Category: Nigerian

  • President Muhammadu Buhari decorates new service Chiefs with new ranks

    President Muhammadu Buhari decorates new service Chiefs with new ranks

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday decorated the new Service Chiefs with their new ranks.

    The ceremony held on the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

    In their new ranks, the Service Chiefs are now General Fortunate Irabor, Chief of Defense Staff; Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Ishiaka Oladayo Amoo, Chief of Air Staff.

    Read Also: Insecurity: We’re tired of excuses from service chiefs, N-East elders lament

    The ceremony was witnessed by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); the Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha; Defense Minister, Major-General Bashir Magashi (Rtd); and the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

    The new service chiefs were accompanied to the State House by their wives and other senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    Recall that the Senate recently confirmed the new Service Chiefs.

  • Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo Clocks 84

    Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo Clocks 84

    Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR (born 5 March 1937) is a Nigerian politician and army leader who served as President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007.

    He was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 1999 to 2015 and again from 2018 onwards, and he is a Nigerian nationalist by ideology.

    Obasanjo was educated primarily in Abeokuta after being born within the village of Ibogun-Olaogun to a farming family of the Yoruba Owu branch.

    He joined the Nigerian Military and specialized in engineering, serving within the Congo, the UK, and India before rising to the rank of general.

    During the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s, he was a key figure in fighting Biafran rebels, welcoming their surrender in 1970.

    In 1975, a military coup installed a junta that included Obasanjo as a member of the governing triumvirate.

    The Supreme Army Council named Obasanjo as head of state after the triumvirate’s chief, Murtala Mohammed, was assassinated the following year.

    Read Also:  60th Independence anniversary: How Obasanjo’s economic policy ruined Nigeria ― Accord chieftain

    Obasanjo continued Murtala’s policies by overseeing budget cuts and elevated access to free faculty schooling.

    He is increasingly aligning Nigeria with the US, and he has expressed support for groups in southern Africa that oppose white minority rule.

    Obasanjo, who was committed to restoring democracy, presided over the 1979 election, during which he handed over the power of Nigeria to Shehu Shagari, a newly elected civilian president.

    He then moved to Ota, Ogun, where he became a farmer, published 4 books, and participated in international efforts to resolve various African conflicts.

    Sani Abacha seized power in an army coup in 1993. Despite protesting his innocence, Obasanjo was arrested and accused of being part of a plot to overthrow Abacha’s government in 1995.

    He became a born again Christian while incarcerated, and providentialism had a significant influence on his subsequent worldview.

    Following Abacha’s death in 1998, he was released. Involved in electoral politics, Obasanjo ran for President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 1999 presidential election, which he easily won.

    To fight pervasive racial, religious, and secessionist unrest, he depoliticized the army and enlarged the police and mobilized the army as president.

    To reduce Nigeria’s spiralling debt, he withdrawn the country’s army from Sierra Leone and privatized a number of state-owned enterprises. In the 2003 election, he was re-elected.

    Read ALso:  State of the Nation: Nigeria between ‘divider-in-chief’ and ‘divider-in-law’ — SOYINKA

    He was a strong supporter of the African Union’s founding and served as its chair from 2004 to 2006. He was influenced by Pan-Africanist ideas.

    Obasanjo’s failed efforts and amend the constitution to remove presidential term limits drew widespread criticism. He acquired a PhD in theology from Nigeria’s National Open University after retiring.

    Obasanjo has been known as one of the great figures of the post-colonial African leaders’ second generation.

    He was praised for overseeing Nigeria’s transition to representative democracy in the 1970s as well as his Pan-African efforts to promote cooperation on the continent.

    Critics stated he was corrupt, that his administrations oversaw human rights violations, and that as President, he became too involved with consolidating and retaining his personal control.

    Happy Birthday, we wish you more years ahead.

    Olusegun Obasanjo

  • Notorious Bandit Leader, Rufa’i Maikaji And His Fighters Killed In Kaduna

    Notorious Bandit Leader, Rufa’i Maikaji And His Fighters Killed In Kaduna

    Kaduna State Government has confirmed the killing of one ‘Rufai Maikaji’, a deadly bandit terrorising the state, in an aerial interdiction conducted by the Nigerian troops.

    Maikaji’ and dozens of his fighters were neutralized around the fringes of Malul Forest in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

    The state commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated the aerial missions in which the bandits were killed were conducted in late February.

