Ibadan: Crashed Private Plane Operated Illegally – David Hundeyin

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November 7, 2023

By Gideon Njoku

David Hundeyin, an investigative Journalist, has alleged that the Private Jet which crashed in Ibadan on Friday, November 3, 2023, was operating illegally in Nigeria’s airspace.

The plane which had on board the Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu and 9 others, excluding the crew members, crashed-landed about 50 metres short of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Ibadan, Oyo State. But even though the plane was badly damaged, there was no fatality.

The HS 125 aircraft, bearing nationality and registration marks 5N-AMM, was operated by Flint Aero.

It crashed at about 8:21p.m., an hour after it took off from Abuja.

While the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has started an investigation,

Hundeyin, in a post on X alleged that Flint Aero has been operating the crashed plane, as well as other of its planes, illegally, to the full knowledge of some top Aviation Authorities.

According to him, “This aircraft has no permission to operate commercial charter flights as it is registered under a Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF). This is the permit given to private non-commercial aircraft, and it is cheaper and easier to obtain than a commercial Air Operator Certificate (AOC), because the NCAA rules for private aircraft operation are less stringent than those for commercial aircraft.”

He revealed that: “PNCF holders don’t have to pay the 5% regulatory fees that AOC holders are required to, and the regulatory requirements for pilot training, ground staff training and aircraft maintenance are also less strident because PNCF aircraft are not under any circumstances supposed to carry paying passengers. Senior NCAA personnel (you know yourselves) take a cut of the revenues from these illegal commercial flight operations to keep this whole scam going.”

Following is the full text of

David Hundeyin on X (formerly Twitter):

“Example no 1,055 of why Nigeria has no actual elite to speak of, but rather a bunch of rich dunces who think at the exact same level as your average Rafiu at the mechanic village in Ojokoro:

“The Hawker 800XP aircraft with the tail identifier 5N-AMM and serial number 258286 that crash landed in Ibadan with the Minister of Power onboard is operating illegally in Nigeria with the full knowledge and participation of the NCAA.

“This aircraft has no permission to operate commercial charter flights as it is registered under a Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF). This is the permit given to private non-commercial aircraft, and it is cheaper and easier to obtain than a commercial Air Operator Certificate (AOC), because the NCAA rules for private aircraft operation are less stringent than those for commercial aircraft.

“Flints Aero Service, the company which operates it, is also operating multiple aircraft under PNCF permission and using them to carry out commercial charter flights. Some of these aircraft include the Hawker 800XP with the tail identifier 5N-ALG and another Hawker 800XP with the tail identifier 5N-AMK.

“PNCF holders don’t have to pay the 5% regulatory fees that AOC holders are required to, and the regulatory requirements for pilot training, ground staff training and aircraft maintenance are also less strident because PNCF aircraft are not under any circumstances supposed to carry paying passengers. Senior NCAA personnel (you know yourselves) take a cut of the revenues from these illegal commercial flight operations to keep this whole scam going.

“Now a sitting cabinet minister who may or may not know about all this has almost died in an accident on an illegal, unlicensed commercial flight run by his fellow “elite” who was willing to risk his life to save some money, and was enabled by top ranking NCAA staff who will inevitably try to cover this up by hanging the blame entirely on Flints Aero Service.

“Honestly, I kind of wish he had died. Maybe only the death of one of their number will force the so-called Nigerian elite to think long and hard about whether running a country in such a disastrously primitive and selfish manner for the sole and exclusive purpose of exploiting everyone and everything for pitiful amounts of profit will work out for everyone INCLUDING THEMSELVES in the long run.

“A class of moneyed subhumans!”

Sensitive Materials Arrive Imo For Governorship Election; CBN Takes Custody

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The Source

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November 6, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

Against the Imo Governorship Election of November 11, 2023, Sensitive Materials have arrived the State.

The materials arrived the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport on Monday, November 6, 2023, at about 1.44pm.

They were on board a Nigeria Airforce Plane with registration number, NAF 913 from Abuja.

The Materials, which consisted of INEC Ballot Papers and Result Sheets, were received by a team of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, officials, led by Mr Victor Umoh.

There were, according to a dependable INEC source, a total of 13, 600 kg of 22 pallets out of the expected 35. At the time of filing this report, 13 more palets were being expected.

