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HURIWA Challenges FG To Prove Ransom Not Paid For Release Of Abducted Kuriga School Children

March 26, 2024

Kuriga Students Released from Kdinappers Den

By Akinwale Kasali

A Civil Rights Advocacy Group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has called on the President Federal Government to clarify why none of the terrorists who abducted the school children in Kaduna was apprehended or killed.

It added that this especially becomes necessary since the Government claims that ransom was not paid for the release of the 137 pupils.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that no ransom was paid to free the kidnapped students/pupils of Kuriga.

Challenging the FG to make clarifications on the modalities for the release of the school children, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, in a statement, knocked the Federal Government over what he called propaganda regarding the abduction.

He said: “If the children were actually rescued, can we know why not one of these abductors was killed, wounded or captured by the rescuers?

“We really cannot figure out why the Government is inundating Nigerians with cock- and -bull story of whether ransom was paid or not. If the Government claims they didn’t pay ransom to get the children freed and if these children were rescued as we were told, were they abandoned in one corner of the Zamfara Bush by the terrorists? Why was no single terrorist injured if this was a rescue operation? Why didn’t the soldiers or security agents arrest any of these terrorists?

“Can we find out from the Minister what exactly he wants to achieve by saying that ‘none of the children suffered any harm as they were safely brought back.

“We honestly think that this statement is actually not from the Honourable Minister because it almost reminded us of someone under the spell of Stockholm syndrome. But we are sure that the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation is in no way under any spell but we wish he can very quickly correct this misconception he has circulated about this satanic kidnapping of so large a group of school children.

“The Honourable Minister should be told that the children indeed suffered massive psychological shock and awe, and emotional distress and truly they underwent series of emotional traumatic episodes and the best thing to do is for these children to be professionally counselled by psychologists so they can overcome those distressing experiences they have just undergone in the hands of terrorists who were armed and ready to kill.

“Nobody should ever have to go through the emotional tortures that these school children were subjected to for days. The truth is that the Government failed in its primary constitutional duty to protect lives of citizens including those of such vulnerable members of our society. To imagine that heads didn’t roll in the security agencies for this abysmal failure of intelligence, is to conclude that this Government is in bed with impunity and lawlessness.”

Kano: Chinese Citizen To Die By Hanging For Killing Nigerian Girlfriend

Akinwale Kasali

March 26, 2024

Frank Geng-Quangrong and Ummukulsum Sani

By Akinwale Kasali

47-Year Old Chinese citizen, Frank Geng-Quangrong, has been sentenced to death by hanging. Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji of the Kano High Court sentenced him for murdering his Nigerian Girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani.

Geng-Quangrong was said to have stabbed his 22–Year old to death for undisclosed reasons.

The Chinese was convicted on one count charge of culpable homicide.. Justice Ado-Ma’aji stressed that the prosecution had proven its case beyond its reasonable doubt.

In his words, “ The defendant’s testimony is inconsistent. I hereby find him guilty.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, the Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, had informed the court that the convict committed the offence on Sept.16, 2022 at Janbulo Quarters Kano.

He said on the same date at about 9 p.m, the convict stabbed the deceased with a knife in her house situated at Janbulo Quarters Kano for undisclosed reasons.

“The victim was rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor”.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution presented six witnesses and four exhibits to prove their case against the defendant.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes the provision of section 221(b) of the Penal Code.

The defence counsel, Muhummad Dan’azumi, presented the defendant to defend himself, one other witness and tendered five exhibits.

Dan’azumi urged the court to recommend the defendant for prerogative of mercy pursuant to section 313 of ACJL.

In his testimony, Geng-Quangrong said:” I didn’t kill Ummulkhulsum intentionally but stabbed her in self defence after she grabbed my testicles”.

He pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in its judgment.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the judgment, the victims mother, Hajiya Fatima Zubairu, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision.

Geng-Quangrong had told the Court that he killed his Girlfriend having spent over N60 million on her, in which he transferred over N60 million to her GT Bank account, N18 million for her to start a business, N4 million house and N6 million for University education among others.

“Whenever I go to pick her up for dinner at home her mum always welcomes me with open arms, but the deceased had in February 2022 married someone else.

“ I was heartbroken and disappointed so I relocated to Abuja.

