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  • FG to resume Third Mainland Bridge repairs

    FG to resume Third Mainland Bridge repairs

    The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, on Monday said consultations were on for another phase of repair works to begin on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    Popoola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the consultations were towards evolving perfect traffic management architecture.

    “We want to do maintenance work on Third Mainland Bridge very soon. Most likely on the 24th. We may close it from 24th of July.

    “We are still working out the modalities and when we perfect the traffic management plan we will move to site.

    “Everything being expected for the repairs of the bridge arrived the country that is why we want to start the repairs now,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the bridge which has gone through series of rehabilitation works was last shut in August 2018 for a three days investigative maintenance check.

    Thereafter, some components needed for completion of repairs were sourced abroad because they were not available locally.

    The 11.8km Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.

    The bridge starts from Oworonshoki which is linked to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.

    It was constructed in 1990 and was the longest in Africa until 1996 when The 6th October Bridge in Cairo was completed.

  • Zamfara gets 780 additional police to fight bandits

    Zamfara gets 780 additional police to fight bandits

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara said the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, has approved the deployment of 780 personnel to the state curb banditry.

    Mr Yusuf Idris, the Director-General of Media, Public Enlightenment and Communications to the governor, said this in a statement on Monday in Gusau.

    Idris said that Matawalle got the approval when he paid a visit to the police boss, at the Force Headquarters on Friday.

    He said that the personnel would be drawn from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorists Unit (CTU), Special Forces and various other squads.

    Idris said that they would join other security agents in the final march to clear remnants of bandits from the state.

    The police deployment is coming on the heels of the ongoing special army operations taking place in the state.

    The operation would be led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, alongside principal officers of the Nigerian Army.

    Idris, however, said the governor’s policy of carrot and stick approach to banditry would remain open for those wishing to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

    He quoted the governor as thanking the Federal Government and its agencies for their efforts to end the menace in the state.

  • It will be disastrous if I don’t seek peace with bandits, kidnappers – Matawalle

    It will be disastrous if I don’t seek peace with bandits, kidnappers – Matawalle

    Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle has opined that it would have been very disastrous if his government refused to negotiate with bandits, saying that he has no regrets negotiating with bandits and notorious kidnappers in the state.

    This was contained in a press statement on Sunday signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Alhaji Zailani Baffa, who quoted Governor Bello Matawalle as saying that
    “It is the best option to a lasting peace. Reconciliation with the bandits is still the best option.”

    The Governor’s spokesman observed that despite the heavy presence of the military and relentless offensives against the bandits, the wanton killings and maiming by bandits were still increasing.

    “However, our honesty and focus on the reconciliation deal saw the near total drop in bandit attacks which allowed our roads, markets, schools and farms to be reopened, ” he said.

    Zailani noted that as a result of the reconciliation with the bandits by his administration, over one thousand persons were released by the ex-bandits and weapons willingly surrendered.

    “Matawalle applied the peace accord as a means of honest solution to the of constant banditry and kidnappings problems in Zamfara State and the peace accord has yielded tremendous result that has never been experienced in the last one year,” he said.

  • Ghana: ETI to Focus On Ensuring Return On Equity – -Group Chairman

    Ghana: ETI to Focus On Ensuring Return On Equity – -Group Chairman

    Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (“ETI”), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African bank with banking operations in 33 countries, concluded its 32nd annual general meeting and extraordinary general meeting in Lagos, Nigeria.

    For the first time in the history of ETI and in line with preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, attendance at the General Meetings was mainly by proxies in accordance with the Articles of Association of the company.

    Ecobank Group Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh speaking at the event said “We are in the final lap of our five-year ‘Roadmap to Leadership’, having laid and achieved much improved business and operational foundations, leadership in digital products with scalability, strong corporate governance and continued expense discipline. We continue to focus on making substantial strides towards ensuring a return on equity above the cost of capital across the Group despite the challenging economic conditions especially with the COVID-19, whilst also maintaining our commitment to driving economic development and financial integration across Africa.”

