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Kano Man 33 Jailed For Se*ually Exploiting Eleven Year Old Girl

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Court and Law

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Like Zuhier R. Akar the Lebanese national who last week bagged 14 years for se*ually assaulting two kano teenagers, Nasiru Isah will spend the next seven years in jail for sexually exploiting an 11 year old Kano girl, a Federal High Court Kano on Monday October 14 ruled .

Delivering judgment in an application filed by the Kano Zonal Office of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, Hon Justice S.M Shu’aibu convicted Isah on the  one count charge of se*ual abuse preferred against him .

Following his earlier guilty plea, the trial Judge, in addition to sentencing the accused to seven years in jail, also ordered that he should pay the sum of N1 million.

Justice Shu’aibu held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond any reasonable doubt.

The convict was sentenced without any option of fine .

The Prosecution Counsel,Abdullahi Babale had earlier told the Court that Malam Isah, a resident of Darmanawa Bayan Gida Kallo in Tarauni Local Government of Kano state committed the said offence on October 5, 2024 at same address.

The convict, according to the Prosecutor, lured the 11 year old  into his bedroom, and on his matrimonial bed, se*ually abused and exploited her.

The defendant, according to the NAPTIP Zonal Coordinator, had carnal knowledge of the victim three times, once in the defendant’s bedroom, and twice at an uncompleted building.

“The defendant gave the victim bread, groundnut and N 20 before se*ually exploiting her”, the prosecutor stated.

In the course of the trial, the prosecutor tendered two main evidences which, also, included the confessional statement of the convict.

The other evidence was the victim’s oral testimony.

According to NAPTIP, the offence is in violation of the extant provisions of section 16 (1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Adminstration Act 2015, and is punishable under section 26 (1) the same Act.

Instructively, same Justice Shu’aibu had, last week, sentenced the Lebanese national to 14 years in jail for, also, se*ually exploiting two teenage girls aged 14 and 15 at his Gidan Wanka Unity road residence in the Commercial hub of the Northern region .

He was, also, sentenced without option of fine, and ordered to pay the N2 million in addition.

The Lebanese had also in the case prosecuted by Kano Zonal NAPTIP ,pleaded guilty to the offence ,which was committed on September 4 2024 .

Ondo 2024: INEC Says About 300,000 Voters’ Cards  Uncollected

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Prof Mahmood Yakubu

By Ayodele Oni

Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Ondo State has announced that the Voters’ Registers will be presented to political parties on Tuesday.

This is just as the Commission announced that no fewer than 295,603 PVCs are still uncollected

Addressing journalists on Akure, on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola assured that all parties will be given level playing ground to operate.

She stated that over 11,000 security personnel from Police, Immigration, Civil Defence and other security agencies, have been trained to oversee the conduct of the election on November 16th.

“The timetable and the schedule of activities for Ondo state governorship election slated for 15th October, 2024 for the presentation of the Official Register of Voters to political parties in line with the provisions of section 10(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022 which provides:

“You will recall that the Commission conducted a Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) Exercise between 27th May 2024 . At the end of the exercise, there was a significant increase in registered voters across the state.

“58,708 new voters were registered. In addition, 3,132 voters transferred their registration into and within Ondo State, while 123 voters transferred their registration within and out of Ondo State.

“The harmonized total number of new registered voters with the old registered voters is now 2,053,061.

The Register of Voters is a vital document that contains the details of all eligible voters for the election.

“The register is the foundation of electoral credibility. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their civic duty.

“In line with statutory requirement to publish and provide copies of the voter register to all political parties, the Commission will present the updated register to political parties on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the INEC Conference Room in Akure, starting at 9:00 a.m.

“I encourage political parties to seize this opportunity, as it reflects the Commission’s commitment to transparency and ensuring a level playing field.

“It is also an excellent moment to enhance voter education and sensitization efforts, enabling the electorate to critically engage with party manifestos and make informed choice.

“I am pleased to announce that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ondo State will commence from 17th October, 2024.

