‘Herdsmen killed 230 Tiv farmers’

About 230 Tiv farmers have been reportedly killed by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Doma, Keana, Awe, Obi and Lafia local government areas of Nasarawa State.

The interim President of Mdzough Tiv, a social-cultural organisation, Nasarawa State chapter, Mr Thomas Gaar, revealed this on Thursday at a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital.

He said, “Our farms and farm produce are devastated and currently in shambles. Our farms have become death traps as they are tagged ‘No go areas.’ The armed Fulani herders hunt the Tiv man on hourly basis even more than wild animals,” he claimed.

The Mdzough Tiv leader stated that the destabilization of the Tiv communities had negatively affected the social and political status of the Tiv in the state.

We Are Putting Solar Power In All Our Markets, Says Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the South-South Innovation Hub Inauguration in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Thursday.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government is powering markets across the country with alternative energy as part of its efforts to support small and medium enterprises.

Osinbajo stated this on Thursday during the South-South Innovation Hub Inauguration in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

“We are putting solar power in all of our markets so that our markets will have power,” he said.

The objective of the initiative is to encourage and boost the activities of small and medium scale enterprises like hair beauty salons.

“The Federal Government in collaboration with the state government is putting solar power so that our hairdressers will have power, and those who need to have power in their shops and stores in the markets will have power,” the Vice President said.

“And that is one of the first reasons why I am here. The second reason why I am here is for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) which is this our occasion.”

Since coming to power in 2015, the Federal Government has repeatedly stressed the importance of supporting MSMEs in the country and its commitment to their growth.

Professor Osinbajo believes the government is backing its vision for MSMEs with action.

According to him, relevant government agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Bank of Industry (BoI) are committed to helping small businesses with financial and moral assistance to help thrive.

“The policy of the Federal Government is to support business, not just big businesses but particularly small and medium-sized businesses,” he said.

“The whole idea of the MSME cleaning is that we want to ensure that we give support – whether it is cash, advise or even registration – to all of our small and medium enterprises.”

 Yemi-Osinbajo-VP.jpg 

NPA honours INTELS developmental commitment

NIGERIA’S oil and gas logistics giant, INTELS Nigeria Limited has been honoured by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) with a special recognition award for the company’s partnership, commitment and contribution towards the uplift of sports in the authority, government’s port reform, port efficiency, port modernization and enhanced government revenue generation.

The recognition award was bestowed on INTELS in Calabar at a gala night and award ceremony marking the end of the 2018 edition of the Nigerian Ports Authority Sports Association (NIPOSA) games. The games were organised by NPA to strengthen stakeholders’ collaboration as well as create a social network for the port community.

The Head, Government and Public Affairs department of INTELS, Mr. Rexford Asaikpuka, who represented the company’s General Manager, Mr. Silvano Bellinato, at the event, said NPA and INTELS enjoy cordial working relationship, which has endured over a long period of time.

He said INTELS supported the annual games in view of its longstanding relationship with NPA, which spans more than 30 years and as part of its commitment to the promotion of healthy living in the maritime industry.

He said, “INTELS is well known for its value-addition service to the maritime industry and to the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. Our enduring partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority, which has lasted for more than 30 years has ensured the development of certain strategic infrastructure that help our country derive high value from its natural endowments especially its hydrocarbon and maritime endowment.

“Our partnership with NPA has made it possible for us to build a one-stop-shop oil and gas service centre, which has led to improved efficiency of personnel, reduction of the downtime of offshore rigs and the provision of quick response in case of offshore emergency.”

“The oil and gas service center has also enhanced physical monitoring and follow-up of equipment in stock; modularization of operational areas and better control of supply vessels.

“As concessionaires to NPA, we have also supported government’s port reform, port efficiency, port modernization and enhanced government revenue generation.

“On top of all these, we are always delighted to support our communities through various initiatives including sports development and community projects. It is in this regard that we found it worthwhile to support the NPA sports event.”

Asaikpuka commended the management of NPA for reviving the NIPOSA games after 17 years.

The revival of the games, he said, will further enhance the camaraderie among operators in the maritime sector.

MUSIC:​ ​Tony Agada - The Entrepreneur (Prod. Double G)

A development/social change song with the message of encouraging entrepreneurship among young people, women and men with the view to creating jobs for the unemployed, contributing to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) while calling on the government to provide the enabling environment that will guarantee the ease of doing business. 

It's a call to looking inward and taking advantage of talents, skills and knowledge for productive engagement in the economy for reward/profit. The song "The Entrepreneur" By "Tony Agada" is culled from his yet to be released album "RESPONSIBILITY". 

