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First Bank, Polaris Bank Deny Negative Reports

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Contrary to reports, Polaris Bank said there is no plan by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to sell the bridge bank to a private individual.

The Innocent C. Ike-led commercial bank, has therefore urge its teeming customers and general public to discountenance the report and continue to trust the management in its quest to fully turn the bank around.

The bank said in a statement on Friday that it has improved its balance sheet, stabilized and now profit focused. There’s no need to worry, the bank assured its stakeholders.

When it’s time for the bank to be retuned to private ownership, Polaris Bank said, such will be done with regulatory backing.

The statement said, “Our attention has been drawn to an online report on the purported sale of Polaris Bank Limited. This publication is speculative, deliberately intended to create panic and should be disregarded by the banking public.

“Stakeholders may recall the regulatory intervention in the erstwhile Skye Bank by the CBN and the subsequent injection of capital via the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) through a bridge bank process, which birthed Polaris Bank in 2018. The Bank has since stabilized its operations following the intervention; improving its balance sheet, customer base and profitability.

“Whilst the intention has always been to return the Bank to private ownership, such a sale would occur following regulatory approvals with formal notification to all relevant stakeholders. The Bank is committed to ensuring timely communication to the public in such an event.

“The Board and Management hereby reassure its customers, staff and the general public that Polaris Bank remains a stable, strong and credible financial institution, positioned to deliver sustainable value to all its stakeholders.”

Similarly, First bank Nigeria, FBN has denied that its head office was sealed contrary to some reports to that effect.

The bank in a statement by Kehinde Taiwo, its Marketing & Corporate Communications department, the reports was untrue and meant to mislead the public.

“Our attention has been drawn to the news reports online with the conflicting claims that FirstBank branch or/head office has been sealed,” the statement said.

“Please be informed that the referenced story is a misrepresentation of the facts and misleading.

“Neither our branch nor head office was sealed. On the 4th of August, 2022, there was an unlawful enforcement at the Bank’s Coomassie House Branch of a garnishee order issued by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which order the bank is still challenging in court.

“While the bank has taken appropriate legal steps to deal with the situation, we wish to reassure our customers of unhindered banking services and unique customer experience in all our branches and through our numerous alternative channels,” FBN said in the statement.

Ex-President Jonathan Leads EISA Observation Mission To Kenya Elections

By
The Source
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Goodluck Jonathan

FORMER President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will on Friday leave for Nairobi where he will be leading a team of observers to Kenya’s general elections scheduled to take place on 9th August, 2022.

Dr. Jonathan will serve as the head of the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) which has deployed a full-fledged short-term team of observers to Kenya.

According to a statement issued by EISA in Nairobi, the team comprises 21 short-term observers (STOs), mainly drawn from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and academia from across the continent.

The statement quoted  Jonathan to have noted that, “the observers will be deployed in all the regions and specifically in ten counties, across the country where they will observe the final stages of the political parties’ campaigns, election day procedures and results aggregation processes.”

It said further: “The Mission’s assessment of the electoral process will be guided by the principles and obligations set out in the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), the 2002 OAU/AU Declaration of the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the Declaration of Principles on International Election Observation (DoP) and the Principles for Election Management, Monitoring and Observation (PEMMO) as well as the legal framework governing the elections in the Republic of Kenya.

It added that the EISA Electoral Observation Mission would issue a preliminary statement on its findings at a press conference on 11 August 2022.

Gunmen Kidnap Four Travelers In Ondo As Amotekun Foils Attempt To Smuggle Migrants To Southwest

By
Ayodele Oni
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Suspected Terrorists in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Unknown gunmen again went on rampage in Akoko area of Ondo state shooting a driver and  whisked into the bush four persons.

This is just as the Amotekun security outfit botched an attempt to smuggle some over 100 persons suspected to be migrants from the north into southwest states.

Among those kidnapped on Thursday evening along Owo/Ikare highway are a traditional head of Iku quarters, the Oniku of Iku, in Ikare Akoko, chief Mukaila Bello and three other indigenes of the town.