“She kept calling me and chatting with me on Whatsapp and continued demanding money, this informed the decision to kill her but it wasn’t intentional but self defense”.

Kwankwaso’s Son, Three Others Set To Be Commissioners In Kano

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The son of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf’s political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is among four nominees whose names were forwarded to the State House of Assembly as a Commissioner.

The Governor forwarded the name of Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside three other nominees before the State House of Assembly for consideration as members of his cabinet.

The list, sighted on the verified Facebook page of the Governor’s Personal Assistant, Ibrahim Adam, includes the names of Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; Usman Shehu Aliyu Karaye; Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso; and Abduljabbar Garko.

The Facebook statement stated that “It’s noteworthy that Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso is the son of former NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Rabiu Kwankwaso and a brother-in-law to governor Kabir Yusuf.

“Previously, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dismissed Commissioner for Land, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, and Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Alhaji Yusuf Imam, for making unguarded comments against Vice President Kashim Shettima.”

Ondo APC, Gov Aiyedatiwa, Family React To Akintelure’s Death, Fellow Aspirants Suspend Campaign

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions have been pouring over the death of Dr Paul Akintelure, one of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state who passed on Tuesday morning.

The family, in a statement signed by Oladapo Akintelure stated that “Paul Akintelure departed from us early this morning in Lagos, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to the people of Ondo State.

“Dr. Paul Akintelure was not just a politician; he was a visionary leader who believed in the potential of Ondo State and its people.

“Throughout the peaceful conduct of his campaign, he advocated for positive change, economic development, and social progress, promising a brighter future for all citizens.

“As a family, we understand his sudden enigmatic demise has left a void in our hearts, that of his friends, associates, supporters, and political loyalists.

“It is in light of this, we seek calm and, most importantly, your prayers, as we jointly pray for the repose of the soul of Dr. Paul Akintelure.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan, described Dr. Akintelure as “a wonderful human being and was a core progressive. He was very consistent and loyal to the tenets of progressive politics in Ondo State and Nigeria.

“He was a friend and associate. He conducted his private business and public affairs with so much decorum and humility to the admiration of many. We have lost a complete gentleman. He will be greatly missed.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa added that the death of Dr. Akintelure at this critical time in the life of the State is saddening and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State said it is saddened over the death of one of its gladiators, Dr. Paul Akintelure.

“He was a governorship aspirant, getting ready to participate in the party’s primary scheduled for next month.

The State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, in a statement by the spokesman, Alex Kalejaye, described the decease as personal friend, with whom he had good relationship over the years, saying the news is shocking.

“Akintelure was a highly refined and consistent political figure, whose position was that the essence of being in politics is to build the people and the land.

“The contributions of the departed political leader, to the development and stability of Ondo State chapter of APC will not be forgotten.

“Like other governorship aspirants, he was optimistic of victory, come April. He had many other plans, death was never part of them.

“The State chapter condoles with the immediate family, Igbotako Community, his political associates, and the Nigerian Medical Association. May his soul rest in peace.”

Meanwhile aspirants have announced suspension of campaign activities in honour of the deceased.

Wale Akinterinwa, announced suspension of his political activities following the sudden death of fellow aspirant, Paul Akintelure.

Akinterinwa said his campaign activities, which was earlier planned to kick off Tuesday, with a praise worship at his country home in Ile-Oluji, was suspended in honour of a friend and comrade.

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of a friend and comrade.

Following this sad incident, I have decided to suspend all political activities of our campaign organisation.”

Rivers 2027: Wike To Back Chinda Against Governor Fubara

The Source

March 26, 2024

By Charles Igbo

Over three years to the Governorship Election in Rivers State, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, already knows who his main competitor will be unless he is not interrogating the utterances of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Baring any last minute changes, Fubara will face stiff competition from a very strong competitor, Honourable Kingsley Chinda, popular among his circle of friends as O.K.

When, and not if, that happens, Chinda is going to be backed, fully, by the political emperor of the State, Wike.

As far as Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is concerned, Fubara is already a one-term Governor. He has not hidden that since he fell out with the Governor who he, incidentally, installed in office. He has since regretted installing Fubara as Governor, a fact he hammered upon over the weekend in Porthacourt.

