IPOB: Ogene Appeals For Kanu’s Release; Supreme Court Hears Case Tomorrow

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October 4, 2023

A member of the House of Representatives, Victor Afam Ogene, has called for the release of Nnandi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The appeal came as the Supreme Court is set to hear the federal government appeal on the October 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal which discharged the terrorism case against the IPOB strongman.

The nation’s apex court will hear the appeal on October 5 (tomorrow)

Ogene, representating Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state made the appeal on Tuesday, saying Kanu’s releases by the federal government, will end insecurity in the south east.

The lawmaker who spoke during the debate by lawmakers in Nigeria’s lower house, seeking ways to tackle insecurity in the country, said the “one line demand” from the people of the region is for the IPOB leader to be set free from detention.

“In the south-east today, there is only one line demand — release of Nnamdi Kanu — and insecurity in the south-east would be a thing of the past we believe,” he said.

The IPOB leader has spent close to three years in detention following his arrest and extradition from Kenya in June 2021.

Appeals by leaders in the region for his release has been rebuffed by the federal government.

IPOB has demanded Kanu’s release as the only condition for peace, and to end killings and kidnapping the region.

Niger/Delta Group Pleads For Urgent Screening Of NDDC Board Nominees

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Ayodele Oni

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October 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Communities Forum, has urged the National Assembly to screen and confirm the nominees for the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

A statement on Wednesday, signed by Mulade Sheriff and Goodness Gereghewei, Chairman and Secretary, said this is to enable members commence work immediately and save the oil rich region of development.

“It would be recalled that Mr President nominated Chairman and members of NDDC Board, on 29th August, 2023, subject to the senate screening and confirmation, for appointment into the NDDC Board, as enshrined in the ACT.

“However, since the Senate was on recess, nothing much has been done in that regard, and we expected that screening and confirmation of the NDDC nominees would be the first set to be screened and confirmed.

“Many thanks for this timely act to reposition the commission on the right track to attract development to our Oil and Gas Producing Communities in the region.

“We wish to strongly appeal to Mr President to kindly, as a matter of utmost importance, urge the Senate to screen and confirm these nominees for appointment to avoid a replay of nightmarish experience.

“It must be put on record that it’s still fresh in our minds when sole administrators and acting Managing Directors were appointed for the commission, which in turn deprived the people of development and economic growth in the region.

“We further wish to commend Mr President for picking some of the best and brightest as nominees on the new NDDC Board are persons of good reputations and integrity.

“We appeal to Mr President to kindly consider the constitution of the board as a matter of urgency by forwarding names of the nominees to the Senate for Screening/confirmation so that all the member States will be represented for effective delivery of development in the Region.”

Widow Seeks N95 Million Damages Over Missing Child, Sues Ondo Govt

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Ayodele Oni

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October 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

A concerned mother and a widow, has demanded for the whereabouts of her son who she kept in the custody of Ondo State Juvenile Home, Akure, dead or alive.

The widow, Mrs Opeyemi Adegboyega, has already filed a suit at the State High Court, Akure, against the Ondo State Government over the missing child, Oluwaseun Omoniyi , at the custody of the State Juvenile Home, Akure.

Also joined in the suit are the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and the Attorney General of Ondo State.

The claimant, who lost her husband, some months ago, said the victim was admitted into the juvenile home in 2017, when he was three months old, while she was in a hospital receiving treatment.

While in the hospital receiving treatment, her three children, including the victim, the State Juvenile Home offered to take them to enable her concentrate on her treatment, but she and her mother agreed to leave just the victim, three months old at that time and the youngest.

Upon her full recovery a month after, she explained that she went back to the Juvenile Home with her mother, to demand for her baby boy, but was told that the child had died and the corpse had been deposited at the mortuary of the Ondo State Specialist Hospital.

At the State Hospital, she was told that there was no record that the hospital received any corpse of a child from the Ondo State Juvenile Home at that period and all petitions on the matter to the state Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Department of State Services had yielded no result.

Adegboyega, who filed the suit through her lawyer, Mr Oju Kekemeke, is seeking an order of the court directing the defendants to account for the whereabouts of Omoniyi Oluwaseun, whose disappearance occurred while at the custody of the Ondo State Juvenile Home under the supervision of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs.

She also sought an order of the court to direct the defendants to pay her a sum of N50 million as “exemplary and aggravated damages”, N40million as general damages for the excruciating pain, anguish, personal loss, psychological trauma caused by the negligent act of the defendants, as well as N5 million damages as “cost of this action.”

The claimant also sought a court order that 15 percent interest per annum be paid on the judgment sum from the date of the judgment until the judgment sum is finally liquidated.

