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Ibrahim Lamorde: Arase Mourns Iconic Police Veteran

May 26, 2024

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, retired Inspector General of Police, has received with shock the death of DIG Ibrahim Lamorde rtd, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, who passed on at the age of 61 in Egypt where he was receiving medical attention.

The PSC Chairman eulogised Lamorde’s humility and temperate disposition to the allure of power.

He recalled his advice to the late super cop after he left the services of the EFCC, not to get into mainstream policing immediately but to further horn his policing and leadership skills at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, an advise he accepted and which was later to postively shape his career in the Nigeria Police Force.

Dr. Arase noted that at no time did power get into the head of the late Officer who he said remained humble and committed throughout his career. ” The training he got at NIPSS prepared him for the greater Policing challenges he faced as he climbed the ladder of success”.

The PSC Chairman said the nation has lost one of its bright and consumate intelligence Officers who contributed immensely to the growth of intelligence policing in Nigeria.

Rtd DIG Lamorde born in 1962, joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1986 and retired as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2021. He served as the 3rd Chairman of the EFCC between 2011 and 2015. He hails from Mubi in Adamawa State.

Günmen Abduct Unspecified Number Of Travellers Along Ondo/Ekiti Highway

Ayodele Oni

May 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Günmen have reportedly attacked a 18-seater bus, abducted unspecified number of travellers between Ondo and Ekiti state.

It was gathered that the incident happened Saturday around 7.00pm along Ikare- Irun Akoko – Imesi-Ile – Ado Ekiti highway.

It was learnt that the abducted victims are from Irun Akoko, Ikare akoko and Ekiti communities.

Source explained that police men, soldiers and Amotekun Corps officers from Ekiti and Ondo states with the cooperation of local vigilantes are currently combing the forests to rescue the victims.

Ondo state commander of Amotekun corps, Adetunji Adeleye, while confirming the incident, stated that “My men and solders from Ekiti are combing the forest but the hoodlums did not kidnap all the 18 passengers in the bus.

“Some of the passengers escaped by themselves, while our men with soldiers recovered some of the victims in the night. Our men are still combing the forest as we speak.”

LG Autonomy: FG Drags States To Supreme Court, Seeks End To Absolute Control

Ayodele Oni

May 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has swiftly moved to free Local Councils from absolute control of States as it approached the apex court to seek the nod to end the grip.

The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday, for hearing of the suit filed by the Federal Government against 36 state governors over alleged misconduct.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi SAN instituted the court action against the governors primarily seeking full autonomy for local governments as third tiers of government in the country.

In the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the AGF is praying the Apex Court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local leaders for local governments.

The Chief Law Officer of the Federation, in the originating summons he personally signed, is also praying the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account contrary to alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

He also sought order of the Apex Court to stop governors from constituting Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.

Besides, the Federal Government applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefits of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.

The Governors were sued through their respective State Attorneys General.

The AGF also prayed for invocation of sections 1, 4, 5, 7 and 14 of the Constitution to declare that dissolution of democratically elected local government Councils by the Governors or anyone using the State powers derivable from laws enacted by the State Houses of Assembly or any Executive Order is unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.

Barrister Mgbudem: A Strategist Driving Imo’s Economic Buoyancy Through Gas Infrastructure

The Source

May 26, 2024

By Ingram Osigwe

With 200 trillion cubic feet of gas deposit buried beneath its soil, Imo state is set for an unprecedented economic boom and unimaginable prosperity for its citizens.

Fortunately for the state, Governor Hope Uzodinma, far sighted and visionary, had the presence of mind to appoint a seasoned technocrat and lawyer, Barrister Emeka Mgbudem as Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development.

Barrister Emeka Mgbudem is an erudite corporate lawyer and private sector player with over 35 years experience in legal practice and business development. He is a leadership consultant and public policy expert with post graduate training in justice administration, arbitration, international finance, strategy and transformational consultancy, corporate governance and social policy from Kings College, University of London and Harvard University.

