President Tinubu, Atiku Urge Investigation Into Bombing Of Kaduna Village

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December 5, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar have demanded full scale investigation into the bombing of a village in Kaduna State by the Nigeria Army.

They sympathized with the families of victims, the people and government of Kaduna State over the bombing incident in a village at Tundun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele described the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.

The President directed a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and called for calm while the authorities look diligently into the mishap.

Tinubu also called for swift and comprehensive medical attention for surviving victims while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, in his X handle, expressed his grief over the incident and urged for more caution on the part of security agents while on operation.

Atiku wrote: “I am grieved by the news of the drone airstrike that killed dozens of people and left scores of others with various degrees of injury in the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“Ironically, the victims of this unfortunate incident were celebrating the Maulud anniversary. The incidence of miscalculated air strikes is assuming a worrisome dimension in the country.

“We need to develop counter insurgency strategies that will insulate the civilian population from tragic incidents of this nature.

“I call on the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into this tragedy to avert future occurrences.

“Meanwhile, no resource should be spared in medical attention to the injured and assistance to the families of the dead. I pray that the Almighty Allah comforts the bereaved families and grants the dead eternal peace.”

NAPTIP Warns Youths Against Falling Prey To Human Traffickers Posing As Helpers

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 5, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has advised desperate youths to be wary of Human Traffickers who pose as Helpers to perpetrate the dastardly act of human trafficking.

This is as human traffickers continue to lure unsuspecting youths, disguising to providing succor for them, hereby trafficking them for their own selfish interest.

Waziri-Adi made this disclosure while addressing management and students of Government Day Secondary School, Dutsen Alhaji, Abuja, in commemoration of the 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence and the setting up of the agency’s Ant-Trafficking in Persons Vanguard in partnership with Ford Foundation.

The DG notes that the primary objective of the Vanguard is to provide a platform for students to be educated and enlighten on issues related to human trafficking and violence against persons.

NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, in a Communique highlighted ongoing effort to inaugurate more vanguards in schools emphasizing the responsibility of students as advocates against the crime of trafficking in persons, recognizing the red flags.

“This is why since last year, we have been inaugurating Vanguards in secondary schools, a platform for you to sensitize yourselves and sensitize others using the whole of school and whole of family approach.

“So far, we have inaugurated 203 Vanguards across the country comprising federal government unity schools, military schools, faith based schools and Abuja school for the deaf,” she adds.

Appreciating the efforts of the anti-trafficking agency Principal of the school, Emmanuel Ayodeji, expressed commitment to supporting NAPTIP realise it’s mandate.

PDP Urges Ondo Govt. To Make Public Audited Account

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Ayodele Oni

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December 5, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has demanded for an audited account of the State since Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu illness started.

The Party, also, advised that President Bola Tinubu’s peace deal be jettisoned and Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor.

PDP Chairman in the State, Fatai Adams, canvassed for these in Akure on Tuesday, while addressing Journalists on State of Affairs in the State.

The chairman pointed out that “Ondo, is currently and needlessly beleaguered through a criminal interplay of selfish determinism by cliques within government circles, and the Governor’s family overbearing interplay in government business, this we believe is very unpatriotic.

“As we speak, there is no clear leader of Government business, the Governor remains on his sick bed, the Deputy Governor is still battling for his political survival, irrespective of President Bola Tinubu’s much proclaimed intervention and our State continue to wander in darkness.

“Most disturbing however is that our finances are suffering as hard earned resources of the State are being pilfered by interest groups within and outside government, this is to the detriment of our development and wellbeing.

“We feel duty bound to say that the resources and finances of Ondo State is our commonwealth, therefore concerned and totally interested in its management.

“For the past years that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been Governor, not once has any financial update been given to the citizenry.

“Curious and inexplicable expenditure has been the order of the day, therefore we demand for a balance sheet on the finances of our State, this we do because when our Party was in government, due regards was given to giving an account update every month, or at the end of every financial year by the Agagu and Mimiko administrations.

