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Demolitions: Don’t Be  Punitive And Insensitive, Obi, Urges Governments, Makes Case For Victims

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi has made a passionate appeal to various governments involved in the demolition of  structures across the country to show humanness and not be unduly punitive and insensitive.

Obi said in a tweet in his handle on Tuesday that while some of these ongoing demolitions may be excusable, they have, nonetheless, left many victims, mostly ordinary people who erred innocently or were ill-informed or misguided in terrible condition.

“Necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments, need not be punitive or unduly insensitive. There should always be room for compassion and humane correction in taking any remedial action.

“We face a paradox: with a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, some resort to the self-help of building structures that serve as homes, businesses, SMEs offices, and stores.  Invariably, some of these structures were either not approved or were built with the tacit collusion or approval of the local authorities.

Obi  urged the various governmental authorities “to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion”.

He noted that In Nigeria today, ‘we live in a time of extreme difficulties for citizens because of stagnated income,  spiraling inflation, huge unemployment escalating socio-economic costs and high costs of living. Nigerian citizens should, therefore, not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship.

The former Anambra State Governor said that ‘the various concerned Governments should consider paying compensation to those who have lost properties and livelihood in these unfortunate demolitions to ameliorate their suffering. Such compensation should fall under the rubric of eminent domain that applies to properties and assets acquired or demolished in the public interest.

He reminded the Government that it cannot be overemphasized that their primary duty and responsibility is to care for and protect their citizens.

Speaker Sparks Anger For Appointing Over 30 Aides

By
James Orji
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The appointment of over 30 aides by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has raised posers on whether the federal government is listening to Nigerians on the need to cut down the cost of governance in the country.

The Speaker announced on Monday that he has appointed 33 aides to assist him in discharging his duties as the country’s number three citizens.

According to him, the fresh appointments is to ensure effective delivery of his legislative agenda for the 10th House of Representatives.

The appointees include , Jamil Ahmed Muhammed as Deputy Chief of Staff – Administration; Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain as Deputy Chief of Staff – Legislative; Hon. Ahmed Dayyabu Safana as Special Adviser – Special Duties; Dr. Hamisu Kubau ad Special Adviser – Political Matters; Barrister Samuel Ajayi – Special Adviser – Legal Matters, amongst others.

For those watching the federal government, the appointments in the lower legislative house is a pointer of what to expect from the Senate and the Presidency in the next few day
This development, well meaning Nigerians say is contrary to the new auserity mantra being espoused by the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The administration has recently announced a slew of austerity measures for Nigerians, including the removal of fuel subsidy, which not a few insist have made life difficult for many Nigerians.

The government has also suggested the removal of subsidy on electricity, which is expeced to take effect next month, aside reducing funding for Education, as part of the ongoing cost saving policies to save the country’s economy from collapsing.

While some Nigerians, have applauded the president for ending the subsidy regime for instance , as the right decision at this moment, so that funds could be saved to provide essential social services in the country, not a few have also urged the government to cut down the cost of running government in the country, in the area of paying huege salaries and allowances to top government officials and aides.
Specifically, Nigerians expect top government officials in the country to cut down the number of aides, reduce allowance, and other cost of running their offices, which has obviously become a huge burden on the nation’s lean resources, to reciprocate the sacrifice other Nigerians are paying at the moment due to the removal of fuel and other subsidiaries, which according to the federal government have become unaffordable due to the shortfall in revenue acrueing to the three tiers of government.

The decision by the Speaker to appoint over 30 aides to work with him, is definitely not a welcome development for many Nigerians, who are already paying a steep price due to the economic situations in the country, and are expecting the federal government to take the lead in plugging waste in governance so that enough resources could be saved to make the country better.

“We expect the federal government to show that it’s serious on its quest to reduce the cost of running the government. The Speaker has not shown good example in this area, perhaps, he’s too distant from many Nigerians to know what we are going through at the moment, ” Kate Igalo, a trader in Lagos said.
She said “President Tinubu need to call all these people to order, except they want to face the anger of Nigerians. Things are to hard for us.”

