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
I am not in support of Biafra country and will never be, but I am a Biafran in my heart, says a self acclaimed AreaFada ‘Charlyboy’, while reiterating his position on the detention of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday in his Facebook post.
According to him,"I am aware that my recent picture with Nnamdi Kanu at Federal High Court, Abuja, has generated a lot of reactions and comments; some witty, others dim-witted, not that I blame them though. I am also aware that the picture has encouraged a vast number of people to take a decisive position on whether or not Biafra is the right cause. Even more, I am aware that the picture has left many people confused and skeptical of reports that I am now supporting Biafra. Na wa.
"I would like to say for the umpteenth time, that, I am Not in support and will never be in support of a country to be called Biafra. However, I am a Biafran in my heart, period.
*Charlyboy
"My reason, however, for visiting Nnamdi Kanu in court, was to make my discontent and disillusionment on his prolonged incarceration known to the federal government who have kept him behind bars for too long. If the government have issues with Nnamdi Kanu, let them charge him to court and let the rule of law decide. For whatsoever reason, no man deserves to be ill-treated in his fatherland as Nnamdi Kanu is being treated. Hence, the need for my interference in the ever-growing call for his release.
"I stand for equal rights and justice, period. Advocating for the okada community does not make me an okada rider. Advocating for gay rights does not make me a Gay. So, asking for Nnamdi's release does not make me a Biafran supporter. Lai Lai!
"Some time in January 2017, I wrote about my thoughts on the Biafra agitation and how I do not consider it a feasible adventure especially when there are so many important things my Ibo kindred can alternatively dedicate their all to. I titled the article "The illusion called Biafra", those who haven't read it should read it up because what I wrote therein will always be my stance on Biafra.
"Back then, I had written that the dreams of nationhood is lost on the alter of deception, and my Ibo people must be circumspect of this fact and not be hoodwinked into some insane propaganda that will only lead to more wahala. So, instead of Biafra, we should channel our energies and abilities towards developing the South-East to become the economic-hub of Nigeria.
"The fight for Nationalists who will drive the discourse and the engagement necessary in answering the Nigeria National questions must not be bugged down by petty sentiments and tribal colourations. Abi… Didn't the fall of Biafra after the genocide, starvation, and immense suffering of my people teach us anything?
"I Believe the Failure of the Igbo nation is the fault of the people, her elites and decision-makers. Why have we not poured our energy, capacity and ability into making the South East the Dubai of the Nation as well as the engine room of the Nigerian Economy? Who would be our leaders when the south east is infested with political power-grabbers, 419ers, mindless criminals and looters of our commonwealth and resources? Need I mention names?
"Our problem is the lack of men of integrity and a progressive mind set. We lack the right kind of leadership that will fight for the interest of the People. Let it be clear to all that the sufferings and malfeasances of the People from the South East is also the sufferings and malfeasances of the peoples from the other geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Even the nascent anti-corruption fight in the country has seen all tribe accordingly represented. It is therefore retrospectively insane to begin to think that a people with a problem would suddenly be relieved when they are attached with a tag #BIAFRA; Abegi.
"Therefore, I conclusively insist that Our Mumu Don Do because; The Failure of Leadership is evident in our agitation for Fairness, Justice and Equality for every Nigerian not just for every Igbo man. And so the Mind of the typical Igbo Leader Needs a Revolution so that it can be realigned for the Interest of the People rather than the interest of a few.
"Comrades, Let's focus on our homeland, Naija and begin to demand accountability and responsibility from many of our Scammers, Riffraffs and Fraudsters in the entire nation.
"Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa state was quoted last week as saying that Nigeria cannot break up because members of the elite are united in preserving their advantages over the masses irrespective of their differences of tribe and religion. Straight from the horse's mouth! A candid admission that, it is the elites who run Nigeria's affairs that has kept "the common man" squalid, wretched and "in hell" despite the nation's enormous oil wealth.
"We see the ruling elite quarreling and calling each other bad names—but it's just a game intended to fool the public: in reality, they are quite united in quietly sharing the money and delivering little or nothing to their various constituencies. They have a stake in keeping the country exactly as it is—weak and confused and easy to exploit.