Tony Agada is also bagged his B.Sc. (HONS) degree in Mass Communication in Benue State University, Makurdi (2006). His ability to passed the message through this intriguing song is what everyone should love.. This is a song for all..

Connect With Tony Agada with the details below:

PHONE/WHATSAPP : 08108897153
INSTAGRAM: @drealtonytimeragada

Listen & Download "The Entrepreneur" By "Tony Agada" Below:-

DOWNLOAD AUDIO

Ooni Of Ife Arrives Brazil in Grand Style as thousands came out to welcome him!

The Number one Monarch of the Yoruba Race was received in Brazil by thousands of Afro Brazilians as he arrived in grand style..see more photos below...

Buhari to Nigerians - 'Always remember lessons of Ramadan'

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to put the virtues of Islam into practice beyond the fasting season.

This was contained in his Sallah message to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period.

While congratulating Muslims on completing “this spiritually significant month of sacrifice”, the President urged them to reflect on the importance of Ramadan in becoming good ambassadors of Islam at all times.

The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said “religion should be the moral compass for all believers in their public and personal lives.

“If people allow the teachings of their religions to influence their conducts, problems such as corruption, which diverts public funds to private pockets, would have been eliminated in the society.” he added

He regretted, however, that “selfishness and greed have overcome people’s conscience so much that they don’t have moral inhibitions in the pursuit of their greed.”

He said “it is impossible to separate morality from religion, and removing this connection encourages corrupt leaders and other exploiters to commit atrocities against the society.”

“I always wonder why any true believer, be they politicians, civil servants or businessmen, would seek to make profits from the misfortunes of others”, the President added.

He also urged ordinary Nigerians to stop glorifying thieves by treating them with disdain for bringing hardships to others.

President Buhari enjoined religious leaders to always pray for peace and unity in the country and avoid making inflammatory utterances that endanger peace or promote conflicts.

The President also appealed to fellow citizens to forgive one another and embrace peace.

In this respect, President Buhari lauded the families of recipients of national honours for showing good examples to Nigerians and urged our country men and women to copy their good examples.

He thanked Nigerians for their patience and assured that their sacrifices will not be in vain, adding that reforming a country that was pushed into near decay on account of corruption comes with teething pains.

“But these pains are temporary, the APC administration which I am privileged to lead, is beholden to the ordinary Nigerians and will leave no stone unturned to make their security, welfare and happiness our priority”, the President further reassured.

"Ortom will lose re-election if he contests under APC" -Akperashi.

Former  chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC in Benue state, John Akperashi has advised  the state governor, Samuel Ortom to seek alternative platform to actualise his second term aspiration.
The house of representative aspirant said that the governor would lose woefully if he contests under the platform of the ruling APC.

Akperashi who spoke to Journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday  emphasized that the governor has no chance in actualizing his aspiration under APC saying, ‘all indices are against him in APC’.

He explained that the governor has no structure in the party adding that the APC party at present can notwin any election in the state following the massacre of the people in the state since January.

“To an average Benue person, the APC is seen as Miyetti Allah party that has preference for cows over human beings.

The party lacks credibility  and is insensitive to the plight of the people.

“I know very well that gov Ortom is not comfortable in the APC. If he is pretending then that is his own problem. It is either he is just playing along or playing to the gallery. He is just buying time to take his decision and at the appropriate time, he will just leave.

” But he has the resources so he can do whatever he likes at any time but some of us are still growing. If what is obtainable in the APC I do not see him winning elections.”

He noted that the governor has a brighter chance in securing his second term because of his stance against the killings in the state which prompted the enactment of the anti open grazing law.

“Yes,   he has done his best and I give him kudos for that. I have said it often that put Suswam and Ortom, he has done well more than the former in terms of protecting the lives of his people and fighting herdsmen because of the law he collaborated with Benue people to sign.”

Akperashi who explained the reason why he resigned from APC lamented that all the people who followed governor Ortom to APC from PDP have been pushed aside including the governor.

“In everything, the people have pushed us aside and when I saw all these things, I told the governor but I could see that there was nothing he could do because even in his local government, ‘Guma’,  the persons elected during the ward and local government congreses  were not his loyalists.

” His hands were tied. No single person who followed him from PDP to APC had his interest protected. I told him that as a governor you can have your way but for me I cannot continue to be part of this arrangement where I will be  doing political work and someone else will take the glory”, Akperashi lamented.

" Buhari’s Minister, Dan Ali ‘is an illiterate,’ he must resign"

 

President General of Mdzough U Tiv, Edward Ujege has rubbished the call by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali that states should suspend the anti-open grazing law, following the continued crisis between herdsmen and farmers across the country.