“This exercise will begin at the Registration Area (RA) level until October 21st , 2024, including the weekend.

“PVC distribution will take place across all 203 RAs in the state, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily after which it will continue at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from 23rd to 29th October, 2024. PVCs will be distributed at designated collection centers across all 203 Registration Areas within the state’s 18 LGAs.

“I urge registered voters, especially those who recently updated their details or are newly registered, to take advantage of this opportunity to collect their PVCs. I also encourage those who had previously registered but are yet to collect their cards to use this window to do so.

“Please note that INEC is fully committed to ensuring a smooth and accessible PVC collection process, I, therefore, encourage all eligible voters to make sure they collect their cards, as timely distribution of PVCs is expected to enhance voter participation and help guarantee a credible and inclusive election.”

Fresh Charges Filed Against 4 Bloggers Over Cyber Stalking GTCO; Case Adjourned

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, today adjourned hearing in a fresh 10 count charge against four bloggers: PRECIOUS EZE ‘M’ 38, OLAWALE ROTIMI ‘M’ 46, ROWLAND OLONISHUWA ‘M’ 43, and SEUN ODUNLAMI ‘M,’ 37 who were arraigned for the offences of Cyber Stalking against Guaranty Trust Holding Company, its Management and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

The order of the presiding Judge was sequel to plea of not guilty by the four defendants to the 10 count charge of conspiracy to commit felony to wit: Cyber Stalking, Conspiracy to defraud and Extortion by threats preferred against them.

They will continue to be reminded in Ikoyi Correctional Service pending the time their bail application will be determined.

When the case was called, the prosecuting counsel, through the fiat of the Inspector General of Police, High Chief Ajibola Aribisala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, leading Olaotan Ajose Adeogun, SAN, Barrister Adebayo Olaleye and six other lawyers, urged the court to strike out the former four count charge filed before the court as new charge of ten counts has been filed.

Consequently, Justice Faji struck out the old charge and ordered that the new charge should be read to the defendants for their plea to be taken.

However, the defence counsel, Olakunle Abiodun Abiola, told the court that he was objecting to the charge being read on the ground that he needed time to go through the fresh new charge.

He also gave a condition that if the defendants were arraigned on the fresh charge he would apply for their bail orally. But the judge said he would not allow oral bail application.

Consequently, Afolabi withdrew the objection. The Judge thereafter struck out the old charge and the new charges read to the defendants. They all pleaded not guilty to the 10 count charge.

The ten count Charge as filed before the court by Chief Ajibola Aribisala, SAN.

COUNT 1:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi ‘M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August, 2024, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Cyber Stalking by conspiring and attempting to publish false, misleading and unsubstantiated allegations which you all know to be false, through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO),its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria with the intention to cause a breakdown of law and order in the Nigerian Banking system and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) and (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended)

COUNT 2:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi ‘M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August, 2024, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did commit a felony to wit: Cyber Stalking by publishing false, misleading and unsubstantiated allegations which you all know to be false, through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria with the intention to cause a breakdown of law and order in the Nigerian banking system and thereby committed an Offence punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended)

COUNT 3:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’ Olawale Rotimi ‘M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’ Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August 2024, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Cyber Stalking by conspiring and attempting to publish  unsubstantiated allegations through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO),its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria with the intention to use the allegations to cause harm to the reputation of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) and (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).

COUNT 4:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi ‘M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August,2024,in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did commit a felony to wit: Cyber Stalking by publishing false misleading and unsubstantiated allegations through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria and using the allegations to cause harm to the reputation of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO),its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24 (2) (c) (ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).

COUNT 5:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi ‘M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August  within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High court, did conspired amongst yourselves to wit : Cyber Stalking by conspiring and attempting to publish false, misleading and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria with to use the allegations  the intention to use the allegations to extort  Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO)Section and its Management and thereby committed an Offence punishable under section 27 (1) (a) and (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 (as amended).

COUNT 6:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi ‘M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August, 2024, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did commit a felony to wit: Cyber Stalking by publishing false, misleading and unsubstantiated allegations through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria and using the allegations to extort Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) its Management and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24 (2) (c) (ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act,2015 (as amended).