    He stated when Maikaji and his gang sighted the ground troops, they escaped from Anaba village of Igabi LGA where they killed some citizens, burnt houses and kidnapped some locals.

    According to Aruwan, the immediate response by the air platforms ended the reign of terror maintained by ‘Rufai Maikaji’ and his bloodsucking accomplices.

    He stated ‘Rufai Maikaji’ and his group had been confirmed to be responsible for the killing, kidnapping and cattle rustling in many communities in Giwa, Igabi and Chikun LGAs.

    Read Also: Increase security personnel at borders to halt kidnapping, killings – APC chieftain

    Among the areas raided by the syndicate have been: Iyatawa, Garke, Kumfa, Bakali, Karau-karau and Galadimawa, Anaba, Kerawa, Hashimawa, Sabon Birni, Buruku general area and parts of Chikun LGA axis of Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.

    “‘Rufai Maikaji’ is alleged to have begun his ignoble profession as an errand boy to some deadly bandits in and around Sabon Birni common space of Igabi LGA.

    “From this position, he grew to become a household title in banditry,” the commissioner said.

    Aruwan further assured residents of communities that suffered the brutality of ‘Rufai Maikaji’ that aggressive pursuit of other accomplices, who escaped the onslaught, is in full swing by the security agencies.

    He expressed optimism that they will be caught sooner rather than later.

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai commended the army for taking down the bandits’ leader and his accomplices, assuring them of agency support within the ongoing operations against bandits throughout the state.

  • Osun Assembly approves Constitution Amendment Bill

    Osun Assembly approves Constitution Amendment Bill

    Osun State House of Assembly yesterday approved the Amendment of Local Government Administration Bill 2021.

    The Nation recalls that in 2016, during the tenure of former governor Rauf Aregbesola, he signed the Local Government Administration No. 6 law of 2016 into legislation, which has been the practice to date.

    The bill, sponsored by Speaker Timothy Owoeye, sought to exchange the Local Government Administration No. 6 law of 2016.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Kunle Alabi, confirmed that on the plenary of the House, held that Section 2 (a) of the State of Osun Local Government Administration amendment No. 6 Bill 2016 is amended forthwith as “where a local government council, local council growth areas or area council is dissolved and no election has been conducted to reconstitute the council or it has become impracticable to immediately conduct an election to fill the vacancies thereby created, the governor shall appoint a Caretaker

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    Management Committee to run the affairs of the council for a period not exceeding six months.

    “The Local Government Caretaker Management Committee shall comprise the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary to the Local Government and a member from each of the wards within the local government area or local council development area. In the case of an area council, an administrator shall be appointed.

    “The appointments shall be subjected to the confirmation of the House of Assembly.”

    The tenure of the elected officials of local governments expired on February 5, and the chairmen had handed over the administration of local governments to the most senior profession officers of councils.

  • Boko Haram  Terrorists Withdraws From Dikwa After Killing Five Soldiers

    Boko Haram Terrorists Withdraws From Dikwa After Killing Five Soldiers

    Boko Haram terrorists have pulled out of the ancient town of Dikwa in Borno State after being in control for hours and killing 5 soldiers, army sources stated in Report.

    Dikwa town is about 90km from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and has experienced several assaults from the insurgents since the liberation of the town in 2016.

    It had earlier reported how the militant group on Monday evening dislodged Nigerian troops locally, and while a lot of the villagers ran away for safety, some have been held by the insurgents.

    The gunmen who came with heavy machine guns and trucks also took possession of the army Super Camp 9 formation, including high-profile fighting tools and vehicles.

    Read Also: Convoy attack: Shettima leads Borno NASS members to visit Zulum in Maiduguri

    It was learnt that the insurgents left the town around 11 am on Tuesday.

    Army sources stated about 5 soldiers had been killed while some Armed Personnel Carriers, operational vehicles and the local army base were burnt by the terrorists.

    The group additionally burnt some public buildings, including the community primary health care centre, local government secretariat, part of Shehu of Dikwa’s palace and the United Nations hub.

    Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, have killed thousands and displaced millions in North-Eastern Nigeria.

    The Nigerian army has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency had been largely defeated and frequently underplays any losses.

    In the past months, soldiers have been targeted by the insurgents, who lay ambush on their path.

    Hundreds of troopers and officers have been reportedly killed since January 2021.

