2019: Nothing will stop Buhari’s landslide victory in South-East, says Sen. Uzodinma

Uzodinma

The Coordinator, South-East Caucus, National Committee of Buhari Support Group, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, says nothing will stop President Muhammadu Buhari from landslide victory in the South-East in 2019.

Uzodinma stated this at the inaugural meeting of the caucus in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the caucus’ target was to deliver not less than six million votes out of estimated eight million registered voters in the South-East.

He said the caucus would not rest on its oars in ensuring that the goal became a reality in view of what the region stood to gain if the target was achieved.

According to the coordinator, an overwhelming vote that will return Buhari as President in 2019 will guarantee the South-East an opportunity to produce the President in 2023.

According to him, it is an opportunity the region has for several years, clamoured for and should not be allowed to slip through its fingers.

“The national leadership has approved the operation of this caucus and we are going to go for it, bearing in mind that if we succeed we will smile very well in 2023.

“We are going to tag our operation, ‘Operation 2023’, meaning that by the time Mr President wins convincingly in the South-East, the name of the business will be ‘Reciprocity’.

“This means, I have done for you, you are now to do for me,” he said.

Uzodinma assured that plans were already in place to map out strategies that would enable the caucus to deliver on the mandate.

He added that the group would come up with a programme that would take the All Progressives Congress (APC) politics to various units in 2019 while reaching out to “booth owners’’.

He said, “Every booth in South-East belongs to some people. They have leaders and if the message is given to them in a manner that they will understand, I am sure that we will succeed.

“There is no point claiming headship; the common denominator is what would make President Buhari, out of the eight million registered voters in the South-East, to get a minimum of six million votes.

“In doing that, we have to make sacrifices and call some people to order. We will do our beat.

“For me as a person, we will try to convince and those that will willingly follow will follow.’’

Uzodinma hinted that plans were underway to organise a mega rally in the region, adding that the President had approved of it and promised to be present.

He stressed that management structures would be set up at the state, local government and ward as well as booth levels, for better delivery.

“Before some of us came into the party I was told you do not use money to do politics; now we are going to use money to do politics.

“We are going to do that knowing very well that the tradition and culture of our people requires that.

“We cannot begin to learn a new culture when election is a few days away. So we will start from the known to the unknown.

“We are going to work with the President and by the grace of God he will win in 2019.

“However, we have to establish criteria for knowing who a leader is when we get home.

“A leader is a man who wins his booth. A man who doesn’t win his booth is a pensioner. So, we will identify the right type of people that will in the frontline, give us victory,’’ he said.

The coordinator assured of his commitment to serving, not only to coordinate affairs but ensuring that the tools and logistics needed to make work easy would be provided.

He urged members of the caucus to designate functions appropriately, saying that it would be counter-productive to assign duty to people who would not deliver on mandate.

He said, “I am optimistic that working as a team with love and providing accommodation for each and everyone; we will have no reason not to succeed.

“It is your goodwill in your various states that will translate to the President’s goodwill.

“We will take the risk and guarantee the president so that our people will vote for him and he will win, knowing very well that after 2023, it will be Alleluia all the way.’’

The lawmaker assured of the party’s readiness to reconcile differences among members, particularly those from the South-East.

He added that it was time to work for one Nigeria, rather than bearing grudges that would damage the party and Nigeria as a whole.

The National Chairman, Buhari Support Group, Mustapha Ahmed, said the group had been working assiduously to raise the support base of the president.

He said that the effort had yielded result, adding that the identified support groups across the country had increased from 198 to over 450.

“National Committee of Buhari Support Group started about three years ago and we were given the mandate to go round the 36 states plus the FCT.

“The essence was to identify and ascertain groups that worked for the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 elections and so far the base has been increased,’’ he said.

Inaugurating the caucus, Chairman, National Committee of Buhari Support Group Board of Trustees, Sen. Abu Ibrahim, said the group was established to coordinate various support groups to sell the ideals of the President.

According to him, this is to build a virile and democratic society that guarantees the rights of every citizen to fulfill his and or her potential.

Ibrahim, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang, said various groups remained important channels of outreach between the government and the citizenry.

He said, “Many of the support groups that registered with the National Committee of Buhari Support Group existed before the 2015 election.

“They piloted the grassroots initiative via which the president’s message of hope was delivered in the nooks and crannies of the country.

“As we inaugurate this caucus, I call on all and sundry to remain steadfast in the onerous task of nation-building and effort to fight crimes and reposition the country for sustained and inclusive growth.

“Let it remain our collective duty to restore this country’s pride because we have no choice.

“This land belongs to all of us and we must all work tirelessly to make it better for our children and generations to come.

“The `nay sayers’ need to know that we shall never give up this God-given right.’’

Ibrahim said Buhari was aware of the inauguration of the caucus, adding that he looked forward to seeing it deliver not only votes but the much-needed cohesion necessary for national development.

He called on the caucus to work hard towards mobilising votes for the President in the region and entire country.

On recent coalition of some political parties, the chairman said it was not known to law.

He said it was not a coalition of proper officers of registered political parties but of people with various interests hiding under coalition.

He pointed out that more than half of the parties said to have been part of the coalition, had denied membership of the coalition and declared their support for Buhari.

Ibrahim assured that the party was ready to reconcile aggrieved members of the party where and when necessary.

“For some of the members of our party whom we saw their faces on that coalition day or who may have expressed opinion in that direction, we will not be hard on them.

“We will use conciliatory words because they have stakes in this party. We will not use any untoward word, we will go to them.

“Also, we will take whatever the opposition party says as advisory to  and as opinion which we will use to deepen what we need for Nigerians and deliver victory to the APC and President Buhari,’’ he said. (NAN)

Killings: Adamawa Govt. assures of more security to troubled areas

Adamawa Government on Thursday said more security personnel would be deployed to areas of conflicts in the state, to safeguard lives and properties.

The state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr Ahmad Sajoh, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Yola that the decision was arrived at after an emergency security council meeting on Wednesday.

NAN reports that the state is witnessing clashes between farmers and herdsmen, particularly in Guyuk, Demsa and Numan local government areas.

Sajoh said the meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr Martins Babale agreed that urgent action be taken to contain the ugly development.

“The governor has seriously frowned at the spate and frequency of the attacks and vowed to mobilise all resources to ensure that the situation is brought to a halt as soon as possible.

“Consequently, the governor directed the Deputy Governor to convene the urgent security council meeting to ensure swift and prompt deployment of all security forces to the affected areas.