He brings his many years of experience, practice and leadership to support the “Gas to Prosperity” agenda of the Uzodinma administration.

Under Mgbudem’s pragmatic direction, Imo state is set to start harnessing economic benefits of the natural gas deposit under its soil as could be gleaned from the the virtual inauguration of ANOH gas processing plant at Assa in Ohaji Egbema LGA Imo State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Following the inauguration, Emeka Mgbudem paid a working visit to Waltersmith Petroleum and Petrochemical Refinery to see for himself, the progress of expansion works at the refinery, the oil and gas exploration platform and the new USD 200 millon projected exploration investment in the ASAA oil and gas field.

The refinery with a current capacity of 5000 bpd is expanding to 25,000 barrels bpd and delivering 271 million liters of refined petroleum products a year, with a crude oil capacity of approximately 60,000 barrels. It supplies diesel (AGO) to consumers in Abia, Anambra and Imo states.

Essentially, in line with Governor Uzodinma’s shared posterity agenda, Barrister Mgbudem is assiduously working to ensure that the abundant gas reserve in the state is harnessed and used as a catalyst to revive the near moribund industrial base of Imo State and to power homes with cheap, clean and affordable electricity.

Arguably, it is to the people oriented leadership of Governor Uzodinma, his strategic management acumen and the beauty of public, private sector partnership (PPP) that led to the delivery of the Waltersmith facilities that Imo people owe the success of the gas project.

And to drive home his resolve under the leadership of the Governor to put Imo on the world map of economic posterity through gas resources, Barrister Mgbudem has assured that his Ministry will do everything within its powers to leverage the gas deposits in the state to drive massive industrial rebirth and economic sufficiency for all Imo citizens.

Essentially, gas deposit in Nigeria was 100 trillion cubic feet until the one for Imo came upstream. With the state sitting atop reserves of 200 trillion cubic feet making her the single biggest gas holding state in Nigeria, Imo has the potential of becoming one of the richest states in Nigeria.

Imo’s huge gas deposits is the reason the USD 700m ANOH project was cited in the state. Oil and gas experts believe that South East Nigeria has more gas deposit than oil and with gas out-selling oil in the last ten years, it is expected to soon become the number one revenue earner for Nigeria. And should the federal government decide to adopt new sharing formula for gas producing states, Imo, holding a large percent of Nigeria’s gas reserve, is sure to be a very rich state with high gross domestic product.

Given their strategic visions for Imo, both Governor Uzodinma and Barrister Mgbudem have consistently expressed the state’s preparedness to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the gas industry to increase youth employment and economic growth of the State, insisting that Imo is prepared to host gas infrastructure and allied industries.

Meanwhile, as a lawyer and human resources/ management expert, Barrister Mgbudem has pledged the government’s commitment to continue its interface with the host communities of oil gas assets in the state as more production would mean more revenue to the state and more development to the host communities.

He has also urged all oil and gas companies operating in the state to quickly fulfil their obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act to the host communities, assuring that the protection of all oil and gas assets in the state ranks high on the priority list of the government.

Osigwe is the CEO of Fullpage Communications Ltd. He writes from Lagos

Ekiti Set To Launch Education Programme For Indigent Girls, Takes Off September

Ayodele Oni

May 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Boasting of success in the World Bank assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning (AGILE), Ekiti state is set to launch another education programme ‘Ekiti State Girls’ Finishing School.’

The programme is expected to start in September, and will focus on adolescent girls between the ages of 10-20 that did not finish schooling for various reasons including financial challenges, Living with Disabilities, domestic violence, gender-based violence (GBV), early marriage and pregnancy but are willing to re-enroll to complete their education.

The state commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatubosun spoke in Ado Ekiti after an assessment tour of AGILE projects across the State.

Olatunbosun pointed out that the World Bank assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning (AGILE) surpassed its primary target of enhancing school enrolment, assisting economically disadvantaged students, promoting academic achievements and reducing the number of out-of-school children in the State.

