trump of the United States and the United Nations (UN) to conduct referendum for the peaceful dissolution of the Nigerian states into: Arewa Islamic Republic, Biafra Republic, Oduduwa Republic, Republic of the Niger Delta (RONDEL) and the Republic of the Middle Belt to be collectively known and addressed as the United Republics of Nigeria based on the principles of non-exodus and non-violence," the coalition said.
It asserted: "We strongly restate our commitment and dedication to this model as it is the irreducible minimum acceptable political requirement for the ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta, (the Ijaws) in particular, to remain in the Nigerian state."
The coalition, which recently pulled out of the Niger Delta peace process, added: "We consider this as the best option to avoid the impending humanitarian crisis of a full-blown Nigeria civil war and armed revolution would precipitate upon the African continent and the world at large."
On why it pulled out of the peace process, the group said that its action was catalyzed more by "the recent rejection of political restructure and devolution of power to the constituent units of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the roguish Senate vis-Ã -vis the loud agitations for the sovereign states of Biafra. Arewa Islamic and Oduduwa Republics based on Articles 3 – 5 of the United Nations declarations / convection on self- determination for indigenous peoples of the world ratified by Nigeria."
It reiterated: "At age 90, Papa Clark should step aside for younger people if at all, there is the likelihood of further engagement with the Federal Government," adding: "but we equally dissociate ourselves from the antics of the federal Government in the peace process and calls for outright destruction of the oil economy in our territories and communities to teach the Federal Government a hard lesson."
Some pensioners in Osun state have staged protest during the burial ceremony of late Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, the mother of the state's governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the state.
The pensioners under the aegis of Forum 2011/12 retired public servant in Osun staged a well-planned protest demanding for more payment from the government even after the state's government made payment of over N5.1billion to workers in the state.
The protest which coincided with the 3rd day Fidua prayer of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, mother of the governor who died on Tuesday, was staged to press home more payment from the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The pensioners who converged at the entrance of the state's secretariat, Abere were seen discussing with no placards to drive home reasons for their protest.
Recall that the state government of Osun committed N5.1 billion out of the N6.3 billion second tranche Paris club refund received from the federal government for the payment of salaries and pensions.
The Osun protesting pensioners
It was gathered that the workers, pensioners inclusive, have since been receiving credit alert of payment of the agreed payments reached with the various unions.
The government reached the sharing formula through the state's Revenue Allocation Committee, led by Hassan Sunmonu, in conjunction with labour unions in the state.
It was learnt that the unions agreed to the decision to pay the arrears of July and August 2015, the balance of leave bonuses of 2015 to workers in grade level 8-17 who had been receiving modulated salaries, as well as the July 2017 salary and pension entitlements to all workers in the state.
Prince Rotimi Adelugba, the Chairman of the Triangular Group of Pensioners in Osun State described the latest protest embarked upon by a faction of pensioners as 'sponsored', describing their conduct as unnecessary and a plot to undermine the good intention of the government.
He said the state government has paid the salary of all workers in the state up to July, 2017 in line with the agreement made between it and the labour union.
According to him, the state government and the labour union met and decided that the state should pay July and August, 2015 balance of the modulated salaries of workers whose pay had been on modulation since 2015.
The Osun Triangular Pensioners Chairman warned those that are preoccupied in sowing seed of discord with aim of heating up the polity and inciting the populace against the government to desist in the collective interest of all in the state.
Prince Adelugba opined that at a time when "the whole state is in mourning over the death of the illustrious mother of our governor, it is only fair that they sympathize with him and the government, rather than put up a show of shame, on a day dedicated for the 3rd Fidau Prayer for Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola."
In an interesting twist, one of the protesters, who dressed like an Islamic cleric, was spotted with a black goat, for yet to be identified purpose, however, the policemen on ground barred the man from slaughtering the animal.
The Borno Police Command, has arrested a 41-year-old housewife, Jummai Buba, for aiding armed robbers in the state.