They were abducted on Thursday evening along Ago Panu axis of Owo-Ikare road, while  traveling from Akure to Ikare.

The driver of the car was attacked and he is  now receiving treatment at an  undisclosed hospital in owo.

State Police Command  in a statement said “The Police on 4/8/2022 received a distress call that at about  6:30 pm  around Ago Yeye, along Owo/Ikare road,  gunmen shot at one  TOYOTA COROLLA CAR,  REG. NO. KAK 818 AE, while on motion.

“The bullet hit the driver on the head  and the vehicle came to a halt, the  other occupant numbering about 4 ( identities unknown) were whisked into the bush while the driver was abandoned.

“The police have recovered the vehicle while the driver was taken to the hospital.

“The driver is currently in a stable condition while  the police, local hunters and vigilante in the area are combing the bush for the  rescue of the victims and arrest of the assailants.”

Ondo State Security Network Agency code named “Amotekun Corps”, said it on Thursday, intercepted no fewer than 151 persons suspected to be illegal immigrants around Sango, Iju road in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State loaded in two trailers.

The agency explained that they were intercepted while the patrol team was on ‘stop and search’ at about 6:30 a:m. The raid foiled what could have led to serious security breaches in Southwest region by the suspected bandits.

Report said the trailers, which were on their way from Kastina, Kano and Jigawa states claimed  they was heading to South West states.

It was learnt that the 151 suspects including five women, were hidden at the back of bags beans and rice inside the trailers when Amotekun men intercepted them.

The Ondo state Commander of Amotekun,  Adetunji Adeleye explained that “We intercepted two trucks conveying 151 people who were cleverly concealed behind bags of rice and beans to such an extent, that you won’t know these number of people are tucked within the truck.

“Upon interception, we asked of their destination, some said Akure while others said Osogbo in Osun state. Although, we have not completed profiling them, as none of them has an idea of what they are going to do or their a mission.

“All they were able to tell us is that they entered the vehicle and came to Ondo State. While searching the vehicles, we saw 10 illegal bikes and various kind of dangerous charms.

“If we conclude our checking and we do not find anything on them as long as they don’t have anybody that is ready to take custody of them in Ondo state, we will send them back to their various states.

“Some of them claimed they are from Kastina, Kano and Jigawa states, but on how they came together, they said they couldn’t figure it out, but that the vehicles just came and picked them to Akure in Ondo State.

“While respecting their rights as Nigerians, yet, we are not sure of what they are here for, we still feel that while traveling, anyone should have a mission and a destination he or she is going to.”

Uzodimma: Shell Set To Resume Operations In Imo

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma and Okunbor -Shell MD

Multi-national oil exploration giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) is set to return to Imo to resume operations after years of exiting the State as a result of insecurity.

The cheery news was broken on Thursday by Governor Hope Uzodimma after a meeting between him and SPDC Chairman and Managing director, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, in Abuja.

Okunbor attended the meeting with other key officers of Shell.

The planned return of Shell to Imo is one out of numerous efforts Governor Uzodimma has made recently to bring back companies that left the State either as a result of insecurity or liquidation based on debt overhang.

Also in Abuja on Saturday, the Governor successfully brought back the Standard Shoe Company Limited hitherto operating in Owerri but was taken over by AMCON because of indebtedness.

Governor Uzodimma successfully cleared the debt overhang of N1.6 billion and was handed over the Certificate of Occupancy by AMCON management to resume operations.

Shell specifically left Imo State because of insecurity even before the coming on board of Governor Uzodimma.

Commenting on the meeting he held with Mr. Okunbor the Governor said: “One of the observations of my administration upon resumption of office, was the fact that Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) had been off-site and suspended operations in Imo State as a result of insecurity, vandalism and illegal oil bunkering within the region.

“Having restored peace and tranquility along the coastline, today, I met yet again with the Managing Director and Chairman of the oil giant, Osagie Okunbor and I am elated at his assurance and confirmation of the company’s resolve to resume exploration in the State.