  • Neimeth, FRSC Join Force To Reduce COVID-19 Mortality Rate

    Neimeth, FRSC Join Force To Reduce COVID-19 Mortality Rate

    To reduce Covid-19 mortality rate in Nigeria, Lagos and Ogun state to be precise, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, has joined force in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Zone 2 Lagos.

    Addressing journalists and other attendants during the Media Launch and Public Presentation of FRSC Covid-19 Public Enlightenment Kiosks, recently in Lagos , in his presented speech, Chief Executive Officer, Neimeth, Pharm. Mattew Azoji, noted partnering with FRSC is to take the campaign against deadly Covid-19 to the grassroots across Lagos and Ogun state.

    He said it’s awful that some Nigerians are yet to believe the existence of Covid-19, as the presented Kiosks will take the campaign to the citizens and preventive measures as directed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    He said : “Today, on behalf of the board, management and staff of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc., I wish to commend the Federal Road Safety Corps Lagos Zone 2 for this excellent initiative of the provision of COVID-19 public Enlightenment kiosks. Beyond this, this pannership is historical on the FRSC Zone 2 Lagos is the first federal government establishment organisation we are partnering with on COVID-19. FRSC Zone 2 Lagos COVID-l9 Enlightenment kiosks is a worthy campaign as it seeks to improve the quality of life of our citizens in this era of COVI9-l9 pandemic as we are all witnessing, We are Proud of FRSC Zone 2 Lagos and are tremendously excited to be in partnership with you in a worthy cause such as this.

    “The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that us of antiseptic/disinfectant, including soaps, are potent against use of Coronavirus. With regular antiseptic use, disease spread can be curtailed or prevented even at periods when water may not be available through the use of hand sanitizers. Considering the over-crowded nature of different areas of our society as potential venues for spread of diseases and infections, appropriate steps and care must be taken to forestall the possibility of such diseases or infections spreading. This is what makes the FRSC partnership campaign through the provision of public enlightenment kiosks, a worthy objective. Antiseptics or Disinfectants are more or less used to promote personal and Environmental hygiene.

    “Our use of NCP liquid and Hand Sanitizers for this Partnership is very apt. NCP will help to promote NCDC’s recommendation of maintenance of regular Personal and Environmental Hygiene as an effective Way to prevent contracting diseases and infections including COVID-19. Based on this same recommendation,NCP can be used to sanitize hands in the absence of water used to clean and disinfect surfaces in the home or office, and above all, maintain persona| and environmental hygiene”.

    In reciprocation, the Deputy Corps Commander (Administration and Human Resources) FRSC Zone RS2HQ Lagos, Innocent Etuk, commended Neimeth for the partnership against Covid-19.

    He said the corps will at the course of discharging their duties will also spread the gospel of preventions against deadly Covid-19 with encrypt messages on presented kiosks and distribution of fliers.

    “Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC has a vision: To eradicate Road Traffic Crashes, (RTC) and create a safe motoring environment in Nigeria with a mission: To regulate, enforce and coordinate all traffic and safety management activities through: sustained public enlightenment, prompt rescue services, promotion of stakeholders’ cooperation among others. In view of the fore going, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the narrative at the world stage, with over 9 million people infected and over 480 thousand deaths globally.

    “It is on this note that FRSC in partnership with Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc., came up with a medium of reducing the number of lives lost daily to RTCs and the Covid-19 which is advocacy and public enlightenment on the importance of good health, hygiene, social distancing and use of face masks especially to the motoring public in order to stay alive.

    “To this end, we want to thank the Management of Neimeth International pharmaceuticals Plc. for deeming it fit to partner with FRSC To curb The Spread of COVID19 by the provision of kiosks and flyers for our’ advocacy and public enlightenment.

    “On behalf of The Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone RS2HQ Lagos, ACM Samuel A Obayemi, we welcome you and appreciate your kind gesture” he said.