Recall that the federal government recently denied approving a new salary scale for elected officials in the country, following outbursts from many Nigerians who kicked against such.

Meanwhile,  some Nigerians have defended the Speaker, saying his decision is in line with tradition in the National Assembly to appoint people across the  counrty  to assist him in his duty. He will still appoint more, his supporters say.

Tinubu To Send Ministerial List Next Week

By
James Orji
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to send his ministerial list after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, according to sources close to the Presidency.

The president is expected back into the country on Tuesday, baring any last minute change in his plans, to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir break, his first as President and Commander-in-Chief since he came to office on May 29.

The federal government had on Monday announced Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays for the Islamic celebration.

The statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Oluwatoyin Akinlade, said, “The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 28th and Thursday, June 29th 2023 Public Holidays in commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration and heartily felicitates with the Muslim Ummah at home and in the diaspora,” the statement signed by Oluwatoyin Akilade,

“We are hopeful that the prayers and sacrifices that come with this great celebration, as well as the message of Eid-el-Kabir, will bring about peace, unity and progress in Nigeria”

Sources close to President Tinubu informed the magazine on Tuesday that the president will, on his arrival be flown to Lagos, where he’s expected to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

“It has been a busy week for the president since he travelled to France, after which he travelled to the United Kingdom on private visist. We are expecting him today. He will surely celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir in Bourdillon,” one of his aides said.

Another source stated that “the president is planning to send his ministerial list to the Senate next week after the Muslim holiday. The president has shown that he has no time to waste in constituting his cabinet, looking at the decisions he has taken so far since he came to office last month.”

Recall that Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Special Project, had last month told the nation that President Tinubu will constitute his cabinet within a month after swearing in.

“I told you in an earlier interview that it didn’t take Asiwaju more than three weeks to form his cabinet as governor. That was as at that time. I think 60 days is even too much. A month, maximum, is enough for any serious government to form its cabinet and put a structure of government in place after the swearing-in,”Alake said.

Meanwhile, Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, took over from Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.) as the National Security Adviser, NSA, during a low key ceremony at the NSA Office in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was elevated to the position, last week, few days after he had been appointed as Special Adviser on Security by President Tinubu.

Rumble in Cross River as Otu Faces Blackmail Over Government Assets

By
The Source
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Senator Bassey Otu

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South-South Bureau Chief

A human rights activist and investigative journalist, Agba Jalingo, has alleged that the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu is facing intense blackmail from some aides of the immediate past Governor of the State, Professor Ben Ayade, over his (Otu) resolve to recover all Government vehicles allegedly still being held by the aides.

Jalingo, who is the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief of a local newspaper, CrossRiverWatch, said some of the officials of the Ayade administration who worked for the emergence of Otu have vowed to work against him at the Election Petition Tribunal and ensure he is sacked should he continue to insist that they return the vehicles.

The former aides allegedly went away with about 500 government vehicles.

Ben Ayade
Ayade: What are his former Aides up to?

In a Facebook post, Jalingo, who hails from Obudu Local Government as former Governor Ayade further revealed that most of the appointees in the former government that are being trailed by Governor Otu’s Taskforce on recovery of Government assets are very angry and have resorted to seeking the former Governor’s intervention.

Jalingo: “Let’s Pray hard for Governor Otu…If we don’t, then we may have moved from frying pan to fire.

First, the Anti-Deforestation Committee is populated by timber thieves who are emotionally blackmailing him with “na we work for your election.” And now, the vehicle recovery task force is being emasculated. Out of 500 missing vehicles, they have recovered 49. Most of the appointees in the former Government that are being trailed by the task force members are so angry and have resorted to seeking the former Governor’s intervention. And now they are again, emotionally blackmailing the new governor with his pending matter in the election petition tribunal.

It’s like, “you want to embarrass members of the last government right? Your government we worked hard to install? We will embarrass you at the tribunal and you will lose the seat.” That’s the drama playing out.   So everyone the task force tracks a vehicle to now, they make calls and the new governor is like, “please let that one be for now.”   Who wan lose governor seat?

