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EFCC Set To Arraign 100 Suspects Arrested During Sting Operation In Ondo

June 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), has announced that 100 out of the 127 youths arrested in two club houses in Akure, are to be prosecuted.

According to the commission, they are to face charge of internet fraud among other allegations.

The Commission’s Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who disclosed this explained that 27 of the suspects who were not found culpable have been released.

His words: “Well, 127 of them were arrested during the raid. So far, 100 of them have been found to be involved in the internet crime offences. And they’ll be charged to court.

“The Commission has approached the Oyo State High Court and the Federal High Court, in Ibadan. And they’ll soon be arraigned before the Courts.

“We have drafted charges against 100 of them. But the rest have been released.”

It could, however, not be ascertained whether the groom that was holding his bachelor’s eve party is among those to be arraigned.

Operatives of the EFCC, in an early morning sting operation, had swooped on the guests during a pre- wedding party held simultaneously at Signature and Abah Clubs in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The security personnel raided the two night clubs in Akure metropolis and arrested a groom to be, alongside his friends during his bachelor’s eve at one of the clubs.

Reports said that ten exotic cars, telephones, laptops, wristwatches and many incriminating documents belonging to the fun seekers were confiscated by the security personnel during the early morning sting operation.

The act had sparked widespread outrage among club owners, youths and lawmakers who frowned at the operation process and called for immediate investigation.

Dissatisfied with the operation, some protesters had stormed the major streets in Akure metropolis, expressing their displeasure over the action of the anti-graft agency.

They marched to the governor’s office in Alagbaka to show their grievances and called for their release.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also had met with owners of the raided centres and assured them that he would wade into the matter.

OPINION: Role Models Without Character

The Source

June 26, 2024

By Oguwike Nwachuku

Last week, some acclaimed seasoned and not too seasoned actors and actresses came to Imo State on the invitation of one Lucky Ejike Chukwu who turned 50 recently.

Lucky is a politically exposed young man who hails from Ohaji Egbema area of Imo State.

He used the occasion of his golden jubilee birthday to give out some palliatives to widows from his area under the auspices of Ejike Chukwu Foundation.

Lucky lives in Abuja and ran for the governorship election in Imo State in 2019 on the platform of the ADC.

He invited some Nolywood members to his village for the purpose of adding colour to the empowerment programme.

And they came. Six of them – Ejike Asiegbu, Fred Amata, Keppy Ekpenyong, Gloria Nobert Young, Grace Amah and Uche Nnanna- Maduka.

There is nothing untoward about the idea of giving back to the society, particularly the downtrodden, if you are guided by your spirit being to do so.

So, we thank Lucky for his kindheartedness and wish him a happy birthday in arrears.

But there is everything wrong when someone’s good intention is being subjected to scrutiny based on the character and unbecoming demeanour of one’s guests.

That is exactly what Lucky’s guests did with the video they made at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport on their arrival for the empowerment programme last week.

Anchored by the least experienced of the six actors and actresses on Lucky’s invite, Uche Nnanna – Maduka had, out of excitement for being invited to come and eat and drink, thrown caution to the winds, and without any iota of provocation from Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, found it expedient to subtly undermine and impugn the integrity and character of the Governor.

Everything Uche Nnanna-Maduka did with that video oozes deliberate ploy to insult, not just the office of the Governor, but the person of the Governor, and in manner that suggested she was hired to do so.

Speaking frankly, it is the right of actors and actresses to visit any place of their choice in the country, hence they will always be welcome to Imo State if they so desire.

To say they also have the right of opinion so long as such opinion is in conformity with the reality and not just to be heard, or an opinion that breeds disaffection, is to say the least.

Unfortunately, the trending video on the social media, outcome of the trip of the team of the actors and actresses, suggests that they reduced their right of opinion to that of merely being heard for mischief making and and not based on facts. They rather spoke from where they appeared as we shall soon discover.

Ordinarily, one would have ignored the video and the characters behind it but for the wrong message doing so would cause our society, particularly our fledgling youths, most of who regard the actors and actresses as their role models.