  • Witness absence stalls Fayose’s N2.2bn fraud trial

    Witness absence stalls Fayose’s N2.2bn fraud trial

    The N2.2bn fraud trial of a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and a firm, Spotless Investment Limited, was stalled on Monday over the inability of the prosecution to bring its witness to court.

    The prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos that a relative of the witness scheduled to come had been admitted into a COVID-19 isolation centre.

    Jacobs urged the judge to consequently adjourn the case.

    The defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), said he had no objection to the request for an adjournment.

    Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till October 20, 2020.

    In the charges, the EFCC alleged, among other things, that Fayose, on June 17, 2014, “took possession of the sum of N1, 219, 000,000 to fund your 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti State, which you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

  • Some African Currencies Hurt Less Than Others by Liquidity Surge

    Some African Currencies Hurt Less Than Others by Liquidity Surge

    Bloomberg) —

    Traders are betting on smaller average depreciation for six major African currencies compared with March, as the wall of global monetary and fiscal stimulus provides a backstop for riskier assets. But the outlook is uneven: the spread between 12-month forwards and one-month contracts suggests sizable depreciation in Nigeria, Zambia and Ghana. Currencies in Kenya, Egypt and South African are seen as more stable over the next year.

    ©2020 Bloomberg L.P.

  • EFCC Receives Petition To Investigate Katsina Governor, Masari, Secretary, Other Government Officials In Over N300bn Fraud

    Apetition has been written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission calling for the investigation of Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State; Secretary to the State Government, Mustapha Muhammed Inuwa; Commissioner for Local Government and some other government officials in over N300bn financial misappropriation.

    The petition was also used to urge the anti-graft agency to investigate unlawful cash withdrawal, stealing and diversion of over 340 new vehicles belonging to 34 local government and as well as the illegal and unlawful approval and release of N500m to the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress for the party’s June national convention.

    The financial misappropriation was alleged to have been carried out between 2015 and 2018 in contravention of extant rules and financial regulations and constitutions of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    In a breakdown of the financial misappropriation by the state government, some of the funds were embezzled under fictitious project and pilgrimage. Governor of Katsina state, Aminu Bello Masari

    In 2015, N17.8m was issued for polio eradication; N121.5m for pilgrimage in two tranches; N21.9m for the permanent secretary in four tranches while N273.7m was released as transfer for MLG.

    Aside from the governor, secretary and commissioner, other government officials indicted in the scandal include 34 local government council directors of admin and finance, accountant-general, deputy accountant general, permanent secretary (local government and chieftaincy affairs), permanent secretary ministry of finance.

    Others indicted are permanent secretary government house, chairman state internal revenue board, O. M. housing authority, director of finance (department of Sure P.) and director security (SSG office).

    The petitioner highlighted some of the corruption as, “Award of N2.8bn contract in June 2015 for procurement of fertilizer without budgetary provision, tenders board or executive council approval clearly over and above governor’s limit.

    “unlawful and illegal release and diversion of non-appropriated sum of N589m, which was withdrawn in cash by one Kabir Faskari (Kebram) on the pretext of doing Ramadan feeding.

    “The unlawful and illegal withdrawal of N150m and diversion of same from local government accounts at N15m per local government in June 2015.

    “Unlawful cash withdrawal of over N3bn from Sure P accounts with Access Bank and other banks.

    “Unlawful cash withdrawal, payments, and direct breach of public trust by Governor Aminu Bello Masari from the state board of Internal Revenue Service.”

    Other financial misappropriations levelled against the governor and his cabinet members include renting of Army of Karama House for N750m per annum and renovation of same at N250m and the looting and outright stealing of N3.6bn cash in 2016 by Governor Masari, Inuwa and officials of the Ministry of Finance from the security escrow account.