Several vehicles have been tracked to different locations across the State and even as far as Lagos. One was even recovered in Ikoyi, Lagos and seized with the help of operatives of the DSS. But phone calls to the Governor have made nonsense of all those commendable efforts.   My people, it may well be said that the assignment of that task force may have shared premature grace, unless Governor Otu, can damn the subtle blackmails, fund the committee adequately, stop interfering to hamper their operations and give them a free hand to move on all those involved.God please, don’t let us enter another one chance.

Ondo: Akeredolu’s Deputy Schemes To Erode Legacy

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State is currently experiencing intrigues and political realignments as the State is moving nearer to another Governorship election.

The second term of incumbent Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is itching towards completion of two years.

It is the general belief that when an incumbent administration spends two to three years, the remaining period is for politicking whether it is returning to power or not. But the current power play in Ondo State is principally due to the absence of Governor Akeredolu, who is on medical leave.

He had forwarded a letter to the State House of Assembly on June 7, 2023, seeking a leave to help him attend to his health challenges. This is not the first time that Akeredolu will be going on leave and transmit power to his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, which confers power on him as the Acting Governor.

However, since he started to act as a Governor, the State has been engulfed in a series of power play, which is seen by some as an attempt by Aiyedatiwa to edge out his boss and make it difficult for him to possibly get grip of the Government on his return.

Aiyedatiwa, has been accused, among others things,  of trying to force civil servants to disclose to him some financial dealings of the Governor when he is away. A reliable government source, who spoke disclosed that the Deputy Governor has demanded unrestricted access to the State treasury.

The source alleged that aside from his regular monthly allocation, Aiyedatiwa has insisted on receiving the Governor’s allowance and other benefits associated with the office.

It was further alleged that the Deputy Governor has been interrogating government officials about the governor’s earnings and expenditures.

According to a source, “We are not concerned about the political turmoil within the Government. Our priority is ensuring due process. The Governor’s office does not directly instruct us to release funds.

“There are established procedures for financial disbursements in the government, and all approvals must go through the Ministry of Finance.

“Aside from the running grant accruing to the deputy governor’s office monthly, he has also demanded that the governor’s running grant and other emoluments attached to the Office of the Governor be handed to him as Acting Governor.

“In the past week, the Deputy Governor has summoned and threatened two of our officials. He has inquired about the Governor’s spendings and demanded to know how funds allocated to the Governor’s office are disbursed.

“He believes he is entitled to two streams of funding, insisting that the Governor’s office allocation should be included as part of his role as Acting Governor.

“During the encounters with our officials, they kindly explained that even the Governor’s office routes its approvals through the Ministry of Finance.

“However, the Deputy Governor remains obstinate, repeatedly demanding immediate funds. Despite our attempts to educate him on proper financial protocols and the responsible use of public funds, he persists.

The Acting Governor is also reported not to be interested in attending assignments within the state but prefers those ones outside to enable him collect allowances.

To all these allegations, Aiyedatiwa has remained silent, preferring to state his own side of the case to those that are very close to him insisting that he has nothing against his boss and that he has even organized a prayer meeting to seek God’s intervention in the health condition of Mr Governor.

There are also some top aides of Governor Akeredolu that did not take these buddies serious as they believe they are meant to unnecessarily heat the Polity and possibly create a gap between the ailing governor and his deputy.

One of them, a Senior Special Assistant to the governor, Doyin Odebowale, described the allegations against the Acting Governor as a ruse.

Odebowale, while hitting hard on those taking the absence of Mr Governor to disparage him and cause confusion within Government declared that “While the people of the State, from diverse socio-political backgrounds, pray, fervently, for the Governor to come back and resume, in order to continue to discharge his service to the people of the State, these meddlesome hustlers are bent on causing confusion for their benefits.

“These rootless politicians, ostensible representatives of the people without followers, believe that the best way to portray the current health challenge of the Governor is to spread falsehood against those perceived as impediments to their prebendal predilections.”

There is another Group which sees the current undercurrent war in the state as an attempt to push the acting governor aside scheme of things and has risen in his defence.