Jummai, a mother of 10, was arrested in Maiduguri for aiding her son, who belongs to a notorious armed robbery gang.
The Commissioner, Mr Damian Chukwu, made the disclosure on Thursday while parading the suspects in Maiduguri.
Chukwu said the housewife was arrested in Maiduguri alongside seven other suspects, who attacked motorists and snatched vehicles in Jos and Abuja. He explained that the lady was arrested for conspiring with her son to conceal the vehicles snatched from their owners.
"The lady served as an accomplice in concealing the stolen vehicles.
"Whenever her son robbed cars, he will send it to his mother, who will in turn contact buyers in Maiduguri," he said.
The commissioner named the other suspects as: Umar Kachalla, Muhammad Adamu, Abubakar Usman, Bashir Mohammad, Sulaiman Abubakar and Yakubu Abubakar.
He said that the police recovered three cars from the suspects, adding that the suspects would be transferred to Plateau Police Command as soon as investigations were completed.
He said that two other suspects, Modu Busari and Mohammed Sale from Magumeri local government area, had also being arrested over attempted robbery.
Chukwu explained that the suspects were apprehended in separate raids by men of the command on patrol in the area.
He said that the police had arrested one Abdullahi Hassan, who specialises in the theft of car batteries and spare parts.
He said that a number of items were recovered from the suspect.
The commissioner said the police had also arrested two suspected members of Boko Haram insurgents in a joint operation with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
He said that one of the suspects was arrested in Mainok town in Kaga local government area, while the second suspect was arrested at Nasarawa village in Dawakin Tofa LGA of Kano State.
"We also arrested a military impersonator in Maiduguri. Investigations are still in progress and all the suspects will be prosecuted," the police said.
Government at all levels have been urged to engage fresh graduates in small and medium-scale enterprises.
Mr Alex Abegunde, the President of Dominion Youth Liberation (DYL), an NGO, made the appeal during an interview with Newsmen in Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Thursday.
NAN reports that the Omu-Aran based NGO was established in 2012 to promote youth resourcefulness and self reliance.
Abegunde said such intervention would help to reduce youth unemployment, poverty and boost the nation's socio-economic development.
He described the current high rate of unemployment, especially at the grassroots, as unacceptable and stressed the need for youths to be self-sufficient and self-reliant.
According to him, such intervention is the only way our youths can be productively engaged and contribute their quota to the nation's economy.
Abegunde said that acquisition of certificates and higher education was no longer a guaranteed source of livelihood.
He said being educated could be as important as water to life and which would definitely make governance easier to understand.
"But recent development as regarding high number of graduates roaming the streets unengaged remain a critical factor."
He said that this posed serious challenges to government to embrace entrepreneurship development as better and veritable alternative for economic transformation, growth and development.
"This is where some uninformed youths and those who designed our education curriculum actually got it wrong.
"It is high time we did the needful in order to get us back to the right track," he said.
Abegunde advised government and the private sector to channel resources toward promoting skill acquisition training and entrepreneurship development among the youths.
"Government should evolve an arrangement where the option of floating a small scale business is made available to the fresh graduates.
"I also advise the youths to make good use of opportunities available in acquiring knowledge and skills that would make them equipped productively," he said.
…State'll Procure Surveillance Aircraft, Gun Boats To Tackle Kidnapping On Waterways- Ambode …IGP Visits Gov, Says Lagos Has Set Pace In Security Matters File: 37 suspects, including five suspected Badoo members, being paraded by Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, at the state police command headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, yesterday. Photo: Daud Olatunji.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday requested for two additional Police Area Commands, saying that it would go a long way in tackling the nefarious activities of criminally minded persons once and for all.
Governor Ambode, who made the request when the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said the additional Area Commands, if granted, would be set up in Ikorodu and Badagry, assuring that the State Government was ready to provide the funds to set up the Commands.