He attributed the achievement recorded by AGILE programme to the commitment of the State Government and diligence of the Project implementation Unit (PIU), describing the project as appropriate and in tandem with Governor Oyebanji’s resolve to provide qualitative education at all levels as enshrined under the Human Capital Development Agenda of the six pillars of the administration.

Olatunbosun recalled that the State was the first sub-national in the country to launch the AGILE project at the State level in April, 2023 when the wife of the State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji officially flagged off the scheme in Ado-Ekiti.

The commissioner said that AGILE has substantially boosted conducive teaching and learning environment in the State with the colossal overhaul of infrastructure in 203 public schools through School’s Improvement Grants classified into small, medium and massive categories.

Highlighting the projects executed in the State under the AGILE scheme, Olatunbosun stated that 613 toilets, 923 classrooms, 31 school perimeter fences, 59 boreholes were constructed while 2,470 teaching and learning materials including charts, maps, graphs, posters, textbooks, educational software, lab equipment and 4,012 pieces of furniture were also procured.

This, he added, culminated in 16.9 percentage increase in enrolment from 111,546 to 130,357 in public secondary schools in the State.

According to him, Governor Oyebanji has repeatedly stressed his believe that “ideas rule the World and the only way you can get idea is through knowledge, while the only means to acquire knowledge, is through education.

“We therefore decided to prioritize access to quality education because we also know that the quality, relevance and functionality of education are very important.”

Yobe: State, LGs To Collaborate In Funding University

Ayodele Oni

May 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has said that the funding of the State owned university will be a joint effort between the state and Local Governments.

He gave the assurance when the governing council of the university paid him a courtesy visit in Damaturu.

The Governor said his Government is mindful of the economic challenges facing all sectors of society, and the university is no exception.

He expressed the readiness of his administration to provide the university with more resources to continue with the pursuance of academic excellence.

“The future of the state and our people rely on the university to produce the manpower needed for good governance and quality services to the state.”

He charged the governing council to reach out to agencies like the Tetfund and development partners to source for more funds.

“Other tertiary institutions are benefitting from these agencies. You should also take this advantage and scout for additional funds for the university.”

The governor noted that the northeast states are working to establish 10 megawatts solar power electricity project to improve power supply in the region.

“We are also working on the North East Development Commission to consider another 10 megawatts solar power project to further improve power supply in the sub-region.”

Gov. Buni expressed optimism that the two projects, when completed, would stabilise electricity supply in the Northeast region.

Meanwhile, the state government is converting 170 boreholes connected to the national grid to hybrid solar powered supply, with 10 boreholes in each of the 17 local government areas.

Earlier, the Chairman of the council, Barrister Ahmed Mustapha Goniri, said the funds allocated to the university have become unrealistic with the increasing rate of inflation.

Goniri said more funds are needed to meet the basic and other requirements of the university.

“More funding is required to meet the needs of the University for it to excell as a Centre of academic excellence.”

Nigerian Pilgrim Dies Buried In Saudi Arabia

Ayodele Oni

May 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A Nigeria pilgrim performing this year’s Hajj, has been reported dead in Saudi Arabia.

The deceased, from Kebbi state, was among the over 18,000 pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s pilgrimage.

The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board identified the dead as Tawalkatu Busare Alako from Jega Local Government Area.

Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, Executive Chairman of the board disclosed this in a statement issued to Journalists in Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

He said the deceased died on Saturday after a brief illness, adding that her funeral prayer took place at the Al-Masjid Al-Haram (Ka’aba) and buried according to Islamic rites on the same day.

The Chairman, on behalf of Kebbi State Government, extended condolences to her immediate family, Kebbi pilgrims and entire people of the State.

