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CBN: Cardoso, 4 Deputy Govs Assume Duty

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The new Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor Olayemi Cardoso, has formally assumed duty. He took over the affairs of the apex bank a few days after he was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He was appointed following the resignation of former CBN governor Emefiele who is currently in detention of the Department of States Services, DSS, for corruption-related cases.

Sacked alongside Emefiele are Folashodun Shonubi, Aishah Ahmad, Edward Lametek Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governors of the CBN.

In their place, President Tinubu appointed four Deputy Governors to work with Cardoso. Their appointments are subject to the approval of the Nigerian Senate, the president said on September 15.

According to a statement signed on Friday by Isa AbdulMumin, CBN spokesman, the five appointees have now assumed duty formally after taking the oath of office.

The statement said: “Cardoso and his colleagues subscribed to the relevant oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the bank’s head office in Abuja.

“They have since settled down to the task of administering the monetary and financial sector policies of the Federal Government.”

A former Commissioner for Economic and Budget Planning in Lagos state, Cardoso is also an alumnus of Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he studied managerial and administrative studies.

The new acting CBN governor also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, United States of America, USA, according to his curriculum vitae.

LAHA Exposes Doctor Who Performed Surgery On Late Adebola Akin-Bright, Petition Police

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Adebola Akin-Bright

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has mandated the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Noheem Adams to investigate the circumstances that led to the disappearance of Adebola Akin-Bright’s small intestine.

It was revealed that the doctor who performed surgery twice on the boy is, allegedly, not a qualified surgeon.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, during plenary on Thursday, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to write to the State Police Command for the arrest of Dr. Abayomi Baiyewu of Obitoks Hospital in the Alimosho area of Lagos.

Adebola died on Tuesday shortly after the House called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to further assist him seek treatment abroad.

While thanking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his effort at the period the boy was being treated at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Speaker Obasa directed that a letter conveying the condolence message of the House be sent to the family.

Obasa further asked the Committee to look into other grey areas including inviting officials of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) which has the law-backed responsibility to monitor private hospitals operating in the State.

He further asked the Committee to review the extant law so as to know if it should be amended just as he said private hospitals can be made to always report their activities to the government at all times.

Formally announcing Adebola’s death, Hon. Adams said the boy’s case was disheartening. He said when the committee visited him on Tuesday, he still spoke with the lawmakers.

He, however, said during investigation, the committee learnt from Dr. Baiyewu that he is not a surgeon but only relied on his experience as a Medical Doctor.

He also said Baiyewu, whose testimonies were recorded, told the Committee that he did not carry out any medical examination on the boy before the first surgery which he did himself adding that he only relied on the report from a hospital the patient was first taken to.

Hon. Adams said after Dr. Baiyewu did the first surgery, the boy continued to complain about stomach pain and was taken back to Obitoks Hospital where Baiyewu carried out another round of surgery by himself.

Following more complications, Hon. Noheem said the boy was taken to LASUTH where it was confirmed that part of his intestine was missing.

The Lawmaker said as a Doctor, Baiyewu should have taken the excised part of the boy’s body to a pathological department for test, but that “Dr. Baiyewu told the committee that the body parts were mistakenly discarded,” and that the doctor had planned to do a third surgery before the boy was taken to LASUTH.

After Hon. Adams submission, the House commiserated with the bereaved family with Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda calling for the sealing of the hospital.

Another member of the committee, Hon. Lawal Aina, told his colleagues it was a pitiable sight when the committee visited Adebola at the hospital.

He added that upon interrogation, it was discovered that Dr. Baiyewu proved not to have been a certified surgeon.

Some of the lawmakers who spoke on the issue, suggested that a formal complaint be made against Dr. Baiyewu to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for action while others urged stricter monitoring of medical doctors and hospitals.

Tinubu’s Desperation To Hide Chicago Varsity Records Embarrassing To Nigerians –Timi Frank

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Timi Frank, Social Commentator and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Friday urged President Bola Tinubu to stop embarrassing Nigerians by his desperate bid to frustrate the release of his academic records from the Chicago State University, CSU.

Frank in a statement in Abuja wondered what President Tinubu has got to hide that prompted him to hurriedly appeal the judgement of a US Magistrate Court that ordered CSU to release his academic records.

Tinubu, according to a report by Peoples Gazette, had pleaded before a United States Judge to save him from suffering “severe and irreparable damage” by placing an emergency hold on a recent Court order for his university records to be released.

The President through his lawyer claimed that the damage he would suffer would be impossible to mitigate if the order directing the release of his academic records to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is not delayed for possible vacation.

According to the report, “Severe and irreparable harm will be done to Bola Tinubu if the records are released,” Tinubu’s lawyer had argued at an emergency appeal before Judge Nancy Maldonado of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago.

