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Blame Gov Obaseki For Deplorable Federal Roads In Edo State – APC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Obaseki inside Flood

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), has mocked Governor Godwin Obaseki on State of federal roads, saying the Governor should be held responsible.

The party gave assurances on the readiness of the APC -led federal government to begin restorative work aimed at addressing the worsening situation of federal roads in the state.

Some of the affected roads include  Benin- Auchi, Benin – Sapele road as well as the Benin- Asaba road which are all in very terrible conditions.

Governor Obaseki had placed the blame squarely on the federal government, insisting that even when his administration sought for approval to rehabilitate some of the deplorable federal roads in the state, the Federal Government refused.

Edo State chapter chairman of the party, Col David Imuse (retd), in a statement in Benin city accused Gov Obaseki of gross misapplication of the state resources as well as the failure to think outside the box.

In addition, the chairman described the governor’s accusation as an exaggerated fiction to “score cheap political points” and to deflect away from the failures of his administration.

Assuring citizens of Edo State of the seriousness of the APC-led federal government in tackling the infrastructure gaps facing the state, Col. Imuse enjoined them to resist the “propaganda and the game of deceit” employed by the Obaseki’s administration.

“We understand the pains and the frustrations our citizens face daily as they commute on these roads and I will want to assure them that a lasting solution is in the horizon.

“The roads got worst because the state governor is not proactive. While his colleagues who repaired the bad federal roads in their domain were later reimbursed, Gov Obaseki sat back and did nothing until the roads deteriorated and became completely impassable.

“The Federal Government has prioritized the federal roads in Edo State and very soon repair works will commence on them.”

Col. Imuse also accused the state government of profligacy and challenged it to account for the billions of naira it has received from the federal government between 2016 and last year.

Citing some instances, he asked to know what the state government did with the N16bn refund it received from the federal government for the amount spent on the repair of federal roads by his predecessor.

He also cited the over N21bn derivation windfall as an oil bearing state, adding that at the end of the day, Gov Obaseki displayed complete ineptitude in the management of these huge windfalls.

FIFA Women World Cup: Gallant Super Falcons Defeat Host, Australia To Go Top Log

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Falcons

By Akinwale Kasali

Against all odds, the Super Falcons made a big statement at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia by defeating the Matildas of Australia 3-2.

The Australians came into the match with the motive of leveraging on their opening match win against debutants, Republic of Ireland who it defeated 1-0, with the hope of beating Nigeria and qualifying for the Round of 16, but the Nigerian Ladies proved their mettle as the continent’s best.

As expected, the Australian dominated the first half, creating most of the chances and could have recorded the first goal but were denied on two occasions by Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Matildas however got the opening goal in first half added time courtesy of Emily Van Egmond who capitalized on a poor clearance from Nnadozie to score the opener.

The Super Falcons didn’t allow the goal to destabilize them as they pushed forward and got the deserved equalizer deep into the added time of the first half courtesy of Uchenna Kanu.

On resumption of the second half, the Australians continued their dominance, forcing the Super Falcons to remain at the back foot, defending and curtailing the Australians.

A double change from Coach Randy Waldrum, introducing five-time Women Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo gave the Super Falcons attack a bite.

This  resulted in the Nigerian side getting its second goal from a Corner Kick with Osinachi Ohale getting the desired goal following a rebound shot from Rasheedat Ajibade.

Oshoala added the third goal for the Super Falcons after a defensive mix up from the Australian to set a record as the first Nigerian and African to score in three Successive World Cup.

The Australian added a late consolation goal through Alanna Kennedy to put the game at 3-2.

Coach Waldrum started the game with Nnadozie in goal, he however maintained the starting Four defenders against Canada; Blessing Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie.

Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde returned from suspension to retain their position in the midfield, while Uchenna Lanu got her first start, with Toni Payne completing the midfielders.

Ifeoma Onumonu led the attack, but was unable to more services from the midfield.