Super Eagles Olanrewaju Süicidal, Claims DNA Result Reveals Sons Not His; Wife Debunks Claim, Institutes Legal Action

Akinwale Kasali

May 26, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The sad tale that befell veteran Tennis Player, Roger Federer and Cameroon Footballer, Geremi Njitap, presently seems the lot of Super Eagles striker, Kayode Olanrewaju.

According to the player, the three sons he thought were his actually belong to Pastor Tobi Adegboyega who, he alleges his wife, Dora Ezinne, is having a secret affair with.

The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles player who formerly plied his trade with Manchester City Football is currently facing a devastating personal crisis that could see him lose almost everything he has worked for throughout his career.

Investigations revealed, claims Kayode, that he is not the biological father of the three children he believed were his during his embattled marriage to his wife, Dora Ezinne Kayode.

Kayode claims that he was defrauded by Ezinne as she also lied about her age, and allegedly committed adultery with Pastor Adegboyega.

According to Kayode, his wife is seven years older than she initially claimed, a deception that has deeply shaken him. Kayode revealed he attempted suicide three times, and his performance on the pitch became nothing to write home about.

The most shocking aspect of the betrayal, he said, involves alleged infidelity with Pastor Adegboyega, a prominent figure known for his charismatic leadership.

Kayode also alleged that his estranged stole his two Mercedes SUVs to finance the Pastor’s lifestyle, and abducted their three sons.

Kayode’s career, which saw him rise to international prominence, is now overshadowed by this personal turmoil.

The footballer, who has represented Nigeria on various international stages and played for clubs across Europe, is reportedly in a state of shock and emotional distress as he grapples with these revelations.

Friends and close associates of Kayode have expressed their support, but the footballer himself is said to be devastated. “It’s a complete betrayal,” one close friend commented. “Kayode gave his all to his family, and to find out that everything he believed in was built on lies is heart-wrenching.”

Legal experts suggest that the fallout from these revelations could have significant financial and custodial implications for Kayode. If it is proven that he is not the biological father of the children, he could face a complicated legal battle over custody and support, potentially losing a substantial portion of his wealth and assets accumulated over his football career.

Kayode has reportedly sought legal advice and is considering his options.”He is determined to get to the bottom of this,” a source close to the situation revealed. “He wants to know the truth and ensure that justice is served.”

However, Ezinne has debunked Kayode over the paternity of the children – Jason, Jayden Jaminde. He called the footballer a mad man, and not only demanded for the possession of the DNA results, but the name of the hospital and those who conducted the DNA.

She said her marriage to Kayode in the past couple of years has been hell on earth, and she has an advice for any woman in her type of marriage: “You are not stuck. Run away, and pray that God sends you a helper as he sent to me.”

She is also demanding the immediate issuance of a disclaimer, and said she had to finally toe that path after Kayode’s claim about their children’s paternity went viral on various social media platforms.

In a letter from her legal representatives to her estranged husband dated May 24, 2024, titled: ‘Re: Dissemination of false allegations concerning purported DNA test results of the three children of marriage’ and addressed to Kayode at 14, Tulip Road, Peacock Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos, her legal team wrote:

“It has come to our Client’s attention that since May 24, 2024, various blogs and online platforms have been disseminating salacious stories about alleging results of a DNA reveal that none of the three children born during your marriage to our client belong to you.

“This scandalous and defaming story has spread rapidly, causing severe embarrassment to our client and children. Our client has reason to believe that these baseless, humiliating allegations were contrived and strategically planted by you across various media outlets with the malicious intent of tarnishing her reputation and causing irreparable harm to innocent children.”

A devastated Ezinne wrote: “Honestly, I am so tired of this man’s nonsense, and it has to stop now. I knew he was not mentally stable when he pulled out a knife on me some months ago, but to go as far as ruining the lives of innocent kids is way too far. Kayode, I didn’t think you would go that low.

“I have kept quiet on all the rumours you have been spreading because they are baseless, childish, and false. But do you include innocent children? No, now I must speak.