"Again and again, I dare to ask that we pause on the fantasy tagged Biafra for now. Let us dutifully work ourselves back into reckoning, by Fighting for Fairness, Justice and Equality for all Nigerians; Not Igbos Only; Yorubas Only or Hausas Only but all Nigerians."
Canada-based Nigerian songstress, Stephanie Otobo has sued Apostle Johnson Suleman in Ontario, Canada.
The Canada-based Nigerian, according to Saharareporters on Thursday, filed a lawsuit, claiming Canadian $5milion for damages resulting from breach of trust, breach of fiduciary relations, breach of contract, negligence, defamation, poisoning, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional stress, forcible confinement, multiple instances of battery, false imprisonment, fraud, assaults, sexual assaults, sexual harassments, harassments and malicious prosecution.Stephanie Otobo and Apostle Joshua Suleiman
The suit dated April 19 2017 with case file number CV-17-573595, signed by Registrar of the Ontario Superior Court and addressed to Apostle Suleman's Ontario residence, posited that Otobo has filed a lawsuit, claiming Canadian $5milion for damages resulting from breach of trust, breach of fiduciary relations, breach of contract, negligence, defamation, poisoning, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional stress, forcible confinement, multiple instances of battery, false imprisonment, fraud, assaults, sexual assaults, sexual harassments, harassments and malicious prosecution.
The lawsuit, also seeks an order restraining Suleman from contacting and communication, directly or indirectly, with Otobo while in Canada, and restraining the Apostle Suleman from being at a distance of at least 500 meters from the plaintiff.
The court summons revealed facts that include that Suleman had first been introduced to Otobo around June of 2015 in Canada as one in need of spiritual guidance, averring that Suleman had afterwards groomed and mentored Otobo under his care.
It also revealed Otobo's status at the time as a refugee in Suleman's care, after which Otobo had been invited by Suleman to Italy and other European countries in continuation of the grooming, whereupon an amorous relationship had developed between both parties, resulting from psychological programming sessions during the grooming periods.
It further revealed that Suleman had invited Otobo to his church in Nigeria in the summer of 2015, whereupon they had sexual relationship that resulted in pregnancy by August 2015.
Suleman, according to facts revealed, thereafter met with the family of Otobo who include the mother, sister and other relations, bearing gifts, and informing the family of his undertaking to marry Stephanie.
Otobo had relied on Suleman's undertaking which led her, upon further prompting from Suleman, to forfeit her lucrative career and property in Canada to settle down in Nigeria with her would-be husband.
Soon after, in late August 2015, Otobo arrived in Nigeria to meet Suleman at the Definite Destiny Hotel in Lagos where things took a dramatic turn when Stephanie was given a concoction which Apostle Suleman called “spiritual drink” but which turned was aimed at terminating her pregnancy.
Otobo, who suffered bleeding after taking the concoction, managed to regain consciousness after she was given pain-killing pills by Suleman. She subsequently retuned to Canada to receive further treatment, even as she was then stalked by followers of Suleman who were also his church's congregants in Canada.
She eventually returned to Nigeria early this year to seek redress for her ordeal, but was arrested on March 17, 2017, in company of a male friend in Lagos and then arraigned on charges slammed on her by Nigerian police officers working under the direction of Suleman, the charges alarmingly include “terrorism.” She was then detained in different centers by the Nigerian police before being granted bail, even as the matter remains pending in court.
Suleman subsequently engaged a sturdy propaganda machinery to stave off the potent threat of Otobo revelations on his person and the Omega Fire Ministries' image in the public. Some of the tools he exploited were to portray Otobo as unworthy to be associated with, despite Otobo's revelation of bank transactions between both of them, as well as goading Stephanie's mother and sister to make public apology during a service at his church on Stephanie's behalf in a demeaning manner.
According to Canada laws, Suleman has within 40 (forty days) to serve and file his statement of defense. In the event of his failure to appear before the Ontario Superior Court, however, judgment may still be given against him without further notice given to him.
