Why We Closed Akorede Market In Ijesha – LASG

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April 4, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has denouncef a viral video by traders of Akorede Market to the effect that the market was unjustly locked up by the Chairman, Oshodi-Idoko Local Council Development Area, Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede.

A viral video recorded by one of the traders stated that, “The Market was locked up for no reason and on enquiry, they were informed that it was the Local Government Chairman that ordered for it to be locked.

“It is generally believed that this is a fallout of the just concluded Presidential and Governorship Election in the State, where some section of the country residing in Lagos were been ordered to leave Lagos or be frustrated out. Please, we want the authorities concerned to find out from the Local Government Chairman his reasons for locking traders out of market”, a Man who spoke in the video inquired.

But, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on New Media, Jubril Gawat, disclosed that the Market was locked due to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

It added that traders in the market usually engage Cart Pushers for the disposal of waste instead of using the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA.

Speaking further, Gawat said that the traders abused Council Staff by stopping them from performing their legitimate duties in the market.

Though Gawat revealed that the Market has been reopened following series of appeals from stakeholders with the Market Management promising to take the LASG directives as regards the waste disposal and other things.

Lagos Guber: If You Have Evidence Of Violence Against MC Oluomo, Go To Court – Police

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The Source

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April 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Weeks after the Governorship Election in Lagos State, and following calls for the arrest of Musiliu Akinsaya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, Chairman of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Association over alleged threat and assault against electorates of other ethnic Group who did not vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Police has asked anybody with evidence against him to go to Court.

The Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in reaction said. “Anyone with evidence against MC Oluomo should file a case against him and sue him”, he said.

Adejobi said this in a tweet in response to a Twitter user on Tuesday morning.

The tweep, AjammaS, claimed Adejobi and the police failed to protect voters during the election after he asked people to take MC Oluomo’s remark about Igbo in a viral video as a joke and assured them of safety during the election.

AjammaS wrote, “Sir, you are also guilty, if I may say. This is what you said in the TV interview, and I quote. ‘MC Oluomo threat is a joke, let’s take it as a joke until he perfected [sic] the threat. I urge everyone to go out and cast their votes.”

“Now Nigerians heeded to your calls and went out to cast their votes and unfortunately you failed to protect them as you promised. They were attacked by MC Oluomo and his boys, some were murdered, brutalised, blinded, some are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals.”

Adejobi responded by asking the tweep to file an attack case against Oluomo if he had evidence of attacks against him, adding that Oluomo lacks immunity.

He said, “You can take the case of attack up with MC if you have a case or evidence of attacks against him. Many people and lawyers, even the deputy gov of Lagos, have said it severally. He has no immunity, so if you have a case of attack against him, take it up.”

When the video of his threat (MC Oluomo) went viral, the Police FPRO had described the threat by MC Oluomo against Igbo as a joke.

Reacting to the video on Channels TV, Adejobi said, “I saw a video of MC Oluomo with one Mama Chidinma – an Igbo woman – debunking that threat; that it’s not true, it’s just a joke he was making with a particular woman. So, let us take it as a joke, like he said.

“But, nobody has the right and audacity to tell Nigerians not to come out and vote; it’s not allowed and not proper. MC Oluomo has come out to debunk it, so let’s leave it that it’s not true. The Commissioner of Police in Lagos has debunked it and MC Oluomo himself has done the same, so Lagosians should go out and vote for the candidate of their choice.”

Treasonable Allegation Against Me Malicious – Peter Obi

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Ayodele Oni

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April 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Presidential Candidate of Labour Party,(LP) in the February 25 poll, Mr Peter Obi, has reacted to treasonable allegation against him by the federal government, describing it as malicious.

Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who is currently in the United States, had accused the LP candidate of instigating some actions, after his defeat at the presidential election, to be tantamount to treasonable offence.

But Obi, in a statement maintained that apart from the Minister’s remarks being malicious, are aldo fictitious.