With the victory, Nigeria goes top of the Group with four Points alongside Canada which also has four points with same goal difference, but Nigeria scored more goals than the Olympic Champion.

Australia has Three Points while Republic of Ireland has no point.

The Australians need a win against Canada in their last Group match, anything short of that means that the Australians will be hoping that Ireland defeat Nigeria with at least a two-goal margin.

For Nigeria and Canada, a draw will see both teams qualify for the knockout phase.

Nigeria will face Republic of Ireland on July 31st, while the Canadians will play host, Australia simultaneously.

Senate Unveils First Batch Of Ministerial Nominees, Wike, Alake Make List

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dele Alake and Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

In an attempt to beat the deadline of 60 days, President Bola Tinubu has sent the first list of 29 minister-nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

This puts to an end several lists that have been circulating in the media, tension and anxiety on the sensitive issue.

The list forms the first batch of the nominees to be released in a later day.

Those in the first list were unveiled by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio in Senate plenary on Thursday. They are as follows:

– Abubakar Momoh

– Ambassador Yusuf Miatama Tukur CON

– Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa

– Barr. Hannatu Musawa

– Chief Uche Nnaji

– Dr. Berta Edu

– Dr. Dorris Aniche Uzoka

– H.E. David Umahi

– H.E. Nyesom Wike

– H.E. Badaru Abubakar CON

– H.E. Nasiru Ahmed Elrufai

– Rt. Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo

– Hon. Nkiru Onyeojiocha

– Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo

– Hon. Stella Okotette

– Hon. Uju Kennedy Ohaneye

– Mr. Bello Muhammad G.

– Mr. Dele Alake

– Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN

– Mr. Muhammad Idris

– Mr. Olawale Edun

– Mr. Waheed Adebayo Adelabu

– Mrs Iman Suleiman Ibrahim

– Professor Ali Pate

– Professor Joseph

– Senator Abubakar Kyari

– Senator John Eno

– Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi

Court Rejects Request Seeking Emefiele’s Continued Stay In DSS Custody

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Embattled suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele on Thursday, July 27, 2023, got a relief when a Federal Capital Territory, High Court, rejected the request by the Department of State Services, DSS, to keep him in custody for a further 14 days.

The Honourable Justice  Hamza Muazu dismissed the request filed by DSS which came before him.

The DSS had based its application on an alleged new evidence it  discovered.

The application which was filed by the Service’s legal team on Wednesday came before the vacation Judge.

But Justice Muazu dismissed the application, citing it as an abuse of court process and identified  lack of jurisdiction.

Upon questioning by the Judge about the Court ’s jurisdiction, given the exclusive rights of the Magistrate Court to grant detention orders under Sections 293 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the DSS’s Counsel, Mr. Victor Ejelonu, opted to withdraw the matter.

The application came in the wake of Mr. Emefiele’s re-arrest by the DSS from the Federal High Court premises in Lagos, following an order for  his remand at a Correctional Centre while awaiting the fulfilment of his bail conditions granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo.

Adamawa: Assembly Identifies 19 Illegal Colleges Of Health Science, Sets Up Committee To Probe Operations

By
Ayodele Oni
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Adamawa State house of Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

THE Adamawa State House of Assembly has expressed dismay over existence of too many colleges of health science in the state which did not get official approval.

It was observed that some of them operate in primary school buildings and produce half baked health officials running health centres in the state.

The assembly has therefore set in motion machinery to probe the alleged establishment of 19 colleges of health without due process across the state.

The Assembly launched an investigation into the operations of the said colleges, mandating that its Committee on Health and that on Education jointly investigate the operation of the institutions.

The committees were directed to investigate the minimum standard of operation, the courses being offered, and whether or not they secured approval or a licence from relevant authorities to operate.

The committees were given two weeks to complete their investigation and hand in a report.

The resolution to probe the colleges emanated from a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Mubi South Constituency, Yohanna Jauro, who raised the issue of the proliferation of colleges of health owned by individuals who, according to him, use public structures to train their students.