“During the meeting at Government House, the heads of security agencies in the state assured that all necessary steps will be taken to contain the situation.

“The heads of security agencies also assured that additional combined team of the army, police and civil defence will move to affected areas immediately,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the State Emergency Management Agency and Ministry of Health have been directed by the governor to immediate supply food, non food items and medication to affected communities.

“As I speak to you, the supply for affected communities in Guyuk local government had been effected, while a high powered government delegation is on its way to commiserate with the people and assess the situation.”

Sajoh urged the people of Adamawa to embrace peace and dialogue in resolving conflicts, warning that the government would no longer condone any violent act capable of undermining peace and development in the state.

(NAN)

PHOTOS: Buhari inaugurates Abuja light rail

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inaugurated the Abuja light rail at the World Trade Centre.

Photos of the President at the ceremony was shared by his Personal Assistant, Bashir Ahmad on his Twitter handle.

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai was present during the ceremony.

According to Ahmad, the metro station is the first phase of the Abuja Light Rail mass transit and it covers 12 stations within the metropolis.

See the photos below:

 

NIMASA targets N109bn revenue in 2018 — DG

Dr Dakuku Peterside, Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency says the agency is targeting N109 billion as revenue in 2018.

He said this while speaking on the 2018 budget before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the agency was optimistic it will generate N109 billion as revenue in 2018.

Peterside said that the total estimate was achievable based on the number of initiatives the agency had put in place to block revenue leakages.

“N109 billion is an estimate; we are workings toward accomplishing that, this revenue includes revenue from Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, that I have no access too.

“It also includes our mandatory contributions to Maritime Academy of Nigeria, which is not in our disposal but we optimistic that with the numbers of initiatives we have put in place.

“We have blocked leakages, we have done everything humanly possible to reduce our expenses to make it achievable,” he said.

He, however, told the committee that every adjustment and amendment had been made on the budget as directed.

NIMASA boss said that a total of N18.7 billion was remitted in 2017, which was the 80 per cent of the total revenue for 2017.

He said that N2 billion was also contributed to Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority for the dredging of the lower Niger River, which was approved by the presidency.

Peterside said that in 2018, the agency hopes to complete the reforms it had started by making the waterways safer than it used to be by investing in the security of waterways.

He said that the agency intended to build offices in the eastern zone, central zone and also concentrate on capacity building, by training seafarers and scaling up its operations in 2018.

(NAN)

BREAKING: PDP NWC, leaders storm N’Assembly, protest attack on Fayose

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has led the National Working Committee of the party to the National Assembly to protest against the alleged assault by men of the Nigeria Police on the Gover‎nor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.

Also at the protest, which held at the main gate to the National Assembly Complex was a former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; former Minister of Health, Prof. ABC Nwosu; a former National Woman Leader, Josephine Anenih; and former Majority Leader of the Senate, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, among others.

The protesters, who were received by Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, demanded a free, fair and credible governorship election in Ekiti on Saturday.

Police Speak On Attempted Assassination Of Fayose

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, Habilal Joshak, has explained the role of his officers in the harassment of the Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose, yesterday.

It would be recalled Mr Fayose was teargassed and harassed by armed police officers who had blocked the entrance to the government house and prevented a rally of the Peoples Democratic Party from holding, witnesses say. 

Mr. Joshak said no rally would be allowed any more in the state unless expressly approved by the police. He denied blocking the entrance o the governor’s office, saying only the road from Fajuyi to the state secretariat was blocked.

“We are not here to usurp the authority of Governor Fayose. We are not here to rubbish him because he represents the people,” said Mr Joshak.

“But we are not going to allow any unauthorised rally that can trigger violence in the state. You can see that the state is tensed up.

“As law enforcement agent, we must be proactive and take actions that can prevent crisis rather than trying to quell it after it might have broken out.”

Police Arrests 40 Female Cultists During Initiation In Lagos

At least 40 females have been arrested by the police in a popular hotel in Lagos, as they were got ready to be initiated into a cult group.

According to reports, the suspects were arrested with their male counterparts making the total number of suspects to about 120.

The cult group known as Black Axe embarked on the recruitment of both male and female members and had planned that day for their initiation. It was gathered that the suspects had gathered under the guise of celebrating birthday unknown to them that the police got intelligence report of their activity as members of Black Axe and immediately stormed the place. They were rounded up and arrested them while others escaped.

Some of the arrested female suspects includes; Nifemi Fadairo, Okunlewe, Musilu Taiwo, Sulimon Kabiru, Zainab Olarenwaju, Elizabeth Oyedele, Oluwakemi Kolejo, Alima Olowu, Abosede Popoola, Ebele Joseph, Bidemi Jimoh, Sekinatu Awolesi, Bilikisu, Iliasu. Also arrested were Adewunmi Lateef, Ilori Olumide, Kikelomo Rabiu, Rasaki Abibat, Abidemi Rasaki, Seri Sadiq and many others.

The arrest was confirmed by the Lagos State Commissioner of the Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, at the State Command, Ikeja, Lagos.

The police boss while parading the suspected cultists said that the Command had warned cult groups who had prepared to observe their ‘sacred day’ on the 7th day of the 7th month not to converge at any part of the state and encouraged good Nigerians to give information about these groups of persons anywhere they were seen operating.
Edgal said that based on credible intelligence report and information available to the Command, he directed the Officer in Charge on Anti-Cultism to go after them and the operation was a huge success. He said that the police recovered one big banner written 07 with Black Axe logo, three litres of liquid substance suspected to be “Skuchies”- substance mix with drugs, one big clay pot, two small calabashes and one locally made cut to size pistol and others.
He said the suspects will be profiled and charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

Croatia Makes History As They Qualify For Russia 2018 Finals

Croatia has made history yesterday by qualifying for the finals of the ongoing 2018 World Cups holding in Russia. This feat makes the Croatians join the exclusive league of countries that have qualified for the finals of football’s biggest tournament thereby becoming the 13th country to do so.

Croatia slid into the finals courtesy of a second-half extra-time goal by Mario Mandzukic. Its been 20 years since Croatia first made their debut at France 1998 where they reached the semifinals of the tournament, led by former captain and the current president of the Croatian Football Federation, Davor Suker.

 

“Fayose’s Harassment Is Shameful And Undemocratic” – Gov. Dankwambo

Gombe state governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo has reacted to the alleged harassment of Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose as shameful and undemocratic.