Thus, if Uche Nnanna-Maduka is deemed an upcoming actress without much experience in the industry, can we say the same about Ejike Asiegbu, Fred Amata, Keppy Ekpenyong, Gloria Nobert Young and Gloria Ama?

If Uche Nnanna-Maduka is lacking in the proper education and home training that are critical elements to becoming a well honned actress in the Nolywood of our dream can we say the same thing about the acclaimed seasoned actors and actresses with her while she was making the video?

Out of perhaps, ignorance, or even excitement, Uche Nnanna-Maduka had in the video called out Governor Uzodimma over the power outrage at the arrival lounge of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri when they landed in the night of the day in question.

She spoke as if Governor Uzodimma was in charge of the light at the airport and had directed that the lights be switched off as soon as they landed at the airport.

In a manner that gave her away as a poorly trained child, and an actress who is probably in a hurry to make a name via the wrong reasons, she chose to be blind to the good things that had been done in Imo State by Governor Uzodimma, including the recent night landing facilities which the Governor singlehandedly achieved that even made it possible for her to arrive the airport at night by air, something that had not happened since the airport was established.

Before now, characters like Uche Nnanna-Maduka were shouting insecurity in Imo State. Today, they are no more content with the insecurity narrative hence the new invention of no light at the airport lounge. We are not surprised though.

Uche Nnanna-Maduka was so ignorant to know that the airports in the country are in the exclusive list of the Constitution and run by the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a situation that automatically invalidates her mischievous ranting about a Hope Uzodimma not providing her light at the arrival lounge of the airport to pick her luggage.

Until recently, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport operated without night landing facilities. In fact, apart from those with ungrateful heart, the number of Imolites and other users of the airport expressing gratitude to the Governor over the rare feat of introducing night landing facilities is legion.

I am almost certain Uche Nnanna-Maduka must have feigned ignorant of the fantastic road network that adorns the airport and it’s environs, including the ongoing perimeter fence and the expansion of the runway to accommodate bigger aircraft landing therein.

Indeed, our society is challenged when those the younger ones think are role models are actually not qualified because of their penchant for pecuniary considerations or personal biases.

I am not surprised that the entertainment industry, particularly the Nolywood, has been reduced to an all comers assembly and enmeshed in monumental scandals constantly rocking the industry in the speed of light everyday.

When veteran, respected and disciplined actor, Kanayo Kanayo raised an alarm last week on goings on in the industry, it bothers on bad behaviour in the system. But that is one too many.

Obviously, it is possible that someone is in Uche Nnanna-Maduka’s arms or vice versa for her to have had the audacity to post such a video, surrounded by her equally attention seeking, but fast fading seasoned colleagues.

I used to respect Ejike and Fred, but I will do so now with caution after watching them dancing naked with Uche Nnanna-Maduka as she yarned out things in the most ignorant manner unbecoming of those who expect to be regarded as role models.

What it means is that they were all in cohort that the least known among them should be the anchor person for the planned idea to discredit the person of Sen. Hope Uzodimma just because they were invited by a politically exposed person who picked their bills.

The question, is: Does it mean non of the actors or actresses knew Uche Nnanna-Maduka was directing her frustration to the wrong person, and then should call her to order? If they stood by her to make the video, are we then not convinced that the entire team lacked knowledge of the agency of government in charge of airports?

Is it out of place, therefore, to deduce that all six agreed to call Governor Uzodimma out in order to satisfy the whims and caprices of their benefactor, whoever that may be?

For years, Abia State in general and Ihechiowa Arochukwu in particular where Uche Nnanna-Maduka issues from, has remained in the bad news for bad governance. Uche Nnanna-Maduka as the self-elected spokesperson of the Group of Six has not found it necessary to lament the decay in the infrastructure in her place, as huge as they are. Is it that there are things not to complain about?

In Imo State, Governor Uzodimma’s giant strides are there for everyone to see. They cut across all segments of the society depending on where one is standing – education, health, roads, security, youth and women empowerment, agriculture, commerce and industry among others.

They are felt by all, including at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport where Uche Nnanna-Maduka and her likes were on a mission of mischief plotting on that faithful day.

Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor writes from Owerri

PSC Says It Has Not Cancelled 2022 Police Recruitment Exercise

The Source

June 26, 2024

The Police Service Commission has just concluded a routine maintenance of its portal containing the list of successful candidates for the recently concluded recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission wishes to disown a statement circulating in social media alleging that it has succumbed to pressure and cancelled the final list of successful candidates.

The Commission has not, and will not, cancel the final list of successful candidates from the recruitment exercise which was conducted in clear adherence to relevant guidelines and provisions of the law.

The Commission is in control of the situation and has since restored the Recruitment portal with its original contents.

Successful candidates are advised to ignore this deliberate antics of desperate groups bent on destroying the good work of the Commission in giving the nation a merit based and inclusive recruitment exercise.

It notes that it will continue to ensure that Federal character, gender sensitivity and merit are the bedrock of its recruitment process.

The Commission calls on these disgruntled elements to desist further from undermining the recruitment exercise as any one caught will be dealt with.

The Commission restates that the portal is now fully functional and accessible. Candidates can now log in and access all its features without any disruptions.

The Commission regrets the hitches and assures that it has fully secured the platform.

Persons Living With Disability In Ondo Ask Governor Aiyedatiwa To Remove Agency Head

Ayodele Oni

June 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Persons with disability who are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state have accused their chairman of neglecting them, while allegedly diverting their entitlements.

But the State Chairperson of the Agency for People with disability, Folasade Arise has defended herself and insisted her office has not received anything from the State Government this year.

The disabled persons under

Ondo State All Progressives Congress Elders Forum of persons with disability demanded the removal of the chairperson as a pre condition for voting for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during November poll.

The Disabled APC Elders Forum spoke during their protest to the Alagbaka governor’s office to press for the sack of Princess Folashade Arise as Chairperson of People Living with Disabilities Agency.

They asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to sack her if he wanted them to vote during the election.

The placard-carrying protesters accused Princess Arise of manipulation, deceit and neglect of responsibilities.

Chairman of the Disabled APC Elders Forum, Micheal Ben, said Arise has caused harm and suffering to the people she was supposed to serve.

Ben explained that the past seven years of Arise in the agency has been suffocating for them.

He stated that there has been an alleged diversion of funds and resources meant for the benefit of people living with disabilities.

According to him, ” We have noticed deceitful tactics to silence and intimidate critics and whistleblowers as well as neglect of duties, leading to a lack of progress and improvement in the lives of people living with disabilities.

“All the things government released to us were not given to us. We urge the Governor to take immediate action to address this situation and rescue the agency from the current leadership.

“He should appoint a new leader who is committed to serving the needs of people living with disabilities and take steps to restore the agency’s purpose and integrity.

“We will mobilize not to vote if she is not removed.”

Princess Arise while defending the allegations said the fund being referred to by the Elder’s Forum was not approved.

She explained that the agency has not received any funding since the beginning of the year.

“I have not done any programme since the beginning of this year. In our programme, I carried everybody along including the Albinos. There was no money that was embezzled or misused.”

Nigerian Customs Mourns Officer Who Collapsed And Died At NASS, Extends Condolences To Family

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, expressed deep sorrow over the death of one its officers Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien.

DC Essien, who slumped and died during a public hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts earlier of Tuesday, was until his death in charge of the reconciliation of revenue for the NCS .

In a statement issued by the National spokesperson NSC, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, the Comptroller General, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on behalf of officers and men of the Service extended condolences to the family of the late DC Essien.

Following is the full text of the NCS statement.

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announces the passing of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien, who served as the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue in the Account Unit of the service. Deputy Comptroller Essien, who was in charge of the reconciliation of revenue for the service, passed away on the 25th of June 2024 while making presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.

During his presentation, approximately three minutes in, Deputy Comptroller Essien requested water and showed signs of discomfort. Despite immediate efforts to assist him, he unfortunately passed away.