David Luiz was in no mood for making excuses as he looked back on Sunday's defeat in Manchester but he was also keen to point out the league leaders have good reason to remain confident for the final games of the season.
David Luiz
The Brazilian was part of the back-line breached near the start of each half at Old Trafford and he was asked if the late withdrawal of usual wing-back Marcos Alonso, who was unable to complete the warm-up, had disrupted the Blues plans and rhythm.
'This kind of thing can happen,' David Luiz reflected. 'He felt a bit sick so that is why we had to change but it didn't affect the game because Marcos did not play, we lost because we did not play very well and it was not the Chelsea like before and sometimes this happens.
'We didn't play well, Manchester United played better than us and they deserved to win.'
David Luiz confirmed he believed there to be a non-awarded handball by Ander Herrera which immediately led to the move from which Marcos Rashford opened the scoring.
'I saw it but we can say the referee did not see it, and they played a counter-attack with the free ball and behind the line you cannot make a foul or you will get a red card. It is normal that sometimes the referee can see and sometimes he cannot see so we cannot judge him because also we had some mistakes in the game. It is not about the referee why we did not win, it is about our game not being top level.
'Tottenham are playing very well,' he added on the subject of the Premier League title race, 'but also we are top of the table for a reason and we still have to play a lot of football, so we need to look forward and play the next games.'
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has questioned President Muhammadu Buhari's persistent absence from state functions, especially the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, asking whether or not the president was now governing the country by proxy.
He said; "Every day, what we hear is President said this, President said that without seeing the President in any official function and one is prompted to ask; where is the president?"
Governor Fayose and President Buhari
Fayose in a release issued in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said it was becoming obvious that a group of cabal is exercising the powers of the President.
"I saw the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal on television responding to his suspension and what came to my mind was that there could actually be many presidents operating in the Buhari's presidency.
"Perhaps, it is for this reason of possible existence of governments within the government of Buhari that confusion pervades the polity, with the President himself writing letter to the Senate to clear someone of wrongdoing and the same person being suspended three months after on the basis of the same allegation. It is also for this reason that the President nominated Ibrahim Magu to the Senate for confirmation as EFCC Chairman and the DSS, an agency under the Presidency wrote the Senate not to confirm him.
"Most importantly, the President did not attend the FEC meeting last week and the meeting did not hold this week under the flimsy excuse that Easter Break stalled it. How could Easter Break that ended on Monday be responsible for the inability to hold FEC meeting on Wednesday? Definitely, there is more to this than meets the eye.
"It has therefore become necessary that Nigerians hear the voice of their President and see him physically, not through surrogates or the cabal operating behind the scene," the governor said.
Speaking further, Governor Fayose, who described a President as the face and image of a nation, urged President Buhari to hold regular media chat in which Nigerians can ask questions and offer suggestions on the running of the country.
"Since his first and only media chat was held in December 2015, Nigerians have not had opportunity of seeing their President address them directly and this is not the best approach to governance in a democracy," he said.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, has denied reports that it raided the Abuja home of Senator Dajuma Goje.
…Goje
The EFCC in a statement signed by Wilson Uwujaren made available to vanguardngr.com urged Nigerian and others to disregard reports that EFCC’s men on Thursday evening raided the home of Danjuma Goje,
Uwujaren in the statement said ”Please disregard online reports claiming the EFCC today April 20 raided the Abuja home of Senator Please disregard online reports claiming the EFCC today April 20 raided the Abuja home of Senator Dajuma Goje.
The report is false as the Commission was not a part of any such activity.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr Abubakar Bello as the new Managing Director of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).
Mr Bolaji Adebiyi, the Director of Press in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the president had also approved the appointment of Dr Bala Bello and Mrs Stella Okotete as Executive Directors, Corporate Services and Business Development respectively.
Bolaji said the appointments were with immediate effect.
Until his appointment, the newly appointed managing director was an Executive Director in charge of North-East and North-West zones at Unity Bank.