Dan-Ali had explained that the enactment of the law was responsible for the continued crisis between herdsmen and farmers across the country.

Some states of the Federation enacted the Anti-Open Grazing Law as a panacea to the persistent crisis between herdsmen and farmers.

States that have so far enacted the Anti-Open Grazing Law include, Benue, Abia and Nasarawa states, despite calls for its suspension.

Following the enactment of the law, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Associations have vowed to opposedthe law since there was no alternative yet for cattle rearers.

However, speaking with DAILY POST, President General of Mdzough U Tiv, Edward Ujege described Ali-Mansur as an ‘Illiterate” who is not fit to occupy the position of a Minister.

According to Ujege, “That man is an Illiterate who is not qualified to be a Minister. He doesn’t know how to respond to issues. He is not current with what is happening in the country. Out of the 36 states in the country, three-quarter is being ravaged by herdsmen, do those other people have the laws enacted in their state? For instance in Plateau, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Ondo and Enugu states where there are killings, do they have the law? That is why I said the man is an illiterate and not current with what is going on.

“If he is current with the constitution, he will understand that it empowers the National Assembly and the state governments to make laws for the benefit of people that are there. Mind you, we are not in a military rule that we are living by decrees but by constitutions and laws that are being made. And he should know that by repealing a law you have to go back to the people that made it, that is the reasons why I said he is an illiterate. We are not in a military regime and he doesn’t know what is happening in the country. Mansur is not qualified to be in that position, he should resign.”

Ujege said the people of the state have turned to God as their source of defence since they have no money to buy arms.

The Tiv elder statesman noted that people of the state will continue to ensure their defence until normalcy returns to the state.

 “We don’t have arms and don’t intend to in Benue State. I think our God is heavier than those with arms, we are telling the government now that we have a God and he will fight for us. We don’t have AK-47, we don’t have the money to buy them. Benue people don’t have any means but to depend on God. We know that we will be killed but not everybody. The few remaining and those unborn will deal with this until we find haven for ourselves,” he added.

Omokri reacts to Oshiomhole’s call on Buhari to arrest Obasanjo

Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the demand by former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole that President Muhammadu Buhari should arrest former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Oshiomhole had stated that he would have arrested and prosecuted Obasanjo if he were President Buhari.

On Twitter, Omokri on Wednesday, lambasted the former Labour leader.

The ex-Presidential aide wrote: “How can Oshiomhole ask Buhari, the man who borrowed ₦11 trillion in 3 years (more money than PDP borrowed in 16 years) to arrest Obasanjo.

 “The man who paid off Nigeria’s foreign debt of $32 billion and left us a $67 billion reserve! It is like asking a demon to arrest an angel!”.

Keyamo speaks on allegation of Buhari’s sponsorship of killer herdsmen, president’s health status

 

The Director, Strategic Communications, Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo , SAN, has spoken on President Muhammadu Buhari’s health ahead of the 2019 election.

Keyamo said late General Sani Abacha never declared his health status and had no history, yet he died.

The senior lawyer said this in a chat with The Interview where he also described allegations that President Buhari was sponsoring herdsmen as “satanic and idiotic.”

Asked if he would support full disclosure of the health status of all the candidates in the 2019 campaign, Keyamo said, “I agree that candidates should declare their health status. But if somebody is sick and is well and now discloses that he is well now, fine.

“He (Buhari) is ready to go; he is fit to go. Abacha was not sick at all, no history; yet he slumped and died.”

According to Keyamo, Buhari also needed to consolidate his anti-corruption war and deal a final blow on insecurity.

Nigeria still needs Goodluck Jonathan

Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister, has stressed that the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan still has a lot to offer Nigeria.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain insisted that the former President possesses potentials that will move Nigeria forward.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, quoted Fani-Kayode as making the remark when Jonathan hosted former Ministers who served between 1999 to 2015 and still in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fani-Kayode said the future is great and bright for the PDP, adding that the former President was a “great leader who did much to positively encourage many Nigerians.”

According to Fani-Kayode, “You still have so much to offer this country. The future is great for us, for PDP and this country.”

CCT fixes date for trial of officials in Saraki, Dogara home states.

 

The Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, has clarified that Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar remains its chairman in the prosecution of public officers who contravene asset declaration laws in the country as mandated by the federal government and the country’s constitution.

Head of Press and Public Relations of the tribunal, Malam Ibraheem Alhassan made the clarification while speaking to PRNigeria in Abuja.

He said the Chairman who was in office as at Thursday (today) has already fixed June 20 and 21, 2018 for trial of Public Officers from Bauchi and Kwara States who violated various provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

The defaulters to be arraigned for prosecution by Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) are mostly political appointees and civil servants.