"Funding is key to security, but security also is fundamental to the growth of Lagos and the prosperity of Lagos, so we are ready and we are committed to support all our security agencies, the Navy, the Police to make sure that we have a safe city where we can be investor friendly and also grow the economy of Nigeria.
"I am ready to fund additional area commands in Lagos, so I am requesting that we should do two additional commands in Lagos, one in Ikorodu and another one in Badagry. There is a need for us to pay more attention to the Ikorodu axis because of the kind of reports that we are getting from there," the Governor said.
Alluding to the multi-billion dollar investments coming up in the Lekki corridor and the need to secure the area, the Governor also requested that the Mobile Police Command in Ibeju Lekki be relocated to Epe.
"We already have some kind of Command in Ibeju Lekki which is the Mobile Police, but I also request that because of the kind of economic activities that is coming up in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the road expansion that we are doing in the Epe axis, we would like to request that the Mobile Command should be relocated to Epe itself," he said.
Governor Ambode, while thanking the IGP and the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for their interventions in securing the release of the six kidnapped Igbonla Model College students, said the incident clearly showed the need to beef up security in the riverine borders between Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States.
He said the South West Governor's Forum in a recent meeting had resolved to set up a Joint Task Force on security to stop criminals using the waterways as an escape route, just as he sought the support of the IGP towards ensuring the success of the initiative.
While pledging the commitment of the State Government to provide additional gun boats and equipment to safeguard the waterways, Governor Ambode also revealed that his administration has already concluded plans to procure a surveillance aircraft with the capacity to deal with all forms of crimes on the waterways, assuring that the Government would spare nothing to ensure that the State remains safe and secured for residents and investors.
"In addition to that, we commit ourselves also to provide additional Hilux vehicles and personnel also so that with the joint task force, we can actually clean up our waterways. I'll like to also let you know that we are also in the process of procuring a surveillance aircraft that can actually deal with issues that relate to our waterways.
"I am in total agreement with the IGP that there is a need for us to create a marine post along our waterways which you are already looking at, we must create some kind of outpost between Ondo, Ogun and Lagos so that these criminals cannot come into Lagos. The peace of Lagosians is of paramount to us so that we can checkmate them before they enter into Lagos we are also ready to fund that and then make sure that we train all our personnel and then seek the support of the Navy.
"All these that I have requested, I know that it comes with additional personnel and it comes with additional financing, but I give my commitment; the safety of citizens of Lagos is paramount to me and I am ready to fund it," Governor Ambode said.
The Governor also commended the IGP for his efforts in improving security across the country, especially in Lagos, noting that since he came on board, security in the State has greatly improved.
Earlier, IGP Idris Ibrahim commended the Governor for his tremendous support to the Police Command in the State especially in providing equipment and welfare for officers, saying that Lagos was leading the way in matters pertaining to security, especially through its innovative Security Trust Fund which had become a national model.
"Lagos has been a pacesetter in various areas. You have been very dynamic. First you are the first government to introduce the Security Trust Fund and this is a concept we are trying to introduce nationally. We have the Police Trust Fund bill before the National Assembly, a public hearing has been heard on this bill and we believe it will be one of those instruments to change the face of policing in Nigeria," Ibrahim said.
He said the Police was working out modalities to enhance their activities in the State especially in the coastal areas, saying that about 10 additional gun boats would be procured, while the Nigeria Police Marine would be enhanced to man the boats along the waterways.
"I believe with these enhancements and with the capacity to provide these gun boats, the Nigeria Police Force will effectively check these criminal activities and ensure security in Lagos and other areas," the IGP said.
On the request of the Governor to set up two additional Police Area Commands, the IGP said the plan was already ongoing to increase Area Commands across the country to improve security surveillance and adequately address crime.
The Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has disagreed with a former governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on the reports that said that he had been exonerated from the N852.9million controversial fund belonging to the agency.