COUNT 7:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi ‘M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August, 2024, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Conspiracy to Defraud by concocting false, misleading and unsubstantiated allegations through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria with the intention to use the allegations to affect the market value of the shares of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) by causing them to lose value considerably and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 422 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended).

COUNT 8:

That you Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi ‘M, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, ‘Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August, 2024, in Lagos within the jurisdiction  of the Lagos Judicial Division of the  Federal High Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Conspiracy to defraud  by concocting false, misleading and unsubstantiated allegations through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and with the intention and using the allegations to extort Guaranty Trust Holding Company and its Management and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 422 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C 38,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended).

COUNT 9:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi ‘M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August, 2024, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Extortion by threats by conspiring to concoct false, misleading and unsubstantiated allegations through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria with the intention and using the allegations to threaten and to extort Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its Management and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 507 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended).

COUNT 10:

That you, Precious Eze ‘M’, Olawale Rotimi “M’, Rowland Olonishuwa ‘M’, Seun Odunlami ‘M’, and others now at large, sometimes in August 2024, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did commit a felony to wit: Extortion by threats by concocting false, misleading and unsubstantiated allegations through various social media outlets against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), its Management, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the entire Banking system in Nigeria and using the allegations to threaten and to extort Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its Management and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 408 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended).

By the new dates, the prosecution is expected to have filed its proof of evidence while the defendants’ counsel will file an application for their bail

Abure Fights Back, Dissolves Obi, Otti, Backed Abia LP Leadership

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Peter Obi and Julius Abure

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, faction of the Labour Party has announced the dissolution of the Abia State Interim Leadership Committee SWC.

The sack of the Abia SWC was contained in a letter addressed to the Independent National  Electoral Commission, INEC, by the Abure-led faction,dated Monday October 14, 2024 .

The letter which was jointly signed by Abure and the factional National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, also appointed a-15 member Caretaker Committee headed by Dr G. O. Ndubueze to run the affairs of the Party.

They informed that the appointment of the Interim Committee for the only State which the party controls takes immediate effect.

According to the Abure-led NWC, the newly appointed Caretaker Committee will be in place for three months within which period a substantive leadership will be enthroned.

“In exercise of the power bestowed upon  by the Labour Party Constitution ,Article 13 ,3,B ,vi, to dissolve and reconstitute State Executive Council/State Working Committee where necessary, pending the next state Congress,

the National Working Committee hereby dissolves and appoints a Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of the party in Abia state” part of the letter reads.

The Source reports that the party had, on September 4, 2024, been thrown into  an open leadership crisis, following the supplanting of the Abure-led NWC with the Esther Nenadi Usman led 29 member interim National Committee.

The Party had before then been sharply divided, following its Nnewi National Convention in March this  year.

The hotly disputed and widely boycotted Convention threw up a second tenure leadership for the Abure-led NWC.

The Convention was, however, shunned by a majority of the Party’s major stakeholders, including Peter Obi, its 2023 Presidential Candidate, his running mate Yusuf Datti-Ahmed, Dr Alex Otti, the only Governor elected on its platform, the National Assembly caucus of the party ,and others.

They unanimously and overwhelmingly, accused the Abure leadership of not carrying them along in the countdown to the Convention.

The pre-Convention disagreement was to snowball into a full blown crisis ,with many of the aggrieved members including Obi, shunning all LP activities.

The situation was, however, exacerbated by the refusal of INEC to do business with the Abure led NWC. The electoral umpire had insisted that, the tenure of the Abure”s NWC had elapsed in June this year .

Faced with mounting threats of the party relapsing into a moribund State, major stakeholders led by Obi and Governor Otti had to convene the September 4, Umuahia enlarged National Executive Council meeting.

But the appointment of the Nenadi Usman led Interim, National leadership has been been rejected ,by Abure, who has insisted on the sanctity of the mandate given to his leadership in Nnewi.

