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FG Slams 20 Fresh Charges On Emefiele

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Incarcerated and suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele has been slammed with a fresh 20-Count Charge by the Federal Government – meaning that freedom for him is still far.

On Tuesday, the FG  withdrew the allegations leveled against him of the illegal possession of firearms  at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Aside from that, the Federal Government concluded plans to file 20 new charges against Emefiele at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.

Mohammed Bakodo Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who approached the Federal High Court in Ikoyi with an oral application, made this known while speaking with journalists after the day’s proceedings.

He said the withdrawal followed the result of further investigations.

It would be recalled that on July 25, Emefiele was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on “illegal possession of firearms” at a federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Details Later……

Female Students Accuse Dean, Faculty Of Law, Unical  Of Harassment

By
The Source
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UNICAL Law Students Protests

By Charles Igbo

The Dean Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Professor Cyril Ndifon, is in trouble. The Professor is being accused  by his female students of, allegedly, touching them inappropriately. They say they are tired of such touches, and of forcing them to engage in a game of “it takes-two-to-tango”. They are angry, and have asked the University Management to give the Professor the boot.

Proof of their anger: In an unprecedented action, the female Law students, backed by their male colleagues, trooped out and embarked on a protest.

Carrying placards, on which were written various demands, and why they are angry, some of the inscriptions obscene, they marched to the Faculty of Law, singing angrily. They said they were tired of the demands, in kind, by the Professor, from the female Law students. They said they were tired of the exploitation of their feminity by their Dean. They also asked the Professor to stop tampering with the list of Law students. They demanded that they be saved from such untidy and inappropriate demands.

The solution, they said: remove him from office.

At the time of filing this report, there has been no reaction from the Dean, the Faculty or the University authorities.

In recent times, a few number of University Lecturers have either lost their jobs or suspended from office over untidy exploitation of female students. At least one of them, a Professor, has been jailed.

Ondo: PDP Advises APC To Stop Celebrating Inactive Decampees

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state has said the state chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) Ade Adetimehin, was in a state of hallucination when he announced that the PDP has gone into extinction in the state.

Adetimehin, during an interactive session with journalists in Akure, had declared that “Of all the political parties in Ondo State, APC is the only united party. There is no division and we are rancour free. We work together under the leadership of Governor Akeredolu.

“He is a man that believes in the supremacy of the party. He never interferes in the running of the party. He allows the party to function effectively. That is what brings unity of the party and makes us the strongest political party in the state.

“That is why many members of opposition political parties are coming to join the APC in Ondo State. Three days ago, the grassroot strength of the PDP totally collapsed into the APC. All the former Vice Chairmen and 203 former Councillors defected to the APC.

“In Idanre, Chairman of PDP Elders Forum joined the APC. The PDP has gone into extinction in Ondo. It is now my duty to manage the APC in Ondo State.”

Reacting, PDP spokesman in the state, Kennedy Peretei, stated that “Adetimehin is probably the only person who is oblivious of the fact that, Ondo State people hold his party, APC and its inhuman government responsible for their suffering and agony of the last eight years.

“Especially the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and its bitting effect on everybody. He does not realize that, even those who were tricked to vote APC in the 2023 general elections are already regretting and lamenting their miscalculation that has brought about untold hardship on them and their families.

“Such a man, if he has any sense of shame and responsibility should have been on his knees begging the people for the huge misfortune masterminded by his party.

“To now open his mouth in a most careless manner to say “PDP is now extinct” is not only laughable but mischief of the highest order.

“Majority of the 203 Councillors Adetimehin is celebrating for joining his party have not been active in the last two cycles of elections in Ondo State.

“A few of them have been in the APC since 2016. How the defection of such characters translates to PDP being extinct can only be understood by someone like Adetimehin who is presiding over a dangerously fragmented APC in the State, but deludes himself with fun-seeking decampees who tell him tales by moonlight.

“The PDP in Ondo State is unruffled by a few persons who are in a self-destruct misadventure in Adetimehin’s sinking APC ship.

“While we sympathize with such persons, it is pathetic that those who should be weeping are dancing and rejoicing. But in no distant time, reality will dawn on them that, indeed, they lived a lie all along. PDP cannot be extinct, there are no such signs. And it will never be.”

Nigeria Customs Impounds Live Cartridges As Smugglers Flee

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) has announced seizure of no fewer than 1,245 live cartridges worth N17,638,145 concealed in some bags of rice in Ogun state.