The spokesman urged the general public to disregard the insinuations concerning the status of Justice Umar in the Tribunal, adding that “the position of Chairman and members of CCT are guaranteed by the constitution.”

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara are from Kwara and Bauchi states respectively.

It is not clear if their associates are among those to be docked. However, list of government officials to be probed will be known at commencement of trial.

We will use Maina’s scandal to campaign for Buhari

The head of communications for President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection organization, Festus Keyamo, has said he would use the controversial reinstatement and dismissal of Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Presidential Task Team on Pension Reforms ito campaign for the president in 2019.

Mr Keyamo, who said this in the current edition of The Interview Magazine, added that Buhari deserves some accolades for Maina saga, saying “Maina saga is a credit to president Buhari”

“Where are all those people now? Are they in office? Deziani, of all story of sleaze, did she not remain in office till the end?” he asked, taking a jab at ex-president Goodluck Jonathan under whom petroleum minister, Allison Madueke served. The former minister is currently facing corruption charges.

“People should not make silly comments in the public. The Head of Service, the Attorney general of the Federation, including the Minister of Internal affairs, they all appeared before the National Assembly.

“They told us in graphic terms, how these memos were raised. And these memos moved from one office to the other. All of these memos from HoS to SGF, minister to AGF, all of these, was there one to the chief of staff to the president? We should not be pessimistic or cynical for nothing. All of these memos that moved up and down, was there one to the president before the HoS was queried?” Mr Keyamo asked.

“…When there were reports that Maina had been recalled, it took the president less than 24hrs to order his sack. So, what is the criticisms; that the moment it became clear, it took less than 24hrs to sack him? So, I will not want to dance to the tune of the opposition that will keep repeating a sing song hundred times and make people believe the sing song.

 “Maina cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be a point of criticism to the president. For me, the Maina saga is credit to the president. The Maina saga, I will use it to campaign. You will use it to criticise but I will use it to campaign. That is because the man reacted to issue of corruption and back-door handling of an issue when it came to his knowledge,” Mr Keyamo said.

Shehu Sani lists other names Buhari should apologize to

Shehu Sani, Senator representing Kaduna Central, on Thursday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to apologize to the family of late President, Musa Yar’Adua.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain also urged Buhari to also apologize to the families of late activists, Ken Saro Wiwa, Beko Kuti and Chima Ubani.

In a tweet, the lawmaker further admonished the President to equally honour other activists.

According to Sani, “There’s need for the FG to tender an unreserved apology to the families of Ken Saror Wiwa and his Ogoni Kinsmen and honour the 9 and the 4 Ogonis with national honours. Same should be done to late Shehu Musa Yar’adua. Dr Beko Kuti and Chima Ubani must also not be forgotten.”

Recall that Buhari had on Tuesday apologized to the family of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

Buhari tendered the apology on behalf of the federal government after conferring the title, Grand Commander Of the Federal Republic, GCFR, on Abiola.

Buhari must clear his name on MTN N1.03 tn fine, bribery allegation in Aso Rock – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday charged President Muhammadu Buhari to come clean on allegations of corruption and sharp practices that have pervaded the recovery of the N1.03tn fine imposed on MTN Nigeria.

PDP said President Buhari and his administration have a lot of questions to answer on how the fine was reduced to N330 billion, particularly on the face of allegations that certain interests in the Presidential villa, said to be very close to President Buhari, allegedly took a bribe of N500 million before the reduction.

The party’s spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

In his words, “It is, to say the least, disgusting that while this allegation of bribery at the Villa has remained uncleared by the Presidency, President Buhari, the same African Union (AU) Anti-Corruption Champion, on Wednesday, approved the frittering of another N500 million from the same fund, under controversial claims of professional fees to unnamed persons for unspecified services.

“For a government that prides itself as fighting corruption, the nation had long expected Mr. President to clear the air on the sordid allegation of bribery in the Presidential Villa. Rather than progressing in that direction, President Buhari has continued to act as if the demand by Nigerians, to know the truth about the alleged bribery in the villa over the payment of MTN fine, does not matter”.

The PDP further challenges President Buhari to come out clear on the basis for the purported N500million professional fee. What due process instruments did he rely upon? Who are these lawyers? Who contracted them; under what terms and what services did they render that was beyond the Attorney General of the Federation and the team of lawyers at the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and the Ministry of Justice?

It added, “Now that it has become clear that the Buhari Presidency is entangled in sleazes over the NTN fine saga, the PDP charges President Buhari to end his concealment of corruption in the villa and show his sincerity by allowing an open inquest into his administration’s dealings on the MTN fine payment”.

