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Kano Police Command Insists “No Durba” As Ganduje Urges Peace

June 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Police Command has reiterated its earlier ban on Durbar by the two contenders to the Kano Royal Throne – Emirs Ado Bayero and Muhammad Sanusi.

It will be recalled that following a letter addressed to the Kano State Police Commissioner Muhammad Hussaini Gumel by Emir Bayero dated June 10 2024 requesting for the provision of adequate security for his planned durbar celebration, the Police authorities had, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, announced that neither of the two Royal Gladiators will be allowed to hold the Sallah-related festivity, citing the need to preserve the fragile peace of the ancient city as reason.

In a statement issued by Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, SP, on Saturday June 15, the Kano State Police Authorities reaffirmed their position on the ban on durbar and other related activities during the sallah celebration.

“The Kano State Police Command appreciates the Kano State Government as well as all the law-abiding residents of the State for their support, understanding, and cooperation especially in matters that relate to the security and safety of all inhabitants of the state.

“On this, the combined Security Agencies are for the purpose of overriding public safety, not expecting cultural troupes, costumes, weapons or any forms of insignia representing Durbar from any of the traditional stool contenders .

“In addition, all other law abiding people of the State are urged to continue to cooperate with the police and other relevant security agencies as adequate deployments have been concluded to ensure low-key,and hitch-free Eid-El-Kabir celebrations during this trying moment..

“Furthermore, the Command is making it clear that His Excellency,the Executive Governor of Kano state. ,Abba Kabir Yusuf has banned all forms of Durbar activities in the state during this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

“The resolution was made during the state Security Council meeting presided over by the kano state Governor.” part of the police statement reads.

Meanwhile, Nigerians, have been urged to reflect on the true essence and lesson of the Eid -El-Kabir Muslim festival and apply its values and principles in support of president Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration as it strives to reposition the country.

They have, also, been enjoined to use the occasion to give a thought to the conditions and needs of the less privileged and vulnerable sets of the society.

These were the highpoints of the message of the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje to the Muslim faithful across the Country as they prepare to observe the Sallah celebration.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 15, 2024, by his Media Aide, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje, the immediate past Governor of Kano State, charged all Nigerians to unite at this auspicious moment to celebrate the country’s diversity,as well as strengthen our bonds as one nation.

“As we mark this significant event in the Islamic calendar, Nigerians should acknowledge the values of sacrifice, compassion and generosity that are embodied in the spirit of Eid-al-Adha .

“We recognize the importance of this occasion in promoting unity,love and harmony among Nigerians, regardless of their religious beliefs or backgrounds and these lessons should bring us closer together in our march to attain nationhood .

“As we celebrate Eid-al-Adha, we should also remember those who are less fortunate and those affected by the current challenges in our country by extending love in solidarity and support for one another,” the APC National Chairman stated.

Dr Ganduje assured Nigerians that the administration of President Tinubu is bracing all odds to revamp the economy and halt the spate of insecurity in the country.

While congratulating all Nigerians on the auspicious occasion of the Sallah celebration, Dr Ganduje appealed to the people to show understanding and support so that together the country can be repositioned.

Nigerians Celebrate Finidi George’s Exit As Super Eagles Coach

James Orji

June 15, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The resignation of Finidi George as Super Eagles of Nigeria Coach, has been greeted with great joy and happiness from Soccer loving Nigerians.

It was not surprising to a huge section of soccer fans as the announcement was expected.

Soccer fans were disappointed following the abysmal performance of the National Team in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godswill Obot Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State where they played 1-1, and the loss to the Squirrels of Benin Republic 2-1. The loss condemned the Super Eagles to Fifth position in the six-team log and put the chances of the team to qualify for the World Showpiece in jeopardy.

Before the announcement of Finidi George as the Super Eagles Coach by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, it was widely criticized. His experience and pedigree were queried, but the NFF shunned those criticisms and went ahead to announce him as the successor to Portuguese gaffer, Jose Peseiro.

Primate Elijah Ayodele, Founder, INRI Evangelical Church, known for his prophecies and public comments, had told the NFF that the appointment of George will spell doom for Nigeria, but this was ignored by the NFF bigwigs.

Also, a section of Football analysts had queried the criteria for the selection of Finidi as Coach, saying that the only experience he has as a Coach was his triumph with Enyimba of Aba Football Club in the 2023 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.