By Evelyn Usman A United Kingdom-based Nigerian, Bankole Oni Ogunnowo and his Nigerian-based ex-partner, Mercy Adeto-kunbo Oluwaseyifunmi have appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to stop the alleged intimidation of their lives by policemen.
Ogunowo, popularly known for organizing beauty pageants in Nigeria, accused operatives of the Force Criminal Investigations Department, FCID Annex, Alagbon and those of the INTERPOL of constantly intimidating him and his lover over a matter he said had been decided in a United Kingdom Court.
He further urged Idris to restrain the INTERPOL and FCID Alagbon from further intimidation until the matter which he said was also before a Federal High Court with the suit No FHC /L / CS/210/17,is determined.
The ex-partners had on June 30th 2016 petitioned the Inspector General of Police through their counsel , Kehinde Aladedutire to compel the officer in charge of the General Investigations Department at FCID , Alagbon to unravel the interest of the police in the case. Ogunnowo alleged that the plot to use the Nigerian Police against him was hatched after all efforts to indict him at the United Kingdom failed, calling on the Nigeria Police Force boss to ensure that the constitutional rights of his citizens were protected.
The UK based Nigerian also said that he was initially the target of the petitioner but that his former partner and including his old school principal , who he simply identified as Mr Olabisi were included , when they refused to implicate him.
Wondering why the police would continue to harass his relatives and former principal when the matter of investigation had already been dealt with , in his favour, in a Uk family court, he said : "the case is also before a competent court in Nigeria. What then is the rational behind the duplication of the same case between operatives of the INTERPOL and FCID , Alagbon , despite an on going legal tussle which refrain them from further doing so".
"The latest invitation to my former partner and former principal by operatives of the INTERPOL in Abuja is a clear indication that the police have an interest in the petition "
He therefore, called on Idris to properly investigate the accusations against him and ensure an extensive investigations which he said should include past petitions and "concocted lies" against him.
But sources at FCID Alagbon described Ogunowo's claim of intimidation and harassment as false, saying the parties involved were only invited for questioning bothering on a petition submitted to them.
ABUJA-Barely 24 hours after the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal was suspended, Governor Jibrila Bindo of Adamawa has visited the Presidential Villa. Osinbajo
Bindo was sighted inside the Villa but it was not clear whether he met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo or the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba kyari.
Speculations were however rife that the governor’s visit was not unconnected with the suspension of the SGF who hails from his State.
Similarly, the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was also seen coming out from the office of the Vice President.
The believe was that he was invited for questions by the committee set up yesterday by the President headed by Osinbajo to investigate suspended SGF and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke.
But when Vanguard asked him of his mission to the Villa, the EFCC boss said he attended Assets Recovery Committee meeting.
Earlier, Osinbajo had met with the Inspector-General of Police, Idris Abubkar, the Director-General of the Department of State Security, DSS, Lawal Daura, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the National Secretary Adviser, the acting SGF, Dr. Habibat Lawan and the acting DG, NIA, Ambassador Arab Yadam amongst others.
It was believed that they were for the investigation into the allegations of corruption against Lawal and Oke.
Dr. Habibat Lawan, has taken over as the Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on Thursday. Being the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Lawan has taken over from Babachir Lawal as the acting secretary to the government of the federation, newsmen report.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal and Suspended Nigeria Intelligent Agency NIA Ayo Oke
Recall that the Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina on Wednesday issued a statement which read thus: "President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into the allegations of violations of law and due process made against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr David Babachir Lawal, in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East, PINE. "The President has also directed the suspension of the SGF from office, pending the outcome of the investigations.
From the information reaching us the most senior officer in the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (OSGF) has become the acting Secretary to the government of the federation.
"Permanent secretary to SGF's office Dr. Habibat Lawan is the new Acting SGF and Amb. Arab Yadam the new Acting DG National Intelligence Agency NIA," a source confirmed to Vanguard.
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said demand for oil around the world is expected to rise.
OPEC said this in the April edition of its Monthly Oil Market Report.
World oil demand growth in 2016 was kept broadly unchanged at 1.38 million barrels per day (mb/d), averaging 95.05 mb/d.