  • Kogi Election: INEC presents certificate of return to PDP candidate in Ibaji

    Kogi Election: INEC presents certificate of return to PDP candidate in Ibaji

    Following the verdict of the Federal High Court in Abuja which sacked the lawmaker representing Ibaji Constituency within the Kogi State House of Assembly, Atule Egbunu, the Independent National Electoral Fee, (INEC) on Monday, officially presented the Certificate of Return to Hon. Daniel Enefola Ojata of the Peoples Democratic Party.

    The presentation of the certificate of return was done by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof James Apam at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja.

    It was recalled that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, twenty-ninth January 2021 ordered the elimination of Mr Egbunu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, and directed that he get replaced with the candidate of the party with the next highest votes in the December 5, 2020 by-election within the constituency.

    Daniel Enefola polled 4, 565 votes in the December 5, 2020 by-election coming second behind Mr Egbunu of the APC who polled eight,515 votes in the said by-election.

    His elimination because the lawmaker representing Ibaji was a sequel to a suit filed by a member of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) within the State, Mr Joseph Enemona.

    ReaD AlSo:  Lere Federal Constituency: Arewa youths want PDP mandate protected

    The plaintiff ( Enemona) challenged the nomination of the sacked lawmaker, Mr Egbunu, as the party’s candidate for the by-election after the demise of a two-time lawmaker in the constituency, Hon. John Abbah.

    The plaintiff who had sought to contest for the APC ticket with Mr Egbunu and 5 others, alleged in his suit that the party ( APC) failed to hold any primary election.

    According to the plaintiff in his suit, the organisers of the purported APC primary election came to the venue with a prepared result and deprived him and his agents of entry.

    He also claimed that the party failed to file to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the 21-day notice for the primary election as stipulated under section eighty-five (1) of the Electoral Act.

  • Crystal Palace vs Man United: Cavani hint on his fitness ahead of EPL clash

    Crystal Palace vs Man United: Cavani hint on his fitness ahead of EPL clash

    Manchester United striker, Edinson Cavani, has pledged to return to action for the club soon.

    The Uruguayan has been sidelined since Man United’s 1-1 draw against West Brom last month.

    The former Paris Saint-Germain star additionally missed Man United’s zero-zero draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

    After the sport between Chelsea and Man United, Cavani posted on Instagram: “Eager to come again soon.

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    Hopefully, the 34-year-old will be available for Man United’s away Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.

    Meanwhile, Man United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, confirmed before Man United’s clash with Chelsea that it was unlucky Cavani could not make the trip to West London.

    Solskjaer’s side are presently within the second position on the Premier League table with 12 points adrift Manchester City.

  • Ndume kicks against  blanket amnesty for bandits, It May Breed A New Form Of Criminality

    Ndume kicks against blanket amnesty for bandits, It May Breed A New Form Of Criminality

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Military, Ali Ndume, has rejected the provision of blanket amnesty to bandits.

    Ndume stated it has the tendency to breed new forms of criminality in Nigeria.

    The Borno South senator spoke on  Sunday Politics.

    According to Ndume, “I don’t think blanket amnesty is the solution because if you do that, another form of criminality may emerge, hoping that the federal government will bring them to the negotiating table.”

    Read Also:  Leaders must unite against insecurity, herdsmen criminality, divisive forces and inter-tribal conflict, says Lawan

    He added: “This isn’t a conventional war, we aren’t fighting another nation. We have the forces on the ground, however, they need what it takes, especially modern equipment for surveillance, monitoring, and intelligence gathering.”

    Recall that bandits had last month demanded a blanket amnesty after they kidnapped some students and staff of Authorities Science College, Kagara, in Rafi Local Government of Niger State.

    A popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, made the bandits’ demands known to Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State.

    Bandits have been on the rampage in states like Niger, Katsina, Zamfara and a few Northern parts of Nigeria recently.

  • kidnapping school students is a lesser evil – Sheikh Gumi

    kidnapping school students is a lesser evil – Sheikh Gumi

    Controversial Islamic Scholar, Ahmad Gumi on Monday described the kidnapping of school children by bandits as lesser evil.

    Gumi said kidnapping school students was a lesser evil when compared to the ransacking of towns and killing of its residents.

    He made the remark while featuring on News Pidgin.

    The cleric additionally said that his conferences were yielding positive results as bandits are now cautious about human lives.

    According to Gumi: “Kidnapping children from school is a lesser evil because in the end, you can negotiate and now bandits are very careful about human lives.