Dogara felicitates with Muslims at Eid el Fitr

Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid El Fitr.


In a message to the Muslim community in Nigeria, the speaker appealed to the faithful to sustain the lessons of Ramadan and replicate same in their daily lives for a better society.

He advised them not to be carried away by only the pageantry of the Sallah, but to use it for sober reflection.

Dogara said that the faithful should extend gestures and hands of support to the needy in the society as well as pray against the current security and economic situation of the country.

He emphasised the importance of peace, unity and tolerance among the diverse people of the country.

The speaker said that it was fundamental for the envisaged growth and development to take place, noting that the heterogeneity of Nigeria should be a source of strength rather than conflict.

“As you join the rest of the Ummah all over the world to celebrate this year’s Eid el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, I enjoin you to replicate and demonstrate it in your daily lives.

“The lessons and virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, piety, self-denial and genuine love towards one another which you learnt during the month-long fast should be sustained,” he said.

Against the backdrop of the current security and economic situation in the country, Dogara urged the faithful to take advantage of the spirituality of the period to offer special prayers.

He urged Muslims to lift all Nigerians up before God, especially the downtrodden and the leadership of this country, for wisdom and understanding.

The speaker pledged the commitment of the lower chamber to initiating legislative interventions to overcome the many challenges in the country.

He urged Nigerians, irrespective of persuasions to cement the bond of unity and brotherhood as a people of common destiny, adding that as compatriots, they should contribute meaningfully toward building a peaceful and united country.

Similarly, a member of the Senate, Solomon Adeola (APC-Lagos), has congratulated Muslim faithful across the country as they marked the end of Ramadan.

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Kayode Odunaro, in Abuja, he prayed Almighty Allah to grant the supplication of all Muslim faithful as they celebrated the Eid el Fitri.

Adeola, who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, expressed optimism that the lessons of Ramadan and the injunctions on self-denial, love, peaceful co-existence, fairness and justice would continue in their daily lives.

He called for continued prayer against incessant killings in the country, and prayed God to give the leaders wisdom to find lasting solutions to challenges confronting the nation.

He urged all Muslims to continue to adhere to the tenets of the religion, and ensure that there was tolerance and peaceful co-existence, particularly as the country prepared for 2019 general elections.

I Can Only Trust Buhari Not Those Working For Him -Festus Keyamo

Newly appointed Director, Strategic Communications, Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), says he can only vouch for President Muhammadu Buhari’s integrity and not those working for him.

Keyamo said this during a chat with ‘The Interview’, a monthly magazine published in Abuja.

The senior advocate was asked to respond to allegations that there were nepotism and backdoor recruitment at the Central Bank of Nigeria and other public institutions.

He said, “Remember there was a time when there was an outcry that they shortlisted certain people or there were more people from certain parts of the country. Like I said, when these things come out and they come to the knowledge of the President, what does he do?

“Do you really expect the President to sit down and compile names of those to employ in MDAs? We cannot vouch for people who work for him. I am saying that openly. I cannot vouch for them. Do you expect the President to sit down, take his pen and begin to shortlist people one by one?

“When the issue of shortlisted candidates was brought to the public knowledge,  that it tilted to some areas, he stopped the process.”

Keyamo also berated those accusing Buhari of appointment of mainly northerners to top positions.

He said even though a large number of the persons running security agencies were from the North, the economy was being run by the South.

The senior advocate, therefore, stated that many southerners were being unnecessarily paranoid.

He said, “The service chiefs, two are from the South, two are from the North. One is from Ekiti and one, I think is a Calabar man or so. Now, the DSS and the NSA, in some areas when the President concentrates on picking people from some areas, in other areas, he may decide to leave that zone entirely and concentrate on another zone.

“For the northerners complaining that there is no one northerner in the economic team. You have the Vice-President from the south. You have the Minister of Budget, he is from the South; the Minister of Finance, from the South; the Minister of Trade from the South.”

Is There A Saint In Nigeria?.. Convicted Dariye Asks EFCC Lawyer

 Joshua Chibi Dariye on Tuesday asked the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) if there is any saint in Nigeria.

An FCT High Court in Gudu presided over by Justice Adebukola Banjoko yesterday found Dariye guilty of 15 out of the 23-count charge levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on offences bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of N1.1billion Ecological Funds for the state and other state’s funds.

While prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) was urging the court to impose the maximum sentence to serve as deterrent, Dariye signified to the court that he wanted to say something.