Dankwambo made his reaction known via his Twitter account yesterday, July 11, 2018 at about 7 PM. The governor noted that after speaking with the Ekiti state governor, who briefed him of the harassment by security operatives, he’s convinced the act is shameful and undemocratic.

“Just got off the phone with my brother, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State. He has briefed me of the ongoing harassment by security operatives. What is happening in Ekiti state is shameful and undemocratic,” he tweeted.’
Dankwambo also said, “the attempt by the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress to subvert the will of the people on Saturday in Ekiti will be resisted.”

Governor Ayo Fayose had also alleged that the security personnel stationed at the entrance of the Government House were shooting indiscriminately. The Governor said the move was to stop the PDP from holding its victory walk. Why do we need 30,000 police officers in Ekiti? Dankwambo asks

In the same vein, Dankwambo faulted the moves by the Nigerian police to dedicate 30,00 officers for the Ekiti state election on July 14, 2018.

He said: “If we strengthen our public institutions to be effective and independent, we won’t be needing 30,000 Police Officers and 4,000 soldiers to ensure a free, fair and credible election.”

“A National Campaign Against Fake News Has Been Launched In Nigeria” – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that a National Campaign Against Fake News has been launched in Nigeria. He described the phenomenon as a time bomb that can detonate with deadly consequences if left unchecked.

The Minister made the announcement while speaking at a world press conference in Abuja yesterday describing fake news a a global epidemic that could be worse than all the plagues that the world has recorded put together, a clear and present danger to global peace and security, and a threat to democracy.

He said the fake news phenomenon is capable of undermining confidence in the media, adding:

”Once the people lose confidence in the media, the media and the society are in trouble. The essence of the campaign is to sensitise all Nigerians to the dangers posed to the peace and security, and indeed the corporate existence of Nigeria by the phenomenon, and the fact that each and every Nigerian has a role to play in curtailing the spread of fake news”.

He explained that though the federal government has been calling national attention to the issue of fake news and hate speeches since last year, ”the timing of the launch is also not unconnected to the role of fake news in aggravating the various crises in the country as well as the need to check this phenomenon ahead of the 2019 elections.”

The Minister said the government will use all the information dissemination tools at its disposal, work with both the traditional and social media, as well as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to sensitize Nigerians. He said the campaign will, however, not involve the use of coercion and censorship, but appealed to the media to lead the campaign, and to Nigerians not to share any news or message unless they can vouch for its source and authenticity citing instances from around the world to illustrate the dangers posed by fake news, Alhaji Mohammed said a recent study by researchers at the Ohio State University in the US concluded that Russian interference and the fake news it promoted probably played a significant role in depressing Hilary Clinton’s support on election day during the 2016 presidential elections in the US.

The Minister said that last week, a national newspaper in Nigeria reported on its front page that a court has ordered the National Assembly to begin impeachment of Buhari, which was not the case.

”The problem with that news item is that it is fake news. According to the certified true copy of the order, the Presiding Judge of the Federal High Court in Osogbo ordered and I quote: ‘The applicants are hereby granted leave to issue and bring an Application for the order of Mandamus to compel 1st to 3rd Respondents to start impeachment proceedings against the 4th Respondent, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’. This was manipulated to read that the court has given the go-ahead for the National Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the President. Fake News,” he said

Senate summons Malami over Buhari’s ‘controversial’ executive orders

The senate has summoned Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), over alleged violations of human rights and provisions of the constitution by the executive arm of government.

Malami is expected to brief the senators on the basis for President Muhammadu Buhari’s “controversial” executive orders.

The resolution of the upper legislative chamber was sequel to a motion sponsored by David Umaru, senator representing Niger east.

Last week, Buhari signed an executive order seeking to restrain owners of assets under probe from carrying out further transactions on such properties.

Mixed reactions have trailed the order.

While moving the motion on Wednesday, Umaru accused the executive has usurped the lawmaking functions of the national assembly.

“Executive orders have also effectively usurped legislative and judicial powers of the national assembly and the judiciary as enshrined respectively under sections 4 and 6 of the constitution,” Umaru said.

“There is lack of accountability for human rights violations by security agencies and other militant elements including armed herdsmen, heavy-handed violent responses to peaceful protests as exemplified by previous crackdown an agitator for the Independent State of Biafra (1908) and the recent violent clashes between the police and suspected members of the IMN who were protesting the release of their leader, lbrahim EL-Zakzaki in Abuja and Kaduna respectively.”

He added that the country’s democratic credentials had become questionable as a result of the alarming cases of “alleged state-inspired human rights violations and consistent constitutional infractions perpetrated by agencies of government.”

On his part, Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, said executive orders should comply with the country’s laws.

“We may be comfortable today because we occupy this office but when we are out of this place, we are likely to fall victims,” the senator said.

Contributing to the debate, Eyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, said the country is in trouble under the current administration.

“If this hallowed chamber cannot speak up here, then we might as well pack up. We are in trouble under this particular regime and it is our right under the constitution to fight for our human rights,” Abaribe said.

The upper legislative chamber urged the federal government to desist from violating the principle of separation of powers and adopt the rule of law as the guiding principle of government actions.

It also urged to set up a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate all cases of human rights abuse allegedly committed by the security agencies.

No date was given as to when Malami will appear before the lawmakers.

Fulani herdsmen kill 42 in fresh attack in Taraba

About 42 people mostly women and children are said to have been killed across 12 villages in the Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, local residents revealedon Wednesday.

Mr Dauda Marafa, who hails from the area said that armed militiamen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on Sunday invaded communities in the local government, killing anybody in sight.

“The attacks started on Sunday evening and as of the last count this morning (Wednesday), 42 people have been killed.

“The villages so far affected include Bujum, Yilti, Bunzung, Sabon Gida, Kwajafa, Sobon Layi and Budon.

“Other villages that have been sacked by the Fulani herdsmen militia are Bamga Dutse, Bawa Garki, Mayo Lope and Kpanti Ladi.

“Over 2,000 displaced persons are currently taking refuge at the Negatavah primary and secondary schools in Jalingo metropolis and more are still trooping in since Sunday when the attacks started.”

Marafa lamented the failure of security agencies to deploy their men in the area, saying the casualty figure might rise as attacks were still ongoing.

The state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Peter Julius, who also hails from the area, said 19 of those killed were from five neighbouring villages.

He called on the Federal Government to urgently draft security men to the area to stop the attacks from spreading.

But the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP David Missal, who confirmed the attacks to our correspondent, said six people were killed.

He explained that SAR and Mopol commanders had temporarily relocated to the areas under attack to restore peace to the affected villages.

