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How Akwa Ibom First Lady Died

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno

By Adesina Soyooye

 

After rumors and speculations, the   wife of Akwa Ibom Governor, has finally passed on.

 

About a couple of months ago, the rumour mill was strong that the First Lady, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, had passed on. At the time, she was said to have died of Cancer. But the news was swiftly dismissed for what it was: False.

 

However, on Thursday, 26th September, 2024, the quiet First Lady calmly passed on at a yet-to- be disclosed hospital, surrounded by family.

 

Mrs Eno, a quiet philanthropist, was married to her beloved husband, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno for 33 years. The union was blessed  with six children.

 

A statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, on behalf of the State Government, said the First Lady died after a brief illness surrounded by family.

 

Titled “Unexpected Sunset”, the statement reads:

 

“It is with heavy hearts that we (Akwa Ibom State Government), announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.

 

“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family. The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.

 

“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.

 

“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the State is unwavering”.

 

The late First Lady  was aged 57 years.

NBA Tackles Nigeria Prison Service, Asks For Details Of Where Bobrisky’s  Served His Jail Term

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Bobrisky
Bobrisky

By Akinwale Kasali

  • Bobrisky threatens to end his life over controversy

As controversy continues to trail Idris Okuneye, popular as Bobrisky’s Jail Term saga, the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, has  challenged the Nigeria Prison Service. NPS, to provide details of where the Cross Dresser served his jail term for abusing the Naira.

The NBA demanded that the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, provide transparent details of where the crossdresser served his conviction sentence.

Afam Osigwe, NBA President, in a statement demanded an independent investigation by the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, to determine if Bobrisky bribed personnel of EFCC and NCoS to serve his jail terms outside the Correctional Center.

Osigwe also advised the public to refrain from linking Femi Falana and his son, Folarin Falana, known by his stage name Falz, to the Bobrisky case.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) commends the timely decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch an investigation into allegations that some of its officers received ₦15 million from Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to dismiss money laundering charges against him.

“The allegation of bribery to reduce or drop charges is very disturbing. An urgent and thorough investigation is needed to determine whether bribes were paid or are sometimes paid to influence the nature of charges brought against defendants in criminal cases. This investigation will also test the transparency of the investigative process and the procedures for charging defendants in court.

“The investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should determine whether or not there was any financial inducement by Bobrisky or anyone on his behalf in exchange for the dropping of money laundering charges against him. Any person found complicit must face the full weight of the law.

“The NBA acknowledges that all individuals and institutions accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, we insist that a swift and thorough investigation be carried out to establish the truth. If any public official is found culpable, appropriate legal actions must be taken to hold them accountable.

“The NBA therefore demands that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) not only respond to the allegation that Bobrisky did not serve his time in a correctional facility but also provide transparent details on the conditions under which Bobrisky served his sentence. If it is proven that he was allowed to serve his sentence outside a Correctional Facility, in breach of the law and a court order, the officers and officials responsible must be prosecuted and dismissed from service.

“We also call upon the Attorney General of the Federation, EFCC, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to independently investigate allegations that a convict paid a bribe to be allowed to serve prison time in a private residence instead of in a Correctional Facility, as well as the allegation that a bribe was demanded in exchange for a government pardon. The suggestion that convicts can freely serve their time in private residences and potentially procure a pardon by paying a bribe undermines the very foundation of our criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in the system.

“We believe that this investigation will provide the individuals named in these allegations the opportunity to clarify their roles (if any) in this matter. If these allegations are found to be true, it would not only mock our correctional system but also serve as a wake-up call for necessary reforms in our prosecutorial and correctional processes. The NBA shall appoint eminent members of the legal profession to monitor this situation and ensure that due process is followed.”

It continued, “The NBA is especially concerned with the allegation involving one of Nigeria’s foremost legal luminaries, Femi Falana, SAN, and his son, Folarin Falana, Esq. (aka FALZ). The video claims that Mr. Folarin Falana reached out to Bobrisky, and his father, Femi Falana, SAN, allegedly discussed the possibility of applying for a presidential pardon for Bobrisky. We note that Femi Falana, SAN, has denied this allegation.

“It is important to note that the law allows convicts to apply for a presidential pardon under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This provision empowers the President to grant pardons to individuals convicted of offenses, subject to certain conditions and upon the recommendation of the Council of State.

“The NBA acknowledges that applying for a presidential pardon is a legitimate legal recourse available to any convict, as stipulated by law. However, it is crucial to clarify that such a process must follow due procedure and be devoid of any form of influence peddling or unethical practices.