“If the records are released, harm will be done and cannot be taken back to the bottle,” Tinubu’s lawyer added.

“If you know you have clean academic records why are you fighting to stop their being released?

“What ‘severe and irreparable harm’ will you suffer if the records are released?” Frank queried.

He insisted that due to Tinubu’s desperate acts in seeking to conceal his academic records and other legal issues surrounding his persona, most world leaders are now avoiding him and this has hampered his administration’s much publicized investments drive abroad.

“For instance, his much trumpeted proposed meeting with American President Joe Biden during the United Nations General Assembly in New York was silently cancelled with no explanations from either Tinubu or Biden.

“However, we have it on good authority that Biden was warned by the US intelligence community to avoid such a meeting.

“Besides, Tinubu claimed to have gotten Untied Arab Emirates (Dubai) authorities to lift visa restrictions on Nigerians but this has since been proven to be a lie.”

He called on Nigerians to own the fight to ensure that the President has authentic academic records and not to leave the efforts to an individual due to potential political and diplomatic damage it can do to Nigeria if glossed over.

Frank said: “This fight should not be for Atiku Abubakar alone. Nigerians must rise up and demand to know the academic records of their President.

“Tinubu’s desperate attempt to buy time with his recent appeal is a huge embarrassment to Nigerians both at home and in diaspora.  Why does the court ordered release of Tinubu’s academic records appear like a matter of life and death to the President?

“Tinubu, please stop embarrassing Nigerians through this do or die attempt to stop your academic records from being released. Nigerians are eager to know who their President really is.

“The more you fight to conceal your academic records, the more you damage the image of the country and its ability to attract investors who want to do business with genuine and trustworthy partners and not those believed to have skeletons in their cupboards.

“Are Nigerians not entitled to know the authentic academic qualifications of their President?”

He called on the United States Of America Government and its institutions to transparently adjudicate on this matter in the interest of Nigeria and not that of one man.

Frank stated that his demand is that the Chicago Court urgently hears this appeal and makes its findings known without compromising the integrity of the American Court system.

Rescue Operation Begins As Troops Pursue Abductors Of Female Varsity Students In Zamfara

By
Ayodele Oni
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Federal University Gusau Zamfra State

By Ayodele Oni

Rescue operation to free abducted students of the Federal University Zamfara state has commenced as Operatives of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) intercepted the abductors of the female students.

Suspected bandits reportedly invaded the hostels of the Federal University, Gusau (FUG) early Friday and kidnapped 23 students mainly females.

It was gathered that the troops of the OPHD that pursued the kidnappers traced them into a thick forest and engaged them in a gun duel supported by air components of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Sources within the military said, so far six among the abducted students were rescued, scores of the Bandits killed and recovered rifles, motorcycles and other items.

The rescue operation was triggered following the abduction of the students from their rented hostels at Sabon gida village in Gusau.

Earlier, the Commander 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, Brig Gen S Ahmed who is also the Commander of the Operation Hadarin Daji incharge of Zamfara and Kebbi states, was said to have  led troops who  advanced toward the Bandits exit route.

Residents of villages around the forest said fighter jets are currently hovering around the forest and that they were hearing heavy sounds of either guns of explosives indicating a serious fire exchange.

Ondo Assembly Should Be Cautious In Petition Against Deputy Governor – Indigenes In Diaspora

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

More reactions continue to trail allegations of misconduct against Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as some indigenes of the State in diaspora described the allegation as mere politics ahead 2024 governorship election in the state taken too far.

In an open letter to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and signed on their behalf by Chris Okunnuwa, they advised the House of Assembly and Governor Akeredolu to look beyond the surface of the petition and allow justice to prevail.

The open letter, copy of which was sent to the Assembly states: “As the 2024 Gubernatorial Election in Ondo State draws nearer the cloud gathering around Aiyedatiwa, a man once thought to be favoured by you his principal, for his loyalty becomes heavier and now the wolfs are ready to gather.

“It is however good to know you are keeping your cards close to your chest and not giving anything away on who get your blessing to be the flag bearer of the ruling part, APC in next year’s gubernatorial election.

“In respective of any individual or group’s political permutations on who succeeds you in Alagbaka, it’s no brainer that what the state needs at this time is effective governance, all rounder stability and good leadership from you.

“These have really been lacking since you took ill, and made worst by political backbiting that hamstrung the Deputy Governor from carrying out his constitutional duties even after you vested power on him to do so in your absence.

“The latest sinister move which has culminated in the ODHA’s resolve to petition Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct is just one of many plots against the Deputy Governor in few months.

“Similar attempts by the cabals and their collaborators to desperately throw him under the bus with frivolous claims hinged on domestic abuse and lack of loyalty were futile in the past months.