“Apart from the deployment of our patrol team in the area, the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations have been going there and coming back on a daily basis for the past three days to monitor the situation,” Missal added.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Darius Ishaku on Media and Publicity, Mr Bala Dan-Abu, who condemned the renewed attacks in the state, called on the Federal Government to arrest the situation.

“We want the Federal Government to do something more concrete in ending the spate of killings in the state. The governor has no control over security personnel in the state, so we are looking up to the Federal Government to direct security agencies to arrest the situation,” he said.

Dan-Abu added that the governor had directed the leadership of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency and the officials of the state Ministry of Health to the area to assess the damages and provide succour to the affected villagers.

“We are also searching for displaced people so that we can provide adequate protection, care, treatment and relief materials for them.

“This is because when attacks like this happen, people always run to where their relations are but we are doing everything within our means to bring them together, foster peace, protection and general well-being of our people. We are also appealing to people to give peace a chance in Taraba State.”

He added that the state government was also engaging stakeholders to put an end to the crisis in the state.

“We are also engaging critical stakeholders from the area in a series of meetings with a view to restoring peace and normalcy,” he said.

Miyetti Allah group blast South East governors for rejecting ranching

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria on Wednesday described the rejection of ranches by South-East governors as shocking and lack of discretion.

The South-East leader of the group, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, stated this in a press statement in Awka, Anambra State.

He said the group least expected such decision from the Igbo who he described as “the major bonding elements among the people of Nigeria.”

He added, “It was surprising to us considering the cordial relationship that had existed in the zone between us and the state governments.”

Siddiki said Miyetti Allah had never failed to appreciate the commitment of the host governors in ensuring the safety of his members.

The South-East Governors’ Forum had at a meeting in Enugu on Sunday unanimously agreed not to donate land for ranching in the zone.

But Siddiki in his statement said the governors’ decision did not show exemplary leadership.

He said,”It is our candid view that the South-East whose citizens are the major bonding elements among the people of Nigeria would provide exemplary leadership in accommodating other Nigerians in their midst.

“It is evident that our organisation’s advocacy for peaceful coexistence among indigenous farmers and herdsmen is increasingly making successes in the South-East.

“This explains our surprise at the latest stand of the governors which would not only frustrate our people from carrying out our legitimate livestock rearing business in this part but might be suggestive of a kind of suspicion that might undermine the mutuality of the claim of brotherhood.

“We are mindful of the various negotiations and consultations still going on in respect of the contentious issues of ranching, colonies and grazing areas across the country, we are hopeful that these issues are considered dispassionately in the interest of Nigeria and the generality of its citizens.

Ex-Ondo Deputy Governor’s daughter’s murder: I did not kill her, some boys did — Suspect

Adeyemi Alao, yesterday, said the two boys that raped and killed his fiancée, Khadijat Oluboyo, daughter of the former deputy governor of Ondo State, came with her to his room.

 The deceased was allegedly murdered for ritual purpose by her fiancée and buried inside his room at his Oke Aro extension residence in Akure. This came as family sources hinted that the victim has been buried after the completion of post-mortem examination.

Alao, who was paraded by the state Police Command, said he joined cyber crime, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo, this year but upgraded to Yahoo Plus to earn more money.

According to him, his friend introduced him to Yahoo Plus, which involves ritual activities after he complained to his friend that he was not getting the expected money from being a member of Yahoo club. Speaking during an interview before he was paraded, the suspect said: “Khadijat has been my girlfriend since 2010 and she visited me to help her in writing her final year project. She slept in my place on Thursday and left the following day.

“She sent a text message to me on Monday, July 2, that I should send some money to her. But I was surprised to see her that same Monday when she came with two boys to my room. “I left her in my room with the two boys, but they called me 30 minutes later and when I came in one of the guys brought out a gun and ordered me to kneel down, while the other was making love to Khadijat, who was naked on my bed.

 “Khadijat was begging them to leave, promising not to tell anyone about what happened. But they strangled her and ordered me to get a digger and shovel. I thought they wanted to use the chance to escape. “But when I came back to the room, they were still there and ordered me to dig the grave, where we buried her and covered it with the rug.”

Asked why he failed to alert his parents or tenants when he was ordered to look for the digger and shovel, Alao said: “The tenants were busy watching a World Cup match and the noise from the home theatre in my room was too loud to make them know what was happening even when we were digging the grave in my room.

“The two boys left after burying her and I couldn’t sleep in my room that day. I had to sleep in my brother’s room and I could not tell anyone because no one would believe my story. “I don’t know the two guys. Although they have visited my place thrice with Khadijat, I don’t know them or their names. I have been dating Khadijat since 2010 and know nothing about these boys; she invited them.

 I don’t know their names, but I can recognise them.” On motive, the suspect said: “I did not kill Khadijat for money ritual, though I joined Yahoo business this year and never made any headway. I later joined Yahoo Plus to make more money, but I not to do any ritual.”

However, the state’s Police image-maker, Femi Joseph, described the suspect’s defence as infantile and dismissed his “cock and bull story.”

 His words: “His defence is very infantile and does not hold any water. I am very sure in the next 24 hours, when he will be charged to court, he should begin to talk.” Police sources hinted that the defence put up by the suspect was to divert attention as he had confessed during interrogation that he and the other suspects, now at large, killed the victim for rituals. Meanwhile, the Police image-maker, while speaking on the arrest, said the Command was alerted by an informant.

According to Joseph, “we met the suspect, who happened to be the boyfriend of late Khadijat, in his room trying to pack her remains in a sack. This is to tell you that he killed Khadijat. “The suspect mentioned some other suspects, now at large, but we found out that he single-handedly looked for digger and shovel, dug the grave and buried Khadijat.”

R-APC writes INEC, seeks nullification of APC convention

The Reformed -All Progressives Congress has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to nullify the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress held on June 23, 2018.

The Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee of the APC was elected at the said convention.

R-APC’s request was contained in a letter dated 4th July, 2018, which was signed by its National Chairman, Alhaji Buba Galadima, and addressed to the National Chairman of INEC.

A copy of the letter entitled: “Request to invalidate the purported election of National Officers of the All Progressives Congress and not to recognise them”, was seen by newsmen, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

In the letter, Galadima said he was writing the letter as a foundation member of the APC, a member of its Board of Trustees, National Caucus and an automatic delegate at its national convention.

He drew the attention of the INEC to what he said was “a purported convention” held by APC on 23rd June, 2018.

