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Edo: Labour Party Denounces Alleged Plot To Assassinate Julius Abure

By
Ayodele Oni
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Julius Abure

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo Labour Party, (LP) in Edo state has flayed the alleged plot to assassinate the National Chairman of the Party, Barr. Julius Abure, and the burning of his Abuja residence.

The party in a statement on Friday, claimed  that the inferno was a deliberate attempt to assassinate Abure and his family.

Sam Uroupa, Publicity Secretary of LP in the state stated that “These acts of violence and destruction not only target an individual but also strike at the heart of democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens to express their political beliefs without fear.”

Uroupa stated that the party denounced the heinous actions that have endangered the life and property of its National Chairman and family.

“Such cowardly acts have no place in a civilized society and must be met with swift and decisive action by the authorities to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators are brought to account.

“The Edo Labour Party stands in solidarity with its National Chairman and family during this challenging time, offering prayers, support and assistance to help him recover from this traumatic experience.

“The safety and security of all political leaders and members are paramount, and the party reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting a peaceful and inclusive political environment.”

Uroupa emphasized that individuals questioning the National Chairman’s hard-earned reputation, which he has diligently upheld over the years, should refrain from engaging in such destructive and despicable behavior.

“In the face of adversity, the party remains resolute in its pursuit of justice, peace, and progress for the people of Edo State and Nigeria at large, and hope a swift and transparent investigation will shed light on the cause of the fire and ensure the safety of its members.

“These cowardly acts will not deter the National Chairman, Barr. Abure from his mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of all citizens, and to work towards a society where differences are respected and dialogue prevails over violence.”

CBN Investigator Completes Assignment, Submit Report To President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to look into the books of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) and related entities has concluded its assignment.

Jim Obazee, former Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting of Nigeria, (FRN) who headed the team has since submitted final report to President Tinubu.

Obazee was appointed in July 28, 2023 to assist government probe into the activities of the CBN following the sack of Godwin Emefiele as CBN governor.

In a statement on Friday, Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele expressed the President gratitude to the team of Investigators for a job well done.

Ngalele stated that “President Bola Tinubu thanks Mr. Jim Obazee, former Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), for his services as the Special Investigator of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other related entities, upon his appointment on July 28, 2023.

“The President commends Mr. Obazee for the dedication and professionalism he exercised in handling the complexities of this critical national assignment.

“Subsequent to the conclusion of the assignment and the submission of a final comprehensive report, and with the winding up of all apparatuses used during the scope of the task which terminated on March 31, 2024, the investigation is formally closed, with all appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies already conducting follow-up action.

“The President thanks Mr. Obazee for answering the call of duty while wishing him success in his future endeavours.”

“Give Me A Second Chance”,  Bobrisky Appeals To Judge, Pleads Guilty To Naira Abuse Charges, Remanded For Sentencing

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bobrisky in Court

By Akinwale Kasali

Embattled Controversial Cross Dresser, Idris Okuneye, with the moniker Bobrisky, who was arraigned before Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegations of abuse of the Naira and Money  Laundering has been remanded in custody for sentencing.

Bobrisky who pleaded Guilty for Abusing the Naira, feigned ignorance of the Law on Abuse of the Nigeria Currency.

He however pleaded with the Judge that he was not aware of the law on abusing the Naira, saying that if given a second chance, as a social media influencer with over five million followers, he will use his platform to sensitize Nigerians on why not to abuse the Naira.

The Judge then told him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.

He said, “I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.

“I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money.

“I will not repeat it again (sic) I regret my actions.”

After listening to the cross dresser, Awogboro ordered that he should be returned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody pending the judgment.

“Our Concern Now Is To Bring Back PDP To Winning Ways”, Former Governor Ikpeazu Declares  Loyalty To Party

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Immediate past Governor of Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has said that his concern is  how to return the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on which platform he  governed Abia State for  eight years, back to winning ways after the 2023 electoral fiasco.

This is even as he has insisted that exiting the PDP now, and/or in the nearest future is not an option.

Dr Ikpeazu who spoke at Abia PDP Caucus meeting held at its new State Secretariat on Ogurube Lay out Umuahia the State capital urged party faithful to rededicate themselves to the task of repositioning the party .

He noted that the decision to quit the PDP by some of his aides and former top government functionaries remains their personal choice,adding..

