Benue Crisis: FG cautions against incendiary comments, pictures

The Federal Government has appealed to the media and public commentators to exercise utmost restraint in their coverage of the fallouts of the recent farmers/herders’ clash in Benue.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made the appeal in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, cautioned against “incendiary comments, unrestrained use of pictures and footages that offended human sensibilities” in the coverage of the crisis.

The Minister also cautioned against “finger pointing” that could exacerbate the situation and complicate ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to end the crisis

He stressed that the media and commentators should be cautious of their coverage in order not to further inflame passion and worsen the situation.

Mohammed said that the Government is working hard to address the situation with a view to preventing a recurrence, not just in Benue State but everywhere across the country.

”Lest we are misunderstood, we are neither saying the media should not cover the crisis nor asking public commentators to desist from commenting on it.

“All we are saying is that both must be circumspect.

”The current poisoned atmosphere of incendiary comments, unrestrained use of pictures and footages that offend human sensibilities as well as finger pointing can only exacerbate the situation and complicate ongoing efforts to end the crisis,” he said.

The Minister said that the Government was saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction of property resulting from the crisis.

He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, in commiserating with the Benue Governor, unreservedly condemned the killings.

He said the President had also assured of the necessary security measures to prevent further attacks and bring the perpetrators to book.

Mohammed said the Government had mapped out short and long-term solutions to the incessant clashes, including a planned conference of stakeholders.

He assured of the government’s strong determination to find a lasting solution to the farmers/herders’ clashes.

3 policemen dismissed for wrongful use of firearms in Lagos

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The Lagos State Police Command on Saturday announced the dismissal of three policemen for allegedly shooting recklessly while on duty.

The spokesman of the command, SP Chike Oti, confirmed the dismissal to newsmen, saying the policemen were dismissed after they were tried according to the laws and regulations of the Force

According to Oti, the three policemen were attached to the Amukoko Division.

He gave their service numbers as: 25759 – Sgt. Osaseri Saturday, 359075 – Sgt. Segun Okun and 496833 – Cpl. Adekunle Oluwarotimi.

Oti said: “They have been tried and dismissed from the Nigeria Police for breaching the rules of engagement to wit reckless application of firearms.

“The aforementioned Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), committed the offence on Jan. 1, 2018, at about 9.30 p.m. at Ifelodun street, Amukoko, Lagos state.

“They disproportionately responded with bullets fired from their weapons at some youths alleged to have hurled some non-ballistic missiles at them leading to the death of one of the youths and injury on another.

“They were arrested, detained and tried immediately on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Edgal Imohimi.

“The guilty verdict was passed on them by the Adjudicating officer, who considered that the officers did not appreciates the situation critically and ought not to have applied the maximum force on the unruly youths,” Oti said.

The police spokesman further said that the dismissed policemen would be charged to court next week, while a duplicate copy of the case file would be sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

“Sequel to the above occurrence, the Commissioner of Police has directed all the Area Commanders and DPOs in the state to warn their men against misapplication of force.

“He further warned that officers must abide by the Rules of Engagement as stipulated in Force Order 237,” he said.

NAN

Lagos bans cart pushers, wheel barrow operators from streets

Cart pusher

The Lagos State Government on Saturday announced a total ban on the operations of cart pushers and wheel barrow operators in the State, saying that their activities were inimical to the environmental cleanliness in the State.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, the State Government said that with the flag off of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), the continuous activities of cart pushers will pose a threat to the success of the initiative.

Bello said that investigations had also revealed that the cart pushers are responsible for most of the illegal dumping of waste in canals and road medians at night which causes flooding, adding that aside constituting environmental nuisance, they were also traces of security threats.

“What the State Government has discovered is that these set of people use the night to perpetrate all sorts of dastardly acts. They dump refuse indiscriminately on the median of major roads and highways. They also pose serious security threats because they use those carts to hide arms and ammunitions and hide under the guise of carrying refuse to rob unsuspecting residents”, the SSG said.