    Read also:  Niger Delta militants: Sheikh Gumi envious – Edwin Clark attacks Islamic scholar over amnesty for bandits

    “Before, the mission of bandits was to go into a town, ransack it and kill people. By this, I can say our preaching is working and hopefully, we’re coming to an end of banditry in Zamfara and other states.

    “Bandits are more careful about lives now and just want to do sensational assaults which might bring consideration to themselves.”

    Lately, the activities of banditry has been on the rise within the Northern part of Nigeria.

    Recall that Gumi had appealed to the federal government to grant amnesty to bandits.

    The Islamic Scholar had stated amnesty to bandits would help calm down the tensed insecurity situation within the North.

    Buhari has, nevertheless, vowed not to grant amnesty to bandits.

  • Uriel tackled Nigerians calling Chioma  baby mama as Davido’s found new lover Mya Yafai [VIDEO]

    Uriel tackled Nigerians calling Chioma baby mama as Davido’s found new lover Mya Yafai [VIDEO]

    Ex-housemate of Big Brother Naija, BBNaija season II, Uriel Oputa, has lambasted those mocking Chioma over her undefined relationship with music superstar, Davido.

    Davido’s relationship with Chioma, recently caused a massive uproar on social media, after the singer stepped out holding another lady, American Instagram model, Mya Yafai.

    In a viral video, the singer was seen stepping out with the American model, both looking like a couple.

    Many have alleged that Miss May Yafai is Davido’s new girlfriend however the “Assurance” crooner in addition to his fiancée, Chioma, haven’t reacted to the viral speculation.

    Read Also:  Nicki Minaj, Nas, Ifeanyi Adeleke feature on Davido’s ‘A Better Time’ album

    However, Uriel tackled those criticising and calling Chioma Davido’s baby mama, describing them as hypocrites.

    According to her, these are the same people which have been hailing her all alongside.

    “Those of you laughing at Chioma on different blogs you are still the same ones on her page saying I love you.

    the best Chef our wife,” she said.

    “Some Nigerians and being two-faced is 5 and 6. Just shows how secretly people didn’t wish her well.

    “Is your life perfect? Is your relationship the best? Did you even brush your house today?” She added.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CL1BJUtpdd5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

  • Nigerian music producer Ayorinde Faboro, Dr Frabz  Reportedly Shot Dead In The USA

    Nigerian music producer Ayorinde Faboro, Dr Frabz Reportedly Shot Dead In The USA

    Nigerian music producer, Ayorinde Faboro popularly known as Dr Frabz is dead.

    The Producer passed away after he was shot in the United States on the weekend.

    Singer, Nikki Laoye, in a tribute via her Twitter account said she was shocked to hear the news of his sudden demise.

    “Oh my God!! My dear brother, Dr Frabz is gone.

    “That is such terrible news. Just heard that he was shot. Who did this? I’m so pained right now.

    “What kind of unfortunate death is that this? May God accepts his gentle soul into his heavenly bosom,” she wrote.

    Additionally, other celebrities; Davido, Samklef and Emma Nyra have taken to social media to express shock at his passing.

    “Rip legend! Ayo ( dr Frabz).

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    “We spoke 2 weeks ago. Now I’m in Maryland just to hear that you are no more today. What a sad day!

    “A brother is gone! another producer is gone,” Samklef wrote.

    Prior to his death, Dr Frabz worked with several music stars such as Naeto C, Davido, Dagrin, YQ, Shank, Omawumi and others.

    He was additionally the producer behind Dagrin’s “Thank God” and many others.

  • Federal Government plans to crash the price of petroleum products  – Enang

    Federal Government plans to crash the price of petroleum products – Enang

    The Federal Government of Nigeria stated it has concluded plans to crash the price of petroleum products in the nation.

    The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang disclosed this, weekend, during an interaction with journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    Enang said the FG decided to integrate local (illegal) refiners into the mainstream refining within the nation, including that that would be formalized during the National Conference on artisanal and modular refining which might come up on March 15-17, 2021 in Abuja.

    He additional stated the FG had agreed to partner with those within the creeks on how to legalise their businesses.

    According to him, “We have to agree with those within the creek on how to legalise their business due to the danger the current practice is posing to the environment and the economy of the nation.