Chairman of Ekiti SUBEB, Senator Bode Ola, who addressed newsmen over the controversy, said it was not true that the former governor and current Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Fayemi, was cleared of the complicity in the alleged misappropriation of the fund.
Senator Ola, who addressed newsmen at his office in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, said "from the content of the committee report being referred to, it is clear without any ambiguity that financial crime was committed.
“It was established that the Ekiti State government under Dr Kayode Fayemi fraudulently obtained loan from the Bank and moved the fund out of the SUBEB account one year after.
"The loan was gotten from the bank without agreement as to interest rate, terms of payment and no Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO).
"How could the said bank that Fayemi collaborated with to defraud Ekiti and caused gthe suspension of the State from benefitting from UBEC funds, have granted loan without first agreeing on interest rate and terms of payment?
"The money was paid into SUBEB Account in November 2013, while it was moved out of the account in October 2014 – close to one year after the money was paid and used to access UBEC matching grant and contracts awarded."
Senator Ola disclosed that "the committee, report of which is now being celebrated just to confuse the public because of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up by the government to investigate the financial activities of Fayemi's government, was just for fact finding and not to indict or exonerate anyone."
He said the committee was set up so as to enable SUBEB to respond to UBEC and also remove the embargo placed on Ekiti SUBEB by the UBEC.
The SUBEB Chairman disclosed that "On April 16, 2015, UBEC wrote a letter to the Ekiti SUBEB in which it said clearly that the action of the government constituted serious financial crime and also violated Section 11(2) of the UBE Act 2004 and also went further to threatened to report to the EFCC if the N852.9 million counterpart fund was not returned."
He said "While we do not speak for the State Government, we make bold to say that assuming but not conceding that the said report actually exonerated Dr Fayemi, he should rather use it as part of his defense at the Judicial Panel of Inquiry rather than running to the media to deceive the public.
"Also, if the committee actually exonerated Dr Fayemi, what then was the need for him to seek court injunction to stop the Judicial Panel of Inquiry?
"Most importantly, the Judicial Panel of Inquiry was not set up to witch-hunt anyone and its terms of reference go beyond the SUBEB issue.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has drawn attention to the activities of fraudsters who have been extorting head of ministries, departments and agencies, claiming they were acting at the behest of Ibrahim Magu, its Chairman.
No fewer than three ministers have in the last few weeks drawn the attention of the Commission to the activities of this gang of criminals.
"This information points to a worrisome trend in which criminal groups now use the good name of the chairman of the EFCC to con unsuspecting members of the public", the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said.
"A few months ago, the Commission had cause to issue a statement after it came to light that some persons had been approaching suspects under investigation by the Commission, claiming they have the instruction of the acting chairman to seek gratification for them to be given soft landings.
EFCC
"Also, there have been instances in the past in which fraudsters cloned the email and Facebook accounts of the EFCC Chairman and were sending messages demanding bribes from unsuspecting members of the public.
"These reports are indeed worrisome as they detract from the well-established mode of operation by the Commission. As a highly disciplined and professional organisation, demanding and receiving bribes are serious offences against discipline in the EFCC. The punishment for such acts includes dismissal and prosecution.
"Staff of the Commission are reasonably well paid and have no need to seek rent from suspects. The mere fact that a supposed officer of the EFCC demands gratification should put the public on notice. Under no circumstance should members of the public offer gratification to any one that claims to be an officer of the EFCC. Indeed such demand for gratification is enough indication that the so called 'operative' could be an impostor.
"The Commission regularly receives report about fake invitation letters to persons and organisations by fraudsters claiming that such persons are under investigation by the agency. Some victims of this scam have been directed to unimaginable places and defrauded by the criminals.
"Many victims however believed they actually dealt with bonafide officers of the Commission, while those who belatedly realise their folly are often too embarrassed to come forward. This calls for circumspection as the public need to verify such invitations and ensure they truly emanate from the Commission,
"Unfortunately, despite repeated warnings, some members of the public continue to fall prey to the antics of these fraudsters.