Wike made that point at a Special Thanksgiving Service by Chinda to mark his birthday, and celebrate his new status as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

Addressing his loyalists at the occasion, he expressed regrets for picking Fubara over Chinda. But for the pressure, Minister Wike said, Chinda would have been his successor. In addition to the pressure, Wike also said Fubara deceived him by his attitude and demeanor which, he said, completely changed soon after he became the Governor.

Wike: “Pressure came on me at a time when we wanted someone who would succeed me. One of the very best I would have presented would have been Kingsley Chinda not those Ikwerre people who were running around saying they wanted to be Governor, that they could not serve a master and boy. But they are waiting on the road now to serve the boy.

“No real Ikwerre man says that and goes back. Chinda had told you not to bother yourself. In Ikwerre tradition, when you start beating the drum of wrestling, it is not at that time that the real wrestlers will come out.

“The real wrestlers will come in later towards the end. Leave all these people who cannot stand ordinary hunger. Leave these political harlots. I will continue to defeat them. What you know, you know.”

Even though Wike still says he is still of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but serving under an All Progressives Congress, APC Government, he has since declared himself the Leader of both the APC and PDP in the State. This means that he is likely to produce a single candidate who will be supported by both Political Parties.

Sanusi Replies Critics Over Akingbola’s Intercontinental Bank, Says: “No Regrets, CBN Right On Term Limit For Bank Leadership”

The Source

March 26, 2024

“I think we must remember that everything boils down to context. And we should not naively believe the claims of some people that they are the “owners” of banks- especially the listed ones.

“In almost all the banks that we took over, we discovered that these so- called owner managers set up SPVs, lent money to these SPVs, turned round and purchased their own bank shares with these funds -and that was how they acquired control. In blunt terms: they STOLE money belonging to depositors to buy the shares.

“When the stock market tanked and the bubble capital burst it was those deposits that were entrusted to them which evaporated and we had to redeem.

“To give one example, when we went into Intercontinental Bank, the bank owned 25% of its own capital through these fraudulent schemes. Akingbola did not buy his shares in Intercontinental with his own money- he stole deposits to fund his control. He ran to the UK and we followed him with the evidence. We established before the crown court what he did and the amount involved was in excess of N140b for which the court gave a worldwide freezing order. On the basis of the same evidence in Nigeria it took 11 years but Akingbola was finally jailed.

“He (Akingbola) was not the only one. Cecilia Ibru was jailed. Nwosu was jailed. Atuche was jailed. All this happened before us and people are criticising the regulator and moralising on behalf of those who OWN banks? How? With stolen money?

“One of Akingbola’s executive directors joined the bank as an officer and was his PA. Akingbola was MD of his bank for 22 years or so. All his so called EXCO were his “boys”. Ibru appointed her son ED corporate. He would approve loans for their SPVs and she would send the money to her daughter in Dubai to buy property. For 3 years Ibru’s daughter won gold medals in Dubai for being an estate dealer. She was buying the real estate with depositors funds. We recovered assets then estimated at $1.2b at cost from Ibru alone- including over 200 pieces of real estate in the UAE, including property on the Potomac, in Abuja, Lagos and Portharcourt and private jets. All with depositors money.

“These CEOs had stayed so long no one could call them to order. Not their boards, not risk management, not audit, not Legal. In one case the Board of Oceanic was bold enough to decline a loan recommended by Ibru. After the Board declined it she came to her office and approved it and it was disbursed.

“If staying so long makes some CEOs that powerful and if that power was seen to corrupt why would we allow CEOs to overstay? If all banks were run like Citi or StanChart or IBTC this matter would not have arisen but we cant run a system based on miraculous exceptions. And is ten years not enough in a CEO position? Is there no benefit to something called succession? Is there nothing like key man risk?

“Banks are not a business. Dangote group and Exxon mobil are. Banking is a profession. Banks are professionals guided by ethics. A bank is where you keep your money and expect to find it. If your banker can keep your money safe and make profit by trading it that is what we want. If he starts to make it his own he has to be reminded it is not his.

“If these people are so smart they should go run a cement plant or build a refinery or a commercial enterprise. Anyone can make billions stealing money entrusted to them it is not intelligence. Just plain thievery. And this is why every chance they get they just steal and buy property and private jets and yachts. It is not capitalism but prebendalism.