He said the State Government has finalised plans to ensure that the CLI would cover every area of the State and ensure that refuse are well packed and collected, urging residents to desist from patronising them or risk prosecution.

“The State Government has declared zero tolerance for the activities of cart pushers and wheel barrow operators. Security agencies in the State have been directed to ensure that those found still operating are arrested and prosecuted according to the State Environmental Laws.”

“The law also applies to residents who patronise cart pushers. It is an offence and the State Government would not hesitate to enforce the law to put a stop to such practice,” Bello said.

Fake Buhari tweet on herdsmen in circulation – Presidency

The Nigerian presidency has alerted Nigerians  about a fake Twitter handle purportedly belonging to President Muhammadu Buhari .

Femi Adesina, the president’s special adviser on media and publicity said  the parody account has been posting  spurious messages justifying the  attacks by herdsmen, saying they were only defending themselves.

“Evil doers and enemies of our country are obviously at work, seeking ways to further advance their pernicious acts. The message is denounced in its entirety, and President Buhari stands by his earlier condemnation of the killings in Benue and other parts of the country as dastardly and unacceptable before God and man.

“Those behind the concocted message are also enemies of God and man, who have no place in a decent society.

“The President stands by his earlier directives that all those behind wanton killings in any part of the country must be brought to book.”

nan.ng

Yusuf Buhari reportedly flown to Germany

Yusuf, son of President Muhammadu Buhari, has been reportedly flown out to Germany to continue his treatment.

Nigerian Eye had reported yesterday that Yusuf had been discharged from Cedacrest Hospital in Abuja where he was undergoing treatment.

According to Saharareporters, Yusuf was ferried out of Nigeria through the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport early Saturday morning.

According to the online news outlet, Yusuf is headed for treatment at St. Josef Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany via a Presidential jet with registration number, 5N-FGZ.

Yusuf was injured in a power bike accident in Gwanripa, Abuja while drag racing with a friend, Bashir Gwandu.

“We’ve closed for the day” – Asaba Airport turns back Arik aircraft

 

There was drama Friday evening as an Arik Air flight traveling from Lagos to Asaba, Delta State, was forced to return mid-air as it approached Asaba Airport.

The incident happened around 6.15p.m.

Flight W3 628 had to return to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, after airport officials told the pilot the facility was “closed for the day”.

Arik spokesperson, Olabanji Ola, confirmed the incident to Premium Times.

“When the pilot approached the Asaba Airport, the control tower told him it would be too late for the aircraft to take off again if it lands in the airport.

“The airport is for daylight operation because it does not have traffic lighting. So, there’s a particular time if the pilot enters the airport the plane would not be able to take off again because of sunset”.

He noted that the airline was aware of the limitation at the Asaba airport, but that “the normal time the airport is supposed to close which the airport gave us is 6.30 p.m.”

Ola, however, said that the airline was not liable for any damage the passengers may have suffered because of the incident.

“What has happened is a force majeure, the airline is not liable. In this circumstances, what we did was to reschedule the flight for next day.

“It is not as if we have canceled the flight. Any passenger that is not ready to be on the flight again, we will refund the fare”.

Dino Melaye shares photo of himself crying over the recent Benue killings

 

Dino shared the photo of himself rocking a shirt with a photo of him crying on his IG page and wrote

''Stop the killing!!! Government must act beyond condemnation of the barbaric Benue massacre''.

He also stated on his IG post that once the Senate is back, it will investigate and ensure the prosecution of all those behind the Benue killings

''The National Assembly upon resumption on Tuesday must restore the confidence of Nigerians in Nigeria by taking the Benue killings very very seriously. The perpetrators must not escape as the case is always. We are not in a Banana Republic.''