“We must take individual responsibilities for our performance in the 2023 general elections even as our party is going through self cleansing at the moment

“I will remain in PDP and will never be found wanting in my responsibilities to our party and its rebuilding process.

“Those who want to  leave will leave no matter what you do .But loyalty, is also about the realization that at some point this party was good to you .It is now time for sacrifice, particularly from those who had previously benefited from our party in one way or the other  .We must join hands to rebuild it ”

The former Abia state Governor’s reaffirmation of his loyalty comes on the heels of the defection of some top government officials who served under him, as well as his aides ,to the rival All Progressive Congress APC on Monday April 2 ,with his Chief Of Staff  Professor Anthony Agbazuere and Bar. Eze Chikamnayo, former Commissioner of Information toping the list of the decampees.

The Abia PDP through its spokesperson Comrade Abraham Amah has since described the defectors as those not useful to the party ,and their defection a welcome development to  the self cleansing process of the party.

Earlier at the Caucus meeting which  well attended by party leaders across the state, the Abia. State PDP Chairman Dr Alwell Asiforo Okere ,appreciated members who despite losing power in the state have continued to support the party ,assuring that the PDP in the state will sooner than later bounce back in to reckoning.

According to him ,the fact that the Party remans in the majority in the Abia state House of Assembly is a pointer that it is not completely out of reckoning in the State.

Pioneer Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC ,and PDP Board of Trustees Member,Chief Onyema Ugochukwu , the party’s only Senator from Abia Central ,Col.( rtd ) Augustine Akobundu, immediate past Deputy Governor ,Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu ,Chief Okey Ahiwe, the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the last election, serving and former members of the State House of  Assembly,  and a host of others attended the caucus meeting.

Sunday Igboho Sues Gani Adams For N500 Million Alleges Assassination Plot; Demands Retraction Of Derogatory Statements Against Him

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Sunday Igboho and Gani Adams

By Akinwale Kasali

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho has alleged assassination plot by Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland on him. He has, therefore, slammed with a N500 Million Lawsuit.

The Suit marked I/406/2024 filed before an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital saw Igboho suing for defamation of character against Gani Adams.

It would be recalled that Sunday Igboho had threatened to sue the Yoruba Generalissimo for defaming him in an audio that went viral that also indicted the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu Chief of Staff, CoS, Tayo Ayinde.

In the audio, there was a conversation with Gani Adams and someone in Diaspora where it was said that Igboho is been used as an assassin by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in which Tayo Ayinde was the mastermind of all the atrocities perpetrated by Igboho.

But reacting to the Suit against Gani Adams, Special Assistant on Media to the Aare Onakakanfo, Kehinde Aderemi disclosed that his Principal is yet to be served any process.

Aderemi said, “ Iba Gani Adams was never served any process. The legal team of Aare Onakakanfo will handle the matter.

“ Immediately we receive court process, there will be a response”, Aderemi said.

In a Statement by Sunday Igboho, he said he is demanding a retraction and an apology. He is also demanding  a “a declaration that the content of an audio clip between the defendant (Adams) and a third party named Nuru Banjo that took place sometime in November 2021 and further published on all new media platforms, including YouTube, is slanderous, libelous and defamatory.

“ A declaration that it is unlawful, inappropriate and inexcusable for the defendant to defame, disparage and put to disrepute the character and reputation of the claimant (Igboho) in an audio clip published on all new media platforms, including YouTube, in a publication that took place between the defendant and a third party, Nuru Banjo, sometime in November 2021 or thereabout.

“An order of this honourable court directing the defendant to publicly retract the slanderous, libelous and defamatory content contained in the publication to Nuru Banjo which was further published on all new media platforms, including YouTube, where the claimant was defamed, maligned and disparaged by the defendant in the conversation published in November 2021 by the defendant.

“ An order of this honourable court directing the defendant to engage all new media platforms, including YouTube, to take down the slanderous, libelous and defamatory content against the claimant.

“An order of this honourable court directing the defendant to tender an unreserved apology to the claimant in five national newspapers in Nigeria over defamatory content against the claimant by the defendant which has been published on all new media platforms, including YouTube.”

Making the demands, through his lawyer, he also wants the court to perpetually restrain Adams, “his agents, privies or assigns from further embarrassing, degrading or defaming the person of the claimant.”

It would be recalled that Tayo Ayinde through his Legal Team, CITIPOINT led by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria had also demanded a retraction and an apology over the viral audio from Gani Adams, threatening to take Legal Actions if he failed to do the needful.