Only last Wednesday October, 9, 2024, an Abuja Federal High Court  validated the election of the Abure leadership in Nnewi ,declaring it the  authentic NWC .

However, the Conveners of the Umuahia enlarged stakeholders meeting has gone on appeal to challenge the trial court ruling,a development which Abure group has described as null and void .

In an interview with the Punch on Sunday October 13, factional Spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh ,maintained that the Nenadi Usman leadership is unknown to extant laws and as such  lacks the locus standi to mount any legal challenge of both the Nnewi Convention and the Abuja Court verdict affirming the Abure led NWC as the authentic leadership of the party.

Sounding boastful, Ifoh noted that the party is not in  anyway perturbed by the move to challenge the Abuja court ruling.

He further informed that all the Principal actors in the Umuahia enlarged NEC meeting including Obi ,Governor Otti, are not parties in the suit.

“It would be unfortunate if they toe that line (appeal) because you can not appeal a judgment that you are not a party to .

“The Caretaker Committee is not a body known to the Labour party Constitution .It is not a body known to the electoral law or the Constitution of the Nigeria .So they do not even have a locus ” the factional spokesman stated.

“But before the Abuja High Court verdict, the two factions ,had engaged in a battle of wits in Abia state over the November 2, scheduled local council polls.

“The subject of struggle was between the Abure and Usman NWC, which has the right to submit names of candidates of the party  for the election.

“The Abure group had last week ,submitted a  conflicting list  to the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission ABSIEC ,a development which prompted the Usman leadership to put up a disclaimer.

The Emma Otti led Abia LP Caretaker Committee, had in a letter cautioned the ABSIEC and the general public about any dealing with the Abure group led by  its National Vice Chairman South East Ceekay Igara .

Hon Igara, until the disputed Nnewi Convention was the Chairman of LP in the State even before the 2023 general election.

The two groups had, also, printed and sold expression of interest and nomination forms simultaneously.

In an interview with this Magazine last Friday October, 11, Engr Darlington Enyinnaya the State Organizing Secretary of the group loyal to the Usman leadership  dismissed the prospect of the party being negatively affected in the forthcoming Local  election by the present crisis.

As at the time of  reporting, the Usman-led NWC was yet to react to the purported dissolution of the State interim leadership.

Obi: Education Is World’s Most Potent Currency, Donates N70 Million to Institutions

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi and Shanahan University

Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged students of Shanahan University, Onitsha, to prioritise their studies, emphasising that education remains the most valuable global currency for competition. Obi made this statement  today during the inaugural Mass for the official opening of the University.

In his remarks, Obi highlighted that both the Catholic and Anglican Churches have established some of the best educational institutions in the world. He explained his decision to support humanity through the Church, confident that they make judicious use of resources. He also called on the institutions to continue admitting students without regard to denomination, tribe, or nationality. “Like Gandhi, I encourage the brotherhood of all men,” Obi said while revealing that the next port of call will be the  College of Nursing at  Ayigba, in kogi State, University on the Niger and  the School of Midwifery at Iyienu.

While visiting the School of Midwifery at Waterside and the School of Nursing Sciences at Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha, Obi reminded the students that from humble beginnings, they are destined for greatness. He assured them that they have chosen the right path, noting that studies predict a shortage of over 20 million healthcare practitioners in the coming years.

Obi, who recently pledged N120 million to the Sisters of the Holy Rosary for their educational and health apostolate, donated an additional N70 million yesterday to the Diocese of Onitsha to support their educational and healthcare missions. Of this amount, N50 million was allocated to Shanahan University, N10 million to the School of Midwifery, Waterside, and N10 million to the School of Nursing Sciences at Borromeo Hospital.

During the Mass, the Archbishop, who oversees these institutions, expressed gratitude to God for His continued blessings.

Peter Obi and Shanahan University2

Speaking at the event, Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Obi Oguejiofor, Vice Chancellor of Shanahan University, thanked the Archbishop for his tireless efforts in establishing the university. He also commended those who contributed to its development and lauded Mr. Peter Obi for standing out among politicians. Fr. Oguejiofor assured that Shanahan University would soon become one of the greatest institutions in Nigeria.