“The colleges do not have facilities; hence, the decision of most of them to use primary schools for training, alleging that most of them do not have operational certification nor the required facilities and manpower to operate.

“It was uncovered during a workshop recently that several women die during childbirth in the state due to quackery or lack of professional qualification of personnel.’

He prayed the assembly to treat the matter with urgency as any matter of public health should not be taken lightly.

Agreeing with him, the member representing Toungo Constituency, Kefas Calvin, said the matter has a direct bearing on the lives of the public, hence the need to handle it with all seriousness.

On his part, the member representing Nasarawo Binyeri Constituency, Babangida Njidda, said that half-baked or poorly trained personnel expose patients to danger.

Tinubu Keeps Wike’s Ministerial Hope Alive

By
James Orji
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Former Governor Nyesom Wike hope to become a minister in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not yet lost, the magazine has learned.

An ally of the president, the immediate past Governor of Rivers state, though a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, worked for Tinubu’s emergence as president during the presidential election, and sources said he has been promised a ministerial position as a reward.

But a recent report claimed that the president has dumped the former governor after he allegedly failed to be cleared by the Department of State Services, DSS.

The secret police, the report claimed last week, cited security issues as one of the reasons for its failure to clear Wike after investigating the ministerial nominees list sent to it by the president.

To add flesh to the report, the online newspaper claimed that the former governor verbally attacked President Tinubu after they met in Aso Rock, where he was informer that the DSS rejected him as part of the 36 nominees sent to the Senate for approval.

But the magazine learned that Wike is among the former governor names sent to the Senate on Wednesday for screening.

Apart from Wike, others in the list include former Governors Nasir El Rufai, Ben Ayade, Gboyega Oyetola, amongst others.

On Tuesday, Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader told journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital that the list will be made public today.

Recall that some governors of the PDP, later known as G5 had worked against their party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar during the February 25 presidential election, an action many claimed lead to the emergence of Tinubu as president and Commander-in-Chief.

Face off: FG Warns NLC, TUC As Nigerians Countdown To August 2 Strike

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Tinubu and Joe Ajaero

The federal government has warned the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC against it proposed strike next week, saying do so will be in a violation of a court order.

The Tinubu administration has therefore urged the NLC to reconsider its position to avoid severe consequences.

The warning was issued on Wednesday by Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, who cited a June 5 order by the National Industrial Court, NIC, stopping the union from proceeding on strike due to the last month removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.

 

Joe Ajaero, NLC President had on Tuesday issued a strike notice to its members across the country over the removal of petrol subsidy, and its consequential effects on the economy, including this week’s increase in school fees.

NLC said its member will proceed on strike on August 2, saying the recent austerity measures have taken away the peace of many Nigerians.

The NLC President spoke alongside the President of Trade Union Congress, Festus Usifo on Wednesday after a meeting with some federal government officials in Abuja. TUC has also issued a strike notice, except the federal government fulfil its promise of providing palliatives for Nigerians before the middle of next month.

The government has urged Labour to obey the NIC order restraining them from going on strike, noting that issues raised by the unions are already before the court.

Jedy-Agba cited SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR which is currently pending before the National Industrial Court.
She said the union must desist from casting invective on the federal government and the judicial system, urging the NLC to allow reason to prevail in the interest of Nigerians.

 

According to the statement: “His Lordship, J Anuwe, had on June 5, 2023 granted an injunctive order restraining NLC and Trade Union Congress from embarking on the planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending Motion on Notice.

 

“The motion on notice is also praying for an order of interlocutory injunction for parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the dispute or issues submitted to the court and the said Motion on Notice is still pending.

“The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN.

 

“It is, therefore, our minimum expectation that NLC will allow the courts perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court”.

 

“Indeed, the avowed penchant of the leadership of the union for casting aspersions on the Judiciary is quite worrisome and concerning.

