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AFCON 2022: Sanwo-Olu To Lead FG’s Delegation To Continental Showpiece

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

As the 2022 African Cup of Nations Championship commences in Cameroon on Sunday January 9th, 2022, the Federal Government has named a high powered delegation, to lead  to the  Continental showpiece.

Toyin Ibitoye, Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

He said the delegation would be led by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo- Olu.

Others are Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Sen.  Ovie Omo-Agege, Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Sports, Mr Obinna Ogba and Mr Olumide Osoba.

Other members of the delegation are,  the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola.

Others are, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, Ministers of State for Finance, Mr Clem Agba, Agriculture, Mr Mustapha Baba Shehuri and Science and Technology, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, the Special Adviser to Mr President on Sports, Mr Daniel Amokachi as well as a representative of the Department of State Security(DSS).

Others expected to be part of a special delegation are; Sunday Asefun, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS),  Mr Allen Onyeama, Chairman of Airpeace, Bisi Adebutu, Executive Director, Premier Lotto, Mr Emmanuel Orhiaki, Executive Director Marketing, Nigeria Breweries.

The list is completed by Karl Toriola, Managing Director, MTN and Mr Alfred Olajide, Managing Director of Coca-cola.

The delegation is expected to leave for Cameroon on Monday, ahead of Nigeria’s first game on Jan. 11 in Garoua.

The Super Eagles are in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

Oromoni: No Established Proof of Murder or Manslaughter, Says Lagos State

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Sylvester Oromoni - Dowen College

By Uche Mbah

Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, on Wednesday absolved the five students and five employees of Dowen College linked to the death of a 12-year-old student, Sylvester Oromoni, of culpability in his death, saying there is nothing in the autopsy report to suggest foul play.

Oromoni, a student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos,  came into limelight when he died, allegedly after being bullied and tortured by fellow students who were alleged to be in secret cults and who were forcing him to join same.

He was alleged to have been forced to drink some unknown concoctions that poisoned his system.

The uproar forced the Lagos State Government to close down the school, pending final investigations.

Reports, however, indicate that Bowen school may not be allowed to open for this session.

The State Government also cleared the Management and School Authorities of culpability.

The cleared students are: 16-year-old Favour Benjamin, Edward Begue (16), Ansel Temile (14) and Kenneth Inyang (15) and 15-year-old Micheal Kashamu, the son of late Senator, Buruji Kashamu.

Dowen College staff cleared are Celina Uduak, Valentine Igboekweze, Hammed Ayomo Bariyu, Adesanya Olusesan Olusegun and one Adeyemi.

According to the DPP, the Police investigations and the two autopsies conducted on the the deceased could not establish a prima facie case against the suspects.

This vindicates the position of Dowen College which claimed that the boy sustained injuries while playing football with his friends.

The state DPP said that both the interim and final autopsy reports issued by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and toxicology report of post-mortem samples revealed the cause of death as “Septicaemia, Lobar Pneumonia with Acute Pyelonephritis, Pyomyositis of the right ankle, and Acute Bacteria Pneumonia due to severe Sepsis”, which does not give a prima face proof of murder. .

They also cleared the students of the charge of belonging to a secret cult due to insufficient evidence.

Lagos state Government also cleared the school and five of its employees (Celina Uduak, Valentine Igboekweze, Hammed Ayomo Bariyu, Adesanya Olusesan Olusegun, and one Adeyemi) of the alleged offense of “negligent act causing harm.”

The late Sylvester’s father had alleged that Sylvester mentioned the names of the five students as those who bullied him and forced him to drink a concoction which eventually led to his death

Two Chinese Abducted In Niger State

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Unknown Gunmen

By Uche Mbah

Two Chinese nationals have been abducted by terrorists in Zungeru, Niger state, at the Hydroelectric dam in the state. The abduction took place on Wednesday, December 5, 2022.

An unidentified number of security guards may also have been killed during the raid by the rampaging Terrorists who came in their numbers.

Details later…

Breaking: Kingmakers Announce Dr Lekan Balogun Nominee For The Olubadan Of Ibadan Stool

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Dr Lekan Balogun

By Akinwale Kasali

Days after the demise of the  Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Adetunji Saliu, the Olubadan In Council has endorsed the nomination of Dr Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

10 out of the 11 members of the Olubadan in Council chose Balogun ahead of others, as the Council also denied that a legal tussle could derail the succession to the Olubadan throne.

The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, stated these at a briefing by the kingmakers on Wednesday.