“This development is expected to create a ripple effect and economic boost for the growth of local contents within the region and the State at large while contributing to more developmental projects from the Government.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Imo State, I express my profound gratitude to the management and staff of SPDC. Rest assured, that the State Government is committed to any partnership that would bring about the development of the State.”

Former Police IG, Tafa Balogun Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Tafa Balogun is dead

By Akinwale Kasali

A former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Adebayo Balogun, is dead.

He died in a Lagos hospital after a brief illness.

The late Balogun was the Police boss during former President Olusegun  Obasanjo’s administration before he was unceremoniously removed for embezzlement and diversion of Police funds.

Confirming the passing  of the Osun State born former IGP, sources in the family disclosed that he had been ill for a while before bidding the world farewell on Thursday, August 4, 2022.

The late Balogun became IGP in March 2002  but  was removed from office over allegations of corruption levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, under Nuhu Ribadu.

Born on August 8, 1947, at Ila-Orangun in Osun State, Balogun, was the 21st Inspector-General of Police. He was a member of cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Course 3.

Having worked in various Police Commands throughout the federation, and earning his promotions as at when due, Balogun, was at a time, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammadu Gambo, Deputy Commissioner of Police Edo State, the pioneer Commissioner of Police in Delta State. He was also CP in Rivers and Abia States.

The late Balogun was a fellow of the premier highest Military institution in Nigeria, the National War College. He later became the Assistant Inspector General of Police A.I.G Zone One, Kano, from where he was named the 21st IGP of Police on March 6, 2002.

His infamous trial drew global attention in 2005. On April 4, 2005, Tafa Balogun was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja, for stealing and laundering of over $100 million in his three years as Inspector General of Police from the Police treasury.

The EFCC under Ribadu brought 70 charges against him, covering the period from 2002 to 2004 when he was the IGP. He made a plea bargain with the Court in exchange for returning some of the property and money. He was sentenced to six months in jail.

The Judge, Binta Nyako, said her sentence reflected that Balogun was a first offender and had shown remorse. He was directed by the court to pay N500,000 on each of the eight count charges totaling N4 million.

His trial was full of drama. One of such was when he collapsed on his seat on June 29, 2005, at the Abuja High Court.

The former Police boss, who pleaded guilty to eight of the 56 count-charges directly affecting him, was convicted and sentenced to six months on each of the charges, which however ran concurrently.

He was released on February 9, 2006 after serving his sentence, most part of it at Abuja National Hospital.

Tafa Balogun was loved by men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force. They hailed him as the best IGP they ever had, and appreciated him for making their welfare a priority.

Ondo: Monarchs Clash Over Selection Of Community Head

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo Monarch

By Ayodele Oni

A fresh crisis is imminent between the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola over the selection of a new head of Aladodo community in Ondo state.

Akure, Isinkan and Aladodo community are in Akure south local government of the state.

The state government last month presented staff of office to Iralepo of Isinkan during which Governor Rotimi Akeredolu warned traditional rulers against extending their authority beyond their boundaries.

The Iralepo of Isinkan, in a statement, had approved the appointment of a Journalist, Mr. Ayodeji Charles Fatoki as Olu of Aladodo of Isinkan kingdom in Akure South Local Government area of Ondo State.

According to a statement, his appointment followed favourable consideration by the family of High Chief Julius Fatoki Tifase, the Asuda of Isinkan.

A media professional with the Ondo State Ministry of Information, the new Olu of Aladodo, is also the current Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) State Information Chapel, Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Senior Staff Club and a Media consultant who has won many awards both home and abroad.

In another statement, the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladelusi, who are s also chairman state Obas Council,  approved the appointment and installation of Chief Adekunle Opeyemi Olumide as the Olu of Aladodo Community in Akure South Local Government.

Deji in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, said the appointment was sequel to the careful consideration of His Majesty and the exercise of his power as the consenting and prescribed authority over the appointment of Minor Chiefs, Olus Baales and Olojas in Akure North and South Local Government.

The statement adds that “His Majesty urges the new Olu of Aladodo to join hands with other Olus in Akure Kingdom for the development of Aladodo Community and Akure Kingdom at large.

