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NDLEA Arrests Drug Baron Behind N3billion Tramadol Linked To Abba Kyari’s Team

By
The Source
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Afam Mallinson Emmanuel Ukatu and Abba Kyari

Billionaire drug baron behind the N3billion Tramadol deal involving the embattled suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari-led Intelligence Response Team, IRT, Chief Afam Mallinson Emmanuel Ukatu has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

A statement signed by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, after  months of surveillance and evading arrest, Ukatu who is Chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies was eventually nabbed onboard a flight to Abuja at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport, Ikeja on Wednesday 13th April.

Investigations reveal he’s been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of Tramadol Hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit. Ukatu owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria. This is in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.

Ukatu came under watch  after five cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on 4th May 2021 when he sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu) from the then Kyari-led IRT of the Nigeria Police, Ikeja Lagos. The price of a carton of Tramadol was negotiated at N17million each as against the then black market value that ranged between N18million and N20million a carton in Lagos.

After the arrest of Ukatu’s staff: Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete, Kyaris men were then led by the suspects to Mallinson’s warehouse at Ojota in Lagos where 197 additional Cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized by the IRT Team. The monetary value of the 202 cartons of Tramadol seized from Mallinson in one day was over N3billion.

Three weeks after the seizure, Kyaris IRT team transferred only 12 Cartons of the Tramadol with one truck and a suspect to the Lagos Command of the NDLEA, leaving 190 cartons unaccounted for. After over eight months of following the lead, anti-narcotic officers of the Agency eventually arrested Ukatu at the Lagos airport on 13th April 2022. Kyari and four top members of his team are already facing trial for a different but similar offence at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Wema Bank Defends N1.7bn Money Laundering Allegation

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Wema Bank Plc has denied the N1.7 billion money laundering allegation. The commercial bank said in a statement on Sunday that none of its employees were involved in money laundering contrary to reports.

The bank said it has now instituted legal action against those that peddled the allegation.

The Ademola Adebise-led bank had been accused of being involved in money laundering to the tune of N1.7 billion, and a case was instituted in a Lagos magistrates court in February 2022.

The case involved Isaac Adewole, the managing director of Shibahwells Energy, and Kingsley Ananwude, a staff of the bank as defendants.

The bank, however, said in the statement that the reports were false, aimed to destroy its image and malign its employees. The bank has instructed its lawyers appropriately on the issue, it said.

According to the statement, “The bank wishes to state categorically that there is no merit in the article, and it is a malicious publication against members of our staff and the bank’s customer.

“The said allegations are being peddled by an aggrieved third party, who voluntarily released his property to be used as part of the collateral to secure a loan obtained by the bank’s customer.

“Specifically, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the case no. MIK/B/6/2022–Commissioner of Police vs. Adewole Isaac and Kingsley Ananwude, for alleged stealing and money laundering involving N1.7 billion was struck out by Magistrate A.O. Layinka of the Magistrates Court, Ikeja, and the defendants discharged following the legal advice from the office of the director of public prosecution (DPP), Lagos State that no prima facie case has been established against the defendants.

“We urge the general public to ignore the false information being circulated. The bank has already engaged its solicitors to institute appropriate legal action.”

Lagos Train Service Takes Off March 2023

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state has assured the people of the state of timely completion of the state’s blue line rail project which has reached 90 percent completion, according to him.

The governor whose government has ramp up work on the rail project since it came to office in 2019. In spite of this some residents have expressed doubt that the project will be completed within the stipulated time.

But the governor said there’s no need to worry as the Blue Line designed to start at Okokomaiko and end at Marina, will be completed before the first quarter of next year.

As part of the efforts to ensure that the project is delivered, Governor Sanwo-Olu said he has instructed contractors to work   seven days a week.

The governor’s chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile quoted the governor to have made the comment after an inspection of ongoing works on the project.

The CPS, in a statement Sanwo-Olu the state government is on track with its efforts to complete works on both the blue and red line projects, which are intra-city, to strengthen the intermodal transportation system.

Sanwo-Olu said the blue line rail would run on electric tracks with electric motor vehicle (EMV) system, noting that the state government is planning to bring more coaches from China before October.

“This is the first time I am taking you on the blue line to see where we are. The first phase of the blue line rail project starts from Mile 2 and terminates at Marina,” the governor was quoted as saying,” Sanwo-Olu said.