  • Nigerians face US charges over online fraud worth ‘hundreds of millions’

    Nigerians face US charges over online fraud worth ‘hundreds of millions’

    US law enforcement is cracking down on a pair of alleged online fraudsters that appear to have been wildly successful. The United Arab Emirates has sent the US two Nigerian nationals, Ramon Olorunwa Abbas and Olakean Jacob Ponle, to face charges relating to large “business email compromise” scams. Abbas is accused of money laundering in schemes meant to pull in “hundreds of millions of dollars,” according to the Justice Department. He reportedly helped with a plan to launder $14.7 million stolen from a “foreign financial institution,” helped take nearly $923,000 from a New York law firm and was even involved in a plot to steal roughly $124 million from an English Premier League club.

    Ponle, meanwhile, allegedly participated in several 2019 fraud campaigns that were worth “tens of millions of dollars,” including one Chicago-based company that sen a total of $15.2 million. According to the claim, Ponle had victims wire funds to money mules who converted the gains to Bitcoin and sent them to a digital wallet the mastermind controlled.

    Both Abbas and Ponle could serve up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

    US attorney Nick Hanna saw the move as evidence the US could hold online fraud perpetrators responsible “no matter where they live.” However, this is is also an illustration of how difficult it is to halt internet scams. American officials have been identifying foreign fraud campaigns for years, and they only sometimes lead to arrests. Although these moves could send a message to scammers who think they can escape without penalty, they might not serve as practical deterrents.

  • Imo govt releases names of eight beneficiaries of N330m pension scam

    Imo govt releases names of eight beneficiaries of N330m pension scam

    The Imo State government on Saturday released its findings on the pension fraud in the state.

    The state government had in April set up a panel to investigate the alleged fraud in the pension system including the payment of N330 million to eight persons in the state.

    The state governor, Hope Uzodinma spoke on the findings during a meeting with the leadership of the state chapters of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) held at the Government House in Owerri.

    Uzodinma said the state government discovered that over 1,000 persons who retired from the state civil service were still receiving pensions more than 44 years after they left the service.

    He also listed the eight beneficiaries of the payment scam as follows:

    READ ALSO: Group gives President Buhari 7 days ultimatum to reverse fuel price hike

    Ajokubi H. A. (N65, 685, 491. 00), Njoku Damian (N 5,042,439.58), Obasi Canice (N 3, 460, 366.64), Anyanwu F. N. (N 150, 336. 00), Emenalo Theresa (N 3,058, 592.00), John Sunday (N 2,320624. 00), Ajaegbo E. O. (N2, 298,910.34) and Ekedere Eunice (N 32,490, 016. 00).

    He said: “The highlight of the fraud was that eight persons, who the governor named, were earning N330m annually as a pension, one of them late.

    “While a retired judge, was earning N300,000 monthly above what was due to him as pension and a late SSG to the government was still earning pension, many years after his death.

    “So many irregularities had marred the pension system forcing us to investigate further into the payroll of retired workers where it was discovered that over 1,000 pensioners who retired in 1976 were still receiving a pension, wondering how many people aged 104 were still alive.

    “Overinflated pensions were paid to numerous pensioners which on the investigation was not consistent with their last payslips or basic salaries as stipulated by the pensions act.”

  • COVID-19: Benue SSG, COS, 32 others test positive

    COVID-19: Benue SSG, COS, 32 others test positive

    COVID-19: Benue SSG, COS, 32 others test positiv
    Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue said the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Tony Ijohor and Chief of Staff, Mr Terwase Orbunde have tested positive to COVID-19.

    The governor disclosed this on Saturday while briefing newsmen in Makurdi.
    He further said that the State Head of Service, Mrs Veronica Onyeke also tested positive to the virus, alongside the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Benue State University, Makurdi, Prof. Godwin Achinge.

    “It is no longer news that my wife, one of my sons and staff tested positive to the virus too.

    “The test was carried out about a week ago. When the result came out 35 persons in the state tested positive to the virus.

    “My test result came out negative. But the medical officers said that another test will be carried out on me after three days.

    “So, after this interaction I will isolate myself. I will be in isolation until I have clearance from the medical officers.

    “COVID-19 is real and I enjoin my people to take the preventive measures seriously. I want my people to be alive and free from the disease.