In the statement, Obi protested against series of calumnious campaigns mounted against him by the Minister who is the United States meeting with the Western media.

“In the past few days, I have observed various campaigns of calumny directed at my person, with the latest being allegations attributed to the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed from Washington DC.

“It is most unfortunate that these consistent efforts to portray me quite contrary to what I am, and my core values, is coming from such high quarters.

“Minister Lai accusing me of stoking insurrection is totally malicious and fictitious.

“I have never discussed or encouraged anyone to undermine the Nigerian state; I have never sponsored or preached any action against the Nigerian state.

“Those initiating these actions have increasingly used their official positions and agents to make false allegations against me.

“I am on record as always, advocating for peace and issue-based campaign and never campaigned based on ethnicity or religion. I am committed to due process, and presently seeking redress in the Court.

“I urge those engaged in this de marketing process to stop presenting Nigeria in such bad light.

“Our future generations deserve a new Nigeria, where they can live a secure and decent life like their counterparts in other climes. It is possible. -PO”

Obi Reacts To Treason Allegations, Says Demarketing Process Not Good For Nigeria

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The Source

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April 4, 2023

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has reacted to the various campaigns of calumny directed at him by some government and political party spokespersons and warned that they should stop their de-marketing process that is presenting Nigeria in a very bad light.

Obi said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that “In the past few days, I’ve observed various campaigns of calumny directed at my person, the latest being allegations attributed to Information Minister Lai Mohammed from Washington DC

The Labour Party standard bearer said “It is most unfortunate that these consistent efforts to portray me quite contrary to what I am and my core values, is coming from such high quarters. Minister Lai accusing me of stoking insurrection is malicious and fictitious.

“I have never discussed or encouraged anyone to undermine the Nigerian state; I’ve never sponsored or preached any action against the Nigerian state. Those initiating these actions have increasingly used their official positions and agents to make false allegations against me. I’m on record as always advocating peace and issue-based campaign and not campaigning based on ethnicity or religion.

“ I’m committed to due process and am presently seeking redress in Court. I urge those engaged in this demarketing process to stop presenting Nigeria in a such bad light. Our future generations deserve a new Nigeria where they can live a secure and decent life like their counterparts in other climes. It is possible”

Fear As Lone Gunman Shot Dead UNIBEN Final Year Student

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Ayodele Oni

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April 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Fear and apprehension have gripped students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) over the gruesome murder of a final year male undergraduate student.

The deceased, who is popularly called Mayor was reportedly shot dead on Monday, evening by an unknown gunman right inside his room at one of the halls of residence.

Reason for the killing is not yet known but a source said it may not be unconnected with reprisal killings by rival deadly secret cultists, fighting for supremacy and other sundry issues.

It was gathered that there was commotion as panicking students jumped out of their beds and ran for their lives when the lone gunman opened fire.

UNIBEN Public Relations Officer, Dr. Daisy Ehanire, in a statement on Tuesday, commiserated with family and colleagues of the deceased and condemned the brutal killing of Mayor.

Ehanire pleaded with other students to be calm as the police and other security agencies are working hard to fish out and arrest the suspected runaway killer.

The University spokesperson disclosed that the authorities are also working closely with the internal security units in ensuring that such dastardly incident does not occur again within the school’s premises.

Transcorp Hotels Plc Delivers Record Performance, Increases Profit by 172%, Revenue up by 47% to N31.4bn

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The Source

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April 4, 2023

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Shareholders Approve N1.3bn dividend
Shareholders Commend Flurry of Awards in 2022, with 16 Across all Businesses
Maintain its leadership position in the hospitality industry

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transcorp Group has reported a profit before tax (PBT) of N4.5 billion, representing a 172 percent rise year-on-year, compared to a Profit Before Tax of N1.7 billion in 2021. The Company also reported a 47 percent growth in revenue to N31.4 billion in 2022.

The leading hospitality brand made this known at its 9th Annual General Meeting held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Monday.