The service explained that the seizure was made at Tobolo community near Ijoun, in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Area Controller, Bamidele Makinde, disclosed this on Monday in Abeokuta during a press conference.

Makinde told newsmen that the ammunition was loaded with 203 bags of foreign rice and abandoned in a bush path at Tobolo junction, near an exit point to the neighbouring Benin Republic.

According to him, the cartridges, 70mm (2¾), were of Lion, Trust, Supreme and Redstar brands.

The customs boss noted that the ammunition was intercepted on Saturday following intelligence gathered by the command on the planned smuggling of the prohibited items into Nigeria from Benin Republic.

According to him, the Roving B Team of the command intercepted five vehicles conveying the prohibited items.

The Area Controller disclosed that the drivers who were suspected to have been hinted at the movement of the operatives, escaped through the bush path.

“During an examination of the seized vehicles and the item, about 1,245 rounds of 70mm ((2¾)) ammunition of Lion, Trust, Supreme and Redstar branded cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in 20 bags of the intercepted foreign rice.

“While considering the potential danger of ammunition of such magnitude if successfully smuggled in, we redouble our efforts to ensure they do not find their way into the country.

“It is a threat to the safety of the border communities and national security. We are committed to ensuring maximum security of our border lines with all sense of patriotism.”

He said the items have been deposited for safekeeping, pending necessary action, adding that an “investigation is ongoing to unravel the cartel responsible for the attempted smuggling of the items for arrest and prosecution.”

IGP Alkali Baba Usman Joins Senatorial Race

By
The Source
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Usman Alkali Baba and His Poster

By Gideon Njoku

The immediate past Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman has joined Politics, and is reportedly seeking an elective office.

Usman who was the 21st Indigenous Nigeran IGP, was appointed to office by the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, on  6th April, 2021. He was removed by President Bola Tinubu on 19th June, 2023, and succeeded by IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD.

It is not known when Baba joined Politics and registered as a card carrying member of the ruling Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. But he is reportedly vying to represent Yobe East Senatorial District in the expected upcoming by-election. Its incumbent Senator,  Ibrahim Gaidem, a former Governor of Yobe State has just been nominated and confirmed a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Posters, declaring Baba’s interest in the Senate, have been placed all over the Senatorial District.

Not a few people now think that he was, allegedly, a card-carrying member of the APC while in office as the IGP.

Born in 1963, Baba attended  Bayero University, Kano and the University of Maiduguri where he received his first and masters degrees, respectively.

CBN Takes More Knee-jerk Measures To Stop Naira Slide

By
James Orji
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0

The Central Bank of Nigeria has disclosed that the recent volatility experienced in the forex market is driven by speculators, vowing to take serious measures to curtail the trend.

Acting Governor of the CBN, Folasodun Sonubi, made this known after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The CBN governor said the president is seriously concerned over the volatility in the forex market, saying the bank is on top of the situation to stop the naira from further devaluation.

According to the Acting CBN Governor, Shonubi part of the measures the apex bank is taking include sanctions against commercial banks involved in the illegal sale of forex.

The CBN boss also stated that the bank is trying to improve liquidity in both the I& E and parallel market in order to stop a further freefall of the naira.

Shonubi said: “Mr President is very concerned about some of the goings on in the foreign exchange market. One of the things we discussed is what could be done to stabilise and what could be done to improve the liquidity in the market and also the goings on in the various other markets, including the parallel market.

“He’s concerned about its impact on the average person, since, unfortunately, a lot of activities that we do, which are purely local, are still referenced to exchange rates in the parallel market.

“We’ve discussed and I’ve shared with him what we’re doing to improve supply. If you look at the official market, you’ll find that that market has been fairly stable and the spreads of the difference have not fluctuated as much.

“We do not believe that the changes going on in the parallel market are driven by pure economic demand and supply, but are touched by speculative demand from people.

“Some of the plans and strategies, which I’m not at liberty to share with you, means sooner rather than later, the speculators should be careful because we believe the things we’re doing, when they come to fruition, may result in significant losses to them.

“But my presence here is more about the concerns the President has and his needs to know that we are doing something about it, assurances of which I have given him totally.

“So I hope this helps. We are looking at it and we’re doing things that will significantly impact the market in a few days time and we will all see it.

“The intention is to ensure the environment operates at a level that’s more efficient, but also that is also very reasonable and does not have a negative impact to the best that we can on the lives of the average person.

The governor of the government-controlled bank spoke amidst concerns among not a few Nigerians that CBN has lost total control of the forex market, considering how the naira has lost value in the past few weeks.