"For 2017, oil demand growth is anticipated to be around 1.27 mb/d, following an upward revision of 10 trillion barrels daily to average 96.32 mb/d,'' the report stated.
It also said the Asia group, includeing India, was anticipated to lead oil demand growth this year followed by China and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Americas.
"OECD Asia Pacific is the only region anticipated to see a decline in oil demand in 2017 demand for OPEC crude in 2016 now stands at 31.7 mb/d, which is 1.9 mb/d higher than the 2015 level.
In 2017, demand for OPEC crude is projected at 32.2 mb/d, around 0.6 mb/d higher than the 2016 level.
Bernd Schuster, a former Real Madrid coach who also represented Atletico Madrid during his football playing career has revealed that Atletico supporters would rather go out in the Champions League semi-finals than miss out on the trophy at their third time of asking.
Ronaldo & Griezmann
Schuster also stated that he has a feeling the two Madrid sides will be drawn to face each other in the semis.
But if they are kept apart after the draw in Nyon on Friday, he thinks Diego Simeone’s side and supporters would be dreading the possibility of facing Real, who beat them in the 2014 and last season’s finals.
He said “Some of my Atletico-supporting friends have told me they would rather lose in the semi-finals than play Real Madrid in another final,” Schuster told Marca.
“But I am convinced we will have a derby in the semi-finals.
“Real Madrid have more squad depth and that is very important in a long season.
“Having the best squad doesn’t always bring you success, but Zinedine Zidane knows how to get the best out of this team.
“They played great in the tie against Bayern Munich and are a worthy semi-finalist.”
Real’s immediate attention though is a date with Messi’s Barcelona in the El Clasico at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
The Federal Government on Thursday expressed its determination to partner with stakeholders in the construction industry to enhance the quality of construction and reduce incidences of building collapse.
Mr Babatunde
Babatunde Fashola
Minister of Power, Works and Housing said this at the 15th Induction and Investiture of Newly Registered Builders by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) in Abuja.
The minister said that government was also prepared to ensure the enactment of enabling legislation on the National Building Code for full implementation.
He urged the CORBON to develop effective benchmark for Project Quality Management Plan for building construction, saying that the benchmark would ensure proper application of project quality in the country.
According to him, it is sad to know that cases of shoddy works and defective buildings still traverse the landscape in the country and this has become a plague agitating the minds of Nigerians.
"In worst case scenarios, these have led to the collapse of buildings, loss of lives and investments.
"It must be admitted that building collapse is not limited to Nigeria alone or to developing economies, but the scope and frequency of the Menace in our country has reached quite embarrassing proportions.
"In point of fact, building failure and collapse are clear manifestation of the failing of the design and construction processes.
"The onus, therefore, is on the critical stakeholders to undertake a conscientious overhaul of the present system which has allowed these shortcomings to breed," he said.
Fashola commended the council for its contributions in the quest to achieve sanity in Nigeria's construction industry, with particular reference to its contributions to the formulation of the National Building Code.
Also, Prof. Bala Kabir, Chairman of CORBON noted that the sector had, over the years, been bedevilled by poor quality project delivery and incessant building collapses that had claimed many lives with huge economic losses.
He said these had often been attributed to quackery in the industry on the one hand and the dearth of registered builders on the other.
Kabir said that the inductees had met CORBON's basic requirements for registration and licensing, training at tertiary level, industry tutelage and success at professional examination.
He also said that the councils' induction aimed to disenfranchise quacks from carrying out illegal activities in the industry and urged the inductees to ensure good quality project delivery at all times.
The inductees, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), called on government to put in place a national policy that would enhance the building sector.
Mr Abe Olugbemiga urged government to endeavour to engage professional builders in building projects because they were liable to be sanctioned, instead of quacks.
Mr Emmanuel Ibegbu, another inductee, also urged government to put in place a policy that would tackle sharp practices and malpractices to avert building collapse. 106 new builders were inducted by CORBON
The much-awaited movie, "Mr and Mrs, Chapter 2", is finally set to hit the cinemas this weekend.