“The issue of the palliative fund totaling N7billion is of absolute concern and interest to the people of Ondo State, who readily declare that no palliative came their way and therefore seeking answers to the administration of the fund.

“Government is hereby invited to render an account of how this money is spent immediately or cause actions to be taken to unravel the many debauchery that was perpetrated in the name of palliatives in our State.

“The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, is more committed to discharging its responsibility to the people and will take cogent actions to expose the many underhand actions devised to fleece the State of its money, assets and resources.

“In a short while, we will prepare and release to the public a compendium of illegal and illicit actions taken by functionaries of Government, to compromise our financial health, assets requisitioned illegally and sundry unpatriotic actions geared towards compromising the wellness of our future.

“We continue to wish Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu well in his quest to get back to full fitness, however the collective wellbeing of our State and its people is most paramount.

“The business of administering the State is no tea party or picnic, this demands every attention that can be mustered.

“Much as we know, our Governor is sick or at best recuperating, thus he remains missing in action and our State deserve every attention, this is why the Constitution made provisions for a period like this.

“It is not your Party or your wife that will determine whether you are capable of handling state matters; it is only your doctors.”

“It is now crystal clear that Akeredolu’s doctors have since instructed him to stay away from his office and state, this certainly underscores the fact that he is currently not fit to handle State matters.

“We urge Mr Governor to please use his then advise to the late President Yar’Adua and again transmit power to the Deputy Governor in the interest of our dear State.

“We have heard stories of how Babajide, rides the Governor’s official convoy to visit his friends, that is ludicrous and an errant abuse of power and privileges. The mass of Ondo State people abhor, detest, disapprove and reject such actions.”

Yuletide: Uzodimma Orders Renovation Of Roads, Streets In Owerri Metropolis

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The Source

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December 5, 2023

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Ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year festivities, Governor Hope Uzodimma has directed immediate resurfacing of roads and streets in the Owerri capital territory to ensure that movements in the affected areas are without hitches for motorists.

Consequently, massive rehabilitation work across the State capital has commenced within the city, with the Ministry of Works leading the charge.

Governor Uzodimma is poised to ensure that as a first step, the repair works touch all strategic parts of the State capital, including the major entry and exit routes.

Thereafter, attention will also shift to the local government areas for the grading of most of the rural roads that got so bad as a result of the rainy season.

Governor Uzodimma’s administration makes it a point of duty to put the roads in order as a way of making movement for road users in Imo State seamless during yuletide season, resurfacing the asphalted roads and streets as well as grading the rural ones.

Repairing the roads has always been one of the numerous Christmas and New Year gifts the Governor gives to the people for which they remain grateful to his administration.

ACAMB: Proshare Boss Harps On Positive Reportage Of Banking Sector

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 5, 2023

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By Sandra Ukele

Proshare Nigeria Founder, Olufemi Awoyemi has called on media practitioners to design and operate a functional business model for sustainability.

He said the media play a crucial role in shaping public opinions on banking policies.

Awoyemi made this call at a parley organised by the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks, ACAMB, held recently in Lagos.

He also urged Corporate and Marketing Communication Professionals working in Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, in Nigeria to refocus core regulatory governance guidelines and aggregate their leverage to deliver on their reputational risk management mandate.

Speaking on the theme “Reporting the Nigerian Financial Sector in a Dynamic World: What Role for the Journalist?”, Awoyemi stated that journalists must realize that it is a new world and therefore should retool, reskill, and retrain to broaden their understanding, impact and value.

According to him, a journalist’s mind may naturally be sceptical, but that does not mean it should be biased towards bad outcomes. “If the balance of facts suggests that the result of a policy or event is positive, so be it; the journalist is not a hangman but an observer and writer. He or she provides society with a dynamic ‘journal’ of unfolding events,” he said.

Awoyemi emphasized that the role of a financial reporter in a rapidly changing world is to; gather information and gain understanding; develop context and perspective; apply analytical /numerical tools as interpretative aides; engage constructively with stakeholders; and provide unbiased fact-based narratives.

