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Imo: Senator Nwabueze Escapes Kidnappers, Police Orderly Killed

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The Source
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Senator Patrick Nwabueze

By Charles Igbo

What could have easily become the most high profile kidnapping in Imo State was avoided by the absence of Senator Patrick Nwabueze from his country home.

wabueze, APC,  is the Senator representing imo North, (Okigwe Zone) in the Senate.

While the Senator escaped the gunmen, a Policeman posted to his home was not that lucky. He was gunned down by the gunmen.

The gunmen escaped suspicion when they, allegedly, from reports,  concealed their guns, entered Ndubueze’s expansive compound on the pretence that they were there to watch the AFCON Final Match between host Ivory Coast and Nigeria which Nigeria, shockingly, lost by one goal to two.

The gunmen struck as soon as the match ended, but to their disappointment, the Senator was not at home. Disappointed over their failure to accomplish their mission of abducting the Senator, they killed the Police officer.

Neither the Imo State Police Command, nor the Senator has issued a statement over the incident.

Oshiomhole Blames The Suffering Of Nigerians On Buhari, Exonerates President Tinubu

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole has blamed the policies of  former President Muhammadu Buhari, for Nigeria’s collapsing economy. Oshiomhole, now a Senator, stressed that the aftermath of Buhari’s policies is having a toll on the economy and further impoverishing Nigerians.

The Senator Representing Edo North Senatorial District in an interview on Channels Television, said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying his best to further boost the economy and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, but that the policies and wrong decisions of the Buhari administration is affecting the economy.

He said President Tinubu should not be blamed as the he always places national interests above partisan interests.

He said, “My first loyalty is to Nigeria. At some point, before the last President left office, I lamented loudly what I saw as reckless policies that were designed to dehumanize the population that was already in pain.

“I felt that it is not what the then President promised. I dissociated myself from those policies and I’m happy that I was not the only one.

“There were Governors who approached the Court to denounce some of those policies. It is the long term consequences of those policies that we are still grappling with now.

“Yes, it is our party platform. Like Tinubu also said, he was not a Minister or adviser. He never took a contract in that Government and he cannot be held responsible for what the Government did right or wrong,” he said.

Emir Bayero To Mrs Tinubu: “Tell Your Husband To Be Open On The Issue Of Relocation Of CBN, FAAN To Lagos”

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The Source
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By Daniel Maduka

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji  Ado Bayero, has asked President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to be open and transparent on the issues concerning the relocation of some Departments in the Central Bank Of Nigeria CBN, and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, from Abuja to Lagos.

This is just as he appealed to the Wife of the President to personally convey to her husband the  high level of hunger and despondency plaguing the people of Kano under his watch .

The Kano Royal Father who spoke when he received Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in his Palace on Monday, February 12, 2024, said although the economic hardship predated the present regime, pointed out that  the living conditions of the people have since degenerated.

“Even though we have several channels of communicating with the President, I believe that routing this message through you will further underscore the seriousness of the situation and at the same gives a better assurance that the message will be delivered.

Hunger and starvation, yes, did not start with the Government of the day, but the situation has become worse, hence our clarion call on the President to arrest the ugly trend ” Emir Bayero noted.

He stated that going by various speculations around  the issues of the  purported relocation of some arms of the CBN, and FAAN  there is the urgent need for the Federal Government to properly explain the matter to the people.

“I will advise that the Government do more enlightenment on the CBN and FAAN issues.

I personally cannot fathom, for now, the intentions behind the policy. The people should be made to understand the rationale behind the whole thing.”

Mrs Tinubu. who was in the Commercial city to officially commission a building at the Faculty of Law Abacha University named after her, was asked by Emir Bayero to convey to her husband, the serious security challenges being faced by most parts of the Northern Region , adding however that the  problem just like, that of  economic hardship, was inherited.

Kidnappers Relocate To Ondo From Ekiti – Amotekun

By
Ayodele Oni
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Amotekun

By Ayodele Oni

South Western Nigeria Security Network, code named Amotekun in Ondo State has revealed that there is an upsurge in the influx of kidnappers from Ekiti to Ondo State.

Commander of the security network in the State, Adetunji Adeleye, explained that this is as a result of ongoing security operation  in Ekiti to flush out the hoodlums who have been  terrorizing the State.

Recently, in a space of one week in Ekiti, two First Class Traditional Rulers were shot dead and school children abducted by suspected kidnappers. The scary situation necesitated massive deployment of soldiers, policemen and Amotekun operatives to comb Ekiti State.

Briefing newsmen in Akure on Monday, Adeleye disclosed that within a week of operation by Amotekun operatives in Ondo State, 43 suspected criminals half of which is presumed to be kidnappers were nabbed.