Commenting on the results, Dupe Olusola, Managing Director/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc said, “We are excited to have delivered another exceptional year of revenue growth with a 47% increase to ₦32 billion in 2022 from the ₦21.7 billion recorded in 2021. The full-fledged return of our International Business Travel segment and the continued strong leisure demand contributed immensely to this performance”.

“The excellent financial performance we achieved in 2022, despite adverse economic conditions, is as a result of the detailed execution of our strategy, our out of the box approach, our nimbleness and unswerving commitment to delivering value to all our stakeholders.”

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Emmanuel Nnorom announced a total dividend payment of N1.33 billion at 13 kobo per share, stating that the Company closed the 2022 financial year strongly.

“Our continued focus on strategic financial management remained beneficial, as we exercised firm discipline in capital allocation, making swift investment decisions and capturing all economic upsides, “Nnorom added.

He stated that the company would continue to drive key investments in innovation and cost efficiency, “including hospitality tech to improve our competitive advantage in the industry through sustainable and cost-effective strategies”.

“In staying true to our key strategic thrust of sweating our existing assets to support business expansion, we will continue to deepen our market share, while maintaining the highest service standards in line with our mission,” the Transcorp Hotels Chairman said.

The Shareholders at the meeting commended the management of Transcorp Hotels Plc for the superlative performance recorded in 2022, while also appreciating the myriad of awards in 2022 as testament to its leadership and quality of its offerings as the leading Africa’s hospitality provider.

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX)-listed hospitality brand has continued to reinforce its position as a leader in the industry, winning 16 awards in 2022, including five World Travel Awards won by Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the most Outstanding hospitality brand of the year won by Transcorp Hotels Plc. The Company has continued to strengthen its business and invest for the future through strategic expansion. It is developing a world-class event center at the Transcorp Hilton premises in Abuja. Another development, Transcorp Hilton Ikoyi, is expected to commence in Lagos soon. The company has continued to expand in Nigeria through its online booking platform Aura by Transcorp Hotels, with over 5,000 keys now in Transcorp Hotels’ portfolio, both in ownership and management.

Transcorp Hotels Plc. is one of Africa’s leading hospitality companies, committed to redefining hospitality standards. Transcorp Hotels is the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp). The Company’s hotels include the award-winning Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Transcorp Hotels Calabar. It also owns Aura, an online platform for booking accommodation, food and memorable lifestyle experiences.

Find more at www.transcorphotels.com

FG Warns Obi, Baba-Ahmed Against Treason

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James Orji

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April 4, 2023

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Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has been warned sternly by the federal government to stop inciting Nigerian to violence.

The federal government also issued the same warning to the Vice presidential candidate of the party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, for allegedly inciting their followers to reject the result of the February 25 presidential election.

Baba-Ahmed has been roundly condemned by not a few Nigerians after he charged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN to ensure that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the winner of the election is not sworn in as the next president.

The incumbent steps down on May 29, and Tinubu is expected to succeed him as president and commander in chief.

But the LP Vice Presidential candidate said the former Lagos governor has failed to meet the constitutional requirement to be sworn in as president.

According to him, “Section 134 stipulates who should be declared and issued a certificate of return. It is only that candidate that has scored the highest number of votes and at least 25 percent each in at least two-thirds of the states of the federation and the FCT.

“Now, it is very clear that Tinubu does not have 25 percent in the FCT, we denied him. We got 61 percent. Atiku does not have 25 percent in the FCT. We denied both of them.

“By clear and unambiguous provisions of the Nigerian constitution, which must not be breached, Tinubu has not satisfied the requirement to be declared President-elect. Accordingly, there is no President-elect for Nigeria now. Because the declared one violates the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I know what I’m saying.

“Swearing in a ticket that has not met the constitutional requirement is ending democracy. That is indeed the correct interpretation. You cannot swear in people who have not met the constitutional requirement. if you do it, you have done something unlawful and unconstitutional.