He said the convention was flawed and undemocratic and that it followed disputed congresses held at various wards, local governments and states.

He said the flawed congresses which led up to the national convention were marred with serious irregularities and manipulations to the extent that in at least 22 states, parallel congresses were held and a different set of delegates and officers emerged.

The letter partly read, “In particular the “election” of the following officers of the party was in direct contravention of Article 20(1) of the APC Constitution.”

It also read, “Furthermore, in the course of the convention proceedings, many other persons purportedly withdrew from the contest for the various offices, and the convention chairman announced them as unopposed and “elected” without following any form of due process. This affected the position of the National Secretary and others.”

As part of its requests tendered before INEC, the R-APC said in the letter, “We respectfully, therefore, request INEC to intervene, following precedents established over the years, to declare invalid and unlawful and not to accord any form of recognition to officers purportedly elected at the APC Convention of June 23, 2018.”

When one of our correspondents contacted Galadima, on the telephone, he confirmed that he authored the letter.

He said, “Yes, I wrote the letter, it is genuine.”

When contacted on the telephone on Wednesday, the Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said he was not aware of the request as he was not in Abuja.

He, however, promised to find out on Thursday.

The INEC director said, “I am not in Abuja at the moment but I can find out tomorrow.”

"Obasanjo, IBB, Jonathan should be probed"

The National President of the Movement for Justice in Nigeria, Abdulkarim Dayyabu, on Wednesday in Kano, said the only way for the Federal Government to demonstrate its sincerity on the war against corruption is to urgently arrest and prosecute Obasanjo, IBB, Jonathan and other leaders.

Dayyabu, who was also a former Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy, alleged during the Economic and Financial Crime Commission Africa Unite to Defeat Corruption Street walk on Wednesday claimed that there was still unrecovered $135bn looted money in the hands of these leaders that must be recovered.

While commending President Buhari’s fight against corruption, Dayyabu said, if the $135bn is eventually recovered, it should be shared among the 150 million Nigerians, with each person getting $750.

According to him, the move to share the recovered Abacha $350m is a welcome development but should include the collection of other monies from corrupt public officials, which should be quickly shared among the citizenry.

Buhari signs NFIU Act, separates unit from EFCC

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday signed the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Bill into law.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters( Senate), Ita Enang, disclosed this to State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Enang described the NFIU as the Nigerian arm of the global financial intelligence unit which was before now domiciled in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He said the new law sought to comply with international standards on combating money laundering, financing of terrorism and check suspicious transactions.

The establishment of the NFIU is based on the requirements of Recommendation 29 of the Financial Action Task Force Standards and Article 14 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

With the signing of the new Act, NFIU will now be independent of the EFCC.

The NFIU is empowered to receive currency transactions reports, suspicious transactions reports, currency declaration reports and other information relating to money laundering and terrorist financing activities from financial institutions and designated non-financial institution.

It will also receive reports on the cross-border movement of currency and monetary instruments, maintain a comprehensive financial intelligence database for information collection, analysis and exchange with counterpart FIUs and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Uproar as Remi Tinubu alleges favoritism against APC in Senate

The Senator representing Lagos Central, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday, protested what she described as favouritism against her party, All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Senate.

Mrs Tinubu said as a ranking senator and member of the majority party, she should be called to move a motion and not to second one moved by senator of a minority party.

The protest followed the presiding officer, Ike Ekweremadu’s decision to call on Gilbert Nnaji of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to move a motion for the adoption of the previous’ day votes and proceedings.

After the motion was moved by Mr Nnaji, Mrs Tinubu rose to protest the choice of the ‘minority’ senator.

“With every due respect Mr. President, can you give me a minute? Why would I second a minority, for crying out loud?” an obviously angry Mrs Tinubu said.

Her protest threw the chamber into a noisy session as many PDP senators countered her in protest.

Shouts of “I am not a minority” rent the air, and after a while, Mrs Tinubu continued her speech.

“We are majority, you ought to choose a majority before moving the motion and with all due respect to the Senate President, I have been here before you. All of you that are sitting, you can see that the ranking senator here, permit me, all of you that are even revolting are just rookie senators. Excuse me,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu said she would only second the motion because the mover is a ‘ranking senator’, noting that she would not have done otherwise if it was moved by ‘rookie senators.’

“This time, I would do it because I don’t want to waste much time, I would do it because you chose Senator Gilbert Nnaji.

After a speech intermittently backgrounded by protesting voices of PDP senators, she seconded the motion.

“Anyway, having registered my protest, I rise to support the motion ably moved by my colleague that the votes and proceedings of Tuesday be adopted. Thank you.”

Mr Ekweremadu who presided however noted that her protest had no basis, saying “meanwhile, your point has no basis under our rules.’’

Another cache of ammunition intercepted at Tin Can Port

The Tin Can Island Customs command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted a cache of ammunition at two terminals of the port.

Musa Abdullahi, area controller of the command, said about 150 rounds of live ammunition were intercepted at Terminal ‘C’ (Ports& Cargo) while 28 pieces of various sizes of jack knives were found in a 1 x 40ft container No. TGHU 60143419.

“I directed the transfer of the suspicious container No. TGHU 60143419 to the enforcement unit where it was examined and found to contain 150 rounds of live ammunition and 28 pieces of various sizes of jack knives,” he said.

“These items contravene schedule 4 absolute Import Prohibition List item 17 of the Common external tariffs and section 46 of the Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004.

“Meanwhile, the container, a suspect and the exhibit are currently being held at the Enforcement Station pending further investigation”

Abdullahi also said while vehicles were being discharged from a vessel, MV GLOVIS COURAGE Voyage NO. 036,  Five Star Logistic Terminal, the command discovered a black bag with one unpacked Ford Edge with Chassis No. 2FMDK48C98BA05947.

The bag, he said, contained 149 rounds of 38 MM calibre live ammunition, 92 rounds of 9 MM calibre live ammunition, two rounds 7.62 MM calibre and 11 cartridges of live ammunition.

The comptroller said other items found in the bag were 12 expended empty shells of various calibres and an empty magazine.

Abdullahi said both the vehicle and the exhibits were currently at the enforcement unit of the command pending further investigation.

This development comes two days after customs announced that an Ontisha bound vehicle laden with live ammunition was intercepted in Niger state.

The poor control of arms and ammunition has fulled insecurity in the country. Nigeria is currently battling high wave of killings.

Saraki seems to be behind this 419 group called R-APC -Senator Adamu

Abdullahi Adamu, senator representing Nasarawa west senatorial district, has described the “reformed” All Progressives Congress (R-APC ), a breakaway faction of the ruling party, as a 419 group.