When the judge gave him the opportunity, Dariye, who was visibly angry that prosecution counsel said he didn’t show any remorse, said, “You cannot predict my state of mind. Let us not spoil tomorrow because of today. Can you raise your hand to swear there is a saint in Nigeria?”
However, Jacobs told the court that because of the rampant nature of the offence, the court was expected to pass a severe sentence for deterrence.

Dariye was convicted on 11 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and sentenced to 14years imprisonment, the maximum sentence provided for by the law. He was also convicted on four counts bordering on criminal misappropriation and sentenced to two years imprisonment, the maximum allowed. The judge however held that the sentences would run concurrently, meaning Dariye would spend a maximum of 14 years in prison.

Court Orders Temporary Forfeiture Of N2.2bn Recovered From Amosu

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the temporary forfeiture of N2.2billion recovered from former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun made the order based on an ex-parte application by the EFCC.

The judge ruled: “An interim order is made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the total sum of N2,244,500,000 found and recovered by the commission from the first respondent (Amosu) which sum is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.”

The judge granted an interim order for the temporary forfeiture of N190,828,978.15 recovered from a former Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Director of Finance and Budget Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo.

Justice Olatoregun also ordered temporary forfeiture of N101 million recovered from Solomon Enterprises, a company linked to Amosu. EFCC said the sum “is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.”

Photos: APC thugs allegedly beat up female SA to Governor Obaseki leaving her with brain injury

A Special Assistant to Governor Obaseki was allegedly attacked by hoodlums belonging to another faction of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The victim, Mrs Maris Igbons was rushed to a medical centre for immediate treatment and later referred to UBTH for brain surgery. 

Read report by Omowele on Facebook below:

"APC v APC faction of Edo state former  governor Adams Oshiomole fighting Godwin Obaseki faction  in esan west APC  factions,   beating up a present SA to the Godwin  Obaseki on political affair. Mrs Maris Igbons yesterday she was rush to eromosele medical centre ujeolen road ekpoma and early hours of today was  refer to UBTH for surgical operation of the brain,  She  Was beaten up by esan west local government thugs.  Its a pitty that in APC they have no respect for their leaders." 

Court adjourns Ex-Abia governor, Orji Kalu's N3.2bn fraud trial to June 27th

Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has adjourned to June 27, 2018 for further hearing in a N3.2bn fraud case involving a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, and others. Kalu is being prosecuted alongside his company, Slok Nigeria Limited and his former Commissioner for Finance, Jones James Udeogu, for money laundering to the tune of over N3.2bn.   

At the last adjourned sitting, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had sought to further amend the charge against the defendants, after closing its case. However, at the resumed hearing today, June 13, 2018, the prosecution counsel, Oyedepo, informed the court that he was served with copious applications dated June 6, 2018 and filed on June 7, 2018 by the defence counsel led by Kalu Awa, SAN, in opposition to his application to further amend the charge against their clients. He further told the court that today’s proceedings was meant for the court to either hear his application to further amend the charge against  the defendants or to hear the no-case submission that had previously been filed by the defense counsels  on behalf of their clients. 

 In his response, the lead defence counsel, Awa, told the court that there was an extant application on behalf of his client, Kalu. Also, Udeogu’s lawyer informed the court that he had filed an application dated June 8, 2018 in respect of the further amended charge being sought by the prosecution. He further told the court that though he had received processes by lawyers to Kalu and the third defendant, Slok Nigeria Limited, the prosecution had not replied to any of them. The prosecution counsel, Oyedepo, however, told the court that he did not know what the defence team meant that he had not replied to their processes.Oyedepo further told the court that all the processes were served on him in court this morning.

Commission approves promotion 3,665 senior police officers

 The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 3,665 senior police officers.

The commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that approval promotion was one of the high points of the commission’s 28th Plenary Meeting which was held in Abuja on June 8.

He said that two commissioners of police, Igbodo David, who is in charge of Legal department at the Force Headquarters and Olalekan Abdulfatai, were promoted to substantive Assistant Inspectors -General of Police .

Ani said 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police were also promoted to commissioners of police.

He said that the commission also approved the promotion of 13 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners, 60 Chief Superintendents of Police to Assistant Commissioners and 631 Superintendents of Police to Chief Superintendents.

The spokesman said that 820 Deputy Superintendents of Police were promoted to substantive Superintendents, while 1,922 Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, promoted to Deputy Superintendents.

Others promoted include 201 Inspectors who were promoted to Assistant Superintendents of police.

“The commission also approved confirmation of appointments of 42 officers of different ranks, approved acting appointment for another 73 and converted 1,060 Specialists to General Duty,”he said.