Senate Intervenes In Benue Crisis, Meets With Ortom, Traditional Rulers ,IDPs (Photos)

Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is to intervene in the lingering crisis between herdsmen and farmers in Benue as its ad hoc Committee on Security and Infrastructure has arrived in the State to meet with traditional rulers from affected local governments.

Revealing this mission at Benue People's House, Makurdi today, leader of the Senate delegation and Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan conveyed the condolences of the Senate President and the 8th Senate to the people of Benue over the mass murder of innocent citizens of the state.

The Majority Leader revealed that the security apparatus of the country was not well structured, leaving room for the current security lapses that the nation is facing but noted that the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Security and Infrastructure was formed as a direct response to the challenge of incessant killings and would find a way of addressing the infrastructural deficits of affected communities.

Senator Lawan said the 9-man Senate Committee was in the state to review the crisis at hand and report back to the Senate on Tuesday 16th January, 2018 during plenary saying the primary duty of every government was the protection of lives and property.

The Senate Majority Leader said the Senate would not sit back to watch citizens of the nation perish adding that though the security agencies were doing their best, the Senate feels there were avoidable deficiencies, hence, the need to come out with a stronger security architecture for the nation and sued for cooperation to ensure the attack on Benue remained the last of such wickedness in Nigeria as no foreign or domestic investor would make progress where there are obvious security threats.

In his response, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom thanked the Senate President and the entire 8th Senate for taking this proactive step to intervene in the crisis that has lingered since 2011 and destroyed thousands of lives and billions property of the Benue citizenry.

Governor Ortom thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for responding to the cry of Benue by relocating the the Inspector General of Police to Benue and deploying more troops to ensure Benue Citizens have peace saying at least no more life has been lost in four days.

The Governor said his administration has sworn to rule with integrity and has done so much to bring peace by disarming youths that had possessed arms illegally.

The Benue Governor revealed that he was under threat from his people who were seeking to protect themselves against the invaders who have been attacking the state since 2011 without arrests save endless police investigations.

He maintained that population explosion has put pressure on land and it was impossible to allow the cohabitation of open grazing and farming and sued for the arrest of the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore who threatened, masterminded and launched attacks on defenceless Benue citizens killing over 70 persons.

Also speaking, Senator Dr. George Akume, Senator Barnabas Gemade and former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondokaa (SAN) called for workable measures that will end the crisis once and for all.

Fulani herdsmen arrested with guns in Adamawa state.

A serving Nigerian police officer,Amos,has shared photo of Fulani men they arrested with guns in Boshikiri,Adamawa state.They were arrested few days.

See photo and how people reacted below

The richest man in history,Jeff Bezos does not pay thithe-Daddy Freeze

Daddy Freeze has buttressed his point that paying thithes to a pastor or church has nothing to do with prosperity by citing Amazon CEO ,Jeff Bezos as an example .

Jeff Bezos who practices Scientology, is not only the world's richest man now but is said to be the richest in history.

Freeze wrote
The richest man in history according to many sources is Jeff Bezos. He is NOT A CHRISTIAN, HE DOES NOT PAY TITHE, HE DOES NOT SOW SEEDS TO CHURCHES OR GIVE FIRST FRUIT, and he is not doing the 50 day fast......
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If by now you do not see that the ‘prosperity doctrine’ is an impoverished doctrine from the pits of hell, propagated by Satan himself, your eyes will never open! You will continue in blind delusion, following people who are making money off your blindness!
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The current richest man in history is not a Pentecostal Christian and doesn’t pay tithe, neither are the top 10 richest people on earth nor the top ten richest countries on earth per capita, now this is a FACT!
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I do not subscribe to imaginary illusions of creating wealth through the false doctrines of ‘tithing’ and ‘seed sowing’ I BELIEVE IN FACTS, BOTH BIBLICAL AND SCIENTIFIC!
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As a matter of fact, when I googled his religion, nothing showed up except ‘philanthropy’ and ‘business career’ the 2 things required by the Bible to make you rich, which many churches NEVER teach. ~FRZ
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#FreeTheSheeple

Davido's crew member remanded in prison after failing to meet bail conditions

One of Davido’s crew members who was accused of causing havoc at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport yesterday might be spending the weekend in prison as his bail conditions were not perfected until the close of work on Friday.