The off-season Governorship election will take place in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States.

In Imo State, 18 candidates are expected to take part in the Election. But not a few Imolites think that the competition is between the Candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma, Senator Sam Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and that of the Labour Party, Senator Athan Achonu.

The 15 other candidates are expected to be the “Also ran.”

Presidency Advises Obi To Accept Fate, Get Engaged In Something Else

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Ayodele Oni

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November 6, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has admonished the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election, Peter Obi to face reality of life and look for another vocation to engage his time, having been rejected by majority of Nigerians who didn’t consider him qualified to lead the country.

Special Adviser to the President on Information, Bayo Onanuga, while replying to a press conference on Monday during which Obi rejected the judgement of the Supreme Court which upheld the election of President Bola Tinubu, wondered why he expected the apex Court to base judgement on mere rumours.

In a statement, the Presidential aide stated:

“We wonder how the Labour Party candidate expected the Courts to do justice on the basis of rumours, lies and false narratives by sponsored partisans and fanatical members of his Obidient Movement.

“We expected the Labour Party candidate to know that the Supreme Court or any other Court does not give judgment based on public opinion and mob sentiments. Judicial pronouncements are based on evidence, precedents and the rule of law.

“Having admitted that the Supreme Court ruling brought an end to litigation and any challenge to the bona-fide of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the validly elected leader of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Obi should have congratulated President Tinubu for his victory and pledge his support, in the spirit of statesmanship.

“But instead, he brought up extraneous matters that he thought the Apex Court should have considered to declare him the winner. In our view, the drowning Obi, just like Atiku, was merely attempting to hold on to a straw in raking up new allegations, which exist only in his imagination and that of his hordes of supporters.

“Our admonition to Mr. Peter Obi is to find another worthwhile vocation to engage his time henceforth, having been rejected by majority of Nigerians who didn’t consider him qualified to lead our country.

“Nigerians rejected Peter Obi and his demagoguery at the poll because he posed present and future danger to the peace, progress and stability of our country.

“Obi’s antecedents as Governor of Anambra for eight years didn’t inspire any confidence as someone capable of running a country like Nigeria. No tangible records of achievement in the State he governed recommended him for the Presidency of Nigeria.

“If Mr. Peter Obi truly believes in Nigeria, the time to prove it is now when all men and women of goodwill are rallying support for President Tinubu in his determination to lead a new era of prosperity, inclusive governance and economic growth in Nigeria.”

Why Mr Ibu’s Leg Was, Finally, Amputated, Fans React

By

Akinwale Kasali

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November 6, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Social Media platform is awash with the news of the amputation of the leg of Veteran Nollywood Actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

The Family of the Actor confirmed this development on an Instagram page Monday, 6th November. The post said the actor had undergone seven successful surgeries, including the amputation of one leg, in a bid to keep him alive.

The statement reads: “Good afternoon, Nigerians. We want to appreciate everyone who has come through for our dad. Saying we are grateful is an understatement, and only the good Lord can thank you all enough for every help you’ve rendered.

“As of 1 pm, noon today,(Monday), Daddy has gone through 7 successful surgeries. But to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery, one of his legs had to be amputated.

“This development has been hard on us all, but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive.

“Please, we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians as, at this stage, Daddy is still very delicate, and he needs all the help he can get

“Thank you, everyone. The Okafor family is grateful and we don’t take you for granted. In due time, Daddy will personally acknowledge everyone who supported him during this period as soon as he’s stable.”

Reactions have trailed this development as his teeming fans, sad about the predicament of their favourite comic Actor, have taken to the Social Media to express their concerns.

■ChiomaMba5: “This is heartbreaking”.

■1chasebaggio: “Life sha wetin you no expect most times nah him Dey happen.”

■selectraking: “My goodness, dear heavenly Father, grant him strength in these trying times. Amen,”

■ eemmanuels4: “We all have a certain futuristic fate we just might never know what it would look ever like 15-20 years prior. At the time Ibu was active in the movie industry, starring in films and making lots of people laugh uncontrollably, neither him nor anyone had the slightest idea”.

■OlowodunS: “This is sad. Wish him quick recovery.”

■ yongwizla: “Wow. So so sad.. I hope he recuperates fast.”