The Commander noted that “the astonishing thing about our parade today is the sudden upsurge in the suspects that we have on kidnapping. About half of the 43 are suspected kidnappers that we have reasonable reasons to question.

“We actually have over 50, but those that we have reason to question why they were where they were, and what we found of them around the things of kidnap across the state, are these 20 you are seeing today.

“I want to trace this to the heavy presence of security personnel in Ekiti and I want to believe that they are being driven to Ondo State, but we want to tell you that Ondo State can never be a safe haven for criminals.

“We have risen up to the challenge and all of them that we have picked in kidnap scenes, during kidnap, and during attempt to kidnap with credible victims around to identify some of them, are the ones we are parading today.

“We also have some that we arrested with local arms and ammunition and we’re not able to justify what they wanted to do with the arms and ammunition.”

On cases of house breaking in the state, Adeleye stated that “This week, we have a sharp decline in the number of housebreaking because we have commenced foot walk, especially on Sundays when people have gone to Church and during working hours when people are at work.

“We now walk and trek around the metropolis which I think this is one of the reasons we have a decline in the number of shop breaking.

“As against the backdrop of the sharp decline of herders destruction of farmland, in the northern part of the state, we have an increase in the number of herders farmers clashes and these are actually the areas where we have security breaches.

“We still have issues with security challenges on our borders especially the Kogi/Ondo border, Edo/Ondo border. We are working on it and collaborating.

“As at yesterday morning, a combined team of security men, specifically army from Kogi and Ondo, Police from Kogi and Ondo, and Amotekun from Ondo, joined hands together to try to fish out the perpetrators of the last kidnap around Akunu/Ayere axis in Kogi/Ondo.”

Outcome Of African Nation’s Cup: President Tinubu Cheers Up Nigerians Over Performance Of National Team

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the performance of the national team, Super Eagles in the just concluded African Nations Cup football competition.

He said Nigerians should rather see the outcome as a weapon to further bring unity which will make us work harder.

A statement on Monday by the presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngalele stated that the “president salutes the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their tenacious performance in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

“President Tinubu commends the team, the coach, the crew, and the entire management team for their hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice to come this far in the tournament, acknowledging the hurdles they consistently surpassed with steadily improving performance as they pulled through to the finals.

“The President urges Nigerians to be of good cheer, emphasizing that we won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by our grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play.

“Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love.

“To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true.”

Hardship: Over 3000 Kano Intending Pilgrims Shelve Trip To Holy Land

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The Source
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By Daniel Maduka

With the February 12 deadline for preparations and payments for this year’s Hajji,  the prevalent harsh economic situation in the  country have  exacted its toll on the exercise. Many intending Muslim pilgrims from kano are set to forego the journey to the Holy land.

With the Monday deadline for the completion of payments for the Hajj package beckoning, only 2,300 seats ,out of a total of 5, 934 approved for intending Kano pilgrims have been subscribed to as at Saturday February 10

This is even as the Director- General  of the Kano state Muslim pilgrims Welfare Board , Alhaji Laminu Rabiu Danbappa ,has said that the 2,300 intending pilgrims are yet to complete the payments of the # 4.7 million total Hajj package.

At the official flag off of an enlightenment programme for intending pilgrims on Saturday, February 10, in the ancient city, Alhaji Danbappa while calling on the intending pilgrims to pay up, insisted that the Monday February 12 ,deadline remains sacrosanct .

He informed  that  a total of 5,934 Hajj seats have been alloted to kano pilgrims this year by the National Hajj  Commission ,,with only 2,300 seats so far subscribed to .

Alhaji Danbappa further said that  the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Hajji Commission are insisting that all arrangements concerning this years Hajj will end on Monday February 12..

With more than half of the seats alloted still  available ,the DG of the state pilgrims Board called on interested persons to avail themselves the remaining period before the dateline.

However, indications remained strong  as at the time of this report that most intending pilgrims may have resolved to shelve this year’s exercise, owing largely to the realities of the current unfavorable economic situation.

The under-subscription of available official seats this year marks a drastic departure from the  past when intending pilgrims struggled and even lobbied for seats.

Hold Tinubu Responsible For Defections Rocking Kano APC – Party Chieftain

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The Source
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By Daniel Maduka

The gale of defections of some Local Council Chairmen and other high profile chieftains ricking the Kano  State Chapter of the All progressive Congress APC, since the January 12, 2024, Supreme Court verdict which affirmed Abba Yusuf as the duly elected Governor of Kano has been attributed to the lackadaisical attitude of the Party’s National body.

The APC Kano, according to  Hon Seyi Olorunsola  is now paying the avoidable price of President Bola Tinubu’s submission to the alleged  blackmailing and intimidating antics of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP in the count down to the decisive Supreme court ruling.