He was also made the Assistant Coach to Jose Peseiro who guided the Super Eagles to a second place finish at the African Cup of Nation, AFCON, tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.

Oluwafemi Olusesi, a Football enthusiast, said that Finidi George made the best decision by throwing in the towel after the disastrous outing of the Super Eagles in the World Cup Qualifiers.

“The cyberbully he received was enough for him to resign. Nigerians are passionate about Football and experimenting at this stage is unacceptable.

“How will a Coach that knows what he wants will be benching a player that has been outstanding in the Bundesliga and led his team to triumphs in their domestic competition? How will you bench Victor Boniface and start Paul Onuachu? You will see that he doesn’t know what he is doing.

“Resigning honorably gives him more respect and prestige than been sacked”.

For Nnamdi Uchegbulam, a soccer fan, his resignation was expected long before now, but it is better he left before he is disgraced “.

It would be recalled that the NFF were planning to get a Foreign Technical Director for the Super Eagles, before Finidi George announced his resignation.

The NFF is yet to comment on the issue and state its next line of action.

PSC Dares IGP, Says Recruitment Transparent, Insists Only Commission Has Power To Recruit

James Orji

June 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission, (PSC) has reacted to allegation by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that it recruited unqualified applicants as constables as mere envy on the part of the force.

It described as unfortunate that the Nigeria Police Force will still not allow the Commission to exercise its Constitutional powers to appoint persons into the Nigeria Police Force.

“This clandestine scheming by the Inspector General of Police to usurp such powers is obviously an affront on both the Nigerian Constitution and judgment of the Supreme Court.”

A statement, signed by the Joint Union of the PSC stated that

“The said Press Statement is not only in bad state but diversionary. It is sad to note that despite the unambiguity in the powers of the Police Service Commission (PSC) as clearly spelt out by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the subsequent interpretation of such powers by the Supreme Court, the Nigeria Police Force will still not allow the Commission exercise its Constitutional powers to appoint persons into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Commission is at a loss why it is only during recruitment exercises that Police confrontation manifests suggesting obvious hidden interests and corrupt tendencies.”

It maintained that the recruitment Board, which handled the employment issue has representatives from virtually all the stakeholders in the Police Sector such as The Commission, the Police, Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission, the Police Colleges and the Police Trust Fund.

“The claim that the Recruitment Board was crippled and was not allowed to function, was no doubt a fallacy as the Board severally met before the release of the list of successful candidates.

“The same Board met and endorsed the list that was released on the 4th of June, 2024 at their usual meeting point, PSC Corporate Headquarters, with the DIG Training, Mr Frank Mba and other Police representatives in attendance.

“Meanwhile, it is also worthy of note that the Police had shortlisted and concluded the exercise without the knowledge of the Board and PSC.

“They had the effrontery to submit the list to the Commission. They wanted a meeting of the Board where they had planned to force the list on the Board but unfortunately their plans collapsed.

“For example, this takes us back to 2019 when the then IGP hijacked the list of candidates of the smooth on-going recruitment exercise from the Commission in the guise of having the list to prepare the training colleges for the training purposes and ended up smuggling hundreds of names of persons who neither applied nor participated in the screening process.

“A case in study is Nasarawa State with 13 Local Government Areas that is supposed to have had 253 successful candidates but ended up having 528 after the NPF had sneaked 275 candidates in excess. That culminated into the Commission instituting a legal action against the NPF over our mandate.”

It demanded a forensic audit of the Joint And Martriculation Board Computer Based Test results and compare it with the list released by the Commission.

“We insist that the list of the successful candidates as released by the Commission is open to any body or Organization for forensic examination to establish it’s authenticity.

“The Commission will not at any time involve itself in any untoward activities in the process of recruiting qualified Nigerians into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police and any other interested bodies are very free to investigate any act of financial dealings and corrupt practices as alleged by the Force Public Relations Officer.

“Finally, considering the power and mandate of the Commission as derived from the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and eventually reiterated, interpreted and established by the Supreme Court judgement of the 11th of July, 2023 and the 2001 Establishment Act of the Police Service Commission, the Commission is the only Executive Body charged with the responsibility, amongst others, of appointing qualified Nigerians into the Nigeria Police Force.

“However, as we mentioned earlier, based on the democratic nature, sense of responsibility, inclusiveness and transparency of the Commission, it has always involved other relevant Bodies, including the NPF, in the recruitment process.