    “We have to stop the spread of the disease by maintaining all the COVID-19 protocols,” he said.

    The governor also urged Benue people to avail themselves for testing, stressing that the earlier the disease is detected the better.
    “Even if one who tests positive to the disease has underlining ailments and the virus is detected early enough it will not kill the person.

    “I want to repeat what my wife said in her statement that COVID-19 is not a death sentence. A lot of persons that tested positive have been treated and discharged.”

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  • BREAKING: Ebonyi NUJ chairman arrested

    BREAKING: Ebonyi NUJ chairman arrested

    Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

    The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Ebonyi State chapter, Comrade Tony Nwizi, has been reportedly arrested by the Police.

    Details of his arrest, which are still sketchy at the time of this report, indicated that he was allegedly arrested following directives issued by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

    But reacting to the arrest, Police spokesperson in the state, Loveth Odah explained that she cannot precisely say the location of the Policemen who arrested Nwizi.

    READ ALSO: Breaking Fayose Tambuwal Wike Appointed into PDP Edo Guber Council [Full List]

    “I know some policemen came into Ebonyi yesterday from Anti-Kidnaping Unit of Lagos State Police Command. They wanted their papers to be signed, so that they can effect an arrest

    “We are still on the matter, in order to confirm if he was the one that they came for. The identity of who ever they came for is not usually disclosed.”

    According to a reliable source, Nwizi was arrested based on a petition written by some yet-to-be identified individuals.

    Details shortly..

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  • Breaking Fayose Tambuwal Wike Appointed into PDP Edo Guber Council [Full List]

    Breaking Fayose Tambuwal Wike Appointed into PDP Edo Guber Council [Full List]

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People Democratic Party, PDP, has approved the composition of the Edo State Gubernational National Campaign Council for the upcoming election in the State.

    The membership of the Campaign Council is as follows:-

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  • Group gives President Buhari 7 days ultimatum to reverse fuel price hike

    Group gives President Buhari 7 days ultimatum to reverse fuel price hike

    Nigeria Citizen Action Group, NCAG, has issued a 7-day ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to reverse the increase of fuel pump price from N143.8 to N123 per liter commencing from Saturday.

    The group warned that it would mobilize Nigerian youths in mass to shut down NNPC and PPPRA headquarters simultaneously if President Buhari refuses to reverse the pump.

    The ultimatum was given in a joint statement issued by Isah Abubakar, Mohammed Salihu Danlami and Engr Salahudeen A Lukman, President, Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, Speaker, Arewa Youth Assembly and Co-Convener, Intellectual Young Leaders Network, in Kaduna on Saturday and made available to DAILY POST.

    READ ALSO:  EBREAKING: Governor Umahi of Ebonyi tests positive for COVID-19

    “It’s so ugly and very disheartening, following the current economic reality with hardship, pain, hunger and insecurity that President Buhari led Presidency have inflicted on all Nigerians, its completely an act of irresponsibility and insensitivity for the federal government to increase the PMS Pump price at this very critical trying time in the country and globe.

    “Nigerians will not tolerate this continued extortive tendencies of APC/President Buhari-led Federal government anymore, the pump prices were increased from N87 to N145 yet Nigerian never complained out of faith, with the current crude oil price in the international market, Nigerians should not buy fuel above N70 per liter but the federal government pegged the PMS price at N123 and Nigeria accepted despite it being unjust.”

    READ ALSO: PDP disowns COVID- 19 fund in name of party, Funsho Williams

    The statement explained that the fact remains that the incumbent government under President Buhari has lost touch with reality and connection with basic human pain and suffering in the country.

    “President Buhari must learn how to step down and listen to the masses as well consider the critical pain Nigerians are passing through on a daily basis with the current hiked pump price for PMS, Nigeria will witness high rate of crime and commodity price hike,” the statement noted.