The police arraigned 22-year-old Umarudeen Kayode on a 5 count charge at the Ikeja Magistrate court, before Mrs. E. Kubanje.

 He was granted bail conditions to the tune of N50, 000 and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must have variable addresses within the jurisdiction of the court.

However, as at 4 pm on Friday when SaharaReporters was in the premises of the magistrate court, the bail conditions had not been perfected. The magistrate had also left the court as Mr. Umarudeen’s relatives were trying to perfect the bail conditions.

SaharaReporters saw him being conveyed with the prison van out of the court premises a few minutes after 4 pm. Mr. Umarudeen was charged for assault, breach of public peace and for resisting arrest.

Mr. Umarudeen was arrested  by airport security officials and handed over to the Nigerian police for investigation and prosecution.

Crisis broke out when a Checkpoint staff at the airport attempted to verify some of the checked luggage with the attached tags, but, rather than allow the staff to carry out his official duty, Davido’s aide (Kayode) insisted that he would not allow him to verify the luggage, which after much arguments and insistence, led to fisticuffs.

Kayode punched the Checkpoint staff on the face, which attracted other security officials at the terminal who immediately attempted to arrest the aide. Rather than obey, he resisted arrest and pummeled another airport security staff attached to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria at the baggage claim area, an Assistant Customs Comptroller was also injured.

Throughout the crisis, Davido hid in a car within the premises of the airport hoping to sprint Kayode away from the airport with the help of officials he'd mobilized with cash.

Saharareporters

How I met and fell in love with Iceberg Slim-Juliet Ibrahim reveals

Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim and her rapper boo,Iceberg Slim are one of the most talked about couples in the entertainment industry .

Many have also wondered how they crossed paths and fell in love. Luckily,the actress has finally opened up in an interview with the Saturday SUN.
She said

We met in South Africa. We became friends while out there and he made the first move by starting a friendship. Our initial conversation kicked off on our similar tastes in music. However, after I left South Africa, we didn’t cross paths again until some months later. We built a friendship and every other thing fell into place at the appropriate time.

On the attraction,she said

His confidence, intelligence and his bubbly personality were the first qualities that caught my attention while we had those casual conversations in South Africa. He is a fun person to be with, and he is very straightforward. I guess many of his followers on social media can attest to that by the kind of things he posts and talks about randomly. We have very similar characteristics, so it was quite easy to click with each other.

On plans for marriage ,she said

Like every other relationship out there, things are to be taken one step at a time. We are happy together and that is all that matters for now.

Ibinabo Fiberesima celebrates 45th birthday with lovely photos

Actress,mother of five and former Actors Guild President ,Ibinabo Fiberisema is 45 today .
The ageless beauty released lovely photos to mark it .

Young Nigerian pastor' declares death on rich people who don't help pastors this year

A young Nigerian pastor named Newman Emmanuel Edward who went viral for asking the  public to Sow in his ministry to get connect has declared any rich person who doesn't help pastors this yes would die.

The pastor who is popularly known in Uyo wrote on his Facebook page...

Rules for 2018: if you're a Rich man an you don't have the heart of helping pastor's out..you will die before 2019!!

Pastor pray for me I am sick!!

Pastor help me in prayer's!!

Pastor this..pastor that!!

Come to think of this , your pastor is not a Robot..he is human like you!!

Have you ever in your life prayed for your pastor??

Have you ever asked your pastor, what he wants in this new year?? 

Your pastor also has a problem that he can't tell you ..unless you sincerely ask him an be of help..

Don't conclude your pastor has it all..