“Mr President, do not hold that inauguration. CJN, your lordship, do not participate in unconstitutionality. It is extreme and I’m saying it. It was more extreme for Yakubu to issue that certificate. It was reckless.”

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, the News Agency of Nigeria, NANAs said issued the warning in Washington DC during his official engagements with international media organisations.

Mohammed said it is wrong for the duo to be trying to hold the nation to ransom because they failed to win the election.

He said Obi and Datti-Ahmed have so far not behaved as true democrats in the manner they are going about their grievances.

The minister said, “Obi and his Vice, Datti Ahmed, cannot be threatening Nigerians that if the President-elect, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is sworn in on May 29, it will be the end of democracy in Nigeria.

“This is treason. You cannot be inviting insurrection, and this is what they are doing.

“Obi’s statement is that of a desperate person, he is not the democrat that he claimed to be. A democrat should not believe in democracy only when he wins the election.”

NIMASA: Ex-DG Forfeits N725m, Multi-Million Naira Properties To FG

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James Orji

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April 4, 2023

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Patrick Akpobolokemi, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has forfeited choice properties belonging to him in Banana Island and Ikoyi to the federal government.

The former NIMASA boss also forfeited over N725 million to the government, being proceeds allegedly diverted from the agency.

The order for the forfeiture was given on Monday by a federal high court in Lagos which said the Akpobolokemi illegally diverted the funds used in acquiring the said properties from the top maritime agency while he presided over its affairs.

According to Justice Tijjani Ringim who gave the ruling, in a matter brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the affected properties include Plot J 37A 218 Close, 2nd Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos,

The judge granted the order following a motion ex parte filed and argued by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission counsel, Bilkisu Buhari.

“I have listened to the submission of counsel and perused the affidavit in support of the application together with exhibits.

“I find merit in this statutory application and same is granted as prayed,” the judge said after the anti-graft agency has successfully argued the case.

The EFCC however urged anyone with genuine reasons on why the properties should not be forfeited to show cause within 14 days after which they automatically become that of the federal government.

Akpobolokemi has been in and out of court on alleged embezzlement and corruption following the termination of his appointment in July 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Uzodimma Commiserates With Kalu Over Wife’s Death

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The Source

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April 4, 2023

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The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has commiserated with the former Governor of Abia State and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, over the sudden death of his dear wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Ifeoma Ada Kalu, describing the loss as huge.

Mrs, Kalu, according to her husband, died in the United States of America.

In a statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Senator Uzodinma received the news of Mrs Kalu’s passing at 61 with deep shock and sadness, regretting that the family, friends, Abia State and the society at large have lost a warm, kind-hearted, God- loving and God-fearing woman and mother.

The Governor recalled that as First Lady of Abia State, the deceased did a lot in the service of the downtrodden, the women, the children, the physically-challenged and generally, humanity and God.

The Governor, therefore, urged Senator Kalu and his family to be consoled by the fact that the deceased positively impacted the society while alive and that her good works will forever speak for her.

On behalf of his family, the Government and people of Imo State, Governor Uzodinma prayed for God’s grace of fortitude upon the Kalus and upon all those the deceased has left behind to mourn her passing, to bear the huge loss.

More importantly, Governor Uzodinma advised them to continue to pray for the repose of her soul, with the assurance that she is already resting peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.

Controversial Singer, Portable Sentenced To Imprisonment, Granted Bail

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 3, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail, but has been sentenced to 72 hours imprisonment at the Illaro Correctional Center, Illaro, Ogun State by Chief Magistrate, Aina Soneye.

The Chief Magistrate had ordered that Portable should be remanded at Illaro Correctional Center for three Days pending when he will perfect his bail release condition.

The bail condition is for him to pay the Sum of N300,000 with Sureties in like sum.

He is facing charges bothering on assault, stealing and resisting arrest filed against him by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba.

The case which was adjourned till 26th April, 2023 for commencement of trial admitted defendant to bail.