“It is an avenue for thorough discussions, establishment of guidelines and the need for a thorough review of policies and processes,” he said.

He further stated that of all the sectors in the economy, the financial service sector is the best example of progress in Nigeria, stressing that banks have invested more in research, strategic planning and testing new ideas.“The Nigerian banking sector is a recognised global leader for its innovation, high level performance, apex infrastructure system and the best in terms of settlement system”, he said.

He enjoined Journalists to ensure that their report is geared towards moving the banking system forward and not bring it down. “This is not about telling you what to do or not, but that a balance must be achieved”, he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, ACAMB President, Rasheed Bolarinwa stated that one of the greatest challenges faced as brand custodians working with DMBs in Nigeria is the threat posed by adversarial Bloggers and few media outlets who deliberately sponsor reports which portray brands in bad light.

The rise of online and social media continues to escalate the spread of negative stories and magnifies customer complaints, further driving negative sentiments about brands, he explained, adding that the disturbing trend has been further affirmed by KPMG Customer Satisfaction Survey of 2021.

Bolarinwa said ACAMB will continue to facilitate interactive session with media practitioners to facilitate understanding, he however pointed out the danger of negative reporting, fake news for both the banking sector and the media industry.

He opined that the banking industry deserves a better media understanding hinging his call on the fact that, “ a sector that has and continues to be the biggest spender on Nigeria media across all spectrum deserve fair reporting”.

Army Chief Says Fatal Bombing Of Kaduna Village Unintentional, Assures Future Caution

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Ayodele Oni

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December 5, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Grieving Tudun Biri Community in Kaduna State continued to receive consoling messages and visits.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has just paid a condolence visit to the community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The villagers who had gathered to observe a religious rite, were hit by a devastating bomb which was inadvertently dropped on them by an Army fighter jet which mistook them as terrorists.

According to reports, over 80 people were killed while about 50 were injured.

The Army Chief arrived the community in the early hours of Tuesday, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division. They met with the Dangaladima Zazau, the District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris, other leaders and members of the Community.

Army Spokesman, Brigadier- General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, stated that the COAS in an emotion-laden speech expressed regrets on the unfortunate mishap, describing it as a very disheartening occurrence.

General Lagbaja noted that in the recent past, the general area of Tudun Biri and adjoining villages were infested with armed bandits, who terrorized the communities, until troops of the Nigerian Army started conducting operations to sanitize the area and make it habitable.

He pointed out that the troops were carrying out aeriel patrols when they observed a group of people and wrongly analyzed and misinterpreted their pattern of activities to be similar to that of the bandits, before the drone strike.

The COAS stated that he was in Tudun Biri to personally witness the site of the mishap and to convey sincere regrets and unreserved apologies on behalf of the Nigerian Army to the District Head and people of the community, as well as the Government and entire people of Kaduna State.

He disclosed that he has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident to ascertain and identify areas of deficiency that led to the inadvertent disaster.

The Army Chief added that the findings and overarching outcome of the investigation will guide the Nigerian Army in meticulously and professionally seeking and applying lasting solutions to identified lapses and deficiencies in both the human and Artificial Intelligence variables that will forestall future recurrence.

General Lagbaja also commiserated with the Chairman Jamaa’ atu Nasru Islam, Kaduna State Prof Shafiu Abdullahi and other clerics.

The Chief of Army Staff equally visited affected victims at the Barua Dikko Teaching Hospital Anguwan Rimi, Kaduna, where he expressed concern for the speedy recuperation of the hospitalized persons and made an immediate donation of several provisions for their upkeep.

The District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris, in his remarks said despite the enormity of the incident, the Nigerian Army showed integrity in accepting responsibility for the drone strike and urged its leadership to intervene in bringing succour to hospitalized victims and the community for their losses.

The District Head maintained that the Community is a mixed Community of both Muslims and Christians and that the victims are of both faith, contrary to earlier insinuation that the Community is solely Muslim.