Don't say he is living well.. Therefore he doesn't have needs!! Please No!!

Pray for your pastors!!

60% of pastor's are suffering...

FULL LIST: Davido wins big at 2018 Soundcity MVP Awards

Davido swept three awards in eight nominations at 2017 Soundcity MVP Awards on Friday.

The ‘OBO’ crooner was the big winner of the night as he scooped three awards: African Artist of the Year, Song and Video of the Year.

The awards hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

The awards was graced with performances from top artistes ranging from Tuface, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Cassper Nvoyest, Maleek Berry, Seyi shay, among others

Here is the full List of winners at 2017 Soundcity MVP Awards.

AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Davido

BEST MALE MVP: Diamond Platinum

BEST FEMALE MVP: Tiwa Savage

BEST HIP HOP: Cassper Nyovest

BEST POP: Maleek Berry

BEST COLLABORATION: ‘Pain Killer’ Sarkordie ft Runtown

DIGITAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: Wizkid

VIDEO OF THE YEAR: ‘If’ Davido

BEST GROUP OR DUO: Distruction boys

SONG OF THE YEAR: ‘If’ Davido

BEST NEW ARTISTE: Maleek Berry

VIEWERS CHOICE: Mad over you by Runtwon

LISTENER’S CHOICE: ‘Wo’ Olamide

AFRICAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Young John

By 2019, Buhari will be too tired to run Nigeria - Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, says President Muhammadu Buhari will be too “tired” to run a “complex” nation like Nigeria at the age of 76.

He said Buhari should not seek re-election in 2019 because “Nigeria needs a man with full stamina”.

According to Momodu, Nigeria’s president must not be above 65 years old and since Buhari is much older than that, he should step aside in 2019.

“I have no doubt in my mind that even if he does not want to run, some people are going to push him to run because their lives depend on it. If he goes, they are gone. But unfortunately, I don’t know what he is enjoying in power again; God has done everything for him,” Momodu told PUNCH in an interview.

“He will be at least 76 years by next year; at that age, I believe he would be too tired to run a nation as complex and as complicated as Nigeria. Right now, Nigeria needs a man with full stamina. That is why I have written consistently in the last two months that there are certain things we must do urgently to rescue Nigeria from total collapse.

“One, we must not have anyone above 65 years old in power. That is the retirement age. I’m going to be 58 years old this year and I already feel like I am getting old. Now imagine what it is like for a man close to 80 years old.

“Two, I believe that we should forget about zoning because it is not part of our constitution, so any qualified Nigerian who is distinguished, accomplished, well educated and well exposed should be allowed to run. Why do we want to prevent our best brains from contesting for the most important office in the country? I think if Nigerians are serious, the time has come for them to kill zoning before it kills Nigeria.

“I believe that the next President must be very well exposed, educated and communicate in the language of today. That is why I said that the best legacy the President can give us is for him to search for a worthy successor; even though, it is his right to contest for a second term, but it is not every right that you must claim.

“Even if people are pushing you, you should know that they are pushing you because of their own selfish interest.”

[PHOTO] 35-Year-Old Policewoman Dies After Fighting Husband’s Alleged Mistress

A 35-year-old policewoman, Sergeant Mariam Sule, died after fighting a woman suspected to be the mistress of her husband, Uche Madumere.

According to NewTelegraph, the incident occurred on November 20, about 10p.m., at Number 10, Sholake Street, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos.

Before Mariam got married to Uche, she already had three children. She married Uche three years ago who also came into the marriage with a daughter.

Trouble started when one Egnes started visiting Uche whenever Mariam goes to work. One of Mariam’s brothers, Kelvin Ndu, said: “Uche told me that the quarrel between him and Mariam started after a woman brought food to him.”

Uche however, said that he didn’t have food to eat at home, which was why he called Egnes to bring food to the house for him and his daughter to eat.