“His Majesty wishes to congratulate the people of the Aladodo Community and also pray that God will guide the new Olu of Aladodo, Chief Adekunle Opeyemi Olumide as he steers the affairs of the people of Aladodo Community.”

There are indications that two rulers will now reign over a single community in Ondo state.

Aregbesola Not Fit To Demand For Restructuring – Osun APC Factional Chairman

By
The Source
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By Ayodele Oni

A faction of the All Progressive Congress,(APC) in Osun State, loyal to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, has disowned its rival faction, The Osun Progressive, (TOP)  led by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, saying they are no longer members of APC.

TOP members early in the week staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo during which they call for the restructuring of the party in the state.

Gboyega Famodun, chairman of Governor Oyetola faction, told Journalists in Osogbo on Thursday that with the present status of TOP members, they lack moral justification to demand for restructuring of the APC on the state.

“This set of people, who are being funded coordinated and directed by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is the immediate-past governor of the state, has been a clog in the wheel of  progress of our party and the Governor Gboyega Oyetola-led administration in the state.

“It is an aberation for an outsider to canvass or initiate the restructuring of another body more so when the personality constitutionally recognized to head the affairs of the state, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, had shortly after the governorship election, promised to carry out an effective restructuring and reinvigoration of the party.

“The said self-styled TOP renegades should be told that apart from the fact that they lack competence and moral right to dictate or canvass for the restructuring of our party, the APC in Osun State, it would be foolhardy to allow identified enemies who had worked for the success of an opposition an unfettered chance in our domain.

“Since they, the TOP people, under the patronship of Aregbesola, had done their worst by working assiduously and conscientiously by teaming up with the PDP for the success of Adeleke, which is the highest level of an anti-party activity that can be committed by any politician, it would be a needless venture to enter into any pact with the shameless political group that is bereft of honour.

“Since politics is a game of number and the more the merrier; continuous membership of our party is not foreclosed to any genuine member whose interest would not be counter-productive to the interest of our party as you cannot be an outsider and be canvassing for the restructuring of the party.

“It was not that we didn’t know what and how to handle the members and leaders of the inglorious TOP before the governorship election; we, all along, had been thinking that they would have a genuine change of mind by joining us for the re-election of Governor Oyetola.

“If they all have conscience, it would not be out of tune for the  said TOP members and their leaders to do an individualistic soul-searching and ask themselves if they are indeed  worthy to be called the members of our party again by their obnoxious actions and inactions which partly contributed to the temporary loss of our party’s governorship election in Osun State.

“Was it after they were rebuffed and outrightly rejected by the PDP  which pungently refused them patronages after the governorship election as it was witnessed by the composition of its Transition Committee membership that they thought of coming back into the party with a sing-song of restructuring?

“It was on record that the Interior Minister never took part in any of our governorship campaign, while he also jetted out of the country during the election in order not to take part in such an important election in his state where he is the highest beneficiary by way of an appointment as a minister.

“As if that was not enough, the group under the chairmanship of one Elder Adebiyi Adelowo, the former state Acting Chairman of the APC, went into a wild jubilation after the declaration of the results of the governorship election where the national umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the winner of the election.”

Again, Court Adjourns Ekweremadu’s Case To October; Keeps Him In Jail

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The Central Criminal Court in the United Kingdom has adjourned the organ harvesting case involving Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife till October 31st.

Ekweremadu, who appeared in court on Thursday, was charged alongside his wife, Nwanneka, for facilitating the travel of an alleged minor to the United Kingdom for the purpose of organ harvesting. Both Ekweremadu and wife pleaded not guilty, but nevertheless were denied bail by the Oxbridge Magistrate Court.

The case was moved to a Crown Court. But on July 22, his wife Beatrice Nwanneka was granted bail under stringent conditions.

Adamu Bulkachuwa, Senate Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs, represented the Senate in Court, according to reports.

A third accused, Obinna Obeta, a practising medical doctor in London, is arraigned alongside the couple.

The main trial is expected to hold next year.

A pre-trial, however, is scheduled for October 31.