2019: Again, Supreme Court Affirms Uzodinma As Duly Elected Imo Governor, Fines PDP’s Counsel Heavily For Wasting Its Time

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 5, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma’s winning string continued Tuesday at the Supreme Court when the Court chided the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Governorship Candidate in the 2019 Governorship Election, The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, for seeking to remove the Governor from office. The Supreme Court dismissed their suit which sought to remove the Governor from office and declare Ihedioha as the duly elected Governor.

Ihedioha was, in 2019, declared the Governor of Imo State after the Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. He was duly sworn-in as Governor. But his tenure in office lasted for only eight months when the Supreme Court sacked him from office on January 15, and declared Uzodinma as the duly elected Governor.

Four years after his sudden removal from office, Ihedioha and the PDP continued their legal battle to reclaim the Governorship seat.

But on Tuesday December 5, 2023, an obviously upset Supreme Court, before which the case had come for the third time, showed its anger. It not only dismissed the case as frivolous, and so, a waste of its time, it fined the appellants’ Counsel, Dr Mike Ozekhome, SAN, a whopping N40 million for bringing such a case before the Court.

Ihedioha had prayed the court to give a consequential order to INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to him as the validly elected governor of Imo state in the 2019 election.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, the Court said that the application lacked merit, and was frivolous and vexatious.

Justice Abubakar stressed that the Court lacked the jurisdiction to determine the matter, adding that the 60 days stipulated to hear the election matter had since elapsed.

Uzodinma’s forst term as Governor, in the 2019 election would end on January 14, 2024. But he has since, decisively, won a reelection for a second term in office by a landslide. He won in all the 27 Local Government Areas in the State, and left his opponents empty handed.

He will, therefore, be sworn- in for a second term in January, 2024.

CBN: Who Wants Emefiele Dead? US Group Protests His Detention

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James Orji

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December 5, 2023

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A United States, US-based group the Conference of Nigerian Intellectuals, CNI, says the manner the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele is being handled suggests that ‘someone wants him dead’.

The President of CNI, Dr. Philips Idris, made this known in a statement on Monday, accusing the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of treating the former CBN governor as a common criminal.

Emefiele is being prosecuted in court by the anti-graft commission for an alleged N1.2 billion procurement fraud.

He was recently granted N300 million bail by Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja but has failed to meet the bail conditions.

CNI however decried the treatment of Emefiele, stressing that his rights have been violated.

Idris, the group president said in the statement: “We have watched with concern and indeed, consternation, the relentless persecution of Mr Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele is currently being sequestered and shackled like a common criminal in Nigeria.

“Several court orders had been secured for his release but they were serially and flagrantly disobeyed by the EFCC and the DSS. Judging by the ferocity with which Emefiele is being pursued, it seems someone wants him dead.

“His traducers are willing to break any law of the land and are dehumanized to punish him for carrying out his statutory duties during his time as governor of CBN.

“He has been denied his freedom and basic rights against both the domestic and international human rights laws. Article 9 of the United Nations Human Rights states that ‘No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

“As concerned citizens in the diaspora, we have decided to draw the attention of the international community to the new reign of terror back home. Our dear country seems to be heading back to dictatorship.

“We are by this statement urging the Nigerian government to do the right thing which is to free Emefiele. We are also warning the EFCC not to erode the confidence of the international community in doing business with us as a nation by violating the fundamental rights of perceived opponents of the Asiwaju Administration.

“Should this plea fall on deaf ears, we will be staging a peaceful protest in the USA and another by our sister organisation in London on Monday (next week)” the group stated.

Emefiele was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 9, he later replaced him with Yemi Cardoso.

NLC Vows To Fight For Workers Despite Attack On Its President

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James Orji

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December 5, 2023

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, says the recent attack on its leaders will not deter it from getting a better bargain for its members.

On November 1, NLC President Joe Ajaero was physically attacked in Imo state. The union blamed the state government for the attack.