■Michael1508: “ Life will sha bring one shit to your table one way or the other. No one lives forever happy. Quick recovery Mr Ibu.

Robbery Gang Matchet Member To Death In Ondo Over Sharing Of Loot

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Ayodele Oni

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November 6, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

A three-man armed robbery gang that killed one of their members over sharing of loot, has been arrested by men of the Ondo State Police command.

They were among 18 suspects paraded on Monday in Akure by the command.

The Command spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami- Omisanya, said the deceased, one Shahabi Jadi, ‘m’, was matcheted to death along Ehinowo camp via Ondo town.

She explained that one of the gang members, Blessing Okon, was first arrested and during interrogation, he gave viable Information that led to the arrest of others, Gabriel Japhet, Osha Phenus and Gbenga Timothy.

The suspect further confirmed that the deceased was a member of their robbery squad, but they had a scuffle when he cheated them and refused to give them their share of the proceed of their loots.

Suspects in police custody were charged for various offences such as Cultism, Unlawful, Possession of Firearm, Attempted Murder and Obtaining Money Under False Pretence, (OBT).

Others are being held for Unlawful Possession of Human Hand, Robbery/Murder,Rape, Unlawful Possession of Indian Hemp/Illicit Drugs and kidnapping.

LAHA Begins Probe Of Auditor-General’s Report For MDAs

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 6, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced a probe and consideration of the 2022 Auditor General’s Report for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.

Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (State), said the exercise was to ensure that the Committee’s statutory oversight is used as an antidote to financial recklessness by MDAs in the State.

Speaking on Monday at the Assembly complex where the exercise is holding, Hon. Joseph added that the consideration of the report is in consonance with the need for improved efficiency and best practices in the pursuit of the statutory objectives of the Public Accounts Committee (State).

“The Assembly is poised to commence deliberations and considerations of the audited report of the State Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Lagos State Government for the year ended 2022, having been committed to the Committee for proper deliberations.

“This exercise will cover the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022 as well as the economic activities of all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government in all sectors of the State Government. The committee will be inviting all heads of indicted MDAs for clarifications regarding the queries raised in the Auditor-General’s Report to enhance service delivery.

“The exercise will also ascertain the completion, accuracy, and reliability of the financial transactions within the sectors and confirm the level of compliance with financial regulations, relevant legislations, and accounting standards as well as reflect on each sector’s financial performance and position.

“In addition, the committee would confirm the revenue and budget performances of all MDAs, capital expenditure, reconciliation of the financial records with the Oracle system of the MDAs, and ascertain the project management and control systems of MDAs in Lagos State,” he said.

Hon. Joseph, while noting the herculean task before the committee, said the exercise must be carried out for the State to move forward and to attain probity.

“I urge you to bear in mind that public expectation is high on this administration as we have been acknowledged as the reference point in probity and accountability in governance by other States in the Federation,” Hon. Joseph added.

The committee chairman said the House of Assembly under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa cannot afford to disappoint the electorate, especially as the present administration is positioned to build and improve on previous foundations laid for the development of the State.

“It is not a witch-hunt on any MDA but to ensure that the committee’s statutory oversight is used as an antidote to financial recklessness by in the State. Let me assure you that reports of findings and recommendations would be compiled and forwarded to the House for deliberations after the exercise.

“It is my hope that the resolution on the outcome of this exercise will facilitate effective management of resources in the State,” he added.

EFCC Intensifies Campaign Against Cyber Crime, Meets Heads Of Tertiary Institutions

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Ayodele Oni

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November 6, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has carried its campaign against internet fraud to the doorsteps of Chief Executives of tertiary institutions in the country.

The EFCC appealed to them to join hands in tackling the rising cases of internet fraud among students.

Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, appealed to them during an interactive session with chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions in Kogi State at the Ilorin zonal command.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Ilorin Zonal Commander of the agency, Michael Nzekwe, said the engagement was part of the proactive measures to checkmate cybercrime in the state.

The EFCC boss called on the School authorities to put in place measures that would discourage students from indulging in crimes.

He admonished parents to be more committed to the moral upbringing of their children in schools.

“The Commission can achieve the task of ridding the country of corruption, if every institution gets involved and actively participates in the fight against the menace.