The movie, which is a romantic drama produced by Chinwe Egwuagu and directed by Teco Benson, will be shown in all cinemas across the country.
Mr and Mrs 2, which previously had an executive premiere in Kenya, would be opened to all cinema lovers in Nigeria from this weekend.
'Mr. and Mrs.' is the chapter 2 of the award-winning human interest movie 'Mr and Mrs' that got movie lovers glued to their TV screens in 2011 – 2012. Egwagu, on his expectation of the movie, said he did not know it would command such good will.
"When we did Mr and Mrs in 2011, we did not know it would command so much goodwill…This is the same thing we have done for the chapter two.
Mr and Mrs, Chapter 2 is a totally different package from the first one, the story line is different yet not losing line with the realities faced in marriages and we are confident that Mr and Mrs Chapter Two will surpass the success of the first one."
He further stated that "a lot of things happen in marriages which most times lead to separation or divorce, especially in this present age.''
"Mr and Mrs Chapter 2' tends to cover most of the factors that couples face in marriages.
"The audience are going to love this one because it is something everyone can relate to."
Egwagu assured that the movie would be exciting as it had a factual story line, talented casts and a little bit of comedy to cool off the intense drama.
"The movie is a must watch for all. It will be worth the time and money of movie lovers'', he said.
The movie has been described as a journey into the anatomy of modern family relationships.
It focuses on a couple Sharon (Rita Dominic) and Kobi (Chidi Mokeme), who in a bid to save their union, expose some of the truths surrounding struggles and independence in marriage.
They attempt to tell the truth about some of the conflicts, confinement, independence, and struggles in marriages.
The pursuit to keep their marriage intact and save their private lives leads to various dramatic and intense scenes that follow the story.
The movie stars Chidi Mokeme, Rita Dominic, Tana Adelana, Akin Lewis, Yaw, Munachi Abii and many others.
The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), has given contractors working on its projects across the region two weeks ultimatum to return to sites or face sanctions.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Mr Nsima Ekere, gave the ultimatum in a statement signed by Mr Chijoke Amu-Nnadi, Head, Corporate Affairs, of the NDDC in Abuja on Thursday.
Ekere reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to fast-track the development of the region.
He said that a list of such contractors was being compiled in all the nine NDDC states and defaulters would be prosecuted.
The commission had given contractors 30 days to return to site and complete all on-going projects in the region.
The NDDC boss said the commission would take appropriate steps to recover funds from defaulting contractors who had been mobilised but had refused to return to site.
He said that the commission had resolved to ensure that all ongoing projects were completed for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta.
Ekere stressed the importance of getting all stakeholders to key into the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.
He added: "It is important for our contractors to realise that it can no longer be business as usual.
" It is important for everyone doing business with NDDC to realise that things must be done properly as they ought to be
THE Senator Ahmed Markafi-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has faulted the suspension of the embattled Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke, insisting that the duo should have been arrested.
The party, however, described the suspension as an attempt to dress up a "failed anti-corruption war" saying that the APC-led federal government has suddenly realised the corruption allegation levelled against the SGF; and instead of arresting and detaining him as the government has been doing to PDP members and other Nigerians, he was rather suspended and a committee set-up to investigate him. This is to say the least, double standard.
In a statement by spokesman of the faction, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party frowned at the President’s decision to suspend the duo.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal and Suspended Nigeria Intelligent Agency NIA Ayo Oke
The statement reads: "We are alarmed at the suspension of the SGF at a time that Nigerians and the international community are excitedly enjoying the theatre of the absurd playing out with the recovery of huge sums of money without owners."
"Now the APC-led federal government suddenly realised the corruption allegation levelled against the SGF; and instead of arresting and detaining him as the government has been doing to PDP members and other Nigerians, he was rather suspended and a committee set-up to investigate him. This is to say the least, double standard.
"Some Nigerians have applauded the suspension as indicating a new commitment by President Buhari to fight the anti-corruption war without fear or favour but we are constrained to point out that it is another ruse to deceive Nigerians and dress up the failed anti-corruption war in a new garb."