"The EFCC again wishes to dissociate itself from the activities of these criminal gangs. Mr. Magu has not mandated any person to collect gratification under any guise on his behalf.
"Those doing so are simply employing the fear factor to defraud persons who apparently are too jittery about prospects of investigation by the Commission. The EFCC as an agency does not condone gratification either to facilitate or 'kill' an ongoing investigation.
"The EFCC will no longer tolerate the activities of these fraudsters which are capable of eroding the credibility of the agency and the integrity of its leadership. Consequently, the Commission warns that it will deal decisively with anyone caught using the name of the EFCC or its chairman for fraudulent purposes.
"Consequently, the public is implored to report any one found to be soliciting gratification on behalf of the Chairman of the EFCC or any senior officer of the agency, to the nearest police station or contact the EFCC through this number: 0903131991, or send email to: info@efccnigeria.org."
Ex-Ministers of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Form has promised to give needed support to the party leadership in ensuring that credible persons were elected to lead the party.
Chairman of the forum, Mr Taminu Turaki, gave the assurance while briefing newsmen after the forum's meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
Turaki said that the former ministers would support the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) to conduct, as quickly as possible, the non-elective convention and an elective national convention of the party.
He said that the support was necessary to ensure that credible individuals were given the responsibility to represent the "new face of PDP''.
Turaki said that it was also important to elect people that would propel the activities of the party preparatory to 2019 elections.
"We have also resolved that we are going to support credible Nigerians, not necessarily former ministers only, to get elected into our working committee.
"At this critical time, what PDP need are vibrant and dynamic Nigerians, who in line with expectations of Nigerians will restore meaning life to them
"People who will give that needed impetus for our party to quickly rise to the challenge, and provide that alternative government that will take over from the ruling party in 2019.
"We will also be part of the process that will ensure that there is a level-playing ground for members of PDP.
"We will give the needed support to all others who may be interested in returning to the PDP or joining PDP for the first time, to also aspire to get PDP platform to contest for elections."
On the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Turaki said that the forum had what it took to ensure that the process of electing the party candidate was transparent, fair "to strengthen the confidence of PDP members''.
He said that the forum also welcomed all those who wish to return to the party after the Supreme Court judgment on its leadership.
"We are aware that the NCC and leaders of this great party at all tiers are making arrangement to give opportunity to returnees.
"The arrangement is also for all other Nigerians that feel that PDP will provide that essential platform for them to pursue and realise whatever elective aspiration that they may have in line with our party's Constitution."
By Jimitota Onoyume Assistant News Editor PORT HARCOURT – "Justice has finally come the way of our children, the court has shown they were not robbers,” said Mr Toku Mike, father of Llyod Toku, one of the four students murdered in Aluu community, Ikwerre local government area, Rivers State in a mob action about five years ago, precisely on October 5, 2012. The other students were Ugonna Obuzor, Tekena Elkannah and Chiadika Biringa.
*Ugonna, Lloyd, Tekena, Chidiaka; victims of Uniport killings.
Justice Letam Nyordee of a Rivers State high court, Port Harcourt on Monday ruled that a Police Sergeant, Mr. Lucky Orji, David Chinansa Ogbada and Ikechukwu Louis Amadi should die for their role in the mindless murder of the four University of Port Harcout students. Four others who also stood trial alongside those sentenced to death are Saviour Johnny, Abiodun Yusuf, Joshua Ekpe and Cyril Abang
The trial Judge, Justice Nyordee said a video clip of the killing which went viral on the internet minutes after the death of the four students convincingly showed the degree of involvement of the three convicted in the callous murder, adding that the clip also showed that those discharged and acquitted were merely onlookers.
