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Presidential Aircraft: ‘Alarmist’ Obi Wants Tinubu To Die In Aircrash- MURIC

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Professor Ishaq Akintola - MURIC

An Islamic body, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, says the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi wants President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to die in a plane crash.

MURIC made this known in a statement signed by its leader Prof. Ishaq Akintola on Tuesday.

The magazine reported that the National Assembly recently passed a resolution for new aircrafts to be purchased for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shetima.

In March, President Tinubu was forced to abandon one of the aircrafts in the Netherlands which he was supposed to travel with to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the World Economic Forum, WEF.

Shetima was also forced to abandon his travel to the United States, where he was billed to represent Tinubu in April after the aircraft he was supposed to travel with developed fault.

This, prompted NASS to pass a resolution for new aircrafts to be purchased for the Presidential fleet to prevent potential mishap for the president and his vice.

Not a few Nigerians, including Obi insist that the country cannot afford new aircrafts for the Presidency at this moment of serious economic hardship in the country.

The LP presidential candidate insist that President Tinubu is not showing good example by living in opulence, whereas the president has urged Nigerians to do the same.

Reacting MURIC said Obi wanted the presidential aircraft to crash just like the Iranian President and Malawi vice president.

On May 20, President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran died in a helicopter crash alongside other top officials of the Islamic Republic in Azerbaijan while on an official duty.

Also on June 11, the vice president of Malawi, Dr. Saulos Chilima, was killed when his military plane crashed on the way to a funeral.

MURIC said the same fate awaits President Tinubu is new aircrafts were not immediately acquired, stressing that everything must be done to avoid a national calamity.

Describing Obi as an alarmist, MURIC said Obi became bitter since he lost the election to Tinubu last year.

Part of MURIC statement: “The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, yesterday, Monday 17th June, 2024 chided the Federal Government (FG) for planning to purchase new aircraft for the presidency.

“We have no iota of doubt that Peter Obi is shedding crocodile tears. His interest is not the improvement of Nigeria’s economic situation or that of the common man but to bring disaster to the presidency. Peter Obi nurses evil intentions.

“Peter Obi’s body language since the declaration of the results of the 2023 presidential elections has exposed him as a bitter politician and a bad loser who cannot come to terms with the reality of his defeat. Obi is a Trumpist. He will go to any length to bring disaster to his perceived political enemies.

“Little wonder, therefore, that Obi is yet to condemn his supporters for calling for a military coup months after their treasonable utterances As far as Obi and other irrational critics are concerned, they wish what happened to the Iranian President Raisi recently and the Malawian vice president last week should happen in Nigeria. God forbid!

“How many times do we have to drum it to the ears of this far right, ultra nationalist opposition cartel that the presidential jets are already worn out? They have become rickety, risky and unserviceable. They have broken down so many times during trips.

“For instance, President Tinubu had to continue his journey on a commercial plane very recently after two presidential jets broke down simultaneously.

“Also on 7th May, 2024, Vice President Kazim Shettima had to shelve a trip to the United States for the US-Africa Business Summit when the presidential jet developed a fault one hour after take-off.

“Is this not scary enough? What does Peter Obi and his co-travellers want? Yet we have no scintilla of doubt that this set of desperate opposition will be the first to send hypocritical condolence messages if their serpentine wishes for the president or his vice become fait accompli.

“But it is the duty of patriotic and compos mentis Nigerians to ensure that no such disaster occurs.”

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga had earlier chided Obi for criticising the federal government plan to acquire new aircrafss.

Tragedy, As Soldier Shoots And Kills Self In Front Of Military Barracks In Abia

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Sergeant Major CSM Vitalis shoot himself

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Ohafia in Abia State still smarting from the gruesome killing of five  of its personnel on May 30 at a military checkpoint at  Obikabia junction by yet to be identified gunmen, tragedy again struck on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

But the difference: This particular tragedy was self-inflicted. A soldier attached to the 144 battalion Osisioma, in Aba, Command,  Sergeant Major CSM Vitalis  shot and killed himself in front of the formation’s gate.

Vitalis  hailed from Okpala in Ngor-Okpala Council of Imo state was, until the  tragic incident ,reportedly went missing for over two weeks.

According to a source, the deceased left his duty post ,with nobody able to explain his whereabouts throughout the period.