    “Therefore, the Federal Government will on March fifteenth- seventeenth hold a National Conference on Artisanal and Modular Refining to integrate local refiners into the mainstream refining in Nigeria. It’s more necessary to do in-nation refining to avoid certain duties and charges connected with the importation of Petroleum products.

    “At the conference, persons who’ve different capacities to do different things would come, even the illegal refiners would additionally come, and teach us how they do it and if they can improve upon it by giving them the equipment that does the cracking, we’re good to go. We’re encouraged to do this because, during the Nigeria civil war that lasted for 30 months, Biafra was cut off from the entire world, they never imported petroleum products, they have been producing and refining locally and that capability is still there.

    Read Also:  Senate Reveals how Petroleum Ministry mgmt Employees paid self N145m media campaign Finance

    “With this step, it would be possible to have the products at less than N100 per litre, because other charges relating to clearing the cargo wouldn’t be there.”

    On the deplorable state of Calabar/ ITU high way, Enang stated he had made efforts to make sure that fund made available to contractors awarded the road reconstruction is released however blamed administrative bottlenecks and lack of commitment from governors of Akwa Ibom and Cross River, as well as 10 House of Representatives members and the three Senators from each State.

    He, however, noted that Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River had at least helped within the process of implementing the contract for the reconstruction of the road.

    He stated he wouldn’t permit himself to be blackmailed with the road, challenging his accusers who are additionally in government to indicate the efforts they’ve put in so far towards the completion of the road

    He said, “It is not APC or PDP or the Federal Government that can use that road but Nigerians and mostly the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States and so I want people to ask the Federal lawmakers from each states questions why that road has remained in that deplorable state.

    “I challenge all members of the House of Representatives, all senators representing Akwa Ibom and Cross River State and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State to raise their hands to God and talk about their efforts towards the state of Calabar/Itu Road.”

  • How I was ‘dragged’ into the Nigerian film industry-Patience Ozokwor

    How I was ‘dragged’ into the Nigerian film industry-Patience Ozokwor

    Veteran actress, Patience Ozokwor popularly known as Mama G has taken to her verified Instagram account to reveal how she was ‘dragged’ into the Nigerian film industry.

    The ace actress shared an old picture of herself and took to the caption section to hint that her colleagues, actors Chika Okpala also known as Chief Zebrudaya and the late Pete Eneh ‘practically dragged’ her to join Nollywood.

    “Early years in Nollywood. Eyes firmly on the goal. Fun fact: I was introduced to Nollywood by Chief Zebrudaya (Chika Okpala) and Pete Eneh (may God continue to rest his soul). They were my classmates in Esute mature university program. They couldn’t believe how much I made them laugh every day in class. They practically dragged me into Nollywood (a story for another day). Before then I was doing radio drama and stage play,” she wrote.

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    Patience Ozokwor acted in the soap opera Someone Cares, but her second movie feature, Authority, which was released in 1999 shot her to fame. She won the Best Supporting Actress award in 2012 and 2013 at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards and has numerous awards to her name.

    Throughout her years of acting in Nollywood, Mama G has more than 100 movie and TV credits to her name. Some of these include Chief Daddy, Blood Sister, Two Rats, Turning Point and Heart of a Slave. Furthermore, she has portrayed an onscreen mother to many Nollywood A-listers, including Van Vicker, Ini Edo, Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic.

    Asides from acting, Mama G is also a gospel singer and fashion designer. Ozokwor has released gospel albums.
    One of Patience Ozokwor’s greatest achievements was in 2014, when the Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck honoured Patience, along with 99 other Nigerians, to celebrate the unification of the northern and southern protectorates.

  • Senate Confirms Victor Muruako as Chairman Of Fiscal Commissiom

    Senate Confirms Victor Muruako as Chairman Of Fiscal Commissiom

    The Senate, on Thursday, confirmed the nomination of Barr. Victor Chinemerem Muruako as Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

    The confirmation of the nominee followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance, Chaired by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Lagos-West).

    It was reported that Chairman of the Committee and Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, immediately objected to the confirmation of the nominee on the basis that full nominations to the Commission’s board were yet to be forwarded to the Upper Chamber by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Abdullahi also said the Chairman cannot be confirmed alone without the complement of the full membership of the Board.

    He, therefore, moved a motion for the confirmation to be stepped down pending when the President constitutes the Commission’s Board and sends the nominations to the upper chamber for screening and confirmation.