“The arrogance begins when these bankers who own a tiny percentage of the total capital at the bank’s disposal think they own the bank. They do not. And the Central Bank is not there to protect the rich and powerful shareholders and management but the poor and vulnerable depositors who trusted us and kept their savings in these institutions. Some people just dont get it.

“With the CBN the depositor is King. It is hypocritical after everything we know to pretend that these criminals are bank owners. They never were. And to make the system safe we have to learn lessons and not wait for the next Akingbola or Atuche or Ibru to happen on us.

“It may well be that someone else sitting in that office with all this information may have ideological sympathies for shareholders and management and believe I had gone overboard in protecting depositors.

“My comment is that such a one should be at the stock exchange and not the central bank. Term limits are among the policies I am most proud of and yes- we demystified all the minigods and oligarchs. But none of them was a target.

“The only target was to protect depositors and keep our banks safe.

“I am publishing my CBN memoirs next year inshaallah. The title is ” Confronting vested interests: Central banking in a rentier economy”. The title says it all.” -SLS

Fmr Ekiti Gov Fayemi In A Storm Over Attack On Afe Babalola

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has been dragged to the mud over his attack on elder statesman and founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, (ABUAD) Chief Afe Babalola.

Dr Fayemi had said that Chief Babalola was may be suffering from loss of memory due to age, following his condemnation of regimes of past Governors in the State.

A State-based group, Ekiti Patriotic Consultative Forum, in a statement signed by Secretary, Oluwagbenga Babawibe, described Fayemi’s comment as “uncouth and disrespectful.”

He said: “After a cursory look at the hogwash and senseless vituperation of the former Governor of Ekiti State, a supposedly Omoluabi, we came to the safe conclusion that the Isan Ekiti-born politician decided to descend on this iconic elder statesman, a man who still contributes immensely to the growth of Nigeria at 94 years old and who still invests at least 18 hours of active work daily in the development of education and industrialization in Nigeria.

“It should be noted that Chief Afe Babalola did not single out Kayode Fayemi in his review of the performance of the past government in Ekiti State as claimed.

“He intentionally vented his frustration and hatred on the Baba, which is very uncharitable and an act of irresponsibility for a man who ruled the cultured people of Ekiti twice.

“It should be known that during the COVID-19 pandemic, his government made Baba the chairman of the palliative committee, whereby Chief Afe Babalola donated a whopping sum of one hundred million naira, eight hundred bags of rice, and one thousand bags of garri for the state. What other support does this guy want again?

“The contradictory allegations raised by Fayemi over the issue of the airport, a failed project embarked on by him and an uncompleted project that was commissioned with fun fare.

“The truth is that Fayemi approached Chief Afe Baalola to build the terminal section of the airport, and Baba agreed to do so and had taken steps by constructing the architectural design of the terminal, which was fashioned against the best in the world.

“Without further consultation, Fayemi rejected the earlier agreed terminal to be built by Aare Afe Babalola and wrote a letter to him to build a guest house or hotel for the airport project.

“After messing up with the airport project, Chief Afe Babalola, who is interested in the completion of the airport because of its economic viability to the university and Ekiti State at large, has spent over 2.3 billion Naira of his personal resources for the purchase of instrument and landing equipment, an aerodrome ground lighting system, and the building of a befitting car park for the airport.

“There is no single individual with such a contribution toward the development of Ekiti state. There is no private investment that is as big as ABUAD in Ekiti, yet the government has not done anything to support this investment.

“As a group of patriots in Ekiti State, we hereby demand from Kayode Fayemi a public apology to be published in three major national newspapers and a one-on-one apology in which he must personally mobilize some respected traditional rulers in the state in the company of the state governor for that purpose.”

Edo PDP Chairman Regains Freedom, Reunites With Family

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

After 11 days in kidnappers’ den, Edo State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, has been released.

Dr. Aziegbemi, who was set free by his abductors in the early hours of Tuesday, arrived his Benin City residence at about 3.00 am to the waiting arms of family and close friends.

Speaking on his mobile phone, the PDP Chairman said that he was happy to be back home with his family.

Sounding upbeat, he said : “I am back home with my family. I am fine. I am just trying to rest and will talk to you later.”

Dr. Aziegbemi, a former member of the House of Representatives, Esan North East/Esan South East, was trailed by his abductors in two Toyota Corolla cars on the night of Friday, March 16.