According to Ajibola, the kingmakers resolved that Dr Balogun is next in line to ascend the throne of Olubadan according to tradition.

He also debunked insinuations relating to the health and wellness of the new Olubadan-elect.

He said all the negative media reports were nothing to worry about.

The meeting was attended by all members of the Olubadan-in-Council, except former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

Other High Chiefs in attendance were Balogun Olubadan, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun, Olufemi Olaifa; Ashipa Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole and Osi Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola.

The others were Ekaarun Olubadan, Amidu Ajibade; Ashila Balogun Olubadan, Lateef Gbadamosi, Ekaarun Balogun, Kola Adegbola and Ekerin Olubadan Abiodun Kola-Daisi.

The new Olubadan-elect is expected to address the press later on Wednesday.

Akeredolu Alerts On Possible Jail Break In Ondo, Accuses The Military

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The crisis between Ondo State Government and Nigeria Army deepened as Military authority redeployed soldiers attached to the three Correctional Centres vin the state.

The soldiers from the 323 Cantonment had earlier been withdrawn from the various check points across the State towards the end of 2021.

This was the climax of a rift between the new Commanding officer of the Brigade and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

The State Government has, however, deployed officers of the South-west Security, code-named Amotekun, to fill the gap created by the withdrawal by soldiers.

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu received briefings from the new Commissioner of police in the State, Mr Oyediran Oyeyemi, that soldiers attached to Correctional Centres in Akure, Ondo, Owo and Okitipupa had been withdrawn.

The fuming Governor, who expressed surprised at the development, which may likely cause jail break, condemned, in strong terms, the withdrawal of men of the Nigerian Army from the Correctional Centers across the State.

He accused the Army of inducing steps toward jail breaks.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, Governor Akeredolu wondered why soldiers could be withdrawn from Correctional Centers which belong to the Federal Government.

“Last night, Governor Akeredolu received reports from the Commissioner of Police in the state that Soldiers attached to the Correctional Centres in the State have all been withdrawn.

“This development came as a surprise, considering the fact that both the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Correctional Centers belong to the Federal Government.

“The Governor was more bothered about the overflow effect of the soldiers withdrawal on the security situation in the State. More so that such action could easily encourage jail breaks across the state.

“It is, however, pertinent to alert members of the public and the Federal Government of this unwholesome situation.

“Findings into the remote cause of this action has only revealed that it was an order from above without corresponding details.

“The situation, notwithstanding, proactive efforts have been made to secure these centers so as not to allow premeditated jail breaks as whoever gave order to withdraw those soldiers was in the process of encouraging such.”

Governor Akeredolu has met with other Security Heads in the State, particularly the Police, and charged them to take over the responsibility of internal security in the state.

“While we believe that the Federal Government has a duty to protect the prisons, we are more concerned about the security of our people across the state.

“A jail break will not only threaten the peaceful atmosphere we are enjoying in the state, it will pose serious danger to our people .

“Governor Akeredolu has met with the security heads and the Police has since last night taken up the responsibility of internal security by deploying armed Police officers to these correctional centers.

“Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) whose main assignment is to secure Federal Government facilities, has also deployed armed officers to the correctional facilities.

“Governor Akeredolu has also directed the deployment of men of the State Security Network (Amotekun) to complement the Police and the NSCDC.

“This is to ensure that any premeditated action  is tamed and resisted with commensurate force.”

AFCON 2022: Buhari Charges Super Eagles To Bring Trophy Home

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Eagles at Teslim Balogun Stadium

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria jet out to Garoua, Cameroon, for the 33rd Edition of the African Cup of Nations, President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the players alongside its Coaching Crew led by Interim Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, to do the Nation proud.

President Buhari said there was need for the players to make Nigerians proud by adding to the tally of the Nation at the Continental showpiece.

The Super Eagles won the AFCON tournament in 1980, 1994 and 2013. It is however gunning for its Fourth title.

President Buhari said that lifting the coveted AFCON title will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

The message of the President was delivered by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, at a ‘send forth’ ceremony for the team on Tuesday night in Abuja ahead of their departure to Cameroon.

The Super Eagles is set to jet out today Wednesday 5th

January, 2022, to Cameroon, and will depart Abuja on Wednesday aboard a chartered flight for the football fiesta which runs from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6 in Cameroon.

Dare who was represented by the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, said President Buhari had pledged the full support of the Nation for the team.

“I bring to you very warm greetings and best wishes from the President and Commander in Chief, Muhammadu Buhari.