Suspected killers of the students
It is recalled that the Police on October 16, 2012 had paraded thirteen suspected killers of the students. They were Alhaji Hassan Welewa, 59, Chief of Aluu kingdom, Lucky Orji, 43, Cynthia Chinwo, female, 24, Ekpe Daniel, 30, George Nwadei, 30, Gabriel Oche, 33, Ozioma Abajuo, 23, Chigozie Samuel, 22, Endurance Edet, 27, Uwem Akpabio, 30, David Ugbaje, Lawal Segun and Ikechukwu Lious Amadi
The following day they were arraigned before a Magistrate court in Port Harcourt on a five count charge of murder, felony, conspiracy, lynching and burning and were later remanded at the Port Harcourt maximum prison.
The number of those charged before the court rose to 18. The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Emma Woke in February 2013 discharged seven of the suspects based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, which indicated that they were arrested by the Police on mere suspicion. Those discharged were Cynthia Chinwo, George Nwadie, Ekpe Daniel, Gabriel Ochie, Endurance Edet, Lucky Agwurum and Finebone Jeffrey aka Soso
The trial continued for others at the Rivers state High court. Lawal Segun, ex-Sgt. Lucky Orji, Ikechukwu Louis Amadi (aka Kapoon), David Chinasa Ogbada, Abiodun Yusuf, Joshua Ekpe, Abang Cyril and John Ayuwu were charged with murder while Alhaji Hassan Walewa, Okoghiroh Endurance, Ozioma Abajuo and Chigozie Evans Samuel were arraigned for negligence.
Justice Nyordee in January this year discharged and acquitted the traditional ruler, Ahaji Hassan and four others for no case submission. It was a long battle in court as the wheel of justice grinded slowly. Father of one of the students, Mr. Toku said it was as if the court sessions would never come to an end. The matter suffered several adjournments and delays in court until justice finally came for the family.
Toku said it was now clear to all that their children were innocent of all allegations leveled against them. The mob on that day had called them robbers, marching them through Coca cola Street in Omuokiri Aluu to a dump site where they were finally beaten to death and later set ablaze. It was a bizarre way to die. Toku who still mourned the death of his son, Llyod, told Vanguard law and human rights: “Justice has been done. I am very happy today with the judgement of the court which has shown that the children were not robbers. They were innocent of all the ugly names they were called.”
Justice Nyordee in his ruling also lashed at security operatives for failing to rescue the students that sad day, saying they neglected their primary duty to the Nigerian state. Curiously the four murdered students were all first sons of their parents. Biringa Chiodiaka was a second year student of Theatre Arts department while Lyod Mike aka Big was a second year student in Civil Engineering department. Ugona Ibizor Ugonna was also a second year student in Geology and Tekena Elkanah had reportedly completed a certificate programme in the school and was waiting to be admitted into a degree program of the university. He too from the calculations would have been in year two if he had had his admission into the mainstream program.
Toku, while addressing journalists after the court's judgment advised Nigerians against mob action, saying rather than resort to jungle justice they should allow institutions saddled with the task of investigating and meteing out sanctions discharge their roles on any issue no matter the grievance. He said several innocent lives have been lost to jungle justice in the country.
Arrested suspects paraded by the Police in Port Harcourt.
Sources had told newsmen that the innocent students had allegedly gone to Omuokiri Aluu community in search of a debtor to one of them when the he (debtor)who is still at large allegedly raised alarm and called them thieves who came to steal his laptop and other valuables. Without properly quizzing the students angry mob swooped on them, beating them mercilessly. From the video clips that went viral, they were apparently marched round some parts of the community before they were set ablaze.
Witnesses, who gave testimonies during trial, told the court, that security operatives got to the scene but failed to stop the mob action. Late Lloyd's Mother had told newsmen after the incident that she raced to the place from their abode in town, Port Harcourt and only got there few minutes after they had been roasted to death. She recalled that in her confused mind she knelt down before the corpse of her dead son and started singing praises to God almighty, it was then according to her it dawned on her that the boys were innocent.