Below is a full text of his reaction to the Saturday February 10 defections of three APC Local Council Chairmen including those from the home Local councils of the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawana to the NNPP.

“The recent wave of defections by Local Government Council Chairmen in Kano State from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ruling New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, both within the state and at the national level.

“Notably, the defection of the Chairman of Dawakin Tofa Local Government, the immediate constituency of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Chairman of Nasarawa Local Government Council, the constituency of the APC gubernatorial candidate in the last elections, Dr. Nasir Gawuna, has added a significant twist to the unfolding political drama.

“These events highlight concerns that I have raised long before the Supreme Court affirmed Governor Kabir Abba as the elected Governor of the state. I consistently emphasized that the leadership of the APC at the national level, particularly the Executive led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seemed too laid back in drumming up support for its candidate.

“Even when victories were secured at the Tribunal and the Appeal Court, the propaganda machine orchestrated by the NNPP, which essentially incited the public against the APC, set the stage for the events that unfolded at the Supreme Court.

“Without casting judicial prejudice on the judges involved, it is crucial to acknowledge the impact of the propaganda and misinformation campaign orchestrated by the NNPP. The lack of robust support from the President during the critical stages of the legal process allowed these narratives to gain traction, ultimately influencing the Supreme Court’s decision. Had the President thrown his full weight behind the APC candidate, the current scenario might have taken a different turn. Unfortunately, it appears the President allowed the situation in Kano to unfold, possibly with an eye on the 2027 elections, inadvertently pressing a self-destruct button.

“The aftermath of these defections has plunged the APC in Kano into a state of confusion, with the looming possibility of more individuals abandoning the party. It is essential to recognize that the APC National Chairman, despite appearances of losing grip in his immediate constituency, bears no blame for the current predicament. He has consistently demonstrated commitment to the party, and his efforts to navigate the complex legal terrain were hindered by the lack of decisive support from the Presidency.

“The withholding of support for the APC in Kano during crucial legal battles has left those who ardently supported the President during the Presidential Election in the state bearing the brunt of such indecision. It is imperative to note that the implications of these decisions go beyond the immediate political fallout, affecting the party’s credibility and unity in the state.

“In this challenging moment, I extend a heartfelt plea to APC supporters in Kano to maintain faith in the party’s leadership, under the steadfast guidance of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Despite external pressures and internal challenges, he has consistently exemplified loyalty and dedication as a party stalwart. It is crucial for supporters to remain united, as any disintegration only plays into the divisive strategy employed by the NNPP to undermine the APC’s strength in the state.

“The NNPP’s role in orchestrating these defections is perceived as a divisive tactic aimed at breaking the ranks of the APC, creating an illusion of a fractured leadership both at the state and national levels. The initial optimism that the NNPP would join forces with the APC to strengthen its position in Kano now seems to be fading away.

“The Presidency’s gamble on the NNPP has unwittingly played into the deceitful nature of the party, further complicating the political landscape in Kano.

Having made a first gaffe in succumbing to the manipulative games of the NNPP, the Presidency must be wary of not further playing into the hands of the Leader of the party in the person of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose ambition is to be the de facto political party of Kano State.

“The game-plan would be to edge Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje out of the position of National Chairmanship of the APC, thereby paving a clear path for Senator Kwankwaso to have his way in Kano and in the next elections.

“President Tinubu must be wary of the scheme being hatched. As we navigate this challenging period, it is crucial to foster a sense of unity within the APC in Kano and reaffirm our commitment to the party’s principles and objectives. The internal strength of the APC should not be underestimated, and despite the current challenges, there is potential for resilience and resurgence. It is a time for introspection, strategic planning, and rallying behind the National Chairman to steer the party through these turbulent waters.

“In conclusion, the events in Kano underscore the importance of robust and unwavering support from party members and leaders. The APC must learn from this experience, recognizing the need for proactive and united action to secure its political standing. Together, we can overcome the current challenges, rebuild trust, and emerge stronger, ensuring that the APC remains a formidable force in Kano State and beyond.”

Hon. Olorunsola is an APC Stalwart

Herbert Wigwe: Saying Goodbye –  Alex Otti

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The Source
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Herbert Wigwe and Alex Otti

Herbert why? Why? Why? You told me you were going for a board meeting in London from where you will head out to the US and return after a few days and immediately come to Abia to see me. So, what happened?

Since this news filtered out, I’ve not been able to put my head down. I spoke to Peggy who was broken but strong. I refused to believe. Many others confirmed but they were also reporting other people. Then comes this call minutes ago from Sola Faleye, my younger friend whom you “acquired” as you took over Diamond Bank. You had severally shared how one of the best things about the acquisition of Diamond Bank was Sola. He was with you everywhere you went but alas, Sola was unreachable all throughout yesterday. For some reason, he had to step down from that ill-fated Chopper to accompany the luggage by road. His name remains on the manifest! It is now clear that you are no more!