ASUU Strike Affecting The Mental Health Of Students   – Dr Kehinde, Medical Practitioner, Politician

By
The Source
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Felix Kehinde

By Ayodele Oni

The continued stay at home of university students and their idleness, occasioned by the lingering strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) may lead to mental disorder for the  students.

A medical practitioner,  Felix Kehinde, who is also candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Ondo East/West federal constituency in next year’s general elections, said the strike  will also have negative impact on the economy.

The UK-based Medical Specialist, in a statement on Thursday, noted that if Nigeria is a country with serious and compassionate leaders, this strike would have ended long ago in the interest of the common man and the future of the nation.

“No serious nation in the world jokes with its future like Nigeria does. The social impact of the ongoing ASUU strike cannot be understated.

“A lot of young people who have been home for 6 months without engaging in any productive activity will definitely suffer one form of mental health issue or another.

“As you are aware that an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. There is no denying the fact that young people, who are sitting idly at home are more likely to take into drugs, internet fraud, crime and other vices than their colleagues in private universities.

“We must understand these things are well linked. Even when the strike will be over, it is really sad these young people may find it difficult to get back to their normal lives.”

He advised university managements to begin to put in place functional guidance and counseling units with a special focus on mental health.

“He said the campus economy must have been negatively impacted since the university lecturers embarked on strike.

“There are over 80 public universities in Nigeria and some of these universities have more than one campus. Most of these campuses are almost equal in sizes to some towns with viable economies.

“A thinking government would have thought of how the small scale businesses would survive if our campuses remain shut.

“Nigerian government and ASUU should as a matter of urgency and national interest, end the impasse and allow these students who have been roaming the streets to go back to the classrooms”

He said people must beginning to ask questions from their representatives, both local and national, saying that is one of the ways government at the center and sub-national can feel the pulse of the common man.

ASUU, had on Monday announced the strike, which started since February till October “to allow government more time to resolve their demands.”

Ogun 2023: Ajadi Emerges NNPP Gubernatorial Candidate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo

By Akinwale Kasali

Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has emerged as Governorship Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in Ogun State.

Ajadi, an undergraduate of Nigeria’s Premier Monotechnic, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, emerged through a  consensus, at a massively attended and peaceful primary, replacing Olujobi Fafoyin, who was the  placeholder for the Party.

Delegates from across the 20 local governments of the state participated in the primary with national officers of the party in attendance.

There was an uproarious approval the moment Ajadi was announced as the eventual flagbearer of the party in the state.

The event held at the State Secretariat, Ashero, Ogun State, on the 3rd of August, 2022, Ajadi later told journalists, that work for the revitalisation of Ogun State as gateway state had already begun.

He said a State which had produced great men before now, such as  academicians, statesmen, entrepreneurs, great politicians, scientists; great sportsmen and women, shouldn’t be lagging behind, adding that anyone that looks around will agree that things are not working the way they should be.

He said, “Government is not about the governor and his immediate cabinet alone. NNPP has come to change the narrative,” he said.

Speaking further, the Journalist turn politician said that, “Our party is not satisfied with the state of roads in our dear state, especially when you move out of the capital and other cities.

“It does seem as if border communities like Ibafo, AKute, etc are not part of Ogun state, but millions of our people live there, hundreds of businesses are done there; we will address it.

“Every day, we hear stories of armed robbery, burglary, kidnap, and other security risks in the state! We will put a stop to it”.

He however commend the South West Security Apparatus such as the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Amotekun, and neighbourhood Watch for their efforts in securing the State.

“Our government will collaborate with them and address the encroachment of criminals be they herdsmen or kidnappers in Ogun State.

“We will introduce incentives for policemen serving here; will install CCTV cameras in different parts of the state, with inter-community surveillance.

“Ogun must be safe and secure. An NNPP administration will see to that.

“We will not run a state owing people salaries or pensions after they have served the state, that is a grave injustice and I promise all our people that all outstanding payments will be addressed. we promise a new salary structure upon being elected”, he stated.

Ajadi has the likes of incumbent Governor, Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress, APC and Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to contend with for the Governorship seat of the State.

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