She said that her son had given his life to Christ before his death and even came back from church with a book for her the Sunday before he left for school. Friends of the deceased students had continued to remember them as budding musicians evil minds did not allow to actualize their potentials.
Bestselling author, Reno Omokri, has said that the Niger Delta region owes former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar a debt.
Pastor Omokri who shared a picture showing Atiku Abubakar in conversation with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, also hinted that the former VP is serious about restructuring and is willing to hold talks with world leaders over Nigeria's restructuring.’
Omokri said that the Niger Delta region owes Atiku a debt because it was the former VP that persuaded Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to return to oil producing states the offshore revenues earlier denied them by Buhari during his first coming in 1984.
Reno Omokri: Atiku Abubakar and Theresa May at the background
According to him, “Look carefully behind me. Guess who you see speaking with Theresa May? Restructuring on the agenda.
"Please pray for Waziri Atiku Abubakar if you support restructuring.
"In 1984, Major General Mohammed Buhari (rtd) reduced the amount of derivation funds paid to oil producing states to a paltry 1.5 % by military fiat and excluded the offshore oil revenues from derivation.
"In 2001, Atiku Abubakar persuaded Obasanjo to go for a political solution that returned offshore revenues to oil producing states. In 2004 it became law. The Niger Delta owes this man a debt!”
…As Court Orders Defendants To Undergo Sexual Rehabilitation, Monitoring
The Lagos State Government on Thursday arraigned 28 adults and 12 minors before a Lagos Magistrate Court for allegedly engaging in homosexuality contrary to the laws of the land.28 adults being arraigned for engaging in homosexuality before the Yaba Magistrate Court by Lagos State Government, on Thursday, August 3, 2017.
The minors were arraigned before Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court, while the adults were arraigned before Yaba Magistrate Court.
The defendants, who are all males, were arraigned separately on a one-count charge.
They were all arrested last Saturday by men of the Lagos State Police Command in Owode Onirin area of the State.
The defendants were said to have been caught in the act of homosexuality at a popular hotel in the area simply known as Vintage Hotel.
According to the criminal charge, the defendants were said to have “On or about 29th July, 2017, at Vintage Hotel, No. 999 Ikorodu Road/Toyin Close, Weigh Bridge, Owode Onirin, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did engage in gay activities by permitting male persons to have canal knowledge of themselves against the order of nature and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”
The adults are Adedayo Kamadupe (27), Abiodun Pedro (22), Ikechukwu Onyebuchi (32), Dike Stanley (19), Oji Charles Isioma (28), Garuba Ibrahim (21), Monday Favour (20), Ayo Marcus Ayobamidele (26), Stanley Adeasbo (25), Victor Isaac (18), Godwin Williams (19), Kashimawo Oluwatosin (25), Abass Tajudeen (24), Olamigoke Adeola (19) and Yussuf Fawaz (19).
Others are Johnson Michael (19), Francis Michael (22), Samuel Adeyinka (25), Samuel Collins (25), Kazeem Akorede (25), Adebayo Bukola (23), Ochiagha Ifeanyi (19), Babatunde Taiwo (26), Raphael Dugh (30), Kenneth Ubaji (19), Alisi Ferdinand Okechukwu (30), Malik Ahmed (18) and Olamide Adeola (18).
After the charge was read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty, while their lawyers – Ehiko Onoche, S.M Oladele urged the Court to admit them to bail.
The prosecution team led by Ms Adetutu Oshinusi from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice did not oppose their bail application but urged the Court to direct the defendants to submit themselves to the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA) for monitoring and Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) for rehabilitation.
The officials of both agencies were also present in court.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Adewale Ojo granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum.
One of the sureties, according to the Court, must be a relative of the defendants, while the other must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction. The sureties must also present evidence of tax payment.
The Magistrate also granted the request of the prosecution demanding monitoring and Sexual rehabilitation for the defendants, while the matter was adjourned to September 8, 2017.
The minors were arraigned before Magistrate Segun Elias of Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in a closed-session.
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