“One of the is the latest allegation against Aiyedatiwa on gross misconduct bordering on abuse of office with unsubstantiated claim of approving the sum of N300 million to be sourced from state palliative fund to purchase a bulletproof SUV for his personal use while you were away on medical leave in Germany.

“While it is difficult to fully vouch for any human due to our imperfections, my experience with the Deputy Governor and his antecedents showed these allegations could yet be another attempt to call a dog a bad name just to hang it.

“Also the allegation of disloyalty brought up against him is really laughable and petty  at best, given the fact that he is well-known to be respective, fully submissive and careful not to operate without your approval.

“He is never seen to try to outshine you, his boss.Now, I do not know if you and your family have genuine reason(s) to feel aggrieved by the actions or inaction of the DGov while you were said to be critically ill.

“After all, if members of your family wield so much influence in the state affairs as widely claimed, then it won’t be out of place to posit that Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as Deputy Governor in the first place was not without their blessing.

“So, if he is not enjoying a good relationship with of your family at the moment, it could mean there are truly issues that need to be resolved or clarified between two families or offices, but likely this has little or nothing to do with gross misconduct or abuse of office.

“Hence, the state legislative arm of government under the leadership of Rt. Hon Olamide Oladiji, need tread with caution so as not to be used as pawn in any game to settle political score or personal vendetta.

“Instead the ODHA should try everything possible to uphold the tenets of democracy and not to amplify any mistake the key players of the Exco are making at this time which could lead to turmoil and instability in the state. After all the different arms of governments are to provide check and balance for one another.”

Bandits Abduct 24 Students Of Federal University, Zamfara

By
Ayodele Oni
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Federal University Gusau Zamfra State

By Ayodele Oni

An early morning invasion of a University community in Zamfara State on Friday by suspected bandits has led to abduction of more than 24 students.

The bandits reportedly struck at the Federal University of Gusau, Sabon-Gida community of the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Report monitored on Channels Television indicated that those whisked away during the invasion are mostly ladies.

It quoted a resident of Sabon-Gida identified as Nazeer Sabon-Gida as saying that the gunmen invaded the community around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately.

According to him, three students’ hostels were attacked and all the students in the hostels were taken away by the bandits.

“They entered the town around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately.

“We have yet to confirm the number of students kidnapped because the bandits entered three hostels and kidnapped all the students there. It is difficult to ascertain their numbers now.”

Another source said that the bandits were engaged with troops of the Nigerian Army in a fierce gun battle but that did not stop the bandits from escaping with the kidnapped victims.

“They were seriously engaged with the army troops but the way these bandits operate, they will divide themselves into two, one group will move with the kidnapped victims while the other will stay behind to protect the first group.

“The first group had left with the students while the second group engaged the army in a gun duel.”

In June, some students of the university protested the spate of abductions involving their schoolmates in Sabon-Gida and Damba.

Sabon-Gida village is a community opposite the main campus of the Federal University of Gusau that is about 20 km to the state capital, Gusau.

Super Eagles Drop To 40th Spot In Latest FIFA Ranking

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Despite recording a 6-0 win over the Falcons and Parrots of São Tomé and Principe in its 2024 African Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Obot Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, this has not translated into a leap for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the latest FIFA Ranking.

The three-time AFCON winners have dropped in the latest FIFA Ranking by One spot to 40th position as against its 39 Position it has maintained over the past month.

With the drop, the Super Eagles is now Sixth in Africa behind Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria.

Expectedly, Morocco who finished as semifinalist at the last World Cup in Qatar continued to maintain her top spot in the continent and 14th globally.

Cameroon, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso make up the other countries in the Top 10 in Africa.

Argentina’s 1-0 triumph over Ecuador and a 3-0 defeat of Bolivia in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers strengthened the Albiceleste hold at the top. France is second while Brazil, England and Belgium make up the Top 5.

Croatia (6th), the Netherlands (7th) and Portugal (8th), Italy (9th) and Spain complete the Top 10 teams for the month of September.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles now face the prospect of facing defending champions Senegal, hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco, Algeria and Egypt in the group stage of AFCON 2024.

Eagles are joined in Pot 2 by perennial rivals, Ghana and Cameroon.

Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso are the other teams in Pot 2. In Pot 3 are; South Africa, Cape Verde, Guinea, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania while Pot 4 has Guinea Bissau, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Gambia and Tanzania.

The draw for the AFCON 2023 will be staged in Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday October 12. The competition proper is to run from January 13 to February 11, 2024 to decide the next champion league of the continental showpiece.

MURIC Warns Governor Makinde Over Choice Of Alaafin, Urge Him To Follow Due Process

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Islamic Group, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has raised alarm over alleged plot by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to manipulate the process and choice of the Kingmakers (Oyomesi) over who becomes the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola said that it was necessary to reveal the plot and make sure that the choice of the Kingmakers is made the Alaafin, as any form of manipulation would not be accepted.