    The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his response, however, prevailed on his colleagues for the Senate to confirm the nominee pending when the full list of nominees was sent to the Senate by the President.

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    “If we don’t confirm, this person would still be acting, so it makes little or no difference really.

    “I suggest we do the confirmation and insist that the Chairman does not constitute the board of the Commission, because the Commission is supposed to have the full complement of what the law says.

    “So, we do the confirmation and write to the Executive to nominate the remaining people to form the Commission.

    “But let me also remark here, that the man has acted for over seven years, and yet this commission, I personally don’t know what they are doing. What are they doing?

    “So, the Chairman, when he is confirmed, has a huge responsibility to turn around this Commission for it to perform efficiently and effectively.

    “Otherwise, for him to be there seven years acting, and then fours years – that is eleven years – running that Commission, probably he did it as a Sole Administrator over the years, that is simply not acceptable because the Fiscal Responsibility Commission is such an important Commission that we need to have everybody who is supposed to be there, and they have to sit up, especially the man who would lead this,” Lawan said.

    Speaking also, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege (APC, Delta Central), said that going ahead with the confirmation of the nominee without the complement of the full membership of the Board was not the intent of President Buhari.

    Omo-Agege suggested that the nominee’s confirmation be put on hold.

    “I don’t believe it is the intent of Mr President to nominate a sole administrator. Clearly, that cannot be his intention.

    “The Commission is entitled to the full complement of members, and my view without prejudice to the ruling you just gave and the man’s qualifications, would have been for this to be put on hold while we await Mr. President to bring the other members,” the Deputy Senate President said.

    According to him, “going ahead to confirm his nomination right now, is validating the sole administrator-ship that he has enjoyed for the past seven years, and it is wrong, Mr. President.”

    However, Muruako was later confirmed by the Upper Chamber as Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

  • Offa bank robbery: We killed eleven persons hauling stones at us – Suspects

    Offa bank robbery: We killed eleven persons hauling stones at us – Suspects

    A shocking revelation emerged on April 5, 2018, in Offa bloody bank robbery on Wednesday, when suspects told a Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, how they killed about eleven persons in the robbery operation.

    The suspects, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Azeez Salawu, and Niyi Ogundare, have been on trial since their arrest.

    Counsel to the prosecution, Rotimi Jacob, at the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday, called the seventh witness, one John Nwoke, a police inspector attached to the Police Force Public Relations unit, Abuja.

    Nwoke presented a DVD video to the open court containing the confessional statements of the suspects.

    One of the suspects, Ayoade Akinnibosun, said: “They shot dead eleven persons who were hauling stones and other missiles at them.”

    Akinnibosun narrated how a dismissed police officer, Michael Adikwu, now deceased, sold the robbery idea to him, adding that he, in turn, conscripted his other four accomplices to the deal.

    Akinnibosun, who claimed to be the ring leader in the video, revealed that he owned the two vehicles used in the bloody robbery operation.

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    He said, “One of the vehicles, a Lexus sport utility vehicle, SUV, was given to me as empowerment by the then Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, as the leader of the political liberation movement in Kwara South.

    “I came into contact with the dismissed policeman, Adikwu through a revenue collection staff, after meeting with him, I relayed to Ibikunle Ogunleye, who also relayed the same to Adeola Abraham, otherwise known as ‘Adex’.

    “Azeez Salawu and Niyi Ogundare, are both mechanics; on the fateful day of April 5, 2018, we, the five of us moved from Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state to Ajasse-Ipo, where we parked the SUV under a tree and we all drove in the Mercedes Benz to Offa.

    “At Offa, we parked in front of the Total filling station, where late Adikwu was waiting for us in a black Audi car.

    “There was also a Nissan Primera car parked in front of us at the Total filling station where some other people that came with Adikwu were waiting.

    “Shortly, thereafter, Adikwu handed over a sack to me containing five AK-47 rifles and as the commander of my gang, I distributed the guns and directed every member to take his position.

    “I positioned myself at the roundabout leading to Igosun from Offa.

    “After the robbery, Adikwu (the deceased) did not give us a dime, he only promised to call me when it is time to share the loot.

    “Then we all hurriedly left the community, on getting to Ijagbo, Oyun LGA, our vehicle stretched to a halt awaiting Adikwu who came and collected the five AK-47 rifles from me.”

    Akinnibosun said he got the Lexus car because he used to mobilize people for election in the state and that the car had not gotten a number plate before his arrest, adding that “I was using the sticker of the then-Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki as the number plate.