“Femi Falana, SAN, is a highly respected legal practitioner known for his integrity and long-standing commitment to human rights and justice. He has in fact denied the allegation against him. The Nigerian Bar Association urges the public to refrain from making premature conclusions regarding Mr. Falana’s or indeed any person’s alleged involvement in these matters.

“The Nigeria Bar Association reiterates its commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. We will continue to support all efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and correctional systems. We also call for calm and restraint while investigations are carried out, and we assure the public that we will monitor these investigations closely to ensure they are conducted in a transparent and unbiased manner.”

However, Bobrisky, has threatened to end his life amid the ongoing investigation into his alleged N15 million bribe to operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as well as his staying in an apartment to serve his Jail term.

In a statement on his verified Instagram page on Thursday, he said he was ready to end his life by committing suicide, alleging that “people” are trying to “bring him down.”

Bobrisky: NCoS Suspends Senior Officers Over Bribery Allegation

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison

By Ayodele Oni

Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS) has approved the suspension of three top officials of the service allegedly linked to allegation of receiving bribe.

They were said to be connected to allegation of receiving bribe from Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, while serving a jail term.

A statement on Thursday by Ja’afaru Ahmed, Secretary to the

Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board announced the suspension in a statement.

Minister of interior, Tunji-Ojo had on Wednesday announced setting up of an investigative panel to find out those connected with bribery allegation of the transgender.

The statement said “Following the viral video trending on social media on alleged infractions by Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has suspended forthwith the following Senior Officers of the Service:

“Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and

  1. Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State”

The board also disciplined other officers for various offences bordering on indiscipline.

“Also, the Board has suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the Custodial Centre to a location outside the facility.

“In another related development, the Board has equally suspended another Senior Officer of the Service, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje- Abuja, for allegedly receiving monies on behalf of an inmate.

“The suspension of these Officers is to allow for further investigation on the various allegations while assuring that the outcome would be made public when concluded.”

SW Senators Applaud Passage Of Development Commission Bill

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Senate

By Ayodele Oni

The South West Senators Caucus has noted that the passage of the South West Development Commission Bill has further demonstrate the collaborative efforts among senators from the zone.

The regional commission’s bill was passed into law on Thursday by the red chamber.

A statement by secretary of the caucus, Shuaibu Salisu expressed appreciation to members of the Caucus over the passage of the Bill at the Plenary Session on Thursday.

In a statement issued in Abuja the Secretary, of the Caucus enthused that the bill, a collaborative effort of all the Senators from the South West Zone, is yet another demonstration of a shared vision and commitment of the Senators to advance and protect the interests of the Zone at all times, within the context of a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

“The  South West Development Commission, the principal objective of the Bill, will complement the development efforts of the six States in South West and in particular boost the Development Agenda of South West Nigeria (DAWN), a joint initiative of the South West States.

“Whilst noting that the Bill still has to receive the concurrence of the House of Representatives to be ready for the Presidential Assent, the Caucus notes with confidence that the Honourable Members from the South West Zone are equally committed to this initiative and will work collaboratively, as is done in the Senate, to ensure easy and expeditious passage in the House.

“The Caucus thanks the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for their leadership and facilitation of the passage of the Bill.

“We note and thank all the National Assembly members, past and serving, from the zone who have made efforts at various times that have now culminated in the passage of this Bill in the 10th Assembly.

“As members of the 10th Senate, we are proud of this milestone.  We want to reassure all the stakeholders that the South West Caucus in the National Assembly remains unwaveringly committed to the full realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the benefit of all Nigerians, including our beloved South West Zone.”

Edo Election: “A Professor Told Me He Came To Cash Out” –  Weeping Prince Odigie

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Prince Emmanuel Odigie

By Adesina Soyooye

A prominent son of Edo State, Prince Emmanuel Odigie, in what one could describe as embarrassing, broke down in tears on an international television.

The Prince who was a guest on Arise Television’s very popular program, The Morning Show, to discuss the outcome of the September 21, 2024, Governorship Election, was so engulfed in emotion that he, suddenly, broke down in tears, and cried. It was the lot of one of the presenters of the program, Rufai Oseni, to console him by  telling him “don’t cry, don’t cry.”

Prince Odigie had strongly rooted for  Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In fact, a few days before the election, he was also a guest at The Morning Show where he confidently emphasized that Ighodalo’s victory was a done deal. He did not see the possibility of a Monday Okpebholo victory. As for an Olumide Akpata victory, he dismissed it with a wave of the hand.

It was, therefore, a devastated, numb and absolutely shocked Prince Odigie who returned to Arise Television, post- election, to analyze the outcome.

He began by telling his interviewers that he was in deep mourning. Proof: He drew their attention to his choice of appearance – head to toe. He appeared in all black, and emphasized he did so to mourn the outcome of the election, the death of democracy in Nigeria, the death of everything decent in Nigeria, and the  take-over of the country by evil.