After filing the suit, Adegboyega’s lawyer, Kekemeke, vowed that the matter would be pursued untill her client got justice.

He added “It is unfortunate that the system took advantage of Opeyemi Adegboyega’s medical condition at the time, therefore the system will be held accountable for this flagrant breach of public duty.”

Breaking: Ministerial Nominee, Abass, Collapses During Screening, “Give Him Sugar And Water”, Akpabio Shouts

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium at the Senate when the replacement of former Governor, Nasir El Rufai for Ministerial Position, Balarabe Abass, collapsed on the floor of the Senate during screening.

Abass collapsed when he appeared before the Senate for the Screening Exercise as a Minister.

President Bola Tinubu had sent Abass’ name alongside two others on Tuesday for screening today Wednesday.

Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio had read from the letter sent by President Tinubu and announced that the nominees would be screened on Wednesday.

Abbas suddenly slumped while taking questions from the Senators.

His collapse sent panic within the hallowed Chambers with the President of the Senate, Mr. Godswill Akpabio shouting “give him water and sugar”.

Senator Akpabio thereafter ordered that all cameras be shut down while they made frantic efforts to resuscitate the ailing man.

He, thereafter, ordered all journalists to vacate the premises.

What led to his collapse remains uncertain.

Details Later…..

Pregnant Woman Death: We Are Not To Blame, LASTMA Says

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 4, 2023

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The Lagos state Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has denied complicity in the death of a pregnant woman on Tuesday when some officials of the agency were trying to arrest an alleged traffic offender around Ago Palace, Way, Okota.

The woman was crushed to death when a tricycle conveying her and her three children was hit by the driver of a Sienna SUV who was trying to escape arrest.

Apart from her, the driver of the tricycle was also killed while her three children also sustained first-degree injuries, and are now being treated in an undisclosed hospital.

The incident has been blamed on LASTMA and policemen who allegedly tried to seize the steering from the driver, leading to the fatal accident.

Following the accident, the community was immediately thrown into chaos as youths in the area attacked LASTMA officials, looted, and vandalized its yard.

The magazine learned that officials of Isolo Local Council Development Authority, LCDA, have pleaded for calm as anger boiled in the area.

Reacting to the incident, Bolaji Oreagba, General Manager of LASTMA, said its men are not to be blamed but the driver, who after driving against the traffic (one way) tried to escape from enforcement officials.

In a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, the agency boss commiserated with the families of the deceased, he accused the Sienna driver of being reckless, adding that he will soon face prosecution for breaking the law.

Explaining what transpired, Oreagba said the offender was being escorted by a policeman to the LASTMA office where he was expected to be booked for the offense committed when he tried to escape.

“On their way, and in an attempt by driver to escape, he diverted into Bayo Oyewale Street by Ago Round-About and rammed into a fully loaded tricycle,” he said.

He explained further: “While the tricycle operator died instantly, the pregnant woman later died at the Hospital while the two injured School Children were currently, under Intensive Care Unit” receiving medical attention

“The escort policeman in the contravened vehicle equally sustained various degrees of injury as a result of the fatal auto crash.

“The incident sparked off protest as a mob descended on the escort Police Officer but the timely intervention of a team of Policemen from Ago/ Okota/Ilasa Police Stations saved the Policeman from being lynched.

“Subsequently, LASTMA Yard was invaded and valuable items were vandalised including vehicles within the premises.

“It is noteworthy to mention that in an attempt to escape, the driver of the Sienna car lost control as a result of reckless driving which eventually resulted into the fatal accident.

“The management of the agency commiserate with the families of the deceased, and assured that thorough investigation will be carried out to determine the immediate and remote cause of the accident and that justice will be served appropriately,” Kehinde had reported to Oreagba.”

Meanwhile, not a few residents in the state have called on Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, to call the officials of the agency to order. The behaviour of some unscrupulous LASTMA officials has led to the untimely death of some innocent souls, according to them.

CSU: Foreign Affairs Minister Dismisses as Frivolous, Distraction, Allegations Against Tinubu

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 4, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, has dismissed the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records at the Chicago State University CSU as frivolous. He said it is meant to distract the President, but insisted that neither the President nor the Government is bordered.

Former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the February 25, 2023 General Election, Atiku Abubakar, had asked the US District Court, Northern Illinois to compel the CSU to release Tinubu’s academic records to him.

In the document, Atiku argued that the document would help his suit at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He is challenging Tinubu’s declaration as President in the Presidential election.

The US Court ordered CSU to release the President’s academic records to Atiku.