“We would not succumb to any form of blackmail and threat as demonstrated by the Inspector-General of Police in the Press Release with reference number CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/178, dated June 15, 2024 by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), signed on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.”

Ekiti : Gov Oyebanji Charges Muslims To Reflect On Significance Of Eid-el Kabir

James Orji

June 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As Muslims celebrate Eid-el Kabir on Sunday, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah for witnessing this year’s Eid -el -Kabir festival.

The Governor, in a goodwill message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, charged the celebrants to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrifice which the season symbolizes as they celebrate.

He urged them on the need to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomized by the festival as well as promote the virtues of Islam.

The Governor urged the faithful to learn from Prophet Ibrahim who surrendered to the will of the Almighty Allah by sacrificing his son Ishmael based on Allah’s injunction.

He said Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience, which was a test of faith, turned what was thought to be a loss to a great gain noting that sacrifices, when done in good faith, produces positive results.

Oyebanji, who expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the country at this critical time in its history.

He appreciated the Muslim Community in the state for the support given to his administration through prayer, counsels and solidarity, which he said would not be taken for granted.

He also thanked them for living in peace and harmony with other adherents of other religions, thereby making the state one of the most peaceful states to live and work.

The Governor promised to continue to carry the Muslim Community along as he does with other stakeholders in the bid to make Ekiti an enviable state in key sectors and a land of shared prosperity where everyone can find fulfilment.

He urged the Muslim pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj to use the opportunity of their presence in the holy land to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, it is my sincere wish that we celebrate in moderation, reflect on the lessons of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, show love to one another, work and pray for the greater level of prosperity for our dear state and country. May God accept our worship as an act of ‘Ibadah. Happy Sallah”.

Oyo Govt Warns Of Cholera Spread; 2 Infected Patients From Lagos Berth In Ibadan

James Orji

June 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State Government has announced that two cholera-infected patients from Lagos State have entered the State. He, therefore, urged
adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of a potential cholera outbreak in the State.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi disclosed this during her visit to a private hospital in Ibadan where two suspected cholera cases were receiving treatment.

Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi noted that Cholera is a bacterial infection spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by the faeces of an infected person.

She explained that cholera is highly infectious and can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration, adding that It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever.

The Commissioner described the two suspected cases in Ibadan, which had been tracked down to a private facility in the state as male workers at a construction site in Lekki Peninsula from Lagos State.

She noted that there is no cause for alarm as the Ministry and other partners are on top of the situation.

Dr. Oluwaserimi therefore reiterated the response efforts of the State Government through the Ministry at ensuring that the State does not record casualties from the cholera outbreak from Lagos State.

According to her, the response efforts include: the deployment of LGA DSNO, promotional jingles in English and Yoruba running in different media houses, immediate inauguration of the Cholera Technical Working Group, putting IDC Olodo into active mode for isolation and management.

Others are reaching out to all our surveillance rangers at the LGA level to intensify surveillance activities, re-posting of cholera case definition on the platform of community informants for updates, awareness, and sensitization of the gatekeepers and other well-established community structures.

The Commissioner appealed to all to be safety conscious and always drink water only from clean sources, practice good personal hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and water.

She maintained that anyone with the symptoms mentioned above should not partake in self-medication but present themselves at the nearest healthcare facility immediately.

Abia: Non-Inauguration Of Lawmaker-elect Eight Months After: “Explore All Legitimate Means Available” – PDP Directs Caucus

James Orji

June 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst growing disenchantment, anger and restiveness among not a few Abians irrespective of party affiliations over the continued refusal of the leadership of the State House of Assembly to swear in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, member-elect, Aaron Uzodike, eight months after his declaration as the authentic winner of the Aba North state Constituency seat, the PDP Chairman in the State, Dr Alwell Asiforo Okere, has directed the Party’s Lawmakers to explore all lawful means to ensure his inauguration..

The Source reports that the National/State Assembly Election Appeal Court sitting in Lagos had in November, 2023, declared PDP’s Uzodike as the rightful winner of the 2023 elections to represent the Aba North State constituency, after nullifying the earlier electoral victory of Labour Party’s Destiny Nwagwu.

However, eight months down the line, the Speaker, Emmanuel Emereuwa-led Abia State House of Assembly has refused to admit him as their member, despite being issued with a certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC .

Besides, the Appeal Court, going by the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, the Appeal Court remains the last jurisdiction for all National/State Assembly related electoral litigations.

The Speaker has, however, severally premised his refusal on the absence of a clear directive from the Appeal Court judgment for Uzodike to be sworn-in.

He has also been alluding to a subsisting court order restraining him from swearing in the member-elect .

In all, his arguments have so far failed to persuade even the most ardent critics and traducers of the PDP in the State who are yet to come to terms with the purported existence of a Court order that tend to override the ruling of a Court of final jurisdiction on National/State Assembly litigations.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 15, 2024, by its Vice Chairman/Acting Publicity Secretary, Abraham Amah, and made available to The Source (Magazine), Dr Okere said the directive for PDP Lawmakers to pursue the inauguration of Hon Uzodike resulted from a careful review of the situation on ground by the State Working Committee, SWC.

The PDP has demanded for a restructuring of the leadership of the House to reflect its position as the majority party as it is the norm globally.

“The State Chairman of Abia PDP Rt Hon Dr Alwell Asiforo Okere ,has instructed the members of the PDP caucus in the Abia State House of Assembly ,led by Hon Solomon Akpulonu ,to utilize all legitimate means available to ensure the immediate inauguration of Hon Aaron Uzodike ,the member-elect of Aba North state constituency ,by the Speaker,Rt Hon.Emmanuel Emereuwa.

“Recall that Emereuwa has failed to inaugurate the PDP member-elect, Hon. Aaron Uzodike whose mandate was restored by the Appeal Court in Lagos following the removal of Destiny Nwagwu of the Labour Party from office after more than seven months.

“This directive from Rt. Hon Asiforo follows consultations with members of the state Working Committee, SWC. After reviewing the recent interview granted by the Speaker regarding the delay in Hon Uzodike’s inauguration, Abia PDP is convinced that there are no legal obstacles preventing his inauguration following the issuance of his Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on December ,13 2023 ,which is the only requirement for his inauguration.

“The party demands that all emoluments and entitlements due to Hon Uzodike from the date of his Certificate of Return issuance be promptly paid ,as there are no legal grounds for further delay in his inauguration by the Speaker who represents the Labour party.

“Furthermore, the Principal Officers of the Assembly must ensure the restoration of Legislative order by ensuring that PDP, as the majority party retains the office of Majority Leader as is customary in democracies worldwide.

“The prolonged non-inauguration of Hon Aaron Uzodike has deprived the people of Aba North of representation in the State Legislature for over seven months .

“This situation not only undermines the rule of law and shows disregard for the judiciary, but also threatens our hard earned democracy.

“The Abia PDP condemns the undemocratic actions of the Speaker and his sponsors and considers it as irresponsible and a violations of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which they have sworn to uphold and Abia PDP can not tolerate such actions any longer” part of the PDP statement reads.

Lady Sets Ablaze 86yrs Old Mum In Ondo

James Orji

June 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

To free herself from bondage as foretold by Pastors, a 45-year-old woman, Abiodun, popularly called “Iya Sunday,” set ablaze her 86-year-old mother with petrol, allegedly believing her mother was behind her predicament in Ondo state

The incident happened on Friday at Surulere, opposite Anglican Cathedral Church in the Ondo West local government area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that the victim, whose name is yet to be confirmed, sustained burns from head to toe and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

According to an eyewitness, Sola Oladele, the suspect came to the house on Friday around 5 a.m. and called out her mother before pouring petrol on her and set her on fire.

He said, “What happened between them before the incident we don’t know, but the suspect has been arrested by police at the Enu-Owa division for further investigation.”

The suspect, Abiodun, said she did it because she was told that her mother was behind her predicament.

She explained, “I went to my mother’s house around 4 a.m. and sat outside. When it was 5 a.m., I called out my mother from the house.

“Immediately after she came out, not knowing what was happening, I poured petrol on her body and set her on fire.

“What started it is that I went to one pastor for prayer, and he told me that my mother is behind what is happening to me.

“I did not believe it at first. My mother also took me somewhere to see one woman. After my mother left, the woman also said the same thing.

“I burnt my mother because of what I heard from the pastor and the woman, that I can only be free from bondage when my mother is dead.”

The Enu-Owa police at Ondo town confirmed the incident and said the case would be transferred to Akure for further investigation.