What do we tell Tochi and the little ones? Who will tell Mummy Stella and Daddy Shyngle who you celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary two years ago? How about those of us who have come to see you as part of life? Your dream Wigwe University which you told me was going to be the Harvard of Africa? Who will carry on with that dream? We had extensively talked about setting up a scholarship scheme to support brilliant but indigent students. Who will ensure that this dream is delivered?

This death is too big a blow to me personally and all those that knew you closely. You were not only my friend but my brother. Your constant encouragement and sometimes insistence have been very helpful in a lot of decisions one took. Even in the most difficult moment, you were always there to share ideas. You always came from very unpopular perspectives, disagreeing with conventional wisdom. Your can-do spirit was infectious! You would prove book makers wrong, even with your “Mergers and Acquisition” mindset.

I remember taking you up about 15 years ago quoting a research-based position that over 70% of mergers and acquisition destroy shareholder value. Your response was that Access Bank was in the 30% category!

A few years ago, when a group of friends and I were working on a banking license, you drove to my house unannounced and insisted, “Alex, I’m glad you are working on a new bank, but I came to tell you that you should not run the bank. You have finished with banking; we need you in Abia and Abia needs you. We must get some of us that have the courage to go into public office, and you must remain there!” Since then, you have been consistent in your support.

This is one of the saddest moments in my life. To worsen the situation, Chizoba and Chizzy who hardly fly with you were in that chopper. I’m still trying to make sense of the whole situation. I wish someone would wake me up and reassure me that this was a bad dream! But alas it is real.

Good night my own brother Herbert!

Good night, Chizoba!

Good night, Chizzy!

It is well with your souls.

Dr Otti, OFR, is the Governor of Abia State

Kano’s Anti-Corruption Agency Seal Warehouses Over Hoarding Of Commodities

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The Source
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Kano Govt Seals Warehouses

By Daniel Maduka

Barely two days after its threat to clamp down on all dealers found to be hoarding essential commodities, Kano state Anti- Corruption Commission, on Sunday February 11 sealed several warehouses containing goods worth millions of Naira  in the commercial hub of the North.

The  raid on  suspected hoarders of essential commodities ,which was personally led by the Head of the Anti- Graft Agenc, Muhyi Magaji, a Lawyer,  saw many warehouses located along the popular Grain Market in Dawanau, and others at Singer and Kwari Markets in the metropolis sealed.

As at the time of the clamp down, most of the owners of the storage facilities were not available.

This Magazine gathered that many of the warehouse owners reportedly got wind of the operation, and decided to stay away to avoid possible arrest and prosecution.

Most of the affected facilities were discovered to be fully stocked with  consumables  like rice, pastas, sugar and other essential commodities whose prices have of recent gone beyond the reach of the ordinary people.

In the main, the Anti – Corruption body has issued terse notices to the owners of the affected facilities to  submit themselves to the agency, in readiness for prosecution.

“As you can see, the Kano State Public Complaint Commission has made good its promise to go after hoarders of essential commodities in the state.

“The operation started on Thursday, and so far, we have made an appreciable impact in stopping the hoarding of essential commodities as well as in halting rise in their prices.

“We are taking over the warehouses for now and we are going to make some arrests and prosecution. We can not continue to tolerate all these orchestrated plots to suffer our people.” Magaji retorted.”

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Disappoint Nigerians, Not Good Enough For Gold

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles of Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

Millions of Nigerians are devastated following an abysmal performance by the Super Eagles in the final of the African Cup of Nations championship. The team lost to host, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire 2-1.

The host Country dominated the game all through the match, dictating the pace and creating good scoring chances.

The Super Eagles took the lead courtesy of a header from Captain, William Troost Ekong.

At the beginning of the second half, the host continued where they started from, shooting from all cylinders, and posing threats from the wings, forcing Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali  to make several saves.

The breakthrough however came for the host through Frank Kessie who nodded in for the deserved equalizer from a Simon Adingra cross.

The host never rested on their oars as they pushed for the  second goal, and got it courtesy of Sebastian Haller.

The Super Eagles had just one shot on goal all through the entire match, making it their poorest outing at the AFCON 2023 tournament.

As expected, Coach Jose Peseiro started the game with his usual first eleven, with only Samuel Chukwueze coming in for Moses Simon.

Nigerians were left disappointed with the outcome of the match, as tears flowed freely on the faces of football fans and enthusiast, who are yet to come to terms with the loss.

William Troost Ekong was adjudged the Player of the Tournament, while Equatorial Guinea player, Emilio Nsue won the Golden Boot, and a South Africa Goalkeeper, Romwen Williams was the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

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