According to him, “Marina Station is an elevated station and it stretches out to outer Marina and terminates where the Governor’s residence is. At the end of the station, you could see that the track is broken into two bridges. The backtrack is for parking.

“We are happy that the contractors are working seven days a week. The major aspect apart from the Marina Station is a sea crossing from Eko Bridge to join the outer Marina.

“They would finish it in about three months, and by the time we will come back in July, the concrete construction should have been completed.”

Ahead 2023 Polls; Gov Akeredolu Calls For Fervent Prayers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu in a Prayer Session

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said Nigeria needs fervent prayers against the insecurity, banditry and kidnapping bedeviling the country, ahead of next year’s general election.

Governor Akeredolu also urged the people to seek God’s intervention as the nation itches towards electing another President adding that the country needs God’s choice.

He stated that the challenges of insecurity in the country are being exacerbated at a time the country is looking forward to having hitch-free year 2023 general elections.

While noting that he is a fervent believer in the efficacy of prayers, the Governor stressed that the country will surely overcome these challenges in no distant time with fervent prayers to the Almighty Allah.

Governor Akeredolu spoke on Sunday during the annual “Iftar With Mr. Governor” in Akure, the state capital where he broke fast with Muslims in the state.

The Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Sheikh Batuta, who delivered lecture entitled, “Decision” charged the gathering to always have good plans and decisions for a better tomorrow.

The Governor described the Ramadan period as a time of sober reflection with a view of drawing closer to Almighty Allah.

“The Ramadan period involves purification through fasting, abstinence as well as an opportunity to seek forgiveness and blessings from Almighty Allah.

“It is undoubtedly a time to put at bay self-seeking attitude with a view to attaining spiritual growth through display of acts of kindness and generosity.

“The lessons learnt during this month of Ramadan should, therefore, be internalised by every faithful and also  extended to non-Muslims across the State.”

Governor Akeredolu also implored the clerics and the people to continue to preach against the act of peddling fake news in the country.

Apparently still referring to news of his death while on holiday abroad, he said the consequences of fake news are grave, adding that everyone must join hands to campaign against fake news.

The Governor appreciated the Muslim Ummah in the State for their support and prayers in the last 62 months of his administration, stressing that in spite of all the economic challenges facing the country, his administration has worked tirelessly to deliver the dividends of good governance for the people of the State.

“Our interventions are felt in almost all sectors of the State’s economy.  I am glad to disclose that there is no senatorial district of the State that has not enjoyed the impact of good governance, in terms of  infrastructural development, security, health care delivery, youth employment, emancipation and empowerment, amongst several others.

“All these numerous achievements would not have been possible without your support and most especially the peaceful coexistence and harmonious working relationship that is prevailing between you and the adherents of the Christian faith in the State.  We cannot thank you enough.

“Our administration is doing its best to provide the required leadership for the State. This is without discrimination in attending to the needs and welfare of both Christian and Muslim faithful in the State.

“Let me assure you all that we shall not be distracted from this profound path in carrying out our duties and responsibilities to the people of our dear Sunshine State.

“As you are all aware that for about two seasons, there has not been pilgrimage to the Holy land of Mecca due to the outbreak of COVID-19.  We however, thank Almighty Allah that the pandemic is easing out.

“By His grace, there shall be pilgrimage this year and be assured that prospective pilgrims in the State will be fully encouraged to participate actively.”

Lagos: Time For Muslims To Rule; Islamic Group Rejects Sanwo-Olu’s Second Term

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC has opposes the endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term in office, hinting that it is the turn of Muslims to produce the next governor of Lagos state.

The Professor Ishaq Akintola-led MURIC made its position known barely a week after the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC endorsed the incumbent as the APC candidate for next year’s presidential election.

GAC, a body of elders in the ruling APC reportedly endorsed the governor with the support of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of the state and APC National Leader.

The decision appears not to sit well with the Islamic body which said the Muslims have been sidelined, noting that it’s the time for them to rule the state. Governor Sanwo-Olu is a Christian, so also his predecessor Akinwumi Ambode.

MURIC said another Christian should not emerge governor after ruling for two terms.

According to a statement signed by Prof. Akintola on Monday, the Muslim body said the Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement breached the unwritten agreement in the state that the two major religious groups in the country will rotate power.