The nation’s currency started falling to the dollar not long after the CBN ordered the convergence of both the parallel and I&E markets early in June this year, as part of its forex reforms policy.

The belief then was that the measure will improve liquidity and in turn, strengthens the naira.

But that’s not to be, as the measures, according to analysts appear to have been counterproductive, considering that the value of the naira to other foreign currencies continues to slide raising further concern about future stability.

Analysts have therefore warned that the value of the naira to the dollar could rise to as much as N1000 or more in a few weeks if serious measures are not taken by the monetary policy regulator to quickly arrest the trend, adding that the current CBN approach to the problem is another knee-jack measures that have not helped in the time past.

LAHA Drills 20 Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Commissioner-Nominees

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Lagos State House of Assembly

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly Lawmakers seem  to have soft-pedalled  on its move to reject the Commissioner-Nominees list of Governor Babajide  Sanwo-Olu, as the Lawmakers have commenced the screening of the nominees.

20 out of the 39 nominees whose names were recently sent by Governor Sanwo-Olu to the House have so far been screened by a Committee of the House which began sitting on Sunday.

It is expected that all the cabinet-nominees would have been screened by Wednesday when the exercise is expected to end.

On Monday, the committee drilled Adetoke Benson- Awoyinka, immediate past Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Housing, and Bola Olumegbon Lawal, a former Executive Secretary of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Others screened were Yakoob Ekundayo Alebiosu, Idris Aregbe, Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, Dr. Oreoluwa finnih- Awokoya, Eng. Abiola Okanlawon Moshood Olowu, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, Mosopefolu George, and Eng. Aramide Adeyoye.

Earlier on Sunday, the Committee led by Hon. Mojeed Fatai, Chief Whip of the House, screened Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, Dr. Olamide Abiodun Babatunde, Lawal Pedro, and Afolabi Waheed Ayantayo, immediate past Special Adviser to the Governor on Parastatals Monitoring.

Others include Jamiu Tolani Adedeji Alli-Balogun, Olugbenga Olanrewaju Olaniyi, Ogunwuyi Rotimi Ekundayo, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju Layode, immediate past lawmaker of the State from Badagry, Adetokunbo Wahab and

Olakunle O Rotimi-Akodu.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, had recently constituted the 12-man ad-hoc Committee for the exercise.

The Committee is to make a report to the House when it reconvenes.

At the commencement of the screening, Hon. Fatai noted that the task before the Lawmakers was in line with a  provision of the 1999 Constitution.

“The House of Assembly has the mandate to screen and confirm the nominees for the position of commissioners and Special Advisers.

“Recall that on July 28, 2023, the Executive Governor of Lagos State submitted a total of 39 commissioners and Special Adviser nominees,” he said adding that the recommendation of the committee would be presented to the House.

Members of the Committee include Hon. Adedamola Kasumu, Hon. Ajomale Oladipo, Hon. Saheed Babafemi, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, and Hon. Ajani Owolabi.

The others are Hon. Sa’ad Olumo, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Hon. Adewale Temitope, Hon.Ajayi Oladele, Hon. Abdulkareem Jubril and Hon. Orekoya Abiodun.

“We Are Seeing Sunshine Now” – Ondo State First Lady On Her Husband’s Ill-Health

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi and Betty Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

An excited and relieved First Lady of Ondo State,  Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, on Monday, August 14, 2023, had some cheering news to share with Nigerians, and especially, Ondo State people on the state of health of her husband, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

From Germany where she is with her health-challenged but fast recovering husband, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu enthused quoting accomplished Musician, R. Kelly: “The storm is over now, and we are seeing sunshine.”

Her cheering news was contained in her welcome address at the BEMORE 2023 Opening ceremony which is holding from August 13-26, at Mabest Academy, Akure, Ondo State.

BEMORE is Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s pet project, founded in 2017, to, according to her, “close the widened gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Entrepreneurship (STEM+E) while creating opportunities to help them (girls) improve on their lives and make meaningful contribution to the socio-economic development of their respective communities.”

This year, however, she was not there to  physically, welcome the girls – the new entrants. She is in Germany where she is looking after her husband, Governor Akeredolu who has been on medical vacation for a couple of months.

The Governor’s ill-health, which resulted in his temporary absence from the State, has been a subject of concern to his subjects most of whom have been praying for his quick recovery and return to Akure.

On Monday, his wife told them their prayers have been answered, and that the Governor would be home soon.

