Governor Akeredolu’s Continued Absence: Group Urges Ondo Assembly To Declare Aiyedatiwa Acting Governor

By

-

November 8, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo Liberation Initiative has advised the State House of Assembly to follow constitutional provisions and declare the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as Acting Governor in the continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The Group, in a letter to the Speaker of the House, signed by Johnson Alabi, wondered why Akeredolu has not resumed duties, a month after his letter informing the assembly of his resumption.

“The Governor reportedly submitted a letter to you dated 7th September. 2023 informing you and the good people of Ondo State of his resumption of office on the Ondo State Government letter head paper bearing the Alagbaka Office address in Akure, Ondo State as widely reported in the media.

“Unfortunately the Governor has not reported in Akure or any other part of Ondo State till date. The total period, put together since the date of the said letter is now sixty days.

“Going by the legal consequence of non-appearance of Mr Governor in any part of Ondo State since his supposed resumption, it is apparent that the Governor has been unable to carryout the functions of his office and having failed to transmit a letter conveying same to the House of Asembly for the past 60 days, the House of Assembly has no choice therefore than to invoke the provisions of Section 190 (2) of the Constitution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, section 190 (2) of the Constitution stipulates that “In the event that the Governor is unable or fails to transmit the written declaration mentioned in subsection (1) of this section within 21 days, the House of Assembly shall, by a resolution made by a simple majority of the vote of the House, mandate the Deputy Governor to perform the functions of the office of the Governor as Acting Governor, until the Governor transmits a letter to the Speaker that he is now available to resume his functions as Governor.”

“The Governor is, with the greatest respect, “UNFIT” to carryout the duties of his office, and the people of Ondo State are in dire need of a leader to chart the course of progress, determine the general direction of the policies of government and coordinate the activities of the government in the state.

“The good people of Ondo State are now very much desirous of someone that is fit to carryout the functions of the office of the Governor as Acting Governor and you are therefore expected to immediately mandate the Deputy Governor to commence the performance of the functions of the office of the Governor as Acting Governor as required by law.

“This is necessary, in order to cover up the vacuum which has been created by the continued absence of Mr Governor from the state.

“Being the custodian of the legislature in Ondo State, you are expected to uphold your allegiance first, to the Constitution that you swore an oath to uphold and to the good people of Ondo State by taking up your duty and within three days.”

The group demanded the presence of Akeredolu in the state within 72 hours, address the people, meet with his executive members, failure of which it may resort to legal action to compel the legislature to act.

No Date Yet For Census As President Tinubu Assures Support For NPC

By

Ayodele Oni

-

November 8, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

The proposed census by the National Population Commission, (NPC) for 2023 may be a mirage, despite assurance by President Bola Tinubu to support the NPC to conduct the botched census in the country.

The President who gave the assurance at the launch of the National Geospatial Data Repository, Digital CRVS System and inauguration of the National Coordination Committee for CRVS at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Wednesday, was silent on the actual date of the exercise.

The NPC had fixed the conduct of census for April this year, with all preparations put in place, but had to be shifted due to change of government at the federal level.

The immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari had released the sum of N200 billion to the Population Commission to conduct a national census.

Tinubu, while calling for collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, underscored the relevance of data to national growth.

He called on the census experts to deploy cutting-edge technology in gathering data on Nigeria’s population saying the nation cannot afford to lag behind in efficient data sourcing.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria has a lot to be grateful for because it is not prone to natural disasters.

According to him, “Collecting accurate and reliable information is an essential governance activity which is also consistent of our renewed hope agenda. The commission will therefore be supported in the conduct of the next census.

“May I, in a special way, thank the private solution providers for this laudable project and assure them that the Federal Government of Nigeria will always extend hand of partnership to all private investors that want to partner with this government at all levels.”

Banditry: Gov Oyebanji Reads Riot Act, Solicits Traditional Rulers’ Cooperation

By

Ayodele Oni

-

November 8, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to intensify war against kidnappers and bandits in the State.

This is to bolster investment and ensure security of lives and property, particularly along Ipao-oke Ako-Irele axis, which has become a flashpoint for such horrendous acts.

The two communities, in the Northern Senatorial District of the State, have become danger zones due to banditry and kidnappings.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Monisade Afuye, spoke at Ipao Ekiti, Ikole Local Government area of the state, on Wednesday, while presenting the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Obanla of Ipao, Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin.

The Kingmakers on the July 6, 2023, declared Prince Ehunmodupin of Adesogan Ruling House, as the Oba-elect, in compliance with the provisions of section II of the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, 2012, and was subsequently approved by the Ekiti State Executive Council on October 4, 2023.

The stool became vacant sequel to the death of Oba Joseph Aina, who joined his ancestors on 21st June, 2016.