“At present, we are constructing a 1,500-seater auditorium,” he announced. “I am also pleased to inform you that the Archbishop has granted a 50% scholarship on tuition fees for all students. I encourage all parishes to sponsor at least one underprivileged student as part of the Church’s mission to care for the poor.”

At both Waterside and Borromeo, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr. Basil Ekwunife, recalled Obi’s past contributions to the rebuilding of these institutions and thanked him for his continued support, even after leaving office.

Obi was accompanied to all the places by Prof. Chinyere Okunna and Prof. Patrick Obi.

NIDCOM Boss, Dabiri-Erewa, Condemn Libya’s Ill Treatment Of Super Eagles By Libyan Authorities

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Abike Dabiri-Erewa

By Akinwale Kasali

The ill treatment meted out on the Super Eagles of Nigeria by the Libyan Authorities less than 36 hours to the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers, has been condemned by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM.

The Super Eagles had travelled on Sunday to honour the AFCON match against the Mediterrenian Knights, but their flight waa diverted, mid-flight to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that travelling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.

The implication of the diversion will now be another three hours of road travel to the main venue of the match, not minding the risk of road travel in Libya, considering the situation of the war-torn country.

She said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country, and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advice appropriately.

She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

The players, flight crew members and others on board the flight are stranded and have been subjected to inhuman treatment at the airport for over 13 hours without water, food, rest and other means of communication.

This inhuman treatment has prompted the NFF to withdraw from the match and petitioned the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on the attitude of the Libyan Authorities.

“The team were delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason.

“The Super Eagles flight was redirected air borne on Sunday and they were required to travel by road to their destination.

“However, there was no provision made for them by the Libya authorities and all efforts to make alternative provisions by Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, was frustrated.”

Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm while the Nigerian Football Federation will decide the next line of action.

2025 AFCON: Super Eagles Withdraw From Libya Match Following Ill Treatment By Libyan FA

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF,  has announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from the 2025 AFCON qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya due to the very cruel inexplicable treatment given to the Nigerian Senior Team.

Libyan FA put the team through a 12-hour ordeal at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya.

The team’s flight was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to the smaller airport, leaving players and officials stranded without support from the Libyan Football Federation.

Adding to the frustration, the Libyan Football Federation failed to meet the Nigerian team upon their arrival, offering neither a reception committee nor transportation to their Benghazi hotel, located three hours away.

With no transport to their hotel in Benghazi, and after hours of waiting, the fatigued players decided not to play.

“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF said in a statement.

The NFF is now arranging their return to Nigeria.

“Fubara Weak, Can’t Take Charge, May Face Disciplinary Action, Bauchi Gov Too” – PDP

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

“In Fubara, the more you look, the less you see. He is incapable of rallying his colleague-Governors. He is incapable of rallying members of the NWC.”

The Peoples Democratic Party has said that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is incapable of being in charge.

The Party, also, accused Fubara of being the architect of his problems. The PDP said it was Fubara who, willingly, relinquished his rights to his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The PDP also accuses the Governor of indulging in anti-party activities by supporting and sponsoring the candidates of the Action Peoples Party, APP, in the October Local Government Election. The APP, a hitherto unknown party in the State won 22 of the Local Government Areas in the State.

And, for daring to attend the swearing-in of the victorious APP Chairman in solidarity with Fubara, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who is, also, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, will also face disciplinary action.

Speaking to Tribune Online on Sunday, the factional Acting National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Ibrahim Abdulahi, said the Party from the beginning, gave Fubara the opportunity to take charge of the Party structures in the State, but that he always rejected and referred the Party to the FCT Minister, Wike.

For instance, he said, when the Party asked him to nominate the replacement for the State Chairman of the PDP, he refused to do so, and asked them to go to Wike to nominate. He said Fubara said he would be comfortable with anybody Wike nominated.