The statement reads: “Leaders of the ruling party in Lagos, the All Progressives Congress (APC), last week endorsed the incumbent governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for a second term in office for the 2023 gubernatorial election. Unfortunately this endorsement violated a long standing albeit unwritten rule on rotational governance between Christians and Muslims in Lagos State.

“It is on record that ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a Christian, spent four years in office and another Christian, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was brought in ostensibly to complete the Christians’ two terms which expires by May 2023 when a Muslim, ceteris paribus, is expected to take over the reins of office.

“That is why Muslims in Lagos State regard the recent endorsement given to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to run for the Christians’ third term as unfair, unjust and provocative. It may not be known in official circles but Lagos Muslims are grumbling and we have been under pressure for some time now to speak up. It is a dangerous dimension capable of eliciting protest bulk vote against the ruling party unless the issue is ironed out at a roundtable between leaders of the party, the Lagos State Government (LASG) and Lagos Muslims.

“For the avoidance of doubts, MURIC has no intention of hijacking control of the Muslim community in the state. We always recognize established leadership structures wherever they exist and Lagos Muslims have that structure.

“The Muslim Community of Lagos State which is under the able leadership of Professor Tajudeen Gbadamosi is the appropriate body to meet for the purpose of negotiating with Lagos Muslims. All Islamic organisations in Lagos State are under this body. The onus is therefore on LASG and leaders of the ruling party to reach out to the Muslim Community of Lagos State.

“MURIC rejects exclusivism in matters of governance. Lagos Muslims are tax payers and key stakeholders in issues affecting the welfare of Lagos citizens. We must therefore be consulted on matters of governance.

“We refuse to be blindfolded on the way to the polling booth. Neither shall we be satisfied just as voters, we must also be voted for. That is the essence of democracy. It must be participatory. The choice of candidates and leadership must not be lopsided in a democracy. Every segment of society must be consulted.

“We therefore fault the process that led to the emergence of the incumbent governor as the flagbearer of the ruling party in the coming gubernatorial election. 2023 belongs to Muslims in Lagos State. Any deviation from this must be properly negotiated.

“For instance, if the Christians are going to enjoy the luxury of a third term by giving Sanwo-Olu the mandate to run for a second term, an agreement must be reached with Lagos Muslims guaranteeing twelve years of Muslim rule after Governor Sanwo-Olu. Anything short of this tantamounts to an attempt to shortchange Muslims in the state.

“We must sit down and discuss this if the ruling party has any respect for Muslim voters in the state. We must recognise democracy as not only a game of numbers, but also as a game of negotiations particularly in a multi-cultural and multi-party state. We must remember that the peace and harmony being enjoyed in Lagos State today is a result of the pursuance of justice and equity. Nothing should be done to jeopardise this peaceful atmosphere.

“The narratives have changed. Muslim leaders are no longer satisfied with crumbs from the table. Giving the Imams rams during festivals and sponsoring Muslims on hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) are deliberate means of enslavement and marginalization. Lagos Muslims are now fully aware of the gimmicks.

“Those periodic and ephemeral palliatives are tools of divide et impera. They are mere window-dressings designed to shield Muslims away from participating in government, from tangible employment for Muslim graduates and from real economic empowerment. We refuse to be fools satisfied. We will rather be enlightened citizens dissatisfied. It is our common patrimony. Don’t rob Peter to pay Paul,” MURIC said.

Meanwhile, the Magazine notes that two former governors, Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Raji Fashola, who are Muslims  ruled for a total of 16 years out of the 23 years after the country returned to democracy in 1999.

2023: Obi Denies Blasting Northern Elders, Rejecting PDP Consensus Candidate

By
The Source
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0

Former Governor Peter Obi has dismissed a viral story where it was alleged that he blasted the Northern Elders and also rejected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus candidacy for the 2023 presidential election. Obi has denied such news, saying it was false and cheap propaganda.

A statement on Sunday from Obi’s Media Office, signed by his Media Adviser, Barr Valentine Obienyem, showed that Obi did not at any point “blast” or reject the consensus candidacy position of PDP.

“Anyone who has followed Peter Obi”s political journey will agree that he sticks to issue-based politics. He does not go around criticizing people, organisations or institutions blindly.  He invests his focus, energy and time on preferring solutions to the myriads of challenges burdening our nation, Nigeria.