“Higher institutions must endeavour to change the current negative narrative regarding the quality of education in Nigeria. This is because a corruption-free Nigeria is possible if every individual is proactively and sincerely involved in the fight against corruption,” he said.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Prof Salawu Sadiku, urged the Commission to ensure that anti-corruption courses are incorporated in the school curriculum and taught at all levels.

“Youths of today are exposed to a number of vices that are capable of ruining their lives permanently. We need to do more for students to focus on their studies and desist from all forms of cybercrimes.”

Court Of Appeal Reserves Judgment In Kano Gubernatorial Appeal

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 6, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The hope of Abba Yusuf to remain as Kano State Governor hangs in the balance following the reservation of judgment by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja.

Governor Yusuf who ran under the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, had approached the Appeal Court to challenge his removal by the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The Tribunal had nullified the election that brought Yusuf in as Governor of the State, when it declared that 165, 663 of his votes were invalid. The Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay- led three man Panel therefore sacked him after deducting 165,663 of his votes on 20th September, 2023.

Consequently, the Tribunal declared the APC candidate the winner of the Governorship election.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, Yusuf appealed against the Tribunal’s verdict and urged the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment.

At the hearing of the appeal on Monday, the lead counsel for the appellant, Wole Olanipekun, urged the Court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.

Olanipekun argued that the tribunal has created a new jurisprudence that departs from the precedence set by the Appeal Court and the Apex Court with its judgment.

The lead Counsel submitted that it was the first time an election would be nullified based on non-stamping and signing of ballot papers.

He also held that the tribunal erred in referring to section 71 of the Electoral Act and cited decisions arising from the section.

According to him, the section cited relates to electoral forms and sum sheets, adding that there was no meeting point between that and the ballot papers.

He also argued that this was the first time that a political party filed a matter without joining its candidate as a party in the petition and the latter was declared winner of the polls.

Olanipekun urged the Court not to allow the judgment of the Lower Court to stand.In his submission, the lead counsel for the first respondent, Akin Olujuimi, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

Olujimi said, “Contrary to the contention that the Tribunal created a jurisprudence, the decision of this Court right from 2009 laid it down under the regulation of INEC has set up what presiding officers are to do at the point of casting of votes. It said signatures and stamps must be on ballot papers with dates. And this court has heard that failure to do this is a clear case of non-compliance. It is not a new jurisprudence.”

He claimed that INEC admitted that the ballot papers were invalid, urging the court to dismiss the appeal.

He also argued that section 71 alluded to by the lower court rather than section 63 should not be a basis for the nullification of the court’s decision.

“The wrong reference to section 71 should not have anything to do with the validity of the decision, ” Olujuimi added.

Responding to Olanipekun’s submission that the candidate was not joined in the case, Olujimi said it is settled law that votes are cast for the party in an election and that any decision affecting a political party embraces all its members.

In the APC’s cross-appeal, Olujimi also argued before the court that the Kano State governor was not a member of the NNPP as of the time he was sponsored by the party.

Counsel for INEC, A.B Mahmoud SAN asked the appeal court to dismiss APC’s cross-appeal, adding that it was lacking in merit.

In a sister appeal by INEC, Mahmoud held that the Tribunal turned the election jurisprudence law upside down with its judgment.

“What the Court did was outside the scope of the tribunal. The electoral Act does not permit the tribunal to embark on this scrutiny or recount.

“We want this Court to correct the anomaly and set the jurisprudence right. I urge the court to allow this appeal as it is preeminently meritorious and set aside the judgment of the lower court,” he added.

Counsel for the APC, Offiong Offiong urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

He argued that a trial Court can investigate documents submitted as evidence to it.

The Court has reserved judgment in all the matters till a date that would be communicated to parties involved in the appeal.

OPINION: Rufai Oseni Of Arise TV: Firm, Daring, Stickler For Truth

By

James Orji

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November 6, 2023

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By Soni Irabor

I have read series of comments about this young professional trying to do his job, Mr Rufai Oseni. I have the following advise to give:

When you offer yourself to be interviewed, you must be prepared. Don’t expect to be respected beyond the scope of the role you are there to play – to answer questions concerning your portfolio or responsibility. Above all, before getting to the studio for the interview, you are expected to do enough research on the subject before the interview.

Many guests are often not prepared. Some of them do not even take the advise their assistants give them (if they have assistants at all).