Ondo: Ex- Political Appointees Queue Behind Aiyedatiwa, Say Continuity Good For State

James Orji

June 15, 2024

Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

A group of former political appointees under the Ondo State Patriotic Movement for Democracy (ODSPMD) has resolved to work with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16 gubernatorial election in the State.

The group which membership cuts across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state promised to mobilize support for Governor Aiyedatiwa at the grassroots.

Speaking in Akure, Conveners and Secretary General of the group, Ariyo Arije, Alabi Julius and Princess Akinrimade Patient Àdùnní, said they know that the governor will turn the state around within a short time if elected

“We are former political appointees, opinion moulders and Grassroot mobilizers. We came to conclusion that none of the candidates from other political parties can stop Aiyedatiwa from being the next governor of the state.

“It is our desire that the revolution currently ongoing in education, health, agriculture, youth and women empowerment as well as infrastructure will continue if Governor Aiyedatiwa is given more chance to rule the state.

“We are for consolidation. We are for continuity and we are for a united and prosperous Ondo State.

“We hereby unanimously declare our support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress and our members resolved to work to deliver him resoundingly on November 16, 2024.

“We have no doubt that we will celebrate our victory and the future of our dear state will be guaranteed.”

The group commended the governor for picking a former Speaker of the state assembly, Victor Olabimtan as his Campaign Director General saying with the choice, the opposition parties in the state have no breathing space.

IGP Egbetokun Accuses PSC Of Bribery In Police Constables Recruitment

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 15, 2024

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has accused the Police Service Commission, PSC, of recruiting unqualified and untrained constables to the force.

The IGP made the remark in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, on Saturday.

The nation’s police boss spoke following the sack of Solomon Arase as PSC boss by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu has since replaced with Hashimu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspsector General of Police, DIG.

It’s widely suggested that Arase, a former IGP was sacked one year into his five-year tenure as PSC Chairman, by the president due issue bordering on corruption, one of which was the recruitment of constable into the NPF.

Arase was appointed by the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari.

Egbetokun said the recent recruitment of constables into the Force was riddled with serious anomaly, calling for a more transparent and credible process.

According to him, some applicants have petitioned him of how they were short-changed despite the fact that they were qualified.

In some occasions, the names of screened candidates who were successful to the last stage were removed, the statement said, adding that many of those picked by the PSC as successful candidates did not even take part in the recruitment exercise.

The statement reads “The published list contains several names of candidates who failed either the Computer Based Test (CBT) or the physical screening exercise or both.

“There are those who made it to the last stage of the exercise but were disqualified having been found Medically unfit through the standardised medical test but who also made the list of successful candidates as published by the PSC.

“Most worrisome is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices leading to the outcome where unqualified and untrainable individuals have been shortlisted”.

The magazine notes that the recruitment exercise into the NPF has remained a serious tussle between the IGP and PSC for years.

Reps Not In Possession Of Draft Bill For Regional Govt

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 15, 2024

Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has clarified that the Draft Bill for Regional System of Government has not been tabled before members.

The House clarification followed reports concerning the House’s position on the widely reported draft bill seeking a return to a regional system of government for Nigeria.

A statement dated 15th June, 2024 by the spokesman of the green chamber, Akin Rotimi Jnr stated that “The House wishes to reiterate its position, educating the public that there are three main routes to proposing constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives:

“Regarding the specific memo authored by Citizen Dr. Akin Fapohunda, the House maintains that his proposal has not come before the House Committee on Rules and Business for listing as a bill by any member, nor has it been submitted by way of memoranda to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

“To clarify the misinformation, the House states that contrary to inaccurate reports suggesting that the House ‘disowned the bill’ or ‘rejected the bill,’ the House has neither disowned nor owned the proposal.

“The position provided earlier was to inform the public that the proposal is not before the House for consideration at this material time.

“The House of Representatives encourages healthy and progressive debates on any subject and the exchange of ideas on how to improve our country.

“However, the constitution review process has clearly defined guidelines and limitations, and involves a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that the collective will of the good people of Nigeria is reflected in the constitutional amendments underway.

“The legislative agenda of the 10th Assembly prioritizes inclusion and engagement. We are committed to facilitating a constitution review process that ensures all voices are heard.

“The document being circulated is not a bill, as it is not before parliament, and is, at best, a memo or proposal by a citizen.

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