However, he was  said to have reappeared suddenly on same day that he shot and killed himself, leaving his bewildered colleagues in deep shock as to what led him in to such an action.

Another source revealed that the suicide act is all the more shocking going by the fact that the deceased soldier was to retire from service in four months time after a long period of unblemished record of service. He was believed to be eagerly waiting for his October 2024 retirement date.

Curiously, according to some close sources ,there were no known domestic and/or profession related  issues about the deceased, before his disappearance and subsequent suicide.

As at the time of reporting, the Military authorities were yet to react to the incident.

But this Magazine gathered that the Military hierarchy will soon issue an official statement after the conclusion of preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sad development .

With no known possible reasons for the deceased soldier’s action, the military is said to be cautious about officially reacting without adequate information.

Presidency, Police, Debunk Kwankwaso’s Alleged Emergency Rule Alarm, Caution Against Politicization Of Kano’s Security Challenges

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidency on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 distanced itself from any plans to foist on Kano state and/or any other State for that matter  an Emergency rule.

This is just as the police authorities in Kano said  they and other security outfits will not be distracted from the onerous task of maintaining peace and order in the State particularly this trying period.

Both parties spoke separately on the heels of the alarm raised on Monday, June 17? by the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over an alleged plan by the Federal Government to use the ongoing royal stool face off between the duo of Emirs Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammad Sanusi as a smokescreen to declare a State of Emergency in Kano.

The former Governor of Kano state ,who spoke at the flag off ceremony for the construction of about 85km  rural roads by the State Government at his home council Madobi, pointedly, also, accused Security Agencies in the State of being used by some political forces to undermine the state authorities.

He, however, warned that such alleged  subtle moves will be stoutly resisted by the people of the state.

But Speaking on Tuesday, June 17, the Special Adviser to the  President, on Public Communication, Bayo Onanuga,  dismissed the accusation as untrue.

According to him, the Federal Government has no plans to declare emergency rule in Kano and/or any other parts of the country without carrying the National Assembly along.

“There is no truth in it. It is a mere rumour .The Federal Government can not declare state of emergency in any State without the involvement of the National Assembly. There is no such plan” Onanuga stated.

Kano State Commissioner of Police CP Muhammad Hussaini Gumel ,while also speaking in Kano on Tuesday, said the Police and its sister security agencies are well focused in providing adequate security for the residents of the State.

Gumel who has just been elevated to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG ,and on his way out of the State soon ,cautioned against attempts to politicizing the current security challenges facing the state.

He rather called for the support and understanding of residents and stakeholders in the efforts to ensure peace and stability in the state.

The CP emphasised that what is most important to the Police and Security Agencies is how to provide an enabling environment for all law abiding citizens and residents of Kano to pursue their legitimate activities without fear.

To this end, Gumel appealed to the people to  support the security agencies with actionable intelligence that will assist them in discharging their duties.

AGN Honours Late Veterans With Candle Light Procession; Prays Against Recurring Deaths

By
Akinwale Kasali
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AGN Honours Late Veterans With Candle Light

By Akinwale Kasali

Having lost over three of its Veteran Actors and Actress in 2024, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, held a Candle Night Procession to pay tributes to their late colleagues at Unity Fountain  Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, the Nation’s Capital.

Those honoured at the auspicious event were: John Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr Ibu’, Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe.

The procession was led by Emeka Rollas, National President of the AGN, alongside veteran actors Kenneth Okonkwo, Zack Orji, and Sidney Idiala, amongst others.

Emeka Rollas said the procession was to demonstrate the solidarity that exists in the actors guild and to reflect on the moments they shared with the late thespians, adding that the candlelight service was also an occasion for actors to reflect on how they want to be remembered at the end of their works.

He said: “This is a season of sorrow for us at the AGN, our hearts are filled with grief over the loss of our three veteran members.

“But as the saying goes, when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

“The Late John Okafor, Amaechi Monaugor and Zulu Adigwe lived a life that exemplified brilliance and inspired emulation.

“They also lived a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit, and they made impact on society through their profession. Today we are here to honour them, not only by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also to remember their amazing personalities. They all played unique and special roles in all of our lives and the acting profession and they were loyal colleagues and special friends to many of us.

“Today, we honour these men as we recall special moments , they were living proof of how fine a person can be, caring hearts to their friends and colleagues, loving and devoted father to their children. They gave their all in their acting careers as they worked with passion, integrity and energy and our hearts and prayers are with their families at this most difficult time.”