The Governor Hope Uzodinma administration has denied complicity, even though the issue has now been resolved after the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu said those involved in the act had been arrested.

Ajaero who spoke on Monday in Abuja, at the opening session of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School with the theme: “Building Workers’ Skills for Policy Engagement”, said the union will not be cowed in the face of adversity.

He was represented at the occasion by the Deputy President, Benjamin Anthony,

The NLC president spoke as the union is bracing up to negotiate the new minimum wage with the federal government.

He said last month that the union would demand N100,000 as a minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

Speaking yesterday the NLC leader said it is determined to achieve a better living wage and better living conditions for Nigerian workers, stressing that the removal of fuel subsidy has worsened the economic conditions of many Nigerians.

He said, “In the face of adversity and brutality encountered while advocating for the rights of workers to earn their legitimate income and benefits, our resolve remains unwavering.

“We are motivated to continue our efforts towards achieving decent work and improving working conditions in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

“The recent assault on workers and their leaders in Imo State poses a grave threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining, and should unequivocally be condemned by all people of goodwill.

“The only thing that can assuage our pains is for the Imo State Government to address all labour issues and return the so-called ‘ghost workers’ to their jobs, pay all outstanding salaries and pensions and call back all victimised workers to their jobs.

“It has become very necessary for governments at all levels to recognise that life and living conditions are exceedingly difficult, especially for working people in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

“The removal of subsidy on petroleum products has further exacerbated the challenges faced by working people, unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.

“We must reckon that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce has a positive impact on productivity and national development.”

Terrorism: FG Frees 896 Boko Haram Suspects, Over 360 Convicted

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James Orji

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December 5, 2023

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Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, has revealed that over 360 Boko Haram terrorists have been convicted so far.

The AGF spoke amidst concerns that the Nigerian state has failed to secure convictions of members of the terror group who have killed and maimed many Nigerians, following their capture by security forces.

Some analysts who spoke on the issue said the captured terrorists must be punished for perpetrating the atrocities by convicting them of their crimes.

This is likely to serve as deterrence to others, according to them.

Speaking on Monday in Niger state, Fagbemi said the Federal Government has secured a total of 366 convictions in the trial of Boko Haram terrorists that was conducted in 2017.

The AGF who spoke at the commencement of the fourth phase of the trial of arrested Boko haram terrorists, said 896 terror suspects were discharged for lack of evidence while 61 other cases were subsequently adjourned for further hearing.

He warned that the trial must not be mismanaged to avoid severe consequence for the country.

According to him, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this special event marking the resumption of the prosecution of terrorism suspects. This day is special for many reasons. First, the day marks yet another step forward in the journey of ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria and Nigerians, a duty that is of utmost importance to all of us gathered here, as it is the primary duty of the government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.

“I must acknowledge the fact that we have come a long way in this initiative. The first phase of the Kainji Prosecution Project commenced in October 2017 with remarkable achievements where we recorded a total of 366 convictions, 896 others were discharged for want of sufficient evidence and 61 other cases adjourned for further hearing.

“There have been three phases of the exercise so far, spanning between October 2017 and July 2018. I must, at this point, challenge all stakeholders to ensure that the momentum is sustained, seeing how important this assignment is to the well-being of our beloved country and her people.

“Terrorism has cost us a lot as a nation. From the communities directly affected, to the staggering losses in human and material resources, displacements, political and economic instability, and the general atmosphere of fear it has created, all point to how crucial this exercise is to our progress and prosperity as a nation.

“Conversely, if the process is mismanaged and, as a result, the insecurity situation is allowed to fester, it may lead to existential crises in the very long run. I, therefore, pledge my total support to the cause as I urge the stakeholders once again to continue in a good job.”

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, convicted four Boko Haram financiers.

According to a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Special Assistant to the AGF on Communication and Publicity, the convicted felons are Modu Aisami, Zana Zarama, Umar Mohammed, and Bunu Kame.