He said that the approvals have been forwarded by the commission to the I-G for implementation.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that meeting was the last official function of the chairman of the commission , Mr Mike Okiro whose tenure came to an end on Monday, June 11.(NAN)

Fed govt approves N185.2Billion for the rehabilitation,repairs and construction of 14 roads across the country. See the roads .

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja approved N185.2billion for the rehabilitation, repairs and reconstruction of 14 road projects across the country.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, revealed this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council’s meeting held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa.

Adesina, who briefed the correspondents alongside the Ministers of Health and that of Industry, Trade and Investment, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Mr Okechukwu Enelamah respectively, said the road projects were located in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue, Kwara, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Enugu, Borno, Anambra and Sokoto states.

He listed the road projects to include Gwoza – Damboa – Goniri – Ngamdu Road in Yobe/Borno States at the cost of N34.608 billion; Mayo Belwa – Jada – Ganye – Torngo Road in Adamawa at the rate of N22.699billion and Ado – Ifaki – Otun – Kwara State border in Ekiti State at the rate of N6 billion.

He said that Makurdi bridge in Benue would be repaired at the cost of N4.617 billion; Ihugi – Korinya -Wuse -Ankor in Benue at N15.641 billion and Gbagi – Apa – Owode in Badagry Lagos State at N4.366 billion.

Others are the construction of Ijebu Igbo – Ita Egba Owonowen in Ogun and Oyo States which would cost N9.833 billion while N7.506billion would be spent on dualisation of Jattu – Fugar – Agenebode in Edo Phase II by Mothercat.

He said the Makurdi – Gboko – Wannune – Yander Section 1 in Benue would be reconstructed at the cost of N18.669 billion; Old – Enugu – Port Harcourt Road at Agbogugu – Abia border Spur would cost N13.933 billion.

Adesina said that N6.249billion would be spent on rehabilitation of Umulungbe – Umoka road; Amokwu – Ikedimkpe – Egede – Opeyi Awhum Road in Enugu State at N21.729 billion and rehabilitation of Nkwu Inyi – Akpugoeze in Anambra at N2.595 billion.

He revealed that N4.354billion would be expended on reconstruction of Sabon Birnin – Tsululu – Kuya – Maradi Junction road in Sokoto state.

The presidential aide, who also reacted to a question on 2018 budget, disclosed that the budget would be signed by President Buhari next week.

The Presidency had on May 25 confirmed the receipt of the 2018 Appropriation Bill from the National Assembly more than six months after it was presented before the joint session of the legislative house.

The senate had increased the 2018 budget from N8.612 trillion as proposed by President Buhari to N9.12 trillion.

The senate also increased the crude oil benchmark price pegged for the budget from 45 dollars per barrel to 50.5 dollars per barrel.

However, Adesina said: “The position on the 2018 budget is that it will be signed next week. You will be told the specific date.

“But one thing we are sure of is that the budget will be signed next week.’’

The Minister of Health, Prof. Adewole disclosed that the Council approved the Draft on Food Safety and Quality Bill as well as the Food Safety Institutional Reform Working Document.

According to him, it is expected that with the formal approval of the two documents the nation may witness reduction in the incident of food borne illnesses through many preventive control measures that is contained in the bill.

He said it would also help to support the achievements of sustainable effective food trade that would boost the nation’s economy as well as help to strengthen institutional capacity for food safety and quality already contained in the bill.

“The relevance of the bill could actually be appreciated when one considers some happenings in the past when food export from Nigeria was banned in Europe.

“We believe that what is required is for us to strengthen institutional framework that will enable various agencies of government to work together,’’ he added.

He said part of the institutional framework in the bill was to set up Food Safety Council to be chaired by the Vice-President as well as an Inter-Ministerial Committee that would handle food management and food safety in the country.

The minister disclosed that the Council also approved a draft National Tobacco Control Regulation, which would be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative approval.

He said that draft bill when approved by the National Assembly would enable his ministry to implement the regulation on National Tobacco Act.

“Under this administration we have recorded several successes with respect to tobacco anti-control. Precisely early last month Mr President approved increase in Tobacco taxes as well as alcohol.

“And then on the May 23, government approved the framework to control illegal trade in tobacco products in Nigeria. And today, the regulation that will really enable us implement the National Tobacco Control Act was approved.

“The framework contains some sections that has to do with general provisions of regulations like licensing, approvals, who does what, penalties and so on and so forth. And more importantly to also enable us work closely with the state.

“We believe that once this is approved by National Assembly we will start seeing a lot of changes, effective ban on smoke areas in the country and also you will notice different warning labels on tobacco product in Nigeria,’’ he said.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah disclosed that the Council approved the award of contract for construction of the phase II and the completion of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Multi-purpose conference centre in Abuja.