He disclosed that because Fubara, unlike other State Governors, refused to take charge, the Party didn’t know what else to do with him. He incapable of taking charge,

Abdulahi: “It’s a very, very long story that we will not be able to make sense of now. The kind of opportunity given to Fubara by this party is the sort that you never imagine exist from any political party to any of its members, not a governor, not a president.

“It is the sort that you would not believe any member will enjoy, any person no matter his status, whether in former president, because if I start now talking, I’ll dig out what we have been keeping in the cooler, the opportunities, the chances, the repeated chances given to this governor for him to take the leadership and take control of the structure.

“He was the first person that came to meet this NWC when they requested for the replacement of the state’s chairman of the PDP. He said ‘no no no no, nobody should call him that they should call oga in Abuja, let oga give the person, anyone oga gives he is comfortable.’

“This was the beginning of the whole of this problem. He was the one who said he cannot take decisions when Nyesom Wike is still alive. That was before the relationship went sour. So, at what point did you now stop recognizing him as your boss, that you start taking all of those decisions?

“See, why we don’t need to delve too much into the back and forth of a River State, what is important is that at the point that we have reached now, the summary of it all is that a governor with a state like Rivers, it was the same state Wike occupied that he was able to give PDP the required opposition it confronted the Buhari-led federal government for eight years.

“Fubara is sitting on that same saddle now and yet, cannot be able to rally his colleagues, governors behind him. He cannot be able to hold the National Working Committee to identify with him just because his predecessor is a Minister in Abuja.

“All of us, we thought he was worthy of the attention, but the more you look the less you understand. You can’t be crying like a baby all the time. You cannot provide leadership, fight it out.

“Do you think all the governors are comfortable? Why are they in charge of their respective state except him? Something is missing about this guy. So, please, at the risk of sounding immodest, we have done the best we can do for Fubara.

“We are not supporting Wike. I have been critical of Wike, you know. Even recently, I have said that nobody can hold PDP to ransom. We are not under anybody’s pocket. It’s on record. So, I’ve said all these sort of things I would say. If I was taking a naira from Wike, I couldn’t have gone on air to say all of these things.”

And for sponsoring APP Candidates for the LGA Election, Abdulahi said Fubara is guilty of anti-party activities and may face disciplinary action.

His words: “That is a clear anti-party on the part of the Governor and we will wait for him with that himself. The Governor that went to identify with him during the inauguration of the elected officials himself, the Chairman of the Governors  Forum will be accused of anti-party.

“And this is why we are always careful to, you know, apply the sledgehammer on the heads of all of those persons accused of identifying with this thing called anti-party. Because you would soon realize that you have finished all the members of the party and you are leaving nobody behind.

“Everybody has one action or the other that can constitute what is anti-party in the face of law.

“So because he went there, they were inaugurated, none of them was PDP Local Government Chairman, none, the 21 of them. But the Chairman of the PDP Forum went there, gave his blessing for a sitting PDP Governor to inaugurate the opposition party and then they were all joyful and in festive mood. How will you now say you are serving PDP with this action alone?”

The result of Fubara backing APP is that PDP may likely lose Rivers State to APP. Said he:

“It’s a strong possibility. But if that happens, you can be sure we’ll retrieve our state in 2027. It’s just a question of time. It will be unfortunate if that happens, but from the way this whole thing is looking, we might get to that level.”

However, not a few people say that the PDP has already lost its soul and would lose Rivers State sooner than later if the crisis rocking the Party is not quickly resolved.

PDP Governors Back Yayari, Endorse Damagum’s Suspension

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Ambassador Illiya Damagum and Alhaji Ahmed Yayari

By Adesina Soyooye

The new factional Acting National Chairman of the crisis-prone Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, has the backing of the majority of Governors on the platform of the Party.

Nine of the  Governors of the Party say they are solidly behind  Yayari and fully endorse the suspension of Ambassador Illiya Damagum.