In an interview with reporters at the APC headquarters in Abuja, the lawmaker said Senate President Bukola Saraki seems to be the brain behind the group.

He said no member of the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) benefitted from the faction like Saraki yet the senate president has allegedly been disloyal to the APC.

“He (Saraki) has benefited more than any single new PDP person and he seems to be the arrow head of this resistance of betrayal,” he said.

“I told you that the nPDP is fake. I told you these are the people who have got felony that they are hiding from and that want to use their positions in the party and national assembly as a veil to hide from the felonies they have committed.

“And the whole thing they are fighting for is not for service to Nigeria but service to their interests. I did tell you that they are staying in APC to cause more maximum possible damage. I made that clear here. I have been proven right. I told you about the noise that they are talking about that they wanted to stay and work with the family of APC but they are just trying to create the type of impression that they had a raw deal.”

Asked if the splinter group constitute any threat to the party in 2019, he said: “The issue of threat doesn’t arise. I don’t feel it in my body. I have been in politics, if I am modest, may at least be forty years. I have contested elections and never lost.

“I have operated at the local government level; I have operated at national assembly level; I have been governor in this country; I have been secretary of the board of trustees of PDP and I am a second term senator today. I have seen enough in Nigeria’s politics far and from what I have seen the indicators are we are dealing with 419ners, I call them 419ners; I don’t hide it.

“How many of them can go to their constituency? I don’t call them Abuja politicians because they don’t deserve that accolade. These are just 419. These are guys who go from place to place. The truth is that if Saraki and the rest of them genuinely feel aggrieved and want to go, out let them go out there.

“Three weeks after the convention, we are hearing that some riff-raff have formed something called RAPC.”

Yusuph Olaniyonu, spokesman of the senate president, could not be reached for comments when this report was filed as his telephone line was out of reach.

‘Your Political death is sure’ – Buhari’s aide, Onochie attacks Shehu Sani

The Special Assistant on Social media to President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie has attacked Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani over his recent statement criticising Buhari’s adminstration.

Shehu Sani had tweeted “We the persecuted are on Exodus, riding on horses, chariots and caravans, departing Pharaoh’s Egypt; we are now at the coast of the Red Sea, about to leave the land of cruelty and injustice.”

Responding to his tweet, Onochie said Buhari was for the poor, warning Sani of impending political death.

She tweeted “Those Buhari stand for have no horses, nor chariots, nor Caravans.

“They are the poor, the weak and the vulnerable. You rode on their backs to the National Assembly.

“All they have are their PVCs and they will stand with @MBuhari. Your political death is sure as you roam aimlessly in the wilderness.”

Nigerians react to alleged assassination attempt on Gov. Fayose

 

The Governor had alleged that the entrance to the Ekiti State Government House was blocked by the Nigeria Mobile Policemen who were shooting guns sporadically in the area.

Fayose further alleged that the armed policemen were sponsored by the APC-led Federal Government to prevent the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from wining the Saturday’s gubernatorial election.

His words, “Heavy shooting now going on in front of Ekiti Govt house by armed policemen brought by the APC.

“This is the entrance to Ekiti Govt House now blocked by gun wielding mobile policemen. The plan is to prevent our victory walk slated for today but we will remain undeterred. Power of God and the people will prevail over Federal Power.”

Fayose was said to have been rushed to a clinic in the state capital after he collapsed after inhaling police teargas.

Here is how Nigerians reacted:

@thinkright9ja, “So sorry about your loss, it’s sad that over 49 people died and there’s no form of sympathy from the presidency, Ekiti state elections was more important to the president.”

@DemolaRewaju, “I’m not onground in Ado-Ekiti yet but I got this video from a 100% trusted source and it speaks for itself: Security forces shooting live rounds and teargas to intimidate PDP supporters. Towards the bottom left is the entry to the Govt House, by the right is the Ojumose Bridge.”

@lawsbollnews, “No matter how much you hate the PDP or Governor Fayose, if you have no atom of concern or find humor in what just happened this afternoon, you should really have yourself checked. This is beyond barbaric shame.”

@lawsbollnews “No amount of intimidating we won’t stop. See the love people have for Fayose. We stand and stay strong.”

@Angelgabbyshara “In 2014 When PDP was in the helms of affairs in the federal government, when nothing was threatening the peace of the state he was wearing Bullet proof everywhere In 2018, @GovAyoFayose wants to score cheap Goals,he didn’t wear bullet proof.”

@leespanyol, “They came with guns, they’ve been their before the start of the rally but immediately @GovAyoFayose came to start they started shooting sporadically and tear gassing us, many have been injured already, is this democracy? This is dictatorship, and it won’t work in Ekiti.”

@MrTomide, “Ongoing gunshots from officers of the @PoliceNG and other security agents in Ado-Ekiti as they aim to prevent PDP supporters from staging a Victory walk. Campaigns are not over yet,why are security agents preventing a party activity?”

@TZekeri, “If APC wins. Fayose: They rigged the election, they used thugs, police, DSS&Army to rig election. If PDP wins. Fayose: we don show them pepe! By 2019, we are still going to do it again! APC and Buhari must go!”

@CHYCHYCHUKWU, “Gov Fayose, a few minutes ago escaped plot to assassinate him by Fayemi and APC. The gov is currently receiving treatment at govt house clinic after he was hit by teargas canister fired by the police Armed policemen are still laying siege at the Govt House, Ekiti State.”

@ogundamisi, “@GovAyoFayose aka Peter the Rock, Osokomole Irunmole ton je buredi Weeps, say’s ‘I am in Pain I can’t take it anymore. Spotting a neck collar from inhaling tear gas.”

Ex-NYSC director says Kemi Adeosun’s exemption certificate is fake

A retired Director of Mobilisation at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Anthony Ani, has given reasons the purported ‘Certificate of Exemption’ owned by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, is not genuine and “wouldn’t have emanated from the NYSC”.

Adeosun was alleged to have skipped the mandatory NYSC year and went ahead to procure a certificate to cover her tracks.

She is yet to respond to the allegations since they became public last weekend.

Ani, who appeared on Channels Television’s breakfast show, Sunrise Daily, said the certificate had footprints of a fake NYSC certificate.

He insisted that there was no way NYSC would issue Certificate of Exemption to anyone who graduated before 30 years.