“As a loyal party member, Peter Obi has always abided by the rules, regulations and decisions of the party. He cannot possibly criticize the party’s decision in public,” Obienyem said.

Reacting to the viral video where it was alleged that Obi rejected the consensus candidate position of the party, Obienyem said: “I just read through it and they claim ‘Peter Obi addressed reporters after paying a visit to AIT office.’ But they failed to provide the where and when, which are fundamental elements of verifying any credible news report.

If the medium based their report on what Obi said after one of his consultations, then they might have, out of mischief or incompetence or both, deliberately misrepresented Obi by reporting him out of context.

“Obi simply stated that Nigerians care less about whether a consensus candidate emerges or not, but they desire a competent, credible and capable leader who will rescue the nation from all round decadence and position it on the path of progress.

“Therefore, as a party faithful, Peter Obi will neither stand against nor publicly criticize any progressive decision taken by the Peoples Democratic Party. Beyond party politics, he desires for a candidate willing and capable of serving Nigeria at the highest level, and piloting the nation out of its present deplorable state. That is what he desires, whether the candidate emerges through consensus arrangement or not,” Obienyem concluded.

He advised media practitioners to avoid telling unverifiable stories capable of heating up the polity

Illegal Refinery Explosion: A Taboo – Gov. Uzodimma; Says INEC To Lift Ban On Imo Voters’ Registration

By
The Source
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0

A shocked and devastated Governor Hope Uzodimma has described the explosion at an illegal refinery in Imo State which roasted over 100 youths as a taboo. He also described it as a sabotage, and mourned with the bereaved.

An explosion had occurred on Saturday at an illegal refinery in a forest in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of the State, roasting the youths. Already, the owner of the illegal refinery Okenze Onyewoke wanted.

The Governor spoke on Sunday after a Church Service at the Government House Chapel to mark the Catholic Church’s Mothering Sunday. Said the Governor: “It is an economic sabotage and in fact a taboo to engage in such clandestine business.”

The Governor, according to a  Press Release signed by his Spokesperson, Oguwike Nwachuku, also hinted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has agreed to lift the ban on Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) which the Commission placed on the State last week, citing insecurity and consequently, loss of life of her personnel.

He attributed the cheering news to his intervention which  became necessary to allow Imo citizens register and obtain their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) before the next General Election.

“By Monday, the 25th of April, 2022 the CVR will resume in all the designated centres while the three Local Government under ban will carry out the registration at their Local Government Headquarters.”

Governor Uzodimma noted the importance of the Continuous Registration, saying “those who are deliberately scaring the people away from registering are enemies of the State who want to draw the State back knowing full well that the INEC registration and the population census are yardsticks for Federal Revenue Allocation to States and Local Governments.”

“Therefore, there is every need for every citizen of Imo State, 18 years and above, to go and register and obtain the PVC for the forth coming election,” he added.

On the Ohaji Egbema fire outbreak, weekend, where nearly 100 persons lost their lives as a result of illegal bunkering and refining,  Governor Uzodimma condemned the act in its entirety and emphasized that “the right of oil allocation  and refining only belongs to the Federal Government.”

“It is an economic sabotage and in fact a taboo to engage in such clandestine business,” even as he warned Imo people involved in such activities to desist from such.

He condoled with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls, describing the situation leading to their death as unfortunate.

On Imo security generally, the Governor said his administration was still doing its  best to fight all forms of crime and criminality.  He said Government has deviced better strategy to contend insecurity and enjoined Imo people not to live in fear any longer.

As a first step, Governor Uzodimma said the Government has strengthened the Local Vigilante known as “Ebube Agu” to operate in the 27 Local Government Areas of the State effective  Monday, April 25,  2022.

“Ebube Agu will work with the security agencies in all the 27 LGAs in the State to ensure that every citizen goes about their normal businesses without fear of molestation or harassment from anybody.”

He reassured Imo people that “soon both the sponsors and the perpetrators of the violent crime, killings, blood lettings and burning of private and public institutions and private homes in the state will be made public and brought to book.”

Governor Uzodimma reiterated his administration’s preparedness to serve Imo people well when he said “we are to do the will of the people and what the people want.”

Promises APC level playing ground in Imo

To APC faithful,  he reassured them that all aspirants will be given a level playing ground and that Party members will be allowed to produce their candidates as “there will be no imposition of candidates.”

That way, he said, winning of election will be easier for APC in Imo State.