According to him, the project will cost N6,540,385,908 billion inclusive of VAT.
He said: “The importance of this is that the ITF is one of the most important agencies of government when it comes to vocational training and skills acquisition and Abuja is a very important centre of training for ITF.

“It has training facility that can trained 319 people per session. With this investment in this building, it can increase that capacity to about 1,200 per session. So it is a fairly big facility.

“Some of the areas of interest we want to increase training include the automotive skills sector, ICT, Tiling, plasters of Paris (POP), plumbing, GSM wielding and fabrication, refrigeration and so on.

“All these strategies are attempt to implement the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and to diversify the economy in a way that we can bring more and more of our people to have the skills that are needed to go to work.’’(NAN)

Toronto International Film Festival Nominates T-Boss

Big Brother Naija 2017 housemate, T-Boss has been nominated by the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival barely one year of joining the movie industry.

She was nominated alongside known faces as Adesua Etomi and Beverly Naya. The nominated is for Best Actress in Nollywood. So full of joy, the former housemate wrote;

"The Island The movie is sooo Dope it’s already getting nominated for several awards before its even premiered and Yours Tbosserly has been nominated in the Category for Best Actress in Nollywood/Africa. Now I simply cannot explain to you how Over the moon I am for this, like seriously have you seen who I’m up against? WOW. I’m sooo grateful. Would be nice to win'', she said.

Photos: E-Money Shows A Glimpse Of His Office.

The king of boys who recently returned from a trip to Dubai where he celebrated his wife’s birthday, this morning showed us a glimpse of his office. More photos after the cut…

Eniola Badmus Becomes WesternLotto’s Brand Ambassador [Photos]

The actress whose latest work – Ghettobred would be showing in cinemas in 3 days time is now the latest brand ambassador for WesternLotto & Bet who already has many celebrities signed as their ambassador. We say big congrats to her.

Businessman Accuses EFCC Top Mam Of N4m Extortion, Agency Reacts

Abuja businessman, Mr Abdulhamid Zari, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives extorted N4m from him to release his passport.

The passport, he claimed, was seized on the directive of the Head, Economic Governance in the Commission, Abubakar Madaki.

Zari, who made the accusation while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, said he had petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

A copy of the petition titled ‘Compliant against Abubakar Madaki for illegal extortion of money, use of office to perverse and truncate the course of justice; the need for urgent intervention,” was made available to our correspondent.

Zari, who is the Managing Director, G-Complex Nigeria Ltd, claimed that on the directive of Madaki, the operatives came up with trumped-up allegations against him that were never substantiated.

He said, “The essence of the petition was to bring to the fore the conduct of Madaki, who has been using his office in the EFCC to harass, intimidate and extort money from me.

“He instigated the EFCC against me, as operatives from the Procurement Fraud Section, under him as of then invaded my house on March 27, 2017 claiming that they were investigating me for conspiracy, fraud and money laundering.

“Upon inquiry, I was told that it was on the basis of a whistle-blower that they raided my residence and carted away all my landed property documents, company incorporation documents and my international passport and money which they are still holding on to till date.

“Despite not finding anything incriminating in the course of their illegal search of my premises, they arrested me and took me to the EFCC headquarters.”

He added, “I was purportedly released on bail after the said EFCC operatives forcefully extorted N4m from me, promising to release all the documents carted away by them in the course of the illegal search on my premises.”

He said that despite the suit instituted by his lawyers from Mike Ozhekhome Chambers, which led to a Federal High Court order by Justice Binta Nyako directing the EFCC to return his documents and unseal his business premises, the order had yet to be complied with by the commission.

“It is more pathetic that the EFCC has failed to obey various court orders in respect of this matter.

“The Federal High Court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako directed parties to maintain the status quo, notwithstanding this order of court, the next morning, the EFCC sealed my house, chasing away my entire family from my home.

“It would further Interest you to know that upon the conclusion of the case, the court in its judgment, further made other orders, directing the EFCC to erase the writing on the walls of my premises, the EFCC has failed to comply with the order till date.”

Madaki however told The Punch that the EFCC had reacted to the allegations in a statement.

“What I will say is that there is already a response from the EFCC and you can use that,” Madaki said and declined further comments.
The commission in the statement said Madaki was never a member of the investigating team handling the investigations against Zari, noting that Madaki did not demand bribes from the affected businessman.

“Zari has now changed gear by bringing up fresh allegations against the officer. Now, he would have the world believe that he was extorted N4m to be granted bail in an agency that is not known for collecting money to admit suspects on bail,” the agency claimed.