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  • PDP disowns COVID- 19 fund in name of party, Funsho Williams

    PDP disowns COVID- 19 fund in name of party, Funsho Williams

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State chapter, has disassociated itself from a purported COVID-19 Fund raised in the name of the party and its late stalwart, Engineer Funsho Williams. 
    The party said the fund is the handiwork of those it called “disingenuous persons and groups acting in conjunction with some of members and chieftains of the PDP to tarnish the image of the party and extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.”
    Taofik Gani, Publicity Secretary of the party in the state,  in a statement on Saturday, said the PDP did not approve such fund and vowed that the party will unmask and sanction those behind the illicit act.
    He said, “The person or persons behind the acts will be exposed and reported to law enforcement agencies for appropriate actions. We so revere the late Funsho Williams, we continue to demand the report and arrest of his killers. We condemn and dissociate from ongoing so-called palliative contributions attached to the Party because the party has never at any time decided such. The persons behind this and other disgraceful actions also being investigated are hiding criminals that will be brought public very soon”
    He said the PDP is a party founded on the ideals of servant-leaders, where leadership positions are reserved for those willing to serve “honestly and selflessly and not merchandise lords.”
    “The offices of the PDP are for servants and not merchandise lords. Anyone who occupies office should not see it as an opportunity to get rich, especially at the expense of cheerful givers in society. It is part of our revolution within our system that scavengers, in whatever disguise, shall never be put in the position of trusts again”, he said.
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  • BREAKING: Governor Umahi of Ebonyi tests positive for COVID-19

    BREAKING: Governor Umahi of Ebonyi tests positive for COVID-19

    The Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi has tested positive for COVID-19.

    The Governor made the announcement in a statement he personally signed.ovid

    According to Channels TV, Umahi said he is asymptotic and has since isolated himself in line with protocols by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    Read also: Breaking: Video of Nigeria Army jubilating over the appointment of new chief of staff

    He also said that some of his close also aides tested positive for the virus after carrying out the coronavirus test.

    Umahi who appealed to residents in the state to take preventive measures directed the Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, to take over the frontline coordination of the state’s fight against the disease.

    He added that he’s working from home and will conduct all meetings virtually.

  • Edo 2020: Atiku congratulates Wike, Fintiri on new appointment

    Edo 2020: Atiku congratulates Wike, Fintiri on new appointment

    Atiku Abubakar has reacted to Governor Wike’s new appointment by the PDP – Ahead of the Edo governorship election scheduled for September, the party appointed Wike as the chairman of the campaign council – In his congratulatory message, Atiku said he was confident Wike and other members of the council will work hard to ensure Governor Obaseki wins the election

    As the Edo state gubernatorial election draws nearer, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has sent a congratulatory message to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on his new appointment.

    Atiku expressed optimism that Wike, Fintiri and other members of the council will do a very good job in making sure the party cruises to victory in the coming election.

    “I am confident that your leadership, supported by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the vice-chairman, and other members of the PDP #Edo2020 Council will work assiduously for the victory of Governor Obaseki, and set Edo State on the path of even greater development,” Atiku’s post on Twitter read. Atiku said he is confident that Wike’s leadership, supported by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri will bring victory to the PDP Source: Twitter Read the tweet below: Many of his followers were not to please with the congratulatory message as they questioned his motive. King Henry wrote: “Shameless post. Wike has muscled these men and made dem boy boy…Just imagine such nonsense from Atiku, no self respect again…Just see where his name even came under, member…God no go shame us ooo.” Replying to Atiku’s tweet, @Chalzameh1 wrote: “All na Wash to make Governor Wike spend the refund wey Buhari give am. Trust Wike, Chishi no go comot… Governor Obaseki will loose from all indications. His Boys said so…” @seun_obalola is wondering if the post is Atiku’s way of patronising Wike to spend Rivers state money on Edo election.

     

  • COVID-19: Jigawa cancels Judges long annual vacation

    COVID-19: Jigawa cancels Judges long annual vacation

    The Jigawa State Judiciary has canceled its long 2019/2020 annual Judges vacation scheduled to start 13th July 2020.