"We are at a loss why the president would set up a panel comprising members of his cabinet to investigate other senior very powerful members of the same executive," he said.
"Where is the transparency in that? Not that we doubt the integrity of the vice-president (for whom we have the utmost respect) and other panellists but it appears the matter is being settled within the government closet without the transparency, independence and impartiality necessary in a situation like this. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to have been done.
"This is especially important given the fact that we recently travelled this road when the president asked the attorney-general to investigate the SGF (on this same matter) and Magu, the acting chairman of the EFCC. That investigation cleared the SGF of all wrong doings in the grass cutting scandal as stated above.
"It is amazing that the president who swiftly accepted the recommendations of the attorney-general would now suddenly set-up another panel comprising the same attorney-general to investigate the matter again.
"The pertinent question is whether the president has now realised that the initial investigation by the attorney-general was not thorough or a cover-up to protect a fellow cabinet member.
"Against this backdrop, we are constrained to express our lack of confidence in the new panel headed by the vice president.
"Instead, we demand an independent commission of inquiry comprising eminent Nigerians of proven records of integrity, independence and competence.
"This is the only way by which we can have confidence that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted and by which the president also can reassure the general public that there are no sacred cows in his government for whom there are different set of rules. The present situation amounts to the government being the judge in its own cause. We do not believe that justice can be served that way."
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Federal Government to constitute an independent body to investigate corruption allegations against suspended Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.
The party made the called in a statement signed by Mr Dayo Adeyeye, the Publicity Secretary of its National Caretaker Committee, on Thursday in Abuja.
It said that panel should comprise eminent Nigerians with proven records of integrity, independence and competence.
It explained that an independent investigation of the allegations against Lawal and the Director- General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke, also suspended, would ensure transparency.
"This is the only way by which we can have confidence that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted.
"It is a way by which President Muhammadu Buhari also can reassure the general public that there are no sacred cows in his government for whom there are different set of rules,'' the party stated.
The Presidency had on Wednesday announced the suspension of both men and constituted a committee headed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to investigate the allegations against them.
The PDP recalled that the Senate had in 2016 set up an ad hoc committee headed by Sen. Shehu Sani, the senator representing Kaduna Central, to investigate the expenditures and activities of the Presidential Initiative for North-East (PINE).
The committee also investigated the alarming rate of humanitarian crisis in the North-East occasioned by the diversion of grains and other food supplies meant for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in that region.
The PDP said that at the end of its assignment, the ad hoc committee indicted Lawal of mismanagement of PINE funds and award of multi-million naira grass-cutting contract to one of his companies, Rholavision Engineering Limited.
The party said that contrary to expectations, the presidency, in a letter of Jan. 17, 2017 to the Senate, discredited the committee's recommendations and refused to sack or prosecute Lawal, clearing him of all wrong doing instead.
According to it, instead of arresting and detaining Lawal as being doing to PDP members, there is a double standard of suspending him to be investigated by a committee.
"We are at a loss as to why the president would set up a panel comprising members of his cabinet to investigate other very senior powerful members of the same executive.
"Where is the transparency in that? This is not that we doubt the integrity of the Vice President, who we have the utmost respect, and other members of the committee,
"But, it appears the matter is being settled within the Government Closet without the transparency, independence and impartiality necessary in a situation like this.''
The party also recalled that recently the president directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to investigate the SGF's involvement in the PINE's contracts.
"That investigation cleared the SGF of all wrong doings in the grass-cutting scandal as stated above.
"It is amazing that the president who swiftly accepted the recommendations of the Attorney-General would now suddenly set up another panel, including the same Attorney-General, to investigate the matter again.
Stress is a normal part of life because many changes in your environment cause your body to react and adjust in response. However, it's important to avoid overstressing your body. Sometimes when your body is overstressed you might not even feel it, but it masks itself under certain symptoms. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 5 signs your body is overstressed.
Your Body is in Pain
It is important you do not ignore pains of any kind in your body, especially if they are prolonged and consistent. Under high stress, your body starts to break down and you are likely to experience stomach issues like diarrhea or ulcer, tense muscles, chest pains, palpitations, body aches and even headaches.