Actor Kenneth Okonkwo said their commitment to their profession was part of what made the Nigerian film industry a toast of fans.

The AGN also used the opportunity to pray against recurring death in the industry, that has seen over Nine persons bid the world farewell.

The Nollywood industry has been throwing into mourning on several occasions this Year alone both in the Yoruba Genre, Kannywood and Nollywood as a whole.

LASG Warn Residents, Says Cholera Strain Is Highly Aggressive, Contagious

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Cholera Outbreak in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

The outbreak of Cholera in Lagos is yet to abate, as the Lagos State Government has advised residents to be cautious because Cholera Strain is highly aggressive and contagious.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said that laboratory investigation has confirmed the strain to be cholera sub-type O-1, adding that the subtype is associated with more severe diseases.

Abayomi in a post on his X Handle (Formerly Twitter), said the identified strain is “highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.”

He said through community-based case finding and contact tracing, the government observed that the number of cases “has peaked and is now significantly declining.

He said: “The geographical distribution of suspected cases by Local Government Area showed that Lagos Island is the epicentre of the outbreak with 106 cases, followed by Kosofe with 49, Eti-Osa with 38, Lagos Mainland with 30, Ojo with 17, Ikorodu with 16, Shomolu with 11, Surulere with nine, Apapa with eight, Mushin with eight, Ifako Ijaiye with eight, Alimosho with four; Ajeromi-Ifelodun with four,Oshodi-Isolo with three, Ikeja with three, Ibeju Lekki with two, Badagry with tw, and Amuwo-Odofin with one.

“We are receiving support from the NCDC and International partners, including the WHO, Nigeria, and UNICEF, Nigeria.

“Local Non-Governmental Organizations are actively involved in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.”

It would be recalled that Lagos has recorded 17 confirmed cases of cholera and 15 fatalities so far.

“Does Peter Obi Want President Tinubu Dead?” – Presidency Fires Back Over Proposed Purchase Of New Aircraft

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bayo Onanuga

By Akinwale Kasali

Peter Obi, Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election has come under strong criticism by the Presidency following his reaction to the proposed purchase of a new Aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima.

Obi had faulted the proposal made by the House of Representatives, describing it as a waste of resources. He stressed that Nigerians are suffering and the money should be channeled into the development of the nation’s economy.

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had recommended that the Federal Government should purchase a new aircraft putting into consideration the status of the aircraft in the Presidential Fleet.

Reacting to Obi’s statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu carpeted Obi. He said that the purchase of another aircraft is a necessity.

Onanuga said the proposed Presidential aircraft is a “basic thing any sane Government will do” because it cannot toy with the President’s life.

He said: “Does Peter Obi want the President dead? Is that his wish? Does he want him to continue moving around in a rickety plane and die like the VP of Malawi and Iran President? Let him tell us.

“The plane he used now, I learnt, was bought during (former President) Obasanjo’s era. That was over 20 years ago and I learnt it was a very small plane.

“ The plane developed a problem the last time he travelled to Saudi Arabia. The President had to go from there to the UK on a commercial airline. Even those managing them said the aircraft needed to be replaced,” he said.

Police Orders Manhunt For Killers Of Anambra Vigilante Group Commander, Two Others

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

Killers of Eloka Ubajekwe, the Commander of Nnewi Vigilante Group  will be hunted down and the full wrath of the law visited on them, the Anambra state police authorities have vowed.

The Vigilante Commander was on Monday June 17 hacked to death allegedly by elements suspected to be members of the  Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, on enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order.

Ubajekwe was killed along side two other people during a gun battle between the  criminal elements and the vigilante personnel.

In a statement issued on  Tuesday June 18, 2024 ,by Anambra state police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu  Ikenga,the police said it will go the whole hog in unmasking the  perpetrators of the heinous act with a view to making them face justice.

This is even as the State Vigilante Group, AVG, has called on the general public to volunteer relevant intelligence that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspected killers .

In a release by Nwaeke Nweke, the AVI ,like the Police, vowed to stop at nothing to get at the perpetrators and ensure that they pay for their criminal act .

The AVG  also warned that it will not allow anybody and or group of persons to hide under the canopy of IPOB- declared sit-at-home order to disrupt the peace and stability of Anambra state,as well as wasting  innocent blood.