“You don’t apply for either NYSC certificate or NYSC certificate of national service or certificate of exemption, you present yourself for mobilisation. The system will determine whether you are to be exempted or you are not to be exempted,” Ani said.

Answering another question, he insisted that “[by] the NYSC procedure, you don’t apply for exemption and expect a certificate. You make yourself available [for mobilisation], when you are mobilised, those who are to be exempted are exempted and those who are to be deployed are deployed.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung has summoned the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Suleiman Kazaure, over the controversy trailing the authenticity of the Exemption Certificate tendered by Kemi Adeosun.

Dalung explained that the summon was for Kazaure to brief him over the on-going investigation into the allegation of certificate forgery against the Finance Minister.

Dalung noted that it was puerile for the Federal Government to speak or act on the allegation without having a proper grasp of the facts of the matter.

He told reporters in Abuja yesterday: “Adeosun’s alleged certificate forgery? I just invited the DG of NYSC. I will listen to him on what exactly is going on the matter.

“Since, the exemption certificate saga began, I have not been around. So, I am not in the true picture of what is actually going on. I can’t make a statement yet.

“If NYSC is truly investigating the matter, the DG will tell me. Only, then can the federal government take a stand and issue a statement. Since, I have not been briefed, it will be immature to say anything.”

15-year old Teenager Makes Straight A’s In His WAEC

A 15-year old boy identified as Okorogheye David  has gotten social media talking with his result at the 2018 WAEC and Jamb examinations. He made straight A’s in his WAEC and made 332 in Jamb.

Certifcate Forgery: PDP Warns NYSC Against Cover Up In Kemi Adeosun Scandal

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against covering up the NYSC certificate forgery case against Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, with a purported investigation.

This call is coming from PDP on the heels of allegations that Mrs. Adeosun did not participate in the mandatory one-year national youth service scheme, and instead, forged an exemption certificate many years after graduation.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said a simple process of matching the serial numbering, date and authorising signature on Mrs. Adeosun’s certificate does not require a lengthy investigation or the current “shenanigan” going on at the NYSC headquarters.

“It is instructive for NYSC to note that all issues in the news report that Mrs. Adeosun forged her NYSC Exemption Certificate as well as reports that the Presidency is mounting pressure on NYSC to cover up for the minister are already in the public domain.”

He said Nigerians are closely monitoring this issue and the public is already aware of pressure on the NYSC leadership to announce a misplacement of relevant files and other excuses to achieve a dead end in the investigation.

“The NYSC must therefore know that its reputation is highly at stake as Nigerians are already agitated over the questionable delay by the Corps in coming out with an answer on a direct issue that requires a simple computer or even manual file check at its headquarters.”

“NYSC is advised to have in mind that in this age of global Information Communication Technology (ICT), there is nothing anybody can do to suppress or distort facts, even in the public service.”

“Any attempt to cover up will invoke the wrath of Nigerians and irredeemably rubbish the integrity and respect the Corps has earned over the years.”

“The NYSC must therefore not allow its reputation to be dragged in the mud by the discredited All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration that has become notorious for concealment of fraud and sharp practices by its officials.”

It would be recalled that NYSC had in a statement by its director of public relations, Adenike Adeyemi, said the service will “investigate the origin of the purported Exemption Certificate in question”. .

 

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex In Roland Mouret & Givenchy – Ireland Visit

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex stuns in two new look (July 11) in Ireland during her visit with her husband Prince Harry.

Meeting Ireland’s President: Her first look was a taupe Roland Mouret bespoke ‘Clover’ dress which she styled with a Fendi ‘Peekaboo’ black bag and black Paul Andrew pumps. 

''How can you campaign for re-election when you have failed terribly'' Chude Jideowno chides President Buhari, Osinbajo

he shared this on his Facebook page.

WhatsApp will now let Users know when a contact sends you a forwarded message

WhatsApp has officially introduced the ‘forward message indicator’ in chats to make it clear when a user has received a forwarded message.

The new feature announcement was made in a WhatsApp blog post.

The WhatsApp feature indicates which messages have been forwarded to you upon receipt, will also help make one-on-one and group chats easier to follow. It helps you determine if your friend or relative wrote the message they sent or if it originally came from someone else.

To see this new forwarded label, you need to have the latest supported version of WhatsApp on your phone.

The feature is one of a number of changes WhatsApp is making to improve group discussions and address the challenge of viral content and the spread of false news.

Former President Jonathan & Wife, Patience Visit Fani-Kayode’s Triplets (Photos)

Former president Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience visited former aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode’s triplets Ragnar, Aiden and Liam, in their Abuja home yesterday.

FFK shared photos from the visit and wrote;

“It was an honor and privilage for Precious and I to receive President Goodluck Jonathanand First Lady Peace Jonathanin our Abuja home yesterday.They came to see our three beautiful boys, Ragnar, Aiden and Liam and older brother Aragorn.May God bless them for this kind gesture!”

Soccer Star, Didier Drogba To Collaborate With Wizkid

London based, Ivorian Afrobeats act, Afro B, featured Wizkid on the remix of his song Joanna. This remix is titled Drogba. It was named after Ivorian soccer legend, Didier Drogba who is now set to appear in the video.

The soccer star shares a connection with the song – the song is named after him and it is believed that his brilliant displays on the soccer field inspired the song. The song itself is about a hard-to-get lady whose neat rejections of the singers’ advances is metaphorically compared to Didier Drogba’s skillful displays on the soccer field, particularly in the line, “how you gonna do me like Drogba o, Drogba o Ooooo.”

The whole talk about Didier Drogba appearing in the song’s video started on Twitter after a fan suggested that having the soccer star and Wizkid in the video would do justice to the song. He wrote, “honestly, if you could get Drogba and Wizkid in a video that would be an excellent finish.”

In response to the tweet, Didier Drogba announced his interest in appearing in the video. He tweeted at the two artistes – Afro B & Wizkid, seeking their thoughts on his proposal and interestingly, Wizkid seemingly accepted the proposal with a response that read, “Yes, yes!!”

See picture below.

"Stop sending me di**K pictures" - TBoss

The former Big Brother Naija housemate, Tboss, has warned men to stop sending her pictures of their private parts on Instagram.

She shared this on her Instastory, appealing to men sliding into her DM.

Senate disagree over PDP, R-APC coalition against Buhari

Some federal lawmakers have disagreed over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) against President Muhammadu Buhari by the PDP, R-APC, and other political parties ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Senator Philip Gyunka on Tuesday described the alliance as “a welcome development”.