The controversial MURIC ED said that the Group is using this medium to appeal with Governor Makinde to follow due process and not tamper with the choice of the Oyomesi.

In a Statement by Akintola, he said the appeal was necessary due to the controversies surrounding the selection of the next Alaafin of Oyo, especially since it involves announcing Lukman Gbadegesin, the candidate picked by the Oyomesi, as indicated in a document signed by the seven Oyomesi authorities.

He challenged the Governor to prove those labelling him as the governor who likes to install Christians only as Yoruba kings wrong.

The statement reads, “There has been prolonged controversy over the right candidate to become the next Alaafin of Oyo since the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on 22nd April 2022 at the age of 83.

“The authentic kingmakers of Oyo who are known as Oyomesi have kicked against the nomination of Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu who is 85 years old for lack of due process.

“A document published in various newspapers two days ago and signed by the seven Oyomesi revealed that the candidate duly selected by the rightful kingmakers of the ancient town is Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin.

“The Oyomesi group affirmed that they had forwarded the name of Prince Gbadegesin to the governor since 4th October 2022.

“According to them, the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, wrongfully picked another candidate, Ayo Ladigbolu, and filed a suit against them in court but he lost the case.”

Akintola urged Makinde to announce the name of the candidate picked by the Oyomesi and backed by the court’s pronouncement.

“Archbishop Ladigbolu’s attempt to come through the backdoor to the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo is illegal, illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional.

“Tongues are wagging, not only in Oyo town, but in the whole State as well as in the South West. This time around, Governor Makinde has to prove that the label given to him as the governor who likes to install Christians only as Yoruba kings is unsuitable for him.

“This year alone, it happened in Ogbomosho where a Redeemed Church Pastor, Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, was crowned as king and in Iseyin where another Pastor, David Olawale Oyebola, has emerged the Aseyin.

“As a peace-loving and dialogue-inclined human rights organization, MURIC urges the state governor to allow the choice of the authentic kingmakers of Oyo town to prevail by announcing Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the next Alaafin of Oyo without any delay,” Akintola said.

Abuja: Wike Seizes Obi, Imoke Lands In FCT

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Nyesom Wike and Peter Obi
Finally, the  Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCT, Nyesom Wike has made good his threat to revoke undeveloped land in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
From his first day in office, the former Rivers state governor warned that unused land will be taken from the owners, without considering their status in the society.
Wike also vowed to demolish buildings and structures illegally built in the FCT.
Among prominent Nigerians whose lands titles have now been revoked, is Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and former governor of Anambra state.
The total land titles revoked, according to checks by the magazine are 167 plots.
Other peoples who land tilte have been revoked include a  former Senate Chief Whip, Udoma Udoma, former Cross River Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, the first Minister of Niger Delta, Ufot Ekaette and the late publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah, among others.
In a notice issued Thursday night, the FTC Administration said the plots were revoked due to the failure of their allottees to develop them.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration hereby informs the general public that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 28(5)(a) & (b) of the Land Use Act 1978, revoked the under-listed plots with names and titles as reflected in our records for continued contravention of the terms of development of the Right of Occupancy, to wit non-development,” the notice signed by the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, stated.
Following his threat to revoke illegally acquired, undeveloped lands, and structures built against Abuja Master Plan, a spokesman for the People’s Democratic Party, Daniel Bwala had chided Wike, saying Presidential Villa, Aso Rock was not part of the original plan .
The question is whether the FCT Minister has the courage to also  demolish the Villa.

NIMASA To Reopen Lokoja Office

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA,  Bashir Jamoh, has disclosed that the Agency is set to reopen the Lokoja office, as part of efforts towards harnessing the Blue Economy, enhancing collaboration, while also promoting Research and Development.

The DG who made this known when he played host to the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, KADSEMA, Mal. Usman Hayatu Mazadu at the head office of the Agency in Lagos, noted that investment in research would play a major role in ensuring the harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potentials.

“The key cardinal principle of opening the NIMASA Lokoja office is to improve on Research and Development. Our goal is to establish the nexus in maximizing the use of available resources in the nation’s inland waterways and the deep blue waters within 28 states, spanning over 4000 kilometers of inland waters and over 200 nautical miles of ocean resources; with the coming of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

He said, “Now, the Blue Economy has come to stay and very soon you will see the impact of what we have; in terms of the gains and benefits to grow our Gross Domestic Product, while improving the well-being of our own Economy”.

Earlier in his remarks, Mallam Usman of KADSEMA lauded the Agency for the feat achieved so far, which cuts across the entire Nigeria. While seeking for cooperation with the Agency in possible areas, he expressed the readiness of KADSEMA to support the Agency in areas that may be deemed possible.

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