Not Sleeping Well
High stress is another likely cause of fluctuations in sleep patterns, either sleeping too much from exhaustion or insomnia. Daily events tend to be played out in our subconscious and if we stress and worry all day, it'll eventually affect our sleep patterns. Stress impedes a peaceful state of mind and when there is a high stress your sleep is one of the first things that will be affected.
Difficulty Resting and Inability to Sit Still
Stress stimulates the body and having difficulty getting your body to settle after about 20 minutes or so after physical exertion, is often a sign your body is becoming overly stressed. Also, if anxiety seems to be constant feature in your life and you can't seem to relax and sit still, that's a very likely sign you are over stressed. You should immediately attempt to address whatever is making you avoid being still because the things we avoid tend to get pushed further and further down until we start to feel it in other areas of our body.
Craving Raw Sugar Foods and Junk Food
Stress tends to drain the body's energy resources quite quickly, and if you find yourself constantly craving raw sugar foods and junk food for a boost of energy then this may be a sign your body is overstressed.
You Experience Major Mood Swings
Mental health gets affected when stress levels rise. Too much stress tends to affect your hormones and have you feeling elated one moment and enraged the next. At this point it is important to practice stress management techniques or talk to someone about the issues causing your stress. If care is not taken, stress can also enhance anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, addictions and other mental health issues, as well compromising and hurting your relationships with others.
ABUJA – Official activities at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, in Abuja went on smoothly Thursday despite Wednesday’s presidential decision suspending the SGF, Babachir Lawal. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engineer David Babachir Lawal,
Vanguard’s visit to the office at about 10 am indicated that normal business of the day went on unhindered.
An official who spoke off the record to our correspondent said following the presidential directive, the most senior Permanent Secretary in the OSGF had effectively taken control to ensure that there was no vacuum.
“As it is now, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Hajia Habiba Lawal is the most senior among them and she is in charge for the time being. So, life goes on as usual”, he said.
Asked whether Mr Lawal could have sent any of his aides to access his office, another staff who did not want her name in print said she had only had the privilege of physically seeing Mr Lawal twice, since his appointment in 2015, adding that his absence does not affect her own brief.
Efforts to speak with the Director, Press, in the OSGF, Bolaji Abdullahi were futile as he did not immediately respond to media enquiries.
Flying cars might seem like the stuff of science fiction, but two prototypes were launched Thursday on the French Riviera, at an event showcasing “supercars” in Monaco.
Dutch and Slovak companies unveiled their designs as world premieres in the tiny well-heeled principality, where luxury automakers have gathered until Sunday for the Top Marques showcase event.
Bratislava-based Aeromobil, whose first prototype presented two years ago suffered an accident, is back with a “new generation” of flying vehicle named after the firm which makes it.
“We are taking reservations from today for deliveries expected in 2020, after the process of (regulatory) approvals is completed,” the Slovak firm’s spokesman Stefan Vadocz said.
The Aeromobil vehicle, six metres long and with a fully-deployed span of nine metres, is a normal four-wheeled car which can unfold its wings to transform itself into a plane able to fly two passengers at a cruising speed of 260 km/h for up to 750 kilometres.
The price? Between 1.2 and 1.5 million euros, depending on options chosen.
Its Dutch rival for the futuristic vehicle type, the Pal-V Liberty, is the brainchild of Robert Dingemanse, whose company is based near Breda in the south of the Netherlands.
His crossover car-plane is more compact, at four metres long, and should be deliverable as early as next year, once official approvals are secured. He is already taking orders for a vehicle which will cost between 299,000 and 499,000 euros.
The Dutch flying car is in fact a gyrocopter with three wheels and a retractable rotor. It can carry two people at a cruising speed of 160 km/h for between 400-500 kilometres.
It is “one of the safest flying machines on the planet,” able to fly “whatever the weather conditions,” say its designers.
Users of the the Aeromobil and the Pal-V Liberty will require both a driving licence and a pilot’s qualification.