“The Commissioner of Police , CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered an immediate manhunt operation for the armed men operating in a red Highlander SUV who abducted a citizen in Nnewi at 1.30 pm yesterday, June 17, 2024, and were trailed to Nnobi ,where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle.

During the gun duel ,one of the security operatives was fatally hit by a bullet and due to the indiscriminate shootings by the hoodlums in an attempt to escape the scene, bullets also fatally struck two innocent passers-by in the area .

The Police response team at the scene recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to the hospital,but regrettably three of the victims including a 22 year old lady were confirmed dead by doctors on duty while two others are currently receiving treatment” part of the  police statement reads.

IPOB, led by its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has since distanced the organisation from the continued sit-at-home orders as well as the violence and killings in the South-east. It holds a group led by Finland-based Simon Ekpa for the sit-at-home orders and violence and killings and blood-letting in the once peaceful Zone.

Wike’s Rivers Structure Finally Collapses, As Gov. Fubara Appoints Local Councils Heads

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The last vestiges of the eight year iron fist control of the political landscape of Rivers state by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and immediate past Governor of the State Nyesom Wike, were on Tuesday  June 18, 2024 erased.

This followed a directive by Governor Sim Fubara ,the estranged political godson of Wike for Administrative Heads of the State’s 23 Local Councils to take  charge of affairs and wait for further instructions.

The development resulted from the expiry on Monday June 17, of the tenure of the Pro- Wike Council Chairpersons.

Governor Fubara who issued the directives in a State wide broadcast on Tuesday, June 18, also appreciated the outgone Council bosses for their services to the State, and wished them well in their future endeavours.

A last ditch effort to save  the jobs of the Council Chairpersons by the pro-Wike camp and by extension what should have remained as the only branch of the  political structure of the FCT Minister collapsed on Friday June 14.

This followed the refusal of an Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt the State capital to upturn an earlier judgement of a State High Court, declaring the positions of Speaker Martins Amaewfule and 26 other pro-Wike law makers as vacant.

Justice Dagogo Jack of a Rivers State High Court had, also, ruled restraining them from further parading  themselves as members of the Rivers state House of Assembly, having lost their seats by virtue of their resignation from the  Peoples Democratic Party PDP, the political platform that sponsored them for the elections.

Justice Jack also ruled and affirmed Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo as the rightful Speaker of the State legislative body.

The court also pronounced as illegal ,null and avoid all actions and legislative efforts of the law makers, including their amendment to the State Local Council laws and the subsequent   extension of the tenure of the now out gone Council Chairpersons by six months.

But, dissatisfied, the 27 pro-Wike law makers approached the Appeal Court seeking a reversal of the lower Court’s verdict.

However, while ruling on the matter on Friday June 14 a three-man panel of justices led by Justice Jimi Olukayode advised all parties to maintain the status quo, pending the determination of the substantive suit before it.

The Appeal Court also warned against any conducts that may likely affect the substantive suit.

It ordered that the notice of appeal be served on all defendants before the June 20,2024 adjourned date .

With the failure by the Court of Appeal to upturn the lower Court’s ruling, the fate of Speaker Amaewfule and the other 26 pro- Wike law makers were effectively sealed.

The Appeal court ruling, while appearing to be reconciliatory on the surface, clearly sign-posted that the earlier verdict of the lower court stripping the law makers of their positions both at the level of PDP and the State House of Assembly remain valid until the determination of the appeal before it.

With the 27 pro-Wike law makers caged, his nominated  Commissioners in Governor Fubara’s administration frustrated out, the PDP hierarchy at both state and National levels  threading parallel part with him, not a few APC faithful perceiving him as transactional and treacherous  and the 23 Council Chairpersons now out of office, what the embattled FCT Minister had all along been mortally afraid of – the collapse of his political structure, steers him in the face like a day light.

As it is, Wike’s continued political relevance will  largely depend on the   patronage the Presidency is willing to lend to him .

Even such Presidential support will have to be  balanced by the need not to court the ire of Rivers  State major political actors majority of whom Wike had sought to emasculate in the past few years.

Cholera Vaccine Now More Available, Says Gavi Alliance

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Cholera Outbreak in Lagos

A resurgence of cholera across Africa has driven an urgent need for more vaccine doses, but stock shortages have hampered the fight against the increasing outbreaks of the deadly disease.