Femi Gbajabiamila’s Hopes Dashed; How Alaafin Death Disappointed Him

By
The Source
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Femi Gbajabiamila with Alaafin of Oyo

By Gideon Njoku

In a classic case of man proposes, God disposes, the well mapped out  plans by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila were dashed. His dream to be conferred with a high profile Chieftaincy title met a sudden death. It died on April 22, 2022.

All plans had been made. Glittering and flowing dresses made. Beads bought. Asoebi procured and made. The color of the day? White attire on sky blue cap or headtie. Date set. Invitation cards sent out to very high profile guests. Hotels booked full. Menu planned and ordered. Drinks of all sorts ready. Musicians put on alert, perhaps paid already. Gifts bought, wrapped and packed. It was going to coincide with Gbaja’s 60th birthday. Then, suddenly, all came crashing down like a badly pack of cards.

The passing of the revered, charismatic, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III took many people by surprise. It shocked some others. To others, it was a double whammy. The loss of a revered king, and the loss of a once in a lifetime privilege to revel  before him.

One of them was  the suave and smooth-talking Speaker  Gbajabiamila.

May 27, 2022, was to be his big day – his big day with the Alaafin. It had been slated for his day of glory. The Alaafin was going to put another feather on his already well-decorated cap.

A Chieftancy title from the Alaafin of Oyo is a big deal. It is huge. And the title is high profile, befitting the status of Nigeria’s Number four citizen – The Aare Basafin ti ile Yoruba, meaning  Supreme Legislative Guide for the Yoruba Race. Venue was going to be the expansive Alaafin’s Palace, Oyo. The Royal Father of the day, was going to be the Source himself, the urbane Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Chairman was going to be the Leader himself, frontline  Presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC,  Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Gbajabiamila’s political mentor.

Gbajabiamila was going to glow and revel in it. And the late Alaafin too. Those who are now saying that the Alaafin knew he was joining his ancestors soon, perhaps, forgot that date in the Alaafin’s calender.

But all that is gone now.

The Alaafin’s passing on Friday, April 22, 2022, put an end to it. It ended the dream. And only losses are being counted.

It is not yet known if a new Alaafin, on appointment and coronation, would still bestow on Mr. Speaker same title – seeing that  preparations were already concluded. But even then, it will not be the same. It might not carry as much weight as that of a king who had reigned for 52 years.

Very sad.

Youths In Ondo Community Engage Police Over Death Of Three Persons

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo Youths Invaded Police Station

By Ayodele Oni

Youths of Kajola Community in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State took laws into their hands when they attempted to lynch some Policemen and burn their station to protest the death of three of them.

The youths, in their hundreds, mobilized to burn the Police station in the area over what they described as police recklessness, which led to the death of three persons including a community chief (Baale).

The three deceased persons were reportedly killed at the Police checkpoint along Lagos/Benin Expressway on Saturday evening.

They dumped the three corpses at the Police Divisional Headquarters, Kajola, while they chanted series of protest songs to register their grievances and declared that they do not want to see police in the community again.

The victims, David Olowofeyekun, Gbenga Abayomi and Kola Akinduro, who was the Head of Korede Village, were on a motorcycle and heading home from their farms.

Sources alleged that the police officers in the community were fund of extorting and harassing the residents at the checkpoint, despite the order by the Commissioner of Police, Oyeyemi Oyediran to dismantle all checkpoints in the state.

One of the residents, Funmi Olowogboye, recounted that the Police stopped the deceased at the checkpoint on Saturday evening and in trying to halt an oncoming hilux van, the driver, while trying to escape, ran into the motorcycle.

Olowogboye lamented that the hilux driver crushed the three victims where they parked on the instruction of the Police officers, that wanted to collect money from them leading to their instant death.

A particular Police officer, popularly called Major, was identified as the ring-leader of the extortion squad along the highway and the community at large.

The rampaging youths demanded that the police officer, Major, be transferred out of the community, as he has spent over 17 years in the area without transfer.

The Community Leader, Chief Oloruntobi Maiyegun who spoke with journalists, said his quick intervention prevented the burning of the police station.

Maiyegun, explained that Amotekun and other security agencies were immediately mobilized to the scene to forestall break down of law and order. He enjoined the residents not to take law into their hands.