    This was contained in a legal notice No.5 of 2020, signed by the state chief of Judges and Chairman, Judicial Service Commission, Jigawa State Hon. Aminu Sabo Ringim and obtained by DAILY POST.

    He said the decision followed the prolonged stay at home by the Honourable Judges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Sabo explained that looking at the volume of pending cases, the state Judiciary canceled the long vacation to clear its backlogs courts and decongest some correctional facilities.

    The Chief Judge, however, stated the cancellation is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other laws.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria declares ‘state of emergency’ on rape and sexual assault

    “With the power bestowed upon me by the provision of 274 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on that behalf I hereby cancel the long vacation earlier scheduled to commence on the July 13th to September 11 2020”.

  • Falana denies membership of NCF

    Falana denies membership of NCF

    By Adebisi Onanuga

    Activist lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) on Friday said he is not a member of a pressure group named Nigerian Consultative Forum (NCF) recently launched by some notable Nigerians.

    He gave this clarification in a statement in Lagos on Friday titled: “I am not involved in NCF”.

    He said at the appropriate time, he would come before Nigerians to present a new platform which would be predicated upon pro-masses oriented anti-poverty programme.
    He however commended all efforts aimed at creating an alternative platform with the potential of lifting the long suffering people of Nigeria from economic and political stupor.

    He also recognised the fact that some of the promoters of the NCF are people who are motivated by the common good noting that many of them have made profound sacrifices to make Nigeria a better place to live.

    According to him: “In this light I commend what appears to be the genuine motive of the organisers of the National Consultative Forum.

    “However, I observe that my name has been mentioned as one of the pillars behind this initiative.

    “While I appreciate the concern of the leadership of the new group to enlist my support, I wish to say that at no time have I been consulted neither did I attend the meeting where the forum was launched.
    “I appreciate the almost desperate situation progressive Nigerians find themselves in the bid to save Nigeria from what looks like an imminent shipwreck. This might have informed the haste with which many honest and dedicated hands find themselves.

    “This clarification should not be conceived as opposition to all honest efforts designed to rescue Nigeria from the claws of abject poverty and increasing loss of hope.

    “I wish to add that there are several efforts I have been involved lately and I believe there is a growing perspective that all efforts should be harmonised for maximum impact.

    “At the appropriate time, we shall come before Nigerians to present the new platform which would be predicated upon pro-masses oriented anti-poverty programme, and hopefully, the founders of the new initiative will be proud not to be left out.”

  • Nigeria declares ‘state of emergency’ on rape and sexual assault

    Nigeria declares ‘state of emergency’ on rape and sexual assault

    Law enforcement must take further steps to hold abusers accountable

    Triple G: Girls Go for Greatness members from Lagos and Ogun state at the “Guard Against Rape” seminar in Lagos, February 13, 2016, via CEE Hope on Flickr CC BY 4.0.

    In June, Nigeria declared a state of emergency on rape and sexual violence in all 36 Nigerian states.

    Earlier that month, activists from women-led groups marched and sent a memo to Nigeria’s House of Representatives, demanding Nigeria to adopt and properly implement the 2015 Violence Against Prohibition Person’s Act (VAPP).

    This was triggered by brutal rape cases reported in May and June: Barakat Bello was raped and killed in her home; Vera Uwa Omozuwa was killed in her church in Benin City, southern Nigeria; and a 12-year-old girl was raped by 11 men in Jigawa, northern Nigeria.

    Despite this new state of emergency, a culture of rape and impunity persists, making it difficult for victims to hold their abusers accountable. One in four girls and women will experience rape and/or sexual assault before the age of 18, according to the United Nations. However, there are less than 80 total recorded rape convictions in Nigeria.

    VAPP ensures that victims of rape and sexual assault have the right to physical and psychological examinations; Perpetrators found guilty of a sexually motivated crime could face between 14 years and life imprisonment.

    So far, only 17 of Nigeria’s 36 states have adopted VAPP into state laws.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo tweeted:

    A high-profile rape case

    The most recent high-profile rape case involving popular Nigerian musician D’banj, is a chilling reminder that despite the state of emergency, a culture of rape persists.