 

“Aside the above legal inhibition against any strike action of any nature, we also note that both the Federal and State Governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price.

 

“It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action.

 

“We, therefore, urge NLC to allow good reason to prevail by adhering to the time-tested principles of lis pendis and rule of law to avert adverse consequences.”

 

Recall that on June 5, the NIC, sitting in Abuja restrained the NLC, and TUC, from embarking on strike in protestor removal of fuel subsidy.

On Wednesday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Abbas Yusuf pleaded with Labour to give the federal government more time to adress its demands, saying the Tinubu  administration needs more time because it came to office  barely two months ago. 

Abass made the comment after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa yesterday.  

 

Emefiele: DSS Has Robust Relationship With Other Security Agencies; Respects Judiciary

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Department of State Services, DSS, says it regretted the clash between its men and some officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service on Tuesday during the arraignment of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Govrnor Godwin Emefiele.


The DSS officials had clashed with officials of the NCC in a bid to re-arrest the embattled CBN governor after he was admitted to a N20 million bail by a feral high court presided over by Justice Nicholas Weibo in Lagos on July 25.


Emefiele has since been taken to the DSS custody in what is considered a violation of the court order, an act that has been trenchantly condemned by many Nigerians who called on the secret police to respect the court ruling..


The embattled apex bank govrnor is facing charges bordering on “illegal possession of firearms”

For instance, the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA has called for a thorough investigation of the incident, describing the DSS act as a disrespect to the rule of law.


In its response to the backlash, the DSS said the scuffle between the two security agencies is unfortunate and could have been avoided. The act of the DSS officials does not reflect the professional disposition of the Service, Peter Afunanya, the spokesman of the DSS said in a statement.


The statement further stated that the DSS has a robust relationship with other security agencies in the country contrary to suggestions in some quarters, noting also that it respects the nation’s judiciary and will not do anything to undermine the judicial system in the country.

Describing the behavior of the DSS men as undue overzelousness, the agency said it has launched investigation into the matter.
The investigation, the DSS said, “is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward,” Afunanya said..

“For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary.

“The service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership. In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and a high sense of discipline.

“The service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate.”

Meanwhile the magazine learned that the the Director General, Yusuf Bichi is very angry over the incident and has told the DSS officials involved in the scuffle that they will be punished if they are found watching aftr the investigation is concluded.

Lukman ToTinubu: “Retract From Unjust And Illegal Acts”; Resigns From National Office; Thanks El-Rufai

By
The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

The crisis rocking the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, which resulted in the forceful resignation of the National Chairman and National Secretary, Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore, respectively, has continued to escalate.

On Wednesday, the usually blunt National Deputy Chairman, North-West, Salihu Lukman, resigned.

In his resignation letter addressed to the Acting National Chairman, Senator Abba Kyari, Lukman said he could no longer cope with what is going on in the Party, orchestrated by some people, including President Bola Tinubu, who is the Leader of the Party.

He said: “Rather than remaining in the leadership of the Party and become a source of distraction for Leaders, and especially, for the young Government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  it is better to excuse myself and take time off from Politics.”

Lukman, however, said he would retain his membership of the Party, “in the hope that our leaders, especially, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will retract from acts that will be unjust and illegal, which is crucial to any claim of being democratic or progressive whether as politicians or as patriotic Nigerians.

The full text of Lukman’s resignation letter reads:

“I hereby, kindly, resign my position as National Vice Chairman, North-West, of our great party, All Progressives Congress, APC. My resignation is with immediate effect, which become necessary given my conviction that the atmosphere in the Party is completely at variance with the founding vision of forming a progressive party.

“Rather than remaining in the leadership of the Party and become a source of distraction for leaders and especially, for the young Government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is better to excuse myself, and take time off from politics.

“I will, however, retain my membership of the party in the hope that our leaders, especially, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will retract from acts that will be unjust and illegal which is crucial to any claim of being democratic or progressive, whether as politicians or as patriotic Nigerians.