But pressure on the supply of doses is now decreasing, said Aurelia Nguyen, chief programme officer of the Gavi vaccine alliance that raises funds to supply vaccines to developing countries.

Ahead of a summit in Paris on Thursday aimed at ramping up vaccine production in Africa, Nguyen told AFP about the current state of play.

– How many doses are there? –

Nguyen: “Cholera outbreaks are becoming more and more frequent, more and more widespread, and are occurring more often in countries that had previously been spared.

“For years, demand for cholera vaccines had been relatively low. From two million in 2013, the supply of doses exploded to 38 million in 2023. Given the current context, the response to these outbreaks follows the World Health Organization’s recommendation to administer a single dose, instead of the usual two.

“Due to the number of currently ongoing cholera outbreaks, our supply of vaccines was under pressure at the start of the year. But the pressure is now decreasing and we are once again in a position to immediately respond to new requests.

“The South Korean biopharmaceutical company EuBiologics, the only supplier of oral cholera vaccines, will increase its production by 30 percent this year and next. This increase was made possible in particular by Gavi’s purchases over several years.

“Gavi therefore expects to receive 50 million doses in 2024 and around 65 million in 2025.

“Because it is important to diversify suppliers and increase volumes, we are working with a second producer, the Indian company Bharat. The firm will be able to supply more doses in 2025, as will producers in Africa in the future.

“Cholera is part of the 10-year, $1 billion initiative aimed at supporting vaccine production in Africa.”

– What is driving new outbreaks? –

“Climate change is a factor that is embedded in our new strategy. This is the first time that global warming has been a criteria for investment in future vaccinations — for example, against dengue fever.

“As well as diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, Gavi also monitors those related to populations that have been displaced by drought.

“Wherever there is conflict or a displaced population, there is a significant risk of outbreaks which rises the longer the fighting goes on. Whether it is for cholera, yellow fever, meningitis, measles — we have vaccine reserves ready.

“Gavi works closely with the WHO to keep an eye on new pathogens that may emerge, and we take climate shocks into account in our projections for future vaccine needs.

“We have the money available ($500 million set aside) to finance a rapid response on the day an epidemic or pandemic is declared.”

– What about manufacturers? –

“Thanks to our funding, Gavi vaccinates around 60 percent of the children born on Earth every year. We do not ask manufacturers to give us charity, but to sell to us at a reasonable price. The model has to be viable from the view of pharmaceutical firms so they invest in the requested volume.

“That said, given the poor countries we represent and the resources provided by our donors, we do ask for the price to be the lowest available.

“We are not a discount store — we give the same products to children in Burkina Faso that are available to children in Switzerland. This is essential to retain confidence in the model. We will never give out an expired dose.”

The Source magazine reported the rapid spread of cholera in Nigeria amidst government’s efforts to contain it. At least 30 states in the country have reported cases of cholera in their domains.

AFP

National Devt: Tinubu Charges Nigerians On Patriotism

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President

President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerians to be patriotic in their actions, saying all hands must be on deck to rescue the country.

The president said saboteurs who vandalise national patrimonies such as rail tracks, destroy electric cables are a major challenge to rebuilding the country.

According to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngalale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Tinubu made the remark when the leadership of the National Assembly paid him a Salah homage in his Lagos, Bourdilion home.

Those that visited the president include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, among others.

Tinubu admitted the current poverty in the country, noting however, that the menace is a global one.

He explained that the federal government is working tirelessly to change the situation in the country, urging Nigerians to work on their value system for the country to make progress.

Among other things, Tinubu stated that banditry and terrorism are major challenges facing the country which must be eliminated in other to encourage food production by farmers.

Tinubu said, “We must find a way to eliminate banditry and terrorism so that farmers can bring out food from the farmland.

“If you do not have good roads to bring the food to the population, even if you grow the food and you are losing 60-70 per cent to damages, you will pay the price.

“The need (for some citizens) to change the rent-seeking mindset and become more productive to the economy is a challenge. The need to stop smuggling and all economic sabotage.

“Why should we have people removing rail tracks and all that, stealing electric cables and sabotaging the economy?

“We must embrace the campaign to change our value system. We must tell our people that the challenge we face is for all of us to change our mindset about our country,” Tinubu stated.

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