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    “This is because he was the political leader of the state.”

    Ibikunle Ogunleye, on his part, while speaking as the second defendant, revealed that he was traditionally positioned at the First Bank premises in Offa metropolis before Adikwu dragged him to come along to the Offa police station.

    He confessed that he shot two people dead who were trying to escape at the gate of the police station.

    Ogunleye said Adikwu and his gang fired many shots at the police station, killing scores of policemen in the operation.

    Adikwu, on entering the station, announced that the police relieved him of his job, but, “I have come on a revenge mission, and handed over 10 AK-47 rifles taken from the armoury to me,” adding that “I took them into his Audi car.”

    Abraham and Salawu Ogundiran also confessed to have shot five and two persons dead, respectively, to prevent being stoned to death by public members.

    The trial judge, Haleemah Salman, adjourned the case till March 15, 2021, for the continuation of hearing.

  • Provide proofs governors are sponsoring our struggles – ASUSS replies NUT

    Provide proofs governors are sponsoring our struggles – ASUSS replies NUT

    The Academic Staff Union of Secondary School, (ASUSS), has faulted the claims by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT), that some state governors that are not paying teachers’ salary are misleading and using some breakaway members of ASUSS to destabilize the 90-year-old union.

    ASUSS also refuted the position of NUT that, the Supreme Court in its judgement of January 15, 2021, refused to grant secondary school teachers operating under the umbrella of ASUSS, the power to operate as a trade union.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by the National President of ASUSS, Comrade Samuel Omaji, through the Kogi State Chairman of the union, Comrade Ranti Ojo, the union maintained that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment or any court of competent jurisdiction has not cancelled the approval of ASUSS as a trade union as claimed by NUT in a media briefing last week.

    Omaji in a statement titled, “A WOEFUL CRY; THE AGONY OF A LOOSER” challenged the leadership of NUT to mention the governors sponsoring them, just as he described the statement by their sister union as laughable and ridiculous.

    He said those who see ASUSS as a threat and using poor teachers’ resources to parley government officials and institute multi-million naira litigations against their sister union are those negotiating with the lives and welfare of teachers for their selfish interest.

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    ASUSS explained that “It is expedient for us to debunk the falsehoods that were projected by NUT on the Supreme Court judgement of 15th of January, 2021 that is still rattling the leadership of the NUT over which they have rigorously inundated the public with different versions of interpretations through heavily sponsored media plan, including features, news items and editorials.

    “It is an incontrovertible fact that the Supreme Court judgement of 15th January 2021 was in favour of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) Nigeria as it set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgement of July 11, 2014. We hereby state categorically, that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment or any court of competent jurisdiction has not cancelled the approval of ASUSS as a trade union.

    “We consider it ridiculous and laughable that NUT, a union that has been in control for almost nine decades is alleging that a union such as ASUSS that has been making undeniable positive and progressive impacts in the lives of Its members is being sponsored by “governors that are not paying teachers’ salary”.

    “If NUT leaders are sincere, let them be bold enough to list such Governors. We stand to challenge them that how many of the repressive Governors backing NUT to suppress ASUSS’ right of existence are paying salary and doing well in terms of teachers welfare? Who was sponsoring NUT when teachers were not paid for several months across the country?

    The statement read further, “How does ASUSS formation and existence as a union affect NUT? The establishment of ASUSS which is legally justifiable as pointed out is a value added to the education sector rather than being perceived as a threat. In the tertiary education sector, all levels have their unions. In the health sector, there are over 12 unions and heaven has not let loose.

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    “The fear of the impending doom and total loss of grips is the reason why the NUT crop of leadership has been busy fighting ASUSS while they left their members wallowing in trauma. They should never see our belief in a decent and peaceful approach to our liberation as an act of cowardice but as a way to let them realize we can peacefully coexist and synergise for education development.

    “If NUT jurisdictional scope is as what it claims, why is NUT not unionizing the teachers of the Federal Government Colleges and Unity Schools, Private Primary and Secondary Schools? Is NUT not aware that the registrar of a trade union has issued a certificate of registration to teachers in private schools or is it deliberate design to misinform the public?

    “We are being tempted to say that the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) lacks adequate information on this matter. As teachers, we advise them to go for further information. “It will interest the public if NUT can avail us who are her members in Secondary Schools in more than twenty-five states where ASUSS is in control”.