Bobrisky Arrives In Court, Clad In Black Robe, Black Scarf, Covers Face

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bobrisky in Court

By Akinwale Kasali

Embattled Cross Dresser, Idris Okuneye popular known as Bobrisky arrived at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Thursday where he is facing a six count charge on Money Laundering And Abuse of the Naira.

The controversial celebrity was arraigned in Court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegedoffenses related to money laundering and the improper handling of the national currency.

Bobrisky is expected to present his plea before Justice Abimbola Awogboro, the judge presiding over the proceedings.

Bobrisky failed to meet the the conditions of the administrative bail granted to him on Thursday, leading to him spending the night at the office of the EFCC.

In the first four counts, the defendant was accused of Naira abuse. While the 5th and 6th counts accused him of offenses connected with his company, Bob Express.

The six counts read in part: “That you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, on March 24, 2024, at Imax Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with the total sum of N400,000 notes by spraying same.

“That you, Idris Okuneye, between July and August 2023 at Aga Junction, Ikorodu, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with the sum of N50,000, by spraying same.

“That you, Idris Okuneye, sometime in December 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja, during a social event, tampered with the sum of N20,000 by spraying same.

“That you, Idris Okuneye, sometimes in 2022 at Event Hall, Oniru, Victory Island, within the jurisdiction of this court whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum of N20,000 by spraying same.”

The four counts were said to have contravened Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Act, 2007.

Counts 5 and 6 read: “That you, Idris Okuneye, trading under the name and style of Bob Express, between September 1, 2021, to April 4, 2024, in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, a declaration of your activities of the said company within which period the total sum of N127,780,877.98 was paid into the company’s account number 2830002929, domiciled in Eco Bank Plc.

“That you, Idris Okuneye, trading under the name and style of Bob Express between September 1, 2021 to April 4, 2024, in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering a declaration of your activities of the said company within which period the total sum of N53,000,000 was paid into the company’s account number 2830016041, domiciled in Eco Bank Plc.”

Both alleged offences contravened sections 6(1)(a), 19(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and section 19 (2)(b) of the same Act.

IGP Approves Promotion Of 10,581, Rank & File Tops List With 9,831 Beneficiaries

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigeria Police

By Ayodele Oni

To encourage career advancement and dedication to duty, 10,581 policemen, mainly in rank and file category are to enjoy promotion to the next ranks with immediate effect.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday authorized their promotion of the junior officers of the Inspectorate Cadre, and the Rank and File.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration (DIG DFA) has been tasked with coordinating efforts with the Commissioner of Police (Welfare) to commence the promotion process promptly.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, gave the breakdown of the promotions to include 9,831 Police Constables slated to be promoted to the rank of Corporal; 8 Corporals to advance to the rank of Sergeant; and 669 officers set to progress from the rank of Sergeants to Inspectors.

The IGP emphasized the zeal of the Force leadership to foster a culture of meritocracy and career advancement.

He also reiterated the pivotal role of timely promotions in enhancing the morale of officers and bolstering the overall effectiveness of the Force.

Egbetokun pointed out that the development serves as cornerstones in sustaining the ongoing manpower development initiatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

He, however, reassured that promotions in the Force will be solely on merit.

The statement added that “The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt congratulations to all officers slated for promotion and urges them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.”

Nigeria Police Disowns Document On Authenticity Of Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Certificate

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police has disowned a document now in circulation about the authenticity of the certificate of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The document, purportedly signed by a Deputy commissioner of Police, now being flaunted by other Governorship aspirants in the State, shows that Aiyedatiwa did not possess the required secondary school certificate which qualified him to contest as governor.

The Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Friday said such document could not have been signed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police urging the public to disregard it.

Adejobi’s statement reads “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address the recent circulation of a document purportedly containing conclusions of an investigation into allegations against the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“The document alleges fraudulent misrepresentation, certificate forgery, examination malpractice, and perjury against the governor.

“We wish to clarify that the said document did not originate from the Nigeria Police Force.

“The alleged signatory, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, does not have the authority to release such a report on behalf of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) or any other such Departments within the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Nigeria Police Force is currently investigating the origin of the said document and the circumstances surrounding its circulation.

“We urge the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unverified information that could potentially tarnish the reputation of individuals or public officials.