Instructively, Odigie had wept earlier before the Arise Television incident. He told Arise Television after informing them why he wore all black, that he had cried before four women.

He said that the four returned from the United States of America, USA, where they live, just to vote for Ighodalo. He said he wept when the women told him that they had never witnessed such electoral robbery before; that they were ashamed of their country, and because of what they witnessed, they would never return to Nigeria again.

In tears, Prince Odigie insisted there was no way Okpebholo and his APC could have won any election in Edo State. He said neither the Civil Servants, Teachers, Market women and men, artisans, students nor the youths could have voted for the APC.

He revealed that most of those who worked for the INEC and Security Agents connived to scandalously shame the Country.

Proof: He disclosed that he was in shock, and knew that the Country was finished when a University Professor who came to Edo for Election duties told him:  “I came here to cash out.”

The September 21 Governorship Election has been bedevilled by controversy and scandalous complaints all of which have put a big question mark on the outcome of the exercise.

South West Development Commission Scales Hurdle As Senate Passes Bill

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Senate

By Ayodele Oni

As it did to other zonal development driven interventions, the Senate on Thursday approved the establishment of the South West Development Commission following consideration of a report by its Committee on Special Duties.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC Borno Central) presented the South West Development Commission Bill, 2024, after which it was passed for third reading by the Senate during plenary.

Kaka, in his presentation, explained that the intents and purposes of the bill are well structured for the socio-economic development of South West.

“If the Commission is established through presidential assent to the bill, it will, like other development-driven commissions established on zonal basis, receives funds from the Federation Account, donations from development partners etc to address infrastructural deficits and tackle ecological problems in the region.”

The Senate, accordingly moved into committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration of the bill after which it was read for the third time.

In his remarks after the passage of the bill, the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended the Kaka-led committee for a job well done.

According to him, the South West Development Commission, like other ones recently established, would address the infrastructural and ecological challenges in the South West.

“The essence of the various development commissions being set up is to fast track development of the entire country.

“President Bola Tinubu has assented to similar bills passed for zonal development-driven interventions and will surely assent to this one.”

After Failing To Stop Kano LG Polls In Court, APC Reaffirms  Participation

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas
Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress APC, Kano State Chapter, has declared its readiness to not only participate in the October 24, 2024, Local Council Polls in the State, but also to stoutly defend its votes against manipulations.

Its declaration is coming on the heels of the Court’s rejection of its application for the halting of the election.

The main opposition party in the State had, on September 20, 2024, filed an ex-parte application seeking to stop the election.

One Aminu Aliyu Tiga had, on behalf of the APC, sought the order of a Federal High Court, Kano, to restrain the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, from going ahead with the Local Government polls.

Joined in the suit were the Kano State Attorney General, and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State House of Assembly  and ten others.

The plaintiffs had, also, sought an order directing the maintenance of the status quo by all political parties and for the Electoral Umpire to suspend all preparations for the conduct of the polls, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

But the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Simon Amobeda, on Wednesday September 25, refused to grant the interim injunction to halt the Local Council Electoral process.

However, the Judge granted the request for the APC to serve all the parties in the suit, including KANSIEC, all notices  of the court processes.

The Court, also, ruled to grant an accelerated hearing of the motion on notice, effective from the date of adjournment,

October 4, 2024.

Speaking with the Media on Thursday, September, 26, 2024, in Kano, the APC Chairman said the party is deeply involved in mobilizing its teeming supporters across the 44 Local Councils of the State for the election.

He informed that the party, in the days ahead, will be holding Primaries to select its candidates, including those for the 484 wards in the State.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our teeming supporters participate in the election .

”APC is mobilizing its supporters to participate in the election with a focus on protecting our votes and ensuring a peaceful process.

“We are, therefore, demanding equal opportunities from the Electoral Commission for all contestants to participate without showing any bias .

“We also demand a transparent electoral process in addition to a peaceful atmosphere for the entire election.

The party has embarked on house-to-house sensitization of its teeming supporters on the need for them to come out in their numbers and participate in the October 24 Local Government election”, Abbas stated .

According to him, despite not being in charge at the State’s seat of power, the APC still remain the most rooted party in the State.

The APC Chairman insisted that they are itching to use the Local Council Polls to relaunch and resuscitate the fortunes of the party in Kano, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Anambra Begins N70,000 Minimum Wage, Free Education In Schools

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Charles Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Government on Thursday September 26, 2024, informed that effective, October, it will begin the payment of the approved N70,000 monthly national minimum wage.