    The leadership of ASUSS, however, appreciated the Supreme Court of Nigeria for proving that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and the Hon Minister of Labour and Employment for seeing the genuineness in” our movement for emancipating Secondary School teachers in Nigeria by granting approval of our registration as a trade union.”

  • Court orders DNA test for Ronke Odusanya’s daughter

    Court orders DNA test for Ronke Odusanya’s daughter

    An Ogba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday ordered a DNA test to be conducted on Oluwafifehanmi, the daughter of Nollywood actress, Ronke Odusanya.

    The trial Magistrate, M. O. Tanimola, gave the order while ruling on an application brought before her court by Olanrewaju Saheed, the estranged lover of Odusanya.

    The daughter of the estranged couple was born in 2019.

    The popular actress and the father of her child, Olanrewaju Saheed, also known as Jago, are currently in court for several reasons including the welfare and custody of their daughter.

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    During proceedings on Wednesday, Saheed, through his lawyer, requested the court to order a DNA test to ascertain the paternity of the child.

    Saheed’s application was based on the grounds of suspicion of alleged infidelity on the part of Odusanya.

    The actress and her lawyer agreed to the request on the condition that the DNA fees and other bills be footed by Saheed.

    The actress’ lawyer also pleaded with the court to ensure it is a court-supervised DNA test.

  • I was a virgin until I was 24-year-old” – Singer, Flavour

    I was a virgin until I was 24-year-old” – Singer, Flavour

    Nigerian singer, Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as “Flavour” has revealed that he was a virgin till 24.

    The father of three made this known in an interview with Ebuka on Bounce Radio.

    Flavour also recalled living with a man who had no TV, would not allow women in and also prohibited intake of alcohol.

    According to him, living with the man made it impossible for him to associate with women at that time.

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    “I was a virgin till I was 24-years-old. This was possible because the first man I used to live with who was also the first man I served never granted me access to television.

    “There was no television, no woman, no alcohol and no sex till I became 24.

    “The worse part of everything was that I was staying with a man that wasn’t even married, so there was no room for that. With him, it was just work and continuous work because then, it seemed like I already had one particular lifestyle.

    “Unfortunately too, as of that time, there was no proper sex education, so I wasn’t really being educated on how these things work.

    “I was finally ‘disvirgined’ by a random girl I met at one of my shows then. She made the moves towards me, and after she found out I was still a novice in that area, she vowed to make me a man.

    “But in honesty, it has been a different story since then,” he said.

  • Niger Gov, Bello shuts down schools as bandits kidnap students

    Niger Gov, Bello shuts down schools as bandits kidnap students

    Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has ordered the immediate closure of all boarding schools in Rafi, Munya, Shiroro and Mariga Local Government Areas of the State.

    Bello took the decision following the abduction of some students of the Government Science College (GSC) Kagara, in Niger State.

    It was gathered that gunmen stormed the school in military uniform and kidnapped the students on Wednesday morning.

    It was learnt that security agencies have been able to detect the coordinate and nature of the area.

    Reacting in a tweet on the official Twitter page of the state Governor, Bello said, ”Flash: The Niger State Government has directed the immediate closure of All Boarding Schools in Rafi, Munya, Shiroro and Mariga Local Government Areas as a result of the insecurity situation in the areas.”

  • RB Leipzig vs Liverpool: Klopp names player to miss Champions League clash

    RB Leipzig vs Liverpool: Klopp names player to miss Champions League clash

    Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, has confirmed that midfielder, Naby Keita, will take no part in the team’s squad to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at Puskás Aréna in Hungary on Tuesday night due to lack of match fitness.

    Klopp, who disclosed this on Monday during his pre-match press conference, said Keita has returned to training after recovering from an injury.

    According to him, the Guinean international will instead remain in England to continue to increase his sharpness.

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    Keita, a former RB Leipzig player, has not featured for Liverpool since starting the win at Crystal Palace last December.

    “Naby is no longer injured, but he’s not fit yet,” Klopp was quoted by Liverpool’s official website as saying.

    “He was in training yesterday, but it’s not sufficient yet.

    “We will be away for two days, and he will be in training; it’s better than flying with us. Of course, Naby would have liked to be there when it’s against Leipzig.”

    Liverpool head to the game after losing 3-1 against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium last Saturday.

    The kick-off time for the RB Leipzig vs Liverpool is 9 pm.