In her address she enthusiastically said: “Good morning the good people of Ondo State. Warm greetings from Germany where I’m providing the much needed care and psychosocial support to our dear Arakunrin (the Governor), who is facing some health challenges. The good news is that, quoting R. Kelly, ‘the storm is over now, and we are seeing the sunshine.’ Mr Governor is coming back soon, and, as we have all prayed and wished for, All will end in praise. Once more, Guten morgen, greeting you in Germany.”

Governor Akeredolu, SAN, an accomplished lawyer, a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA,  is serving his second term in office as the Governor of Ondo State.

In his absence, his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa is acting as the Governor.

Mrs Akeredolu Opens Girls’ Youth Camp, Says Initiative Is Success Story

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
BEMORE Empowered Foundation

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State First Lady, and Founder, BEMORE Empowered Foundation, Chief (Mrs.) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has said the BEMORE initiative, her pet project, has not only covered incredible mileage in the last six years, but has also extended its frontiers and continues to break new grounds.

Mrs. Akeredolu made the remark at the official opening ceremony for the 2023 BEMORE Boot Camp, on Monday in Akure.

She pointed out that beneficiaries of the initiatives in the past have proven that it is possible to change the trajectory of life for good, and, also, move ahead to become change agents within the two weeks training in the camp.

According to her, BEMORE was conceptualized in 2017 to close the widened gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Entrepreneurship (STEM+E) by empowering young Nigerian girls in critical areas of science and technology.

The programme also creates opportunities to help them improve on their lives and make meaningful contribution to the socio-economic development of their respective communities.

While noting that the initiative yearly affords the opportunity to impact new set of sterling young Nigerian girls, Mrs. Akeredolu said in the last six eventful years, BEMORE have had five outstanding editions of boot camps, with great successes.

“We have given to the world rare gifts of female champions who are making waves as solar energy queens, ICT experts and sought-after young entrepreneurs.

“Through Bemore, we have successfully raised about three thousand girls as ‘special breed without greed’.

“We have justified our charge with the Bemore performances over the years. The strides of our ambassadors are living testimonies of what Bemore has done and what Bemore can do. Thus far, we have convincingly demonstrated the fact that educating the girl child is not a waste”

“In these last six, fulfilling years, I have taught the Bemore girls how to do it. I have given depictive examples of what it means to have the courage of one’s conviction.

“I have proven to them the wonders of imagination and the beauty of being a woman on one’s own terms; of achieving one’s hearty goals and of holding up one’s head amidst storms.”

She urged the new intakes to make the most use of the opportunity and be part of the league of problem- solvers that the world direly awaits.

The Governor’s wife also used the opportunity to appeal to Government, private sector players, critical stakeholders as well as parents to remain committed to sustaining the enviable standard that BEMORE represents to the society and continue to support it financially.

In his address, the Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while acknowledging the challenges and discrimination faced by young girls across Africa, applauded Mrs. Akeredolu for taking a bold and practical step to stern the tide.

Aiyedatiwa who also noted that BEMORE initiative has changed the narrative of girl-child across Nigeria, congratulated those who made it to the camp, saying they were indeed lucky to have a kind hearted mother who, through her ingenuity, founded the boot camp to empower 21st century Nigerian girls and womenfolk in general.

He also applauded Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for always supporting the initiative as a gender sensitive leader.

Ondo Community Kicks Against Move By Fmr Deputy Governor To Impose Monarch

By
The Source
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0
Youths of Supare Akoko - Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Youths of Supare Akoko, in akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo state have accused a former deputy governor of the state Alli Olanusi of attempting to foist over the community an unpopular candidate as monarch.

The youths, on Monday  protested the alleged removal of two names from the nine legitimate names of kingmakers expected to select the next Olusupare, in an alleged bid to ensure emergence of an unpopular candidate.

They also alleged that the removal of the names was a ploy by some mischief makers within the state government to manipulate the process of choosing the next preferred candidate as the monarch of Supare-Akoko.

The youths, who stormed the major streets at Supare-akoko with various placards, defied the early morning rain to stage the peaceful protest against what they described as imposition of Traditional ruler on the town without following the due process as laid down by their Tradition.

The former Olusupare of Supare Akoko, Oba Kasali Adejoro Adedeji, had joined his ancestors last year. Oba Adedeji, who ascended the throne of his forefathers in 1994, died at the age of 77.

According to the youths, those two kingmakers whose name were removed are perceived to be against the imposition plot.

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