Made up mainly of people from Ondo south, where the acting governor comes from, one of them, a lawyer, Allen Sowore believed that some cabals within government are behind various plots to put the acting governor in trouble.

“This surreptitious sponsored blackmails to smear and besmirch the reputation of the Acting Governor in some sections of the media should not be allowed a breath in a sane society. Not even a state prided as the intellectual plinth of South Western Nigeria.

”Its a sharp contradiction, to accuse an Acting Governor of “undermining the authority of the governor’s office”. How can the Acting Governor undermine the authority he is exercising?

“Ridiculously, as expected though, the Cabal complained bitterly in their infamous write up about the functions of the Acting Governor.

”They don’t want the Acting Governor to feature, attend or even appear at any serious state function outside the state. They want to cage him so that he will not have national connection and recognition as the Acting Governor.

“Truly, I will not advise or counsel the Acting Governor to sack or terminate the appointment of any public office holder in the state like the then Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo did to the former Director General of State Security Service, Lawal Daura. He will be playing at the gallery.

“Appropriately, a cabinet reshuffle and rejig of the State Cabinet may be desirable to ensure the requisite unity of command in the instant circumstance.

“As critical stakeholders, we simply can not afford to look away while the state skid into full anarchy and mobocracy.”

Aiyedatiwa became Deputy to Governor Akeredolu, following resignation of the former occupant of that position, Agboola Ajayi. He resigned after relation between him and Akeredolu became that of cat and rat. One of the factors which made Aiyedatiwa towered above others that were scheming for the position was his unalloyed loyalty to Akeredolu.

What could have transpired to make him wish his boss dead? Definitely, activities of some fifth Columnists cannot be ruled out and especially build up to the next governorship election.

CNPP, CSOs Allege Plots To Hijack Planned Protest Against INEC Chairman Yakubu, Suspend Action

By
The Source
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Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Coalition Of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have said that their planned action against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to force him out of office has been suspended.

The CNPP and the CSOs had two weeks ago issued a 14-day ultimatum to Prof. Yakubu to step aside or be democratically and legally forced to do so.

In a statement jointly signed by the CNPP Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu and the National Secretary of the CSO Coalition, Alhaji Ali Abacha, they explained that the suspension followed intelligent report that certain interests have mobilised hoodlums to disrupt the groups’ protest action.

The political parties and the civil society groups said they have opted to get answers to their questions through other means.

In the statement, they explained that “there are credible intelligence that certain interests are working to hijack our initial actions against the Commission.

“Even though the plots against our action were not traced to the Commission itself, there are interests within the polity willing to cause havoc.

“It is therefore our resolve to suspend the protest action to avoid imminent bloodbath and explore other legal and democratic means to engage the electoral body.

“The CNPP and the CSOs are therefore opting for alternative means of dealing with the issues we have raised without endangering the life of any citizen”, the statement noted.

Warning: “Stay Indoors For Next Three Days Over Expected Hostile Environment Thunderstorms – NIMET Warns Nigerians

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Rain Storm

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET, has warned Nigerians to stay indoors for the next three days or more due to envisaged hostile environment and thunderstorms.

NIMET stressed that residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are best advised to adhere to this directive in their own interest.

The Agency said that there would be thunderstorms, strong winds, and these are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may collapse.

The Agency listed  States from the Northern Region of the country, the FCT, Middle Belt States and some Eastern States as target areas.

The States which are on high risk of the harsh weather conditions includes Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi States. So are parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross Rivers States.

NIMET stated that the aforementioned States have prospects of thunderstorms and it envisages sunny atmosphere Tuesday morning, with patches of clouds over the Northern region, where it says there would be thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Kaduna States later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North Central Region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue and Kwara.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains are expected over parts of Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States”.

The Agency, therefore, stated that for residents of the States mentioned, it is best for them to stay indoors as much as possible.

“Cloudy skies are expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of morning rains over parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross Rivers”,  it added, while for Wednesday, sunny skies with patches of clouds over the Northern Region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa are to be expected.