Addressing the community which has been under the siege of kidnapping and banditry in recent time, Oyebanji assured towns in the axis and across Ekiti that his government would continue to be ruthless in the wars against criminals in the state.

“Let me appreciate all of you for the support you gave my Government to overcome insecurity here during the interregnum, when there was vacancy in your traditional stool and now that you have got a new Oba, I promise to sustain the tempo to make you and other Ekiti citizens secured wherever you are.”

Oyebanji urged other contestants and indigenes of Ipao to support the new monarch to fast track development, and as well coalesce actions with government to halt incidences of kidnapping and killings in the area.

He commended the royal fathers across the State for their contributions to maintenance of peace and stability in their domains, saying this has helped in checking unwarranted insurrection and upheavals that could derail developmental focus of the government.

The Governor tasked the new Monarch to pursue peace, unity and stability of the town, by mending fences with his co-contestants and build strong relationships with elite to bring development to the community.

“It is important to emphasize here today that the government of Governor Oyebanji holds our traditional rulers in high regards because they are not only the custodians of our customs, culture and tradition, they play pivotal roles in the stability of our towns , states and the country at large.

“This is the cogent reason why Governor Oyebanji, has always been cautioning the towns where there are vacancies in their traditional stools to guard against any action, either by way of litigation or disagreement that could stall the installation of a substantive Oba.

“Kabiyesi, as the custodian of culture and tradition, you are now the symbol of the people and your achievements will depend largely on how supportive your subjects are, so you must be on the same page with them.”

Abuja Court Warns FG Against Detention Without Trial, Releases Emefiele To Counsel, Seizes Passport

By

Ayodele Oni

-

November 8, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja Court has cautioned the Federal Government against detention without trial, just as it admitted former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, to bail after 151 days in detention.

Emefiele, first arrested and detained by the State Security Service, (SSS) was handed over to the Economic, Financial and Crimes Commission, (EFCC) two week ago.

The court admitted the former CBN Governor to conditional bail on Wednesday.

In spite of stiff opposition from the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the EFCC, the court insisted that Emefiele must go home and prepare for his November 15 arraignment.

Justice Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi who granted the bail hinged his decision on the fact that Emefiele had stayed in government custody beyond the time stipulated by law.

The Judge also predicated his decision on the fact that the Federal Government had completed investigation into the allegations against the former CBN Chief and had even prepared the charge against him as far as August this year.

In a ruling on the application for bail argued by Mathew Burkaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Justice Adeniyi held that it is in the best interest of justice and fair play especially the provision of section 35 of Nigeria’s Constitution to follow the rule of law.

The Judge specifically said that there must be an end to detention without trial by the federal government.

Both the Federal Government, and AGF re-presented by Oyin Koleoso had strongly objected to Emefiele’s request for bail on the ground that he would interfere with the November 15 arraignment.

EFCC on its part, through its counsel, Farouk Abudalla stated that Emefiele had not spent three months in its own custody and urged the Court to refuse the bail request.

Counsel to the applicant however punctured the opposition of the Federal Government adding that the claim of likelihood of interference in arraignment was speculative because his client was not declared a flight risk.

He told Justice Adeniyi to disregard the claim of EFCC that Emefiele was brought to its custody only October 26.

The Senior lawyer informed the Court that the former CBN boss was investigated by a team of inter Ministerial Investigators from EFCC, Police and Department of the State Security Service DSSS which jointly constituted government agency.

The court however among others ordered that Emefiele must be released to his Senior lawyer Matthew Burkaa SAN, who must produce him any day the Federal Government chooses to arraign him.

Emefilele is also to deposit his travelling passport with the Registrar of the Court pending his formal arraignment.

Breaking: Again, Court Grants Emefiele Bail

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

November 8, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

After 151 days in the custody of both the Department of State Security Services, DSS, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, has again granted him bail on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

The Honourable Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court granted him bail in the face of tough opposition by the prosecution.

Emefiele was brought to court by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Recalled that the anti-graft agency had failed to produce him in court despite an order by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi on November 3, 2023.

Justice Adeniyi, however, reiterated the order on Monday after the EFCC refused to bring him to court for prosecution.

Since he was sacked by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, the former apex bank boss has been languishing in the custody of security agencies, from where he had gone to Court a couple of times.

Those close to the administration insist that it’s poised to jail Emefiele at all cost.

LASU Management Swings Into Action Over Certificate Racketeering Allegations, Removes Student Affairs Dean

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

November 8, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Management of the Lagos State University, LASU, has swung into action following the Certificate racketeering allegations rocking the School.

The allegation prompted the Lagos State House of Assembly Lawmakers to invite the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Senate of the School and the Commissioner for Tertiary Institution, Tolani Akibu.