In compliance, CSU released the records to Atiku’s legal team a cache of documents connected to Tinubu’s education at the CSU as well as copies of certificates with names issued to other persons about the same time the Tinubu finished in 1979 at the school.

But reports showed that the certificate obtained by the President from the CSU was different from the one submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before the election.

But in reaction during an interview on Channels Television, Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs Minister, said the Federal Government is not bordered.

He dismissed the allegations as just “frivolous issues” aimed at distracting Tinubu’s administration.

He said: “There is a tendency to always try to distract people on such frivolous issues as opposed to facing the major issues of development. We don’t have time to waste on that.

“Nobody is wasting time about certificate qualification for somebody who has been a Governor of a State, served two terms, and has been on the national stage as a politician.

“You remember that (former) President Buhari had to go through the same thing, where people were actually questioning whether he went to secondary school or not. Someone who had classmates and was the captain? He was a head boy.”

Ondo: APC Counsels PDP On Inability To Meet Financial Obligations

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Ayodele Oni

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October 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to purge itself of allegations of financial misappropriation and corruption allegations against its leadership.

APC pointed out that these allegations raise questions about the PDP’s ability to manage public funds if allowed to govern the state.

The ruling party, in a statement on Wednesday noted that “It is disheartening to learn that the PDP has failed to pay its staff for the period spanning 22 months, along with claims of mismanagement, which have raised serious concerns among the public.

“This failure to meet their financial obligations not only reflects poorly on the PDP, but on the party’s ability to effectively manage its affairs and fulfill its responsibilities towards its members.”

The state, signed by Steve Otaloro, director, media and publicity of APC added that “The APC acknowledges that the PDP is a major opposition political party in Nigeria with a significant presence in Ondo State.

“However, it is imperative for a party aspiring to lead and govern to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and responsibility.

“The failure of the PDP to pay its staff has not only created financial hardship for these individuals but continues to damage the party’s fragile reputation and credibility in the state.

“This lack of financial stability raises questions about the party’s ability to manage public funds if allowed to govern the state.

“Furthermore, the accusations against the PDP Chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams, and his Executive Committee are grave.

“The alleged diversion of funds intended for staff salaries, along with claims of maltreatment and mismanagement, raises serious concerns about the party’s ability to manage its affairs in Ondo State.

“Before seeking the trust and support of the Ondo State electorate, the PDP must demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of its employees. The party must take immediate steps to address this serious issue of misappropriation against its leadership.

“They must conduct a thorough investigation into this allegation of mismanagement and take appropriate action to restore confidence among the general public.

“The party needs to uphold the highest standards of integrity and financial accountability. Only by doing so can the PDP rebuild trust and credibility among the electorate, our party, and the general public as a credible opposition party in the state.

“The upcoming local government and governorship elections in Ondo State are crucial in determining the future of the people of the state. The party needs to regain the trust and confidence of the electorate by rectifying the situation and demonstrating a commitment to good leadership.

“The people of Ondo State deserve a party and people that can effectively manage its affairs and work towards the development and progress of the state.

“The daunting allegations of mismanagement within the party have further eroded its confidence among the general public.

“They must take immediate steps to address these allegations and ensure that those responsible are accountable for their actions before the electorate in the state can trust them as a venerable political party deserving of their votes.”

Obi Is Leader Of Modern Nigeria Says MASSOB

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 4, 2023

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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has been described as a peacemaker by the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB.

The LP presidential candidate, the group said, has remained calm even when things did not work out for him in the last election.

His mandate, MASSOB alleged was stolen, but he refused to rock the boat inspire of this.

The group made this know in a statement it issued on Tuesday, saying Obi has kept the country ‘together” in a peaceful atmosphere through his performance in the presidential election in the country.

The statement issued by MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu lauded Obi for refusing to be part of the old order which has kept the country under bondage.

MASSOB said Obi “ is the man that refused to be part of the old order that ceaselessly keeps Nigeria in subjective bondage.

“Obi is the modern Nigerian leader that woke up the political consciousness of Nigerian youths to the reality of their stolen future.”

“He won in the Aso Rock polling unit, won all the army barracks and police polling units, including other military and police bases, as well as academies in Nigeria. He is the only man that got 25 per cent vote in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Obi ran the cleanest and fairest election in Nigeria without bribing or giving out money to buy votes. He stood his ground and kept calm, even when his mandate was stolen. Obi prevented a chaotic country when his mandate was stolen. He in refused to collect money to let go of the court case. In the beginning, he was written off, many did not expect him to have such political records in the history of Nigeria.”

No Apology For Supporting Obi, LP- NLC President Fumes

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 3, 2023

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Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC has disclosed that the union has no apology for forming the Labour Party, LP.