Gyunka in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria said: “The people are tired of the government of the day. I am very optimistic that this coalition will endure; after all, it is the same coalition that brought the current government into power in 2015.

“I believe that come 2019 power will change hands. The APC came preaching change but we have not seen any change.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the real change will happen in 2019 by the grace of God.”

On concerns that the PDP was defeated in 2015 on account of impunity and corruption and may not gain the confidence of the people in 2019, the lawmaker said the party had learnt from its mistakes.

Gyunka added: “We have learnt from our mistakes and we are ready to make amends where we failed.

“We are ready to sit at a roundtable to discuss issues to ensure that there is no imposition of candidates because we have learnt a lot from our past.

“Talking of impunity and corruption, this government is not immune from it; unfortunately they shy away from constructive criticisms.

“God predestines people to power and he whom God pre-destines he calls.”

But, Gyunka’s colleague, Senator Abu Ibrahim, described the coalition as “laughable” and said that APC would not be bothered about it.

He said: “If you take individuals, not more than two or three matter and may have impact in their states.

“They cannot win any election without Buhari. I do not want to mention names but majority of them will not win elections by themselves.

“Some of them matter in their states but they are not more than four out of this jamboree.

“For Buba Galadima, has he ever won an election? He was the longest parasite that hung to Buhari because he couldn’t deliver anything.

“I have been with them for the past 15 years, so I know them and their antics. Can he win his ward in Yobe? They do not even know him there.

“He is only an Abuja politician and in Abuja, he has no constituency except the constituency of the mouth.”

He added that the APC was not afraid of the large number of parties coming together, adding that many of them did not have members.

He said: “Of all those parties, tell me the one that has members. It is only R-APC that we may lose one governor to and three or four senators that is all.”
Ibrahim expressed optimism that the APC would win the 2019 elections, adding that most of the parties forming coalition did not have structure.

Gov Okowa’s younger brother allegedly slaps SSG, Agas over untreated files

Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG), Mr Festus Ovie Agas was allegedly slapped by the younger brother to the State Governor, Mr Tony Okowa.
It was gathered that the governor’s younger brother had last Thursday stormed the office of the SSG over untreated files.

Sources at the office said Tony Okowa, chairman Delta State Sports Commission had gone to the SSG’s office to demand why he (SSG) had not treated the files he considered to be very urgent.

But apparently angered by the SSG’s alleged responses that the files were not urgent to him, Okowa in the process allegedly closed in on him (SSG) and slapped him.
Attempt by the Delta State Government to deny, and sweep the incident under the carpet failed as it has continued to generate reactions from critical stakeholders in the state, particularly those considered to be loyal to the SSG.

Eyewitnesses who did not want their names in the print revealed that, “Tony Okowa, stormed the office in anger. We were in the office when we heard him shouting on why his files were not treated with the urgency that it required. All attempts by the SSG to explain met a brick wall as both of them were shouting, the next thing we heard was slaps on the face of SSG. If not for our intervention, Tony Okowa would have used chairs and other objects to break his head. We were shocked when we started hearing the heated argument from the SSG’s office. Thank God we moved into the office”.

But the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Barr. Fred Oghenesivbe in a swift reaction, denied the incident, adding: “It is certainly not true that the SSG, Agas fought with Tony Okowa, that was a complete falsehood and a black propaganda”.

But speaking, Tony Okowa said: “I went to see the SSG actually over some official matters, and he asked me to wait, but I over waited. Frankly speaking, I was not happy for waiting for so long, and didn’t get to fix the pressing official matter that took me to his office, I expressed my displeasure, and I left the SSG’s office, I expected a better reception, and attention which was not forthcoming, that is all I can say”.

Efforts to speak with the SSG, Mr Festus Ovie Agas proved abortive as repeated calls to him were not picked while SMS sent to his telephone line was also ignored.
A staff in his office who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “Tony Okowa slapped Oga, and he warned us not to say it to the press.”

Also speaking, the President General of the Urhobo Progress Union, (UPU), Chief Joe Omene said “slapping of Agas by the Governor’s younger brother, Tony Okowa confirmed my earlier claim that the Urhobos in Okowa’s government are nothing more than errand boys. This serves Agas right for betraying the Urhobo nation in 2015 election. Those who played major roles to undermine the Urhobo nation politically in 2015 will all meet their Waterloo.”

Presidency reacts to Ngige’s ‘campaign’ for Fayose

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reacted to Chris Ngige’s campaign for the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Recall

 that, Ngige mistakenly urged people of the state to vote for Fayose, on Saturday, instead of the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kayode Fayemi.

The Minister said this during the grand finale of APC governorship rally in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Reacting to Ngige’s remark, Dabiri-Erewa claimed that the former Anambra Governor mixed up Fayose and Fayemi’s names, because they both start with ‘Fay’.

“The two names start with “FAY”. He immediately corrected himself. Anyone can make that mistake,” she tweeted.
I
The Ekiti governorship elections hold this Saturday, July 14.

Why I attempted suicide by jumping into Lagos Lagoon - rescued LASU student

A 200-level Material Science Engineering student of the Kwara State University, Oluwadara Adedayo has narrated why he jumped off the Cele-Okota Bridge in Lagos State.

It was gathered that Adedayo jumped off the bridge after he was allegedly chased to the Bridge by some armed policemen attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Lagos State Police Command.

Adedayo was heading towards the Yaba area of the state last Monday when he was accosted by the operatives at Cele bus stop.

It was gathered that the cops, after stopping the 24-year-old, decided to check a mobile phone and a modem found on him.

He said the operatives thereafter ordered him into their bus, but he resisted the order as they did not tell him what his offence was.

Explaining the incident, he told Punch, “They ordered me to enter the bus they brought and I refused. I demanded to know what I did to warrant me entering their bus but they did not say anything, only for them to bundle me inside the bus.

“I saw an opportunity to escape from the bus and I did. I jumped out of the bus because of my past experience with policemen. A few months ago, some policemen accosted me at Durba (Lagos) and accused me of being an Internet fraudster without any evidence against me.

“They took me to First Avenue, FESTAC Town, and collected the only N2,000 on me before I was released. I suffered before I got home that day.

“When I stopped. The policeman quickly parked his motorcycle and pointed his gun at me, threatening to shoot me. Out of fear, I jumped off the bridge.

“I became unconscious after landing, then the policeman and his colleagues immediately fled the scene.

“I was then rushed to the General Hospital, Isolo by good samaritans from where I was transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.

“I have not reported the incident in any police station because I have just been discharged from the hospital,” he added.