“I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to our leaders in Kaduna, especially, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, for finding me worthy of nomination to serve at the highest level of the Party’s leadership. I do hope all our leaders will appreciate that I am left with no option in the circumstance.

“I wish the Party and all our leaders, especially, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all the best, and will continue to give my modest support towards the success of the Party from the background.”

Lukman was in the forefront of those who put pressure on Senators Adamu and Omisore to resign as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. He accused Adamu, in particular, of incompetence and alleged corruption.

A few days ago, he had, in a statement, disagreed with President Tinubu, in his alleged choice of the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, as the replacement  for Adamu. Lukman described it as a disruption of the zoning arrangement in the APC, and dismissed such choice as unfair and unjust to the North-Central.

The speculation is still very strong that Ganduje is Tinubu’s choice for the office of the APC National Chairman. Many believe that choice is the main reason for the resignation of Lukman as a National Officer.

Traders In Enugu Clash Over Govt’s Order To Stop Sit-At-Home; Ask Gov To Bring Original NYSC Discharge Certificate

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Traders In Enugu Clash

By Ayodele Oni

Following a bloody protest at the Ogbete popular market in Enugu on Wednesday, the State Government has commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the violent protest.

The protest enveloped the Market in the State capital and led to the death of unspecified number of persons, while several others sustained various degree of injuries.

The State Government, in a statement, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, expressed grave concern over the incident, and appealed to the people and residents of Enugu to remain calm, and go about their lawful businesses.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Enugu State Command, Ahmed Ammani, has also ordered full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s violent protest at Ogbete Main Market.

The Command in a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), said that the number of people either killed or wounded during the violent protest would be made public as soon as possible.

According to the Enugu State Government, the crisis started when traders whose shops were sealed on the orders of the Government for non-compliance with the order banning Monday sit-at-home, resorted to reopening their shops without following the rules and procedure enunciated by the Government.

The Governor similarly ordered Civil and Public Servants in the State to report for work on Mondays, just as he instructed relevant Government Agencies to seal business premises and shops which owners failed to open on Mondays.

The statement by the State Government reads: “The Enugu State Government received with grave concern the ugly incident at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, today.

“Information available to Government shows that traders whose shops were sealed for non-compliance with Government’s order banning Monday sit-at-home, defied the instruction on how the shops should be re-opened and resorted to self-help by removing the seals.

“This led to internal squabbles between the market leadership and some of the affected traders.

“The ensuing confrontation resulted in a protest, which was infiltrated and hijacked by dangerously armed hoodlums and miscreants, who broke shops and looted traders’ wares.

“Attempt by security operatives to restore order and prevent further looting was violently resisted by the imported and armed hoodlums. Government is receiving further briefings on the development.

“In the meantime, investigation to unravel the circumstance surrounding the incident, including the reports of casualty, is already ongoing.

“Government calls on the people and residents of Enugu to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses, as adequate security measures are in place to secure lives and property in the State.

The Police statement reads “Normalcy has been restored at Ogbete Market Enugu and its surroundings, following the report of protest by some traders over the sealing of their shops by the State Government and their attempt to force others, whose shops were not sealed, to close theirs and the entire market closed. The initially peaceful protest was hijacked and made to become violent.

“Traders in the market and citizens alike have been pleaded with to remain law-abiding, peaceful and cooperative, while using approved channels to express their grievances.

“Full-scale investigation has been initiated on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, while further development, especially as it concerns reports of casualties being circulated, will be communicated as soon as possible.”

The traders whose shops – over 100 – were locked by the Government for not opening their shops, while protesting, asked the Governor what business of his it was whether they open their shops or not.

“Will you force us to go to the market? Is it your business. Leave us alone and go and produce your original NYSC Certificate.”

Those who countered them were, however, happy over the Governor’s determination to stop the evil that is the sit-at-home order.

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