“Thunderstorms are expected over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna States during the afternoon and evening hours.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over North central region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms and intermittent rains over parts of Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kwara, Benue and Kogi state later in the day.

“Cloudy skies are also expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Lagos states.

“So the public is advised to be cautious. Stay indoors especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. The public is advised to take necessary caution. Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season”, NIMET stated.

Sokoto: MURIC Condemns Killers Of Prophet Muhammad Blasphemer

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has condemned the killing of Usman Buda, who was mobbed to death in Sokoto state by Islamic extremists.
Buda died in the hospital from the serious injuries he sustainable from the beaten he received from the extremists, according to the state police command.
Not a few Nigerians, including the governor of the state have condemned the killing, describing it as a jungle justice that must not be tolerated in a decent society.
Reacting,  MURIC chairman in the state,   Muhammad Aliyu in a statement in Lagos, urged the Muslims to stop taking the law into their hands each time there was an alleged blasphemy.
He said Islam abhors jungle justice because it leads to the killings of innocent people.
For instance, some business associates of Buda were said to have been beaten by the irate mob who inflicted first degree injuries on them while trying to save the deceased.
Citing various Verses in the Quran to support its position, MURIC said blasphemers should be handed over to law enforcement agencies, while the court must be allowed to pronounce them guilty.
 MURIC said, “The good people of Sokoto woke up and learnt about the murder of one butcher called Buda over an alleged blasphemous comment against our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“Sources revealed that some of the victim’s closest business associates at Sokoto abattoir made frantic efforts to rescue him but they equally sustained injuries and have been admitted to the hospital due to the attack.
“We assert that Islam abhors jungle justice because it will lead to taking innocent lives and destruction of the property of persons unjustly.
“Islam does not allow people to do what they like or take laws into their hands as they deem fit.
“This position can be found in many Qur’anic verses like Qur’an 4:65, 6:57, 12:40and 43:10.
“It is not in dispute that Islamic law provides a death sentence against anybody, who insults, defames or brings disrepute to the Prophet of Islam Muhammad.
“However, Islamic law does not leave the killing open in the hands of private individuals as it happened in the case of Buda.
“In fact, Islamic law stipulates that the offence of blasphemy like other offences should be established through evidence by witnesses before a court of law.
“Finally, while we condemn the murder of Buda, we also in the strongest term, urge Muslims to stop jungle justice and allow the law to take its course.”
The northern part of Nigeria is notorious for jungle justice against blasphemers.

Lagos: Gas Explosion Leaves One Dead, Four Severely Injured

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gas Explosion in Agege

By Akinwale Kasali

There was tension in Agege area of Lagos State, as a Gas Explosion from a Gas Shop left one person dead. Four persons were severely injured by the explosion.

It was gathered that the explosion was caused  by  one of the Cylinders which  had a leak.

The  Gas Shop is beside an Apostolic Church in Agege. People scampered for safety following the fire which accompanied tye explosion.

It was gathered that residents in the area were able to contain the ensuing inferno from escalating and affecting houses within the area.

Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary of the  Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said those that suffered second degree burns were taken to the hospital for treatment, while a life was lost.

He added that rescuers were able to contain the ensuing inferno from escalating to adjourning shops and nearby buildings.

Protest Rocks Kano Over Demolition

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Following the decision by the State Government to continue with demolition of illegal structures, hundreds of protesters on Monday hit Kano streets to express their displeasure with the ongoing  exercise of the State Government.

The Government has pulled down some structures, while several others have been marked for demolition.

The Government premised its action because the land upon which the affected structures were erected was “illegally” allocated by the immediate past government.

While the Government has insisted there is no going back in its resolve to “restore” the Kano Urban Development Masterplan, which includes removing structures erected on public spaces, the protesters that hit the streets early Monday demanded that the government rescind its decision.

With posters like “Gov Yusuf, your action is sending away investors,” “Don’t bring insecurity to our state, Mr Governor,” and “Let the law takes its cause” among others, the protesters after converging at the demolished Daula Hotel, proceeded to the police headquarters to register their grievances.

Immediate past Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, had threatened to slap the Governor over the demolitions.

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