The host (Rufai Oseni in this instance) would have armed himself with a lot of relevant information about the guest and the institution he represents.

When things ‘go south’, such guests become ruffled and discomfitured. Some even become offended when the interviewer insists on answers.

In some cases some guests are caught in their lies and the host insists on the truth, he is branded rude, arrogant and aggressive.

No doubt a level of tact is applied in interviewing skills but this depends on the facts available to the host/interviewer and temperament of the host. I will explain this further, every interviewer has his style apart from the training and exposure he was exposed to.

There have always been bolder interviewers than others. Some are firm, very firm, daring and a stickler for truth.

Such interviewers are not easily compromised. I believe Rufai falls into this category. Rufai is an avid reader, researcher and author. He is a digger! This puts him on collision course with aggrieved guests who feel disrespected by his insistence and boldness.

Rufai Oseni even indirectly forewarns his guests that he has enough information about him or her to make him or her understand he is in for a serious job.

Piers Morgan of ITV’s Good Morning Show (a very controversial host) has been known to take sides against his guests numerous times. It only made him the audience favourite when it was found out that it was he, not the guest, that was armed the truth.

Rufai Oseni appears to be armed with more information than the guests, sometimes.

Rufai has been employed by Arise TV to perform a good and professional job. I think he is tryingtodo just that.

I worked with Rufai at Inspiration 92.3FM and we were sad to let him go.

Are some of his actions justified? Maybe not. Has he insulted any guest? I doubt it, unless his boldness is seen as antagonistic and rude.

I think Rufai Oseni is doing a good job. Apart from fast becoming an audience favourite I believe Rufai is one of the best and boldest interviewers in Nigeria today.

Guests should be more prepared for ANY interview anywhere Radio, TV, Print or Socia Media.

His job is to seek information Your job is to provide it to the best of your ability. Which is why you should ALWAYS be prepared.

Please don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!

Supreme Court Judgement: Heavy Moral Burden On National Conscience – Peter Obi

By

Ayodele Oni

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November 6, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said Nigerians are disappointed in the judgement of the Supreme Court, which upheld the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Obi affirmed his rejection of the apex Court verdict, which he described as breach of trust of Nigerians in judiciary.

At a world press conference on Monday, in Abuja, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) said the Supreme Court ignored rigging, identity theft, forgery, and perjury in its judgment.

“The Supreme Court ignore rigging, identity theft, forgery, perjury and does not represent the stand of our constitution.”

He accused the apex court of ignoring evidence which he said further dampens citizens’ trust in the judiciary.

“Without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a breach of confidence Nigerians have in our judiciary.

“To that extent, it is a show of unreasonable force against the very Nigerian people from whom the power of the Nigerian citizens is drawn.

“As someone who has previously benefited from the rulings of the Supreme Court on electoral matters, I have, after a period of deep and sober reflection, decided to personally and formally react to the recent judgment as most Nigerians have.

“Because we are confronted with very weighty issues of national interest, I will speak forthrightly. As students young lads at CKC, Onitsha, we were taught values and admonished to always; “choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong.”

“Setting legal issues aside, the Supreme Court exhibited a disturbing aversion to public opinion just as it abandoned its responsibility as a court of law and policy.

“It is, therefore, with great dismay that I observe that the Court’s decision contradicts the overwhelming evidence of election rigging, false claim of a technical glitch, substantial non-compliance with rules set by INEC itself as well as matters of perjury, identity theft, and forgery that have been brought to light in the course of this election matter.

“These were hefty allegations that should not to be treated with levity. More appalling, the Supreme Court judgment willfully condoned breaches of the Constitution relative to established qualifications and parameters for candidates in presidential elections.

“With this counter-intuitive judgment, the Supreme Court has transferred a heavy moral burden from the courtrooms to our national conscience.

“Our young democracy is ultimately the main victim and casualty of the courtroom drama.

“Without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in our judiciary. To that extent, it is a show of unreasonable force against the very Nigerian people from whom the power of the Constitution derives.

“This Supreme Court ruling may represent the state of the law in 2023 but not the present demand for substantive justice.

“The judgment mixed principles and precepts. Indeed, the rationale and premise of the Supreme Court judgment, have become clearer in the light of the deep revealing and troubling valedictory remarks by Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, (JSC) on Friday 27th October 2023.”