In reaction, the Management of the University has removed the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko, and appointed a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, as the acting Dean of Student Affairs.

The allegation of a certificate racketeering syndicate had genuine Lagos State University certificate holders wondering.

The allegation is that anybody interested could purchase LASU Certificate for between N2 million and N3m, depending on the course involved.

However, the Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, as at Press time failed to comment on this development.

Ikenga Imo Smiles Last, Appeal Court Gives Him Back Federal Seat

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

November 8, 2023

0

By Adesina Soyooye

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is in a celebration mood, and for the first time in many weeks, not picking on the Judiciary.

The Party’s most vociferous voice in Imo State, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who was sacked by the National Assembly Election Tribunal, from the House of Representatives, has been given back his seat by the Court of Appeal.

In a unanimous decision on Wednesday, the three- member Panel of Appeal Court Judges, which sat in Lagos, dismissed the judgement of the lower Court, and affirmed Imo duly elected as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the February 25th, 2023, National Assembly Election.

He us representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

His victory has brought to an end his political struggles of about one year – from the Party Primary till date.

The Court of Appeal Panel was headed by the Honourable Justice Abubakar Babandi Gumel.

CBN: Emefiele’s Case With EFCC Begins

By

James Orji

-

November 8, 2023

0

Godwin Emefiele, a former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor has been arraigned in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, court on Wednesday.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, brought the embattled former CBN boss to court today, 24 hours after an order to that effect by the court.

The magazine had reported sources in EFCC saying Emefiele would be arraigned in court for prosecution after enough evidence has been gathered to nail him.

“Emefiele will be brought to court when we find enough evidence to arraign him. We are still gathering evidence from the CBN to know the depth of the corruption he left behind in that place. That will take some time,” an EFCC source said on Monday.

The anti-graft agency had failed to produce him in court despite an order by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi on November 3, 2023.

Justice Adeniyi however reiterated the order on Monday after the EFCC refused to bring him to court for prosecution.

Since he was sacked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June this year, the former apex bank boss have languished in the custody of security agencies, going in and out of the courts in the quest to prosecute him for alleged corruption while he presided over the government-controlled bank.

Those close to the administration insist that it’s poised to jail Emefiele at all cost.

Spider ‘Kills’ Brazil’s Superstar

By

James Orji

-

November 8, 2023

0

Darlyn Morals, a popular Brazilian singing sensation has died after being bitten by a venomous spider.

Shortly before Morais died in Brazil he posted a picture of its horrific-looking fang marks on social media.

The Brazilian singer began to feel ill on October 31.

The gruesome photo shows Morais with huge, blackened bite marks below his left eye.

The 28-year-old died at the General Hospital of Palmas (HGP), in the state of Tocantins, on November 6, after suffering from symptoms for days.

His 18-year-old stepdaughter was also reportedly bitten on the foot and is still in hospital in a stable condition.

The pair are said to have been bitten at the family home in Miranorte do Tocantins.

Morais’ wife Jhullyenny Lisboa Silva told local media that her husband felt ill on October 31.

She said: “He felt weakness in his body and his face started to darken on the same day. He went to the hospital and was admitted to the HGP this Sunday.”

Health officials are investigating his death in a bid to determine the exact cause.

It is currently unclear what type of spider may have bitten Morais.

Brazil is home to the Brazilian Wandering Spider acknowledged by scientists as the most venomous spider in the world.

It is also home to other deadly spiders, including black widows.

Shortly before he died he posted snaps of the bite on social media.

The Sun

FG Plans Deportation Of 14,000 Nigerian Asylum Seekers From Germany

By

James Orji

-

November 8, 2023

0

No fewer than 14,000 Nigerians living illegally in Germany risk deportation, according to Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The German leader disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement from the Presidency.

He said the number of Nigeriens seeking asylum in Europe’s biggest economy has spike in recent years, adding that a number of these persons have no means of identity.

While the German government is prepared to send this set of people back to the country, Scholz said the Nigerian government has refused to accept them because of lack of identification.

More than 12,000 persons,the German leader noted are in this category.

Scholz said, “The current spike in Nigerians filing initial asylum claims in 2023 has sparked worries. Nearly 14,000 Nigerians might be deported, and the great majority of them do not have the necessary identification cards.

“We are prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration,” the statement stated, adding that Germany would be happy to send back any Nigerian national who has behaved well.

The statement quoted President Tinubu saying the Nigerian government is prepared to accept the illegal immigrants, and will work out modalities with the German government on how this would be achieved.

The magazines checks from Wikipedia indicate that as of 2021, there are close to 83,000 Nigerians living in Germany.

More Nigerians have since migrated to the country in search of greener pastures, those familiar with the issue said.

The globally rated information platform said Nigerians are the second most employed foreigners in Germany after Pakistan.