Uche said that when Egnes brought the food; he was seated outside. He told her to take the food into the house. According to Uche, shortly after, he heard screaming. He rushed to his apartment and met his wife fighting with Egnes.

Ndu added: “Uche said when he rushed in; he met the door to the sitting room locked. He said he forced it open and asked his wife what was the problem? According to him, Mariam asked him why he brought the woman home knowing she was at home.

Uche said he separated them and Egnes escaped, but Mariam ran after her and then later returned and went into her room, while he stayed outside. According to him, a few minutes later, his daughter, who was in her room when they were fighting, rushed out to inform him that ‘Aunty’ had fainted.

Uche said he rushed back into the room and found Mariam on the floor. He claimed to have poured water on her and took her to Ifako General Hospital where he was told he brought her to the hospital dead.”

The Lagos state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Superintendent of Police (SP), Chike Oti, confirmed the incident and revealed that Egnes is under investigation.

Ortom condemns Makurdi protests,directs the Police to restore order in the state.

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has condemned the protests in parts of the state capital and directed the State Commissioner of Police to restore order in the affected places.

The Governor appeals to residents to remain calm and report any breach of peace to security agencies for necessary action.

He said the state has suffered too much losses in terms of human life and property and cannot afford another round of crisis.

The Governor also directed the Police to arrest those who cause trouble whoever they are, investigate the causes of the protests, and prosecute those responsible for breach of the peace.

He assured Benue people that efforts would be intensified with the collaboration of the relevant security agencies to restore peace and order to all parts of the state. 

Tahav Agerzua

SA Media and ICT

Shehu Sani blasts Buhari’s re-election bid

Senator representing Kaduna central, Shehu Sani, has called for end to President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election campaigns.

Sen. Shehu Sani urged Buhari to abandon his second term ambition and address the security situation and other challenges issues in the country.

The lawmaker described cheering of Buhari’s re-election bid by party members at a time when Nigerians are being killed as a political sacrilege.

In a statement released on Friday, he said, “It is wrong to be talking of the re-election of Buhari as President when hundreds of lives are being lost and people are being massacred in different parts of the country.

“In time of bloodshed like this, the issue should be how to come together and address the problem. But those marketing the President at a time of this bloodshed are like people dancing on the graves of Nigerians.

“Campaigning for Buhari for next year’s election when people are being killed, when orphans and widows are being produced as a result of the tragedy of these circumstances and people are being kidnapped, I think amounts to political sacrilege.

“It is an insult on the conscience of Nigerians and it is an insult on the moral integrity of Nigerians for anybody to ignore what is happening and simply walk to the President and tell him that what is important at this material time is his re-election campaign for next year’s election.

Sani further warned of chaos if campaign for Buhari re-election continues, while urging Buhari to visit victims in Taraba,Benue and other parts of country in sorrow.

“If we allow this trend to continue, it would threaten the peace and unity of this country.

“I advise people advising the President and strategising for him to contest the elections to spare him some time, advise him well and provide a solid strategy to end the carnage and atrocities that is going on in the country today.

“Human life is more important than politics, because you cannot preside over dead people. The images we see in both social and traditional media is heart-rending and despicable.

“I can tell you that over a year ago, the President was in Zamfara State in military fatigue to address the problem of banditry and mass killing. The President should be seen in any part of the country where such violence occurs.

“The President must visit Southern Kaduna, Birnin Gwari, Taraba, Benue, Rivers and Adamawa states. It gives people some hope that their Commander-in-Chief is determined and committed to defend and protect them,” he added

Appeal Court sacks APC Reps member ,orders fresh elections in 15 Polling Units

 

The Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna on Friday nullified the election of the member, House of Representatives representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina state, Hon. Mansir Aliyu Mashi of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court which affirmed the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier ruled on the matter, however ordered the third respondents in the appeal, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in 15 polling units where the elections were either marred with irregularities or did not hold.