Also, the prompt intervention of the Police Commissioner, Mr. Oyediran, who had arrived the town before 8:00am on Saturday, Amotekun Corps and other security agencies,  calmed the situation.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, dispelled the recklessness report against the police, saying that the deceased flouted the traffic law and incidentally had an accident.

“It was not due to the recklessness of the Police officers, they took one way and they had an accident.

“So there was no way the Police can be reckless in a situation whereby there is a route to take and they took another one.

“Of course it was an oncoming vehicle that they collided with and died, it was not police recklessness there.”

The Chairman of Odigbo Council, Mrs Margaret Akinsuroju, said “Immediately I heard it, I started mobilizing police so that they could maintain peace so that there would not be breakdown of peace and orderliness.

“I heard the information that they were planning to burn the police station. They went there and heard that the family had dropped the three corpses at the police station. We pleaded with them that an accident had happened and it has happened.”

Akinsuroju, however, noted that there were two versions of the incident as the police narrated that they were killed by a hit-and-run driver and they tried to pursue it.

According to her, “the police on duty could not arrest the reckless driver and got back to the scene only to see angry mobs, who were trying to blame it on them and lynch them, but they escaped.

“Other people were saying they mounted a checkpoint and it led directly to their death. The tension was so high, having counselled them and appealed to them, I left the place.

“Along the line, I heard they were holding the police to ransome again, that they shouldn’t move an inch and even attacked the CP.

“Somebody said they threw something on him. But the CP said he was able to calm them down despite the odds and the place is quiet now.

“I have to call the leader of the community now, he said he was in Delta State. The advice I will give to our people now is that if this kind of thing happens, and a life is lost, we should not allow it to double to become five, six, seven.

“What if the police react? The police will not wait for them to attack them now? The police will want to defend themselves.

“I advised them to listen to the police men and take heart. The CP really tried and was able to manage the multitude.”

The council boss disclosed that the angry youths and bereaved families had given peace a chance, while the corpses had been removed from the station to be buried respectfully by their relations.

2023: Consensus Not A Product Of Northern Elders Forum – Dr Hakeem Baba- Ahmed

By
The Source
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0
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

The Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Northern Elders Forum, NEF,  Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said that the Forum is neither partisan nor does it, as a group, support any candidate.

In a statement in response to criticisms which have followed the endorsement of two PDP Presidential aspirants, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and  Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State Governor, as consensus  aspirants to represent the North during the PDP Primary, NEF explained that the consensus was not its product but a product of the aspirants who requested them to do so.

The release said NEF is embarrassed by the misrepresentation, and insisted that: “The Forum remains united behind the protection and protection of interests of the North and Nigeria, and will play its role as it had done whenever circumstances demand”

Following is the full statement from NEF, released on Sunday, April 24, 2022.

“It has become necessary to address the impression created in part by mischief, and in part by genuine confusion over the role of the Convener of Northern Elders Forum, in the efforts to create consensus among four aspirants for the Presidential ticket of the PDP.

The idea to attempt to engineer a consensus among the aspirants was that of the aspirants themselves.

“Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed, former Senate President A.B.Saraki and Malam Mohammed Hayatudeen had informed President Badamasi Babangida of their intention, and requested elderly intervention and advise in the event that their efforts failed to produce consensus.

“President Babangida, in turn, requested Professor Ango Abdullahi in his individual capacity to design and manage a process that could improve a consensus agreement among the four aspirants.

“Professor Ango Abdullahi concluded that assignment and released a detailed report and recommendation, signing it in his individual capacity.

“It is important to make clear that the entire process did not involve the Northern Elders Forum as a group, and is not a product of the group.

“Professor Ango Abdullahi is free to undertake any lawful activity as a citizen, and genuine misinterpretations of his role are understandable.

“Northern Elders Forum is not affiliated to any political party or aspirant, and is strongly committed to the creation of a level playing field which will allow the emergence of the best leaders in the 2023 elections.

“It has also remained consistent in its conviction that all parts of the country should play their parts freely, unhindered by restrictions which offend principles of inclusion and fairness.

The Forum believes it has excellent candidates whose fate should be left to party delegates and voters to decide.

“The Forum remains united behind the protection and projection of interests of the North and Nigeria, and will play its role as it had done whenever circumstances demand.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, both Presidential aspirants under the PDP, have distanced themselves from the consensus, and so did former Jigawa Governor, Sule Lamido.

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