Yayari, the Acting National Treasurer  was, a couple of days ago, appointed the Acting National Chairman after the Party was engulfed in suspension and counter-suspension drama which saw Damagum’s suspended by a faction of the Party after his own faction suspended a couple of others, including the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. It was Ologunagba’s faction which turned round and suspended Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

But nine Governors of the Party, on Sunday, say they fully back Yayari’s appointment.

This decision was  a product of a virtual meeting the Governors held on October 12, 2024.

According to a report, “it signals a collective effort by the party’s leadership to ensure unity and internal cohesion”.

The Party has, in the past one year and counting, been engulfed in crisis, and has not been able to put itself together, discipline its members who are engulfed in anti-party activities, or play its role as a major opposition party.

According to reports, ”the meeting of the Governors was driven by the desire to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the Governors reiterated their commitment to upholding the party’s constitution and ensuring internal disputes are resolved amicably and within the framework of party rules.”

Those who attended the meeting, virtually, are:

*Governor Siminalayi Fubara – Rivers State

*Governor Douye Diri -Bayelsa State

*Governor Godwin Obaseki -Edo State

*Governor Peter Mbah -Enugu State –

*Governor Ademola Adeleke Osun State

*Governor  Umo Eno -Akwa Ibom State

Some the  resolutions they took include:

  • Unanimous endorsement of the suspension of Iliya Damagum as Acting National Chairman.
  • Appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, the PDP’s National Treasurer, as the new Acting National Chairman.
  • Reaffirmation of their commitment to the party’s constitution and internal democratic principles.
  • Resolution to handle any internal conflicts through the established channels and promote party unity.

Prominent among the Governors who did not attend the meeting include Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a core loyalist of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, both new supporters of Damagum.

CBN: “Even Yahoo Boys” Cannot Borrow At Current Interest Rates – Sen Suswam Slams Apex Bank

By
James Orji
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Gabriel Suswan

The decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to hike the monetary policy Rates, MPR, has continued to take a hit among major stakeholders of the nation’s economy.

Former Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue state is the latest in the in the country to criticised the CBN for raising the MPR also known as the benchmark interest rate, thus, highlighting the criticisms that have trailed the hike within the nation’s business community.

Suswam, a senator said on Channels Television on Monday that no business owner can borrow funds at this rate and still survive, stressing that some commercial banks charge as much as 33 percent on loans granted to customers

The Yemi Cardoso-led CBN had on September 24 announced the hike in the interest rates from 26.75 percent to 27.25 percent during the monthly Monetary policy committee, MPC in Abuja, the nation’s capital, citing the need to control inflation in the country.

The apex bank has raised the rate many times this year, according to checks by the magazine.

The decision, has however, received trenchant criticisms from economic experts who said the consistent increase is unwarranted in the face of the current economic situation in the country.

Ahead the hike last month, not a few economic experts, including renown expert Bismark Rewane of the Derivative Company Ltd predicted that the CBN will not tamper with the August rate of 26.75.

Also, economic experts have warned in a report published by Bloomberg that it will not be in Nigeria’s best interest for the rate to be raised further, as doing so will be unpopular, amidst concerns that a high interest rate will further impact businesses negatively.

Speaking today, Senator Suswam said no business owner can borrow at this rate and survive under the current economic realities in the country.

He said even “Yahoo Boys” also known as internet fraud stars cannot borrow loan at current rate, advising the CBN and other managers of Nigeria’s economy to seek proper advise on the way forward.

CBN Governor, Cardoso had while announcing the new rate disclosed that the MPC arrived at the decision in other to ensure price stability and checkmate inflation in the country.

“The committee was, however, unanimous in recognising that a lot more is required to actualise the bank’s price stability mandate,” he said.

“The MPC noted that even though headline inflation trended downwards due to a moderation in food inflation, core inflation has remained elevated, driven primarily by rising energy prices.

“The uptrend poses severe concerns to members as it clearly indicates the persistence of inflationary pressures. Members thus reiterated the need to work in close collaboration with the fiscal authority to address the current upward pressure on energy prices.

“The MPC noted the continued growth in money supply, recognising the need to curtail excess liquidity in the system as well as address foreign exchange demand pressures,” Cardoso said.

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