This is even as it announced that its free education policy for pupils of primary and students of secondary schools will kick off  next week.

The Source reports that a few months ago, the Federal Government and the leadership of the organized labour had negotiated and agreed on N 70,000 as the monthly minimum take home pay for the country’s workforce.

However, most States had equally insisted on negotiating the wage downwards to conform with the level of their resources.

As at the time of reporting,  (Thursday, September 26) the Federal Government, which early in the week, agreed on July 29, 2024, as the date for the payment of the new minimum wage, after equally agreeing on the consequential adjustments, had started the payment of the new wage to its workers .

Governor Charles Soludo who disclosed this at an interactive session with Principals and Head Teachers of public schools held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Centre in Awka, said despite the lean resources of the State, his administration will always strive to deliver on its promises to the people.

“I assure that even with the resource constraint, this administration will continue to work very hard to deliver on its electioneering promises and mandate .

From next month, we hope to start paying the new minimum wage of N70,000”, the Governor stated.

However, he did not disclose whether the State will be paying in full, or a negotiated amount .

Continuing, the Governor who will be facing the electorate early next year for a possible renewal of his mandate, said the State intends to sustain a full blown free education for all public primary schools pupils and both junior and Senior Secondary schools students.

“From next week, the free education policy will be available to senior students in all public schools in Anambra state”, he noted .

The Governor had before now ,instituted the free education programme for Primary and Junior secondary schools.

The Source reports that Governor Soludo, at different fora, had continuously assured of his administration’s commitment towards leaving a lasting legacy in the education sector.

High Cost Of Petrol: Jigawa Partners To Set Up CNG Centres Across 27 LGAs

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Umar Namadi - Governor of Jigawa State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst biting hardship occasioned by soaring costs of petroleum  products, the State Government  has announced its intention to establish compressed natural gas conversion centres across the 27 Local Councils of the State.

A statement issued on Thursday, September 26, 2024, by Governor Umar Namadi’s spokesperson Hamisu Gumel, noted the CNG centres would lead to the reduction of fuel costs by at least 60 per cent.

Governor Namadi, who disclosed this during the commissioning ceremony of petroleum products distribution outfit Safa and Fresh in Dutse, the state capital, added that the CNG Centres, when operational, will equally serve to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

According to the statement, the Jigawa State Governor stated that the initiative, which will be promoted in partnership with Zafa and Fresh, will provide several direct and indirect job opportunities for the people.

He also underscored the positive impacts the project will have on the overall economic growth and development of the state .

Governor Namadi while appreciating the foresight of the Petroleum products distribution outfit in initiating the idea, assured of the State Government’s full support in seeing the project through.

“Your intentions to establish CNG stations in all 27 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State is a welcome development .

“The Jigawa State Executive Council has already resolved to set up CNG stations to alleviate the hardship caused by the rising cost of petroleum products.

We are ready to partner with you in this initiative and offer you the majority shareholding of the Company.

Our goal is to ensure that the right things are done for our people and we will support you in every way”, the statement noted .

Head of Safa and Fresh, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, informed that in addition to the over 100 youths that will be trained as technicians in the 27 Local Councils, several job opportunities will be created.

Breaking: Edo Governor-Elect Okpebolo, Others Kneel Before Tinubu In Aso Villa

By
The Source
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0
Edo Governor-Elect Okpebolo kneels Before Tinubu

In the most ridiculous and despicable  manner the Edo state Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo and other APC stalwarts  have been captured kneeling before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The incident happened on Thursday when President Tinubu hosted Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC who won the governorship election last weekend in the state.

The magazine reported that Okpebholo defeated the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo in the eventful election.

The APC candidate who scored over 290,000 votes to defeat his opponent has also received the Certificate of Return form the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

He was received by the President today alongside their APC stalwarts including Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s National Chairman, Senator Adamd Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state, Phillip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of the state.

Some APC governors also attende the meeting with the president. They include Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, (Imo), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Usman Ododo (Kogi) and Dapo Abiodun, (Ogun).

But, in what would look like bizarre to some Nigerians who watched the now viral video on social media, Okpebholo and others were seen grovelling before the president while shaking their hands.

Apart from the governor-elect, those that knelt before President Tinubu while shaking his hands include, the Deputy Governor -elect, Shaibu, amongst others.

Reacting to the now viral an opposition politician in Lagos state, who spoke under anonymity said the politicians went to far. According to him, some APC politicians have now turned Tinubu to adeity who they worship.

“In fact, this is most ridiculous to say the least. This did not even happen under Buhari who many Nigerians described as a dictator when he ruled the country for eight years as civilian president. It’s unthinkable that some polticians will be worshiping the president in a democratic dispensation,” the source said on Thursday.

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