Election Petition Tribunal which sat in Katsina after the by-election had on 15th November, nullified the election of Hon. Mansir Aliyu Mashi on the ground that election was marred with irregularities, ranging from ballot box snatching, failure of election to hold in some polling units among others and ordered fresh election in those polling units.

Delivering the Appeal Court judgement on Friday, the Presiding Judge of Court of Appeal, Kaduna, Justice Umani Abba Aji, said the lower tribunal was right in its rulings, which nullified the election of the first appellant, Hon. Mansir Aliyu Mashi.

Justice Abba Aji in his judgment said, since, evidences and exhibits presented before the court have shown that the elections in the said polling were marred with irregularities and the number of registered voters from the affected polling units if they were not disenfranchised can change the outcome of the election, the right thing to do is to have a fresh election in the polling units.

Speaking shortly after the judgment, counsel to one of the respondents, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate, Hon Nazif Bello Yusuf, Barrister Napoleon Idenala, said they were satisfied with the judgement.

  

He said the court has once again reaffirmed that impunity cannot be tolerated in the society.

Also reacting to the case, Chairman of the PDP in Katsina State, which is one of the respondents in the appeal, Alhaji Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, expressed satisfaction with the judgment said his party was prepared to mobilise its supporters and win the election.

He explained that all concerned authorities must wade in to ensure that the ruling part, APC does not violate the electoral laws like the previous election.

Expect more bloodshed in Benue- Bosso, Miyetti Allah leader warns

Barely 48 hours after the mass burial of 73 victims of the recent herdsmen attacks in Benue, the National Vice President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Herders Association, Husaini Yusuf Bosso, has warned that more blood will be shed in the state if the anti-grazing law introduced by Governor Samuel Ortom is not completely scrapped.

According to him, the herders have been sorting out their issues with farmers in the state before the Ortom government enacted the anti-grazing law without consulting stakeholders.

“We, the association wrote a letter to him, even met him. We told him that this law cannot work. We told them that there is an international cattle route from Niger to Eastern Nigeria. He said he will not allow cattle to pass through Benue state even if it is the cattle route. We told him that if he wants to implement that law, he must provide a land for us to rent. He did not provide any land for cattle herders.  They have been in that state even before colonial days and co-existing peacefully. We advised him and he refused to listen to us. We are not against that law but he has to provide a land for these people before implementing such a law. If there is no land, there is a problem.”

He accused the land guards hired by the state government of terrorizing the herdsmen in the name of implementing the law. “The land guards that he introduced who we all know as the civilian Joint Task Force, they are inflicting pain on the Fulani herdsmen. They attack and seize their animals. They drag them to the nearest police station where huge amount of money is collected before they are granted bail. This is the cause of this problem. If you attack a cattle herder and collect his cattle, he has no choice but to attack.

“The law is saying that herdsmen should not pass through the state even if it’s a route to another area. In the past , if there was damage by the cattle , we had ways to settle the matter.  When you damage a farm, you have to beg the owner , if they refuse, you pay for the damages. This has worked for us for years till Benue State decided to implement the anti-grazing law. We have challenged the law in court and till court decides which way forward, Governor Ortom will be held responsible for any further bloodshed. ”

Read more here

Ozubulu church massacre: ‘Bishop’ buries dad amidst tight security

 

Chief Cyprian Ikegwuonu, Father of the alleged target of August 6th attack on worshippers at St Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra, High Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu was on Friday buried at the parish’s cemetery amidst tight security.

Pa Ikegwuonu was one of the 13 victims of the attack in the church, who were felled while worshipping at the church’s morning mass.

Officiating priest at the Requiem Mass, Rev Father Don Chidolue, Episcopal Vicar of Ozubulu region who delivered the sermon said that the church decided to bury the deceased in the church, along with other victims at the church’s cemetery as martyrs.

Chidolue said Pa Ikegwuonu by virtue of the nature of his death, which occurred right inside the church was a martyr. He said 12 others who also died in the attack have also been proclaimed martyrs.