“Furthermore, we assure the public that any official communication or report regarding investigations conducted by the Nigeria Police Force will be released through appropriate channels.”

Outrage As NDLEA  Operatives Invade Catholic Cathedral, CKC Aba, In Search Of Suspected Drugs Lords

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The expansive and imposing Catholic Cathedral of the Christ the Kings Church CKC  Aba, the commercial hub of Abia state was on Thursday April4, 2024 desecrated, triggering a pandemonium.

This followed the invasion of the Worship Centre, by hordes of armed men suspected to be  operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA.

Eyewitness accounts revealed the suspected NDLEA officials numbering over ten ,stormed the premises of the Catholic Cathedral located in the heart of the City, allegedly manhandling everybody in sight, including some worshipers who were said to be observing their Midday prayers.

Several people, both within the premises of  the Church and adjourning business environs, were said to have scampered for safety ,as the suspected NDLEA operatives fired  indiscriminate gun shots to the air.

The action of  the NDLEA officials ,as would be expected, have provoked wide indignation among both Catholic faithful and residents of Aba and the entire Abia state

At the end of the siege believed to have lasted for over an hour ,several people ,including church workers and the Cathedral’s security guards were allegedly whisked away by the NDLEA operatives.

A witness further revealed that the invasion of the Catholic Cathedral was preceded by a serious altercation and shouting match on Wednesday, April 3 between the Church’s security guards and some people also suspected to be  operatives of NDLEA.

A suspect on whose trail  the NDLEA officials were was said to have ran into the CKC premises and attempts to effect his arrest were believed to have been  resisted by the Church’s guards.

It was gathered that the guards had insisted that the consent of the Church authorities be sort and obtained before taking away the suspect.

But despite taking away  the said suspect ,the  Drug Law enforcement agents  returned to the Church on Thursday, a development that led to the creation of a very  unpalatable scene.

Several attempts made to reach out to the authorities of the Abia State Command of the NDLEA were unsuccessful as at the time of reporting.

Several calls put across to the spokesperson Mr Iyke Akunna were not responded to.

But a source ,who craved anonymity said ,Thursday’s invasion of the Cathedral may not be unconnected with the thinking within the top echelons of the Agency which tends to perceive such sacred and vulnerable spots as safe haven for drug lords and other criminal elements .

” I believe that the initial attempt by the Church’s Security guards to prevent the  NDLEA officials from arresting the  fleeing suspect who  ran into the Cathedral must have led to the Agency’s decision to re visit “our source stated .

Faure Seeks Power Consolidations, Sends Controversial Reform Bill Back to Parliament

By
The Source
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Faure Gnassingbe

By Enitan Akinlabi, Head, Foreign/Diplomatic Desk

Focused on consolidating his almost two decades grip on power,  Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe has reintroduced a contentious constitutional reform bill to parliament for a second reading.

The legislation, initially passed by parliament on Monday, has faced criticism from opposition parties who view it as a power consolidation move by Gnassingbe, who took office in 2005 following the death of his father, General Gnassingbé Eyadéma.

General Eyadema came to power in 1967 via a military coup, later transmuted to a civilian President and ruled the tiny West African country till February 5th, 2005 when he died. The controversial assumption of office by his son,  Faure following his death led to a political crisis which was later resolved by a regional bloc,  ECOWAS.

The reintroduction of the bill comes ahead of legislative and regional elections scheduled for April 20.

The proposed reform would allow lawmakers to elect the president, a change that has stirred controversy and sparked protests in Togo. Critics argue that the amendment would further entrench Gnassingbe’s grip on power and undermine democratic principles in the country.

The opposition has voiced concerns over the timing of the reform, alleging that it is a calculated move by the ruling party to manipulate the electoral process.

Meanwhile,  Gnassingbe’s administration has defended the reform, arguing that it aims to modernize Togo’s political system and enhance governance structures. Proponents of the bill are of the view that allowing lawmakers to elect the president would promote stability and continuity in leadership. However, opponents remain sceptical, expressing fears that the proposed changes could lead to a concentration of power in the hands of the ruling party.

The reintroduction of the bill for a second reading signals a renewed push by Gnassingbe’s government to enact the constitutional reform despite mounting opposition. As Togo prepares for upcoming elections, the political landscape remains tense, with divisions deepening between the ruling party and opposition groups. The outcome of the legislative process on the reform bill is likely to have significant implications for the future direction of governance in Togo.

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