“I have never sold any of my properties or cars and given the proceeds to any Pastor, Bishop, or Imam in this world. In fact, all the rumours this mentally disturbed young man, Kayode, is sharing online are all false.”

She described herself as a fierce queen, strong, unstoppable, exuding power, and elegant. She wrote in the third post on Friday, “Olarenwaju Ayobami Kayode, my silence is enough. Don’t ever drag my kids into your web of lies. I urge you to provide the result of the DNA to the public and the hospital where it was conducted, as we are willing to give you the DNA. You traumatised my kids by detaining us in DSS custody.”

Kano Royal Crisis: NSA Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum To Kano Govt “Apologise, Or Risk Legal Action”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 26, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For linking him with events which led to the return of the Kano State-deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to the Nasarawa Place of the Kano Emirate on Saturday, May 25, 2024, by the Kano State Government, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu has signaled his resolve to seek legal remedy against the Kano State authorities.

However, the legal battle can be avoided if the Kano State Government will, within the next 24 hours, retract its allegations which suggested that the NSA provided all the logistical support ,including aircrafts and security operatives that escorted Ado Bayero back to the palace after vacating it on Friday May 24, in diference to earlier directives of Governor Yusuf .

The Source reports that the Kano State authorities apparently feeling frustrated by the sudden return of Bayero, had, through the Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalami Gwarzo, pointedly accused the person and office of the NSA of masterminding the the return and occupation of the palace by Ado Bayero.

Gwarzo, while speaking with the media at Gidan Rumfa Emirate Palace at the weekend, alleged that the NSA made available two private jets, and security operatives to ferry the kano state deposed- Emir Bayero back to the palace, with intents to breach the peace and stability of the state .

“The National Security Adviser gave two jets to bring the dethroned Emir to Kano and to bring him to the Palace .We have not understood their intentions” the Kano Deputy Governor alleged.

Although, Spokesperson for the office of the NSA Zakari Mijinyawa had on same day Saturday May 25 disassociated the office of the NSA from any involvement in the festering kano royal crisis ,the Source reports that Ribadu is set to approach the court for the purpose of clearing his name.

A letter addressed to the Kano state Government by his Counsels, Aliyu & Musa Chambers ,the demanded a retraction of the allegation ,and an unreserved public apology from the Kano state Government within 24 hours or face a legal action.

In the letter, Counsel to the NSA described the kano State Government allegations as not only unfounded and malicious, but also intended to impugn the reputation of the person and office of the NSA.

Kano Royal Stool Tussle: Governor Correct, Adhered To Constitution – Atiku Abubakar

Ayodele Oni

May 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has described as an “invitation to anarchy,” the deployment of soldiers in Kano State in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city.

Speaking via a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Saturday, he also opined that the action could lead to an upset for the peace and security of the state.

Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, also described the soldiers’ deployment by the federal government as a breach of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He added that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf adhered to the law and constitution to repeal the Emirates Council Law which annulled the five Emirates created by his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, in 2019.

Atiku said: “The situations happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers conferred on the Governor as provided by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and also in consultation with the Kingmakers of Kano, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano State and accordingly handed him a letter of appointment.

“It is surprising that in the early hours of today, exactly at about 5:30 a.m. the former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero backed by Federal might made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate while the reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano.

“In this wise, the former Emir could not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the Federal Government having done so with the support of the Army and other security personnel in his company.

“The deployment of soldiers in extra-constitutional matters such as this undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military.

“We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years and any attempt to destablise the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted.

“Recall that Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on 9th March 2020, Kano forged on in peace without any fracas.

“We wish to state unequivocally that if for any reason, law and order breaks down in Kano State, particularly Kano Municipal, the Federal Government should be held responsible as the act of providing security cover to the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero to come back to Kano is an invitation to anarchy.

“The Federal Government does not have the jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of any State in Nigeria in the spirit of true federalism as enshrined in Section 2(1) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the dichotomy provided by the Exclusive and Residual List therein respectively.”

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