The gunmen overtook his sports utility vehicle at a speed break as it slowed down close to his house at about 11.00p.m that fateful Friday.

Aziegbemi who is said not to have police protection was on his way home after a meeting in Government House when he was abducted by the gunmen who trailed him.

The gunmen were said to have abandoned the Russian trained economist’s car along Sapele road and took him away in their get away cars.

The circumstances surrounding his release were still sketchy as the Edo State Police spokesman, Mr. Chidi Nwanbuzor, who spoke on his mobile phone, simply advised journalists to wait for an official police statement.

“Wait for the official police statement,” Nwanbuzor, a superintendent of police advised.

It was however not immediately clear if a ransom was paid for his release as the abductors had reportedly demanded a princely sum of N50 million before setting him free.

Few Days After Raising Alarm Over Threat To Life, Ondo APC Governorship Aspirant, Akintelure Dies

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A leading Governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, is dead.

It was gathered that Akintelure a Medical Doctor from Igbotako, in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo state, died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness.

Credible family sources disclosed that Akintelure passed on in Lagos.

As at the time of filing this report, the family was yet to officially announce the development.

A few days ago, Akintelure had raised an alarm that there had been both direct and indirect attempts on his life.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, he expressed his initial belief that the threats would subside over time.

Akintelure expressed concern that the situation had worsened as the APC Governorship Primary election scheduled for April 25 approaches.

He further revealed that he had reported the threats to the relevant security agencies and received intelligence reports and recommendations.

Akintelure served as the running mate to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the 2012 election under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He also served as a Commissioner in the immediate past administration of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Dangote Killer Trucks Leave Pains Behind; Nigerians Demand Govt Action

James Orji

March 26, 2024

A Dangote Truck driver who killed a woman in Lagos state on Monday in Lagos has been arrested.

The yet-to-be identified driver was said to have crushed the woman to death around Abule-Egba inward Mobil Filling Station beside Jubilee Bridge Opposite Zenith Bank, yesterday in the state.

The truck plate number was identified as “Kano MDB531 XA”

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the accident was caused by brake failure, explaining that the trapped woman’s dead body was evacuated underneath the Dangote truck by LASTMA officials alongside other security agencies.

The body of the deceased has been handed over to the police, Taofiq said in the statement.

Part of the statement said: “Preliminary investigations revealed that the Dangote Mixer truck while on a high-speed lost control as a result of a brake failure and while trying to swerved into a drainage channel crushed an innocent woman.

“While the truck driver was immediately apprehended by Lastma Officials, Police men from Oko-Oba Police Station provided security backup while the rescue operations lasted.”

Not a few Nigerians have criticized the careless manner drivers working for the company drive on the road.

Monday’s incident was among many incidents in which trucks belonging to the company owned by Africa’s Richest Man have sent some innocent Nigerians to their untimely death.

In fact, the recurrent incidents have earned Dangote Trucks the nomenclature of ‘Killer Trucks’, amidst demand by Nigerians for responsibility on part of the drivers of the company , and the call on the government to rein in the company in other to curb the menace of road users being sent to the grave almost on a reccurrent basis.

The demand from Nigerians for an immediate action stemmed from the belief among that the company behave as if they are above the law.

“How many Dangote drivers who kill innocent people on the road have been arrested? In fact, the drivers always tell those that care to understand that they are ‘kill and go’ because nobody can do anything to them,” a Lagosian who witnessed one of such incidents told the magazine on Tuesday.

The source said Dangote Trucks have become ‘a menace to Nigerians’ who are using the road because they don’t know the next person to be “crushed to their untimely death” by these careless truck drivers.

Last December, another woman standing by the roadside in Ogun State was crushed to death by a Dangote truck driver. The plate number of the vehicle was marked XA354WDP, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC.

Following the incident which occurred at Dalemo-Ota, along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Friday, December 29, the FRSC Public Education Officer, FRSC, Ogun Sector Command, Florence Okpe disclosed that a total of two persons were involved in the accident, one male adult and one female adult.

“The female adult was recorded dead from the crash,” she said in a statement.

She called on Dangote and other companies to “always conduct routine checks on their vehicles and make sure the braking systems are effective before putting them on the road.”

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