“We buried them together, so that the church will not easily forget them.

“Burying them together will serve as a memorial, and anytime someone looks in there, he would remember that such an incident had happened, and some people paid the ultimate price,”‎ he said.

Chidolue said out of the 13 people that were killed in the attack, nine were buried in the church’s cemetery, while four deceased persons were taken away by their relatives who insisted that their remains be interred in their ancestral home.

The priest described Pa Ikegwuonu as a very charitable personality, who like his son, Aloysius impacted in the lives of people of the community.

He described giving as one of the ways people can also attract the mercy of God, but called on all present to live a worthy lifestyle that would guarantee them eternity.

The burial was conducted amidst tight security as the police command in Awka had earlier hinted that it was deploying security to the area to forestall any attack, especially as those behind the attack had sent further threat to the community if their financial demands were not met.

Those buried alongside Pa Ikegwuonu at the cemetery are Mrs Cecilia Ewim, Chief Hyacinth Oramadike, Mrs Geraldine Obunadike and her daughter; Miss Uchenna Obunadike.

Others are; Mrs Pauline Obetta, Mrs Rose Nwabia and little Miss Marycynthia Ughelu who is said to be just a year old.

Unknown gun men had in August invaded the church, after allegedly seeking the whereabout of Aloysius Ikegwuonu in his home, but decided to even their unhappiness on the worshippers who were beneficiaries of Ikegwuonu philanthropy, through the construction of the church.

He had however denied having any business deal with anyone that went awry, to warrant being attacked.

Nigeria Customs to retire 577 officers

 

The Nigerian Customs Service has announced its plans to retire 577 of its officers.

This was disclosed in a circular released on Friday signed by Sulaiman M.S.J, Comptroller Establishments barely one week after it promoted three officers to management level and redeployed eight others.

The circular reads, “CIRCULAR NO/HRD/2017/003-LIST OF OFFICERS/MEN FOR STATUTORY RETIREMENT IN YEAR 2018’ and signed by Sulaiman M.S.J, Comptroller Establishments, on behalf of Hameed Ali, the Comptroller General.

“I am directed to forward the attached list on the above subject as a Pre-Retirement notice to all affected officers.all affected officers due for retirement in 2018 are to disengage from active service and proceed on three-months pre-retirement leave, three months to the effective date of retirement.

“A Deputy Comptroller General, an Assistant Comptroller General, 11 Comptrollers, 27 Deputy Comptrollers, 27 Assistant Comptrollers and 23 Chief Superintendents of Customs are due for retirement.

” file officers listed on the retirement notice include five Chief Inspector of Customs Terminal (CIC T); 21 Chief Inspector of Customs (CIC); 21 Superintendent of Customs (SC); 36 Deputy Chief Inspector of Customs (DCIC); 23 Deputy Comptrollers (DCs); 121 Assistant Chief Inspector of Customs (ACIC); four ACIC1; 131 Deputy Inspector of Customs (DIC); and one Assistant Superintendent of Customs 11.

“83 Senior Inspector of Customs (SIC); two Chief Customs Assistant (CCA ‘T’); 18 Inspector of Customs (IC); six CC; three Assistant Inspector of Customs; two Senior Customs Assistant (SCA); and one Customs Assistant (CA).

“The affected officers are to be disengaged either on the basis of mandatory 60 years of age or 35 years in service, in line with the civil service rules.

“Those affected are expected to report to the headquarters with their notice of retirement on or before the end of March this year.

“All affected officers are to ensure compliance and forward their three months pre-retirement notice to the Comptroller General of Customs accordingly.

“Any observed error, omission or legitimate complaints should be forwarded to the office of the Comptroller General of Customs on or before 31st March, 2018.

“All those due for retirement must proceed on the mandatory three months pre-retirement leave, starting March 2018.”