Deputy Comptroller Essien was born on the 16th of November 1967 and joined the Nigeria Customs Service on the 27th of November 1989 with over three decades of service to our nation. Hailing from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, he was known for his diligence and exceptional service record in the Accounts Unit. His role as the DC Revenue was pivotal in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue, which he performed with utmost precision and dedication.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, On behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Deputy Comptroller Essien. “The loss of such a dedicated and valued team member is deeply felt across the Service. We are committed to supporting and assisting his family and colleagues as they navigate this difficult period.”

The CGC stated, “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His exemplary service and unwavering commitment to duty will be remembered and cherished by the entire NCS community. The Nigeria Customs Service will forever remember Deputy Comptroller Essien for his outstanding contributions, his exemplary service, and his dedication to the nation. We honour his memory, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

Deputy Comptroller Essien is survived by his loving wife and children. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Abdullahi Maiwada

Chief Superintendent of Customs

National Public Relations Officer

For: Comptroller General of Customs

25 June 2024

Kano Emirate Crisis, Rumoured Deposition Of Sultan: “Respect Our Traditional Institutions” Atiku Urges Governors

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the festering Kano Emirate Royal Crisis, the alleged plots to unseat the Sultan of Sokoto, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the last general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called for a clear cut constitutional roles for the country’s traditional institutions.

This is even as he has appealed to State Governors to accord all the necessary respect to the offices of Traditional Institutions, much as the constitution of Nigeria does not ascribe any recognition to them.

In a statement he issued on Tuesday, June 25 ,2024, on his official site, the Waziri Adamawa, noted that the traditional institutions had been part and parcel of the governance structure in the country, even before the advent of colonialism.

Alhaji Abubakar warned that so long as traditional institutions are unstable, the task of maintaining peace and order will continue to be difficult particularly in the local communities.

He insisted that the traditional institutions must be protected from the arbitrariness of Governors, who have been threatening their stability in recent times .

“Recent developments in the country have seen a growing tendency of State Governments exerting influence in distorting the modalities of enthroning traditional stools.

“It is a reality that stares us in the face from every corner of the country. While it is understandable that the institutions of traditional rulership is in the exclusive purview of the State Governments, although through the Local Government Authorities, it must be established that Traditional Institutions constitute a component of our governance structure .

“And thus, traditional institutions must be protected from the arbitrariness of State Governments that threaten their stability.

“When the structure of ascension of traditional rulers is unstable, it will become equally difficult to maintain peace and orderliness in Communities.

“Although, our constitution in its current format does not ascribe any recognition to traditional institutions ,yet our experiences show clearly that they perform enormous roles in the economic life of their domain ,as well as maintenance of peace and security in communities .

“I wish to remind that the traditional institutions formed the governance structure before the advent of colonialists.

“And they governed well. Consequently, they are institutions we must protect and preserve and not destroy.

“It is, therefore, on this basis that I lean towards the advocacy that calls for constitutional reform that will not just recognize traditional institutions in our body of laws, but also define the responsibilities of their offices .

“This reform is even more important in view of the collective drive to stem the ugly tide of terrorism and sundry security challenges at the local levels” Atiku Abubakar stated.

EFCC Tenders 794 Page Bank Transactions Document As Evidence Against Willy Obiano

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

After having his no-case submission finally dismissed, the formal trial of immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Willy Obiano, over alleged corrupt activities, resumed at an Abuja High Court on Tuesday June 25, 2024.

Obiano, who presided over the affairs of Anambra State, between 2014 and 2021, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC for an alleged diversion and misappropriation of N 4 billion security vote .

Obiano had earlier entered a no-case submission, insisting that the allegations against him were not substantiated

But Justice Inyang Ekwo, while dismissing the no-case application in March 2024, held that the Court will only be able to establish if the charges against him are premised on strong evidences and/or not, when he is put on trial proper.

At Tuesday’s hearing, the anti graft agency presented two witnesses, Mrs Chinwe Patricia Egbunna an Onitsha based business woman and a banker, Tochukwu Aloysius .

Bank transactions documents totaling about 794 pages were also tendered by the lead prosecution counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, as evidence and subsequently admitted as Exhibit PW-1.

Also tendered were another set of documents detailing the debts incurred on the various accounts allegedly used to launder the N4 billion.

However, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, the Defence Counsel said his client will, during the final part of his address, raise objections to the Exhibits tendered and admitted.

In the nine count charge ,the EFCC alleged among others that Obiano, while holding sway as the Governor illegally withdrew the sum of N4 billion from the Anambra State Government account, which was converted to foreign currencies and handed over to him personally.

Most of the transactions were allegedly effected from the office of the state’s Accountant General ,with a substantial part of the funds coming the internally generated revenue IGR of the state

Hearing on the matter will continue on Wednesday June 26, 2024.

“Re-acquire Heritage Bank”, Afenifere Tells Ondo State Government

Ayodele Oni

June 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Chapter of the Pan Yoruba Socio-political Organisation, Afenifere, has charged Ondo State Government to spare no effort to re-acquire Heritage Bank, which has been liquidated and currently being run by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

The Group also urged the Federal Government to intervene by mandating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reverse recent suspension of Heritage Bank licence.

Afenifere, Ondo State chapter, described the former Owena Bank and now Heritage bank as one of the economic legacies of first Civilian Governor of Ondo state, late Pa Adekunle Ajasin,

The group took the decision at its periodic meeting held in Akure, and was presided over by the State Chairman, Chief Korede Duyile and attended by chieftains of the organisation.

Reading the meeting’s Communique to newsmen, the State Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Eric Oluwole, said Ondo State Chapter of Afenifere also said, that “the Ondo State Government should liase with the Federal Government to revive all the economic legacies floated by the Adekunle Ajasin administration, while the State should take necessary action towards the acquisition of heritage bank.

“The legacies include the license of the Heritage Bank and we advise the Ondo State Government to reverse it to its original founding fathers that is the Ondo State Government.

“Other industries include ceramic industry, Okitipupa Oil company, and others. Afenifere commended the state government for not relenting its effort on the security especially the Amotekun outfit floated by the former Governor of Ondo State, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“Afenifere advises the Government to adopt as part of its education policies, the Yoruba language and history as compulsory subjects to be taught at the primary and secondary schools.

“Afenifere urges the people of the state to massively return to the farm and embark on aggressive planting in order to address high rate of food shortage facing the state.”

Nigeria Army Speaks On Recruitment Of Islamic Fundamentalists, Says No Religious Bigotry In Military

Ayodele Oni

June 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army (NA) says it remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry.

Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this on Tuesday, while reacting to an audio visual recording purportedly showing a misleading report suggesting that the Nigerian Army is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists.

Nwachukwu, in the statement, revealed that the footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.

“Considering the gravity of these falsehood, the NA wishes to clearly state that the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the NA.

“It is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst our personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the NA, particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, who might feel their lives and faith are under threat, and ultimately engender religious crisis in the country.

“The Nigerian Army, NA remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry.

“Our operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not ethnicity or religious sentiments.

“We, therefore, urge the public to dismiss this misleading report, which evidently stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about NA’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOP).

“It is crucial to reiterate that any deviation from the NA’s SOP is met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation.

“We call on all citizens to rise above these divisive tactics and stand united. The strength of Nigeria lies in her unity in diversity, and it is this unique national strength and trait that the NA seeks to protect while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

“We will remain undaunted in upholding these principles in the face of any challenge.

“The NA remains committed to serving and protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations. Let us work together to maintain the peace and unity of our great nation.”

Breaking: Tragedy Hits NASS As Customs Comptroller Slumps, Dies

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 25, 2024

Tragedy struck the National Assembly, NASS, on Tuesday as a Deputy Controller of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, died while fielding questions from lawmakers.

The deceased, Esien Etop Andrew, until his demise was the deputy comptroller of finance administration and technical service at NCS.

Sources in NASS informed the magazine that Andrew was fielding questions from members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Account when he suddenly coughed and fell down from his seat.

He was immediately rushed to NASS clinic where he later gave up the ghost.

Authorities in Wale Adeniyi-led NCS told the magazine that the cause of his death has yet to be known.

Update: Nigerian Customs Mourns Officer Who Collapsed And Died At NASS, Extends Condolences To Family

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