    On June 3, a woman named Seyitan Babatayo alleged in a since-deleted Twitter thread that artist Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, known as D’Banj, entered her hotel room and raped her.

    Seyitan says she decided to go public with her story because she wanted to call out D’banj out on his hypocrisy after he declared solidarity with the #NoMeansNo campaign.

    D’banj denies these allegations and tweeted:

    On June 23, Seyitan released an official statement through legal representation with Stand To End Rape (STER), detailing the horrific ordeal that followed after she went public:

    According to the statement, Seyitan reported her case to the police on June 6, but officers did not pursue the case. On June 16, however, Seyitan said she was arrested from her apartment without a warrant, by four plainclothed police officers, from her apartment in Lagos. She was detained for 48 hours.

    Around this time, police allegedly gained access to her Twitter account. Her accusatory tweets were deleted and replaced with two new tweets: one withdrawing her claims and the other promoting D’banj’s new music.

    After she released her statement, netizens and lawyers expressed disappointment in the police force. Soon after, the Nigerian Police Force officially subpoenaed D’Banj and opened the case for investigation.

    A state of emergency implies that police are obligated to take rape cases and reports seriously, but women have recounted incidents where the police — both male and female officers — often dismiss these cases, blame the victims or assault their legal representation.

    Speaking out leads to silencing — or arrest

    In Nigeria, women are increasingly turning to protests and social media callouts to hold perpetrators accountable. But these actions can sometimes increase the threat of harm to activists who dare to speak out.

    In 2019, Fakhrriyyah Hashim coined the hashtag #ArewaMeToo, to highlight the gravity of domestic and gender-based violence in northern Nigeria. Arewa is the Hausa word for “north.” While women face a range of dangers throughout patriarchal Nigeria, the dangers of being a woman are magnified in the north, where religion and collectivism are often used as tools for oppression.

    Read more: Women in Nigeria face a caustic landmine of political advocacy online 

    In her tweets, Hashim proclaimed that Abubakar Sadiq Aruwa, the then-special adviser to the governor of Kaduna State, had raped or sexually violated multiple girls and women. Amid the flood of tweets and posts under #ArewaMeToo, Aruwa was one of the highest-profile men named in the northern region:

    Maryam Awaisu, a friend of Hashim, also got involved in the movement, sharing alleged stories of girls and women getting sexually harassed and abused in northern Nigeria, many of whom are minors in secondary school.

    Awaisu, who uses the Twitter name “Ice131Queen,” tweeted:

    In response, Aruwa released a statement through his attorneys claiming that these accusations are “defamatory commentary” on his person and “spurious and unsubstantiated allegations of rape,” from a list of seven Twitter handles mentioned in the letter.

    On February 19, 2019, Awaisu was arrested by the Abuja unit of the Nigerian Special Anti-robbery Squad for her direct involvement in the #ArewaMeToo movement. She was reportedly arrested in direct response to Aruwa’s statement.

    Amnesty International released a statement in Awaisu’s defense, affirming that officers attempted to violate her privacy:

    While arresting Maryam, the police attempted to gain access to her laptop and mobile phone by force; this is clearly an effort to access the sensitive evidence she and other human rights defenders have been gathering to seek justice for victims of sexual violence.

    Awaisu was released the next day after a torrent of tweets and statements from advocacy groups demanding her release.

    Awaisu’s arrest demonstrates a trend in Nigeria of the police favoring people with financial power and social status at the expense of female victims.

    Awaisu said that police reform is critical in a conversation with Global Voices on June 16:

    We’d have to educate the designated law enforcement on what works and what doesn’t since it’s their duty to escalate these issues. There are only so many people activists can reach, so the police need to be taught and they need to be trained.

    Organizations like the Mayafi Initiative now provides legal and social service support in nearly every northern state, making it easier for girls and women to seek help. But law enforcement must take further steps to hold abusers accountable.