The NLC has come under strict criticism from not a few Nigerians for openly associating with LP, the party whose Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, came third in the February 25 election in Nigeria.

The union also came under heavy condemnation from other Nigerians after they threatened to go on strike over the removal of fuel subsidy by the APC-led national government.

The strike, earlier scheduled for October 2 (today) has since been called off for 30 days after the leadership of the organized labour I the country reached an agreement with the federal government.

Their critics accused the union of trying to bring down the government because their candidate, Obi failed to win the keenly contested election.

Speaking on the suspension of the strike, on Channels Television Politics Today, Ajaero said the union has no apology to its critics for forming the LP and supporting the party.

According to him, past labour leaders in the country formed various political parties and it’s not an aberration for the NLC current leadership to do the same.

He explained that foremost Labour leaders such as the late Pa Micheal Imodu, Adams Oshiomhole, at one time or the other associated with political parties of interest, adding that the LP was formed by the union for ordinary Nigerians who are not given opportunity to run in big political parties in the country, to run for offices.

He also stated that members of the union are not necessarily, members of LP, adding that “any Nigerian who wants to join” are allowed to do so, noting that the aim of “forming LP has been achieved.”

Ooni Of Ife Partners Chinese Government To Generate 50,000 Jobs For Nigerian Youths

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 3, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Perturbed by the menace of unemployment rocking the nation, revered Monarch, Ooni Of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has unveiled a Private Public Partnership Community Development plan to create 50,000 jobs for Nigerian youths.

Oba Ogunwusi said that Governments all over the the world cannot transform an economy successfully without a productive public private partnership.

The Monarch stated that he partnered the Chinese Government owned firm to create employment for Nigerians, as he signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the Chinese Government owned firm

in company of the Executive Governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

He said the company will invest in Agriculture, Green Energy and explore the gold, lithium and other minerals resources in Ile-Ife and Osun at large.

He added that the Chinese Company, China Overseas Energy Development Technology Limited,will focus on the development of agriculture, mechanised farming, cocoa processing in large quantity, stating that solar energy, exploration of lithium, gold, liquidified natural gas and other major mineral resources would be part of their goals.

He further stressed that the company is the biggest in Dubai, China, Asia and in the whole world, with branches in more than 50 countries and 200 cities all over the world, promising that signing of the MoU will help Ile-Ife, Osun and Nigeria’s citizenry unprecedented investment flow, expressing his confidence in Chinese Company that they would not disappoint with the funding coming from them with their several billions of dollars.

“The partnership we are signing today with China Overseas Technology Development Company Limited is going to give over 50,000 employment opportunities to Osun indigenes.

“These people would first invest in agriculture whereby they would set up a cocoa proceeding plant in Ife where they are going to have their agricultural hub.

“They will farm on over 20,000 hectares of land, generate green energy using solar which is starting from this palace, this palace will be powered by solar 100 % within the next 30 to 60 days when it’s already completed”, Ooni stated.

According to the monarch, the future of Nigeria oil and gas lies in lithium, adding that soonest, oil and gas would go down and lithium would be the only assistance to power battery, electric cars and ceiling among others.

He added that partnership with the Chinese Company will be both Community and Public Private Partnership driven which in long run would help the economy at the community levels to be emancipated with an emphasis that the investment would be on a large scale both for Osun and the Federal Government level, adding that Chinese company is the best producer of Liquidified Natural Gas, (LNG) in the whole of China, called for the support of all and sundry.

“In Dubai alone, the Chinese Company have investment more than 10 billion dollars. In South Sudan right now, they are investing over 4 billion dollars. They are now ready to invest the double in Nigeria”. He ascertained.

In the same vein, Governor Adeleke welcomed the foreign investors, and lauded the Ooni for his initiative to concede the idea and bring it to reality.

The Governor also commended the Management of the Chinese company for yielding and agreeing to invest heavily in Ile-Ife and Osun at large.

He, however, restated his commitment to continuity to promote culture, tourism and entertainment in Osun to improve on the wellbeing of the indigenes.

In his remark, after signing the MoU, the representative, Zhang Xiaolin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,China Oversea Energy Development Ltd, congratulated Ooni on the celebration of Olojo 2023.

Xiaolin also applauded Ooni for partnering with their biggest company that set to invest in agriculture, green energy, mining among other mineral resources.

Currently investing 11 billion dollars in South Sudan, Chinese Company; China Overseas Energy Development Technology Limited are the owners of the recently constructed DRAGON MART; the largest Chinese market in Dubai and the world which is a Mega Mall City to be replicated here in Nigeria.