“He sends you forth with a clear message of total support and trust in your ability to do Nigeria proud.

“Mr. President believes this Super Eagles squad has the skills and talents to excel at the Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Nigerians are fully behind you,” Dare said.

The Minister appealed to the players to show the Nigerian spirit of determination in their quest for a fourth AFCON trophy.

“We are also appealing to you to demonstrate the Nigerian spirit of determination, focus, resilience, discipline and conquest on and off the pitch.

“You have to believe in yourselves, be confident in your own abilities and show trust in your coaches and officials.

“As you carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians, be assured of the support of the Federal Government, be patriotic, defend the green and white flag of Nigeria, fight for her pride and honour like the true soldiers and warriors that you are,” he added.

The Super Eagles are in Group D where they will open their campaign in Garoua against Egypt on Jan. 11, Sudan on Jan. 15 and Guinea Bissau on Jan. 19.

Magodo Face-off: South West Govs Spit Fire, Adegboruwa Speaks

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Akeredolu and Salami

By James Orji

The six governors of the south west have condemned the manner a police officer disrespected the Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the chairman of the South West Governors Forum said the police officer who said he acted on the order of the IGP and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami disrespected Governor Sanwo-olu who is the chief security officer of the state.

Sanwo-Olu had while on a visit to the troubled Magogo ordered a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP and his men deployed by the IGP to vacate the Magodo Phase 2 Estate area, describing their presence as intrusion.

The police officer rebuffed the governor saying he was acting on the order of the two federal officers.

But in a statement signed in Akure, the Ondo state’s capital by Akeredolu he described the development as unacceptable to the governors, adding that such can lead to chaos. The governors said Malami and IGP must explain their role in the the intrusion.

The statement reads “We are in possession of a video which has gone viral on the social media concerning the disgraceful exchange between a police officer, a CSP, and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, the supposed Chief Security Officer of the State, at the Magodo Residential Estate.

“The content of the video is very disconcerting, and this is being charitable. The utter disrespect, which underlines the response of the officer to the Governor establishes, beyond doubt, the impracticability of the current system, dubiously christened “Federalism”.

“An arrangement, which compels the Governor of a State to seek clarifications on security issues in his jurisdiction from totally extraneous bodies or persons, is a sure recipe for anarchy.

“We condemn, very strongly, this brazen assault on decency. We call on the IG to explain the justification for this intrusion.”

Any interaction among federating units must be done with utmost professionality and respect the governors said, adding that federal security agencies have become laws unto themselves. This situation will no longer be tolerated, the governors said, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to rein in his appointees.

“This is not acceptable. Any expectations of rapprochement between so-called federating units and federal security agencies are becoming forlorn, progressively, due to deliberate acts which mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism. We condemn, in very clear terms, the role of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN in this act of gross moral turpitude.

“We, on our part, will continue to interrogate the current system, which treats elected representatives of the people as mere prefects, while appointed office holders ride roughshod over them as Lords of the Manor.

“If the purported Chief Security Officers of the States of the Federation require clearance from the office of the IG on matters within their areas of jurisdictions, only hypocrites will wonder why the current security crisis deepens and there appears to be no solution in the foreseeable future.

“We condemn very strongly, this brazen assault on decency. We call on the IG to explain the justification for this intrusion.

” This is not acceptable. Any expectations of rapprochement between so called federating units and federal security agencies are becoming forlorn, progressively, due to deliberate acts which mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism.

“We stand by our brother, the Governor of Lagos State. We advise him to deploy the Regional security outfit in the State to protect the lives and property of the people.

“We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces to rein in the excesses of certain elements bent on acting in a manner capable of eroding the bond of trust existing between the people and the Federal Government.

” It is preposterous for political appointees to seek to undermine the very structure of service upon which their appointments rest.

Meanwhile, Ebun Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN says the only way out of the struggle between federal and state authorities is for the Constitution to be amended to reflect Nigeria as a true federal state.

In a statement on Tuesday titled “Governor vs IGP: Only Restructuring Only Restructuring Can Save Nigeria”, the human rights activist said
Section 215 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended):
“215. (1) provides that “There shall be –
“(a) an Inspector-General of Police who, subject to section 216(2) of this Constitution shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council from among serving members of the Nigeria Police Force;
“(b) a Commissioner of Police for each state of the Federation who shall be appointed by the Police Service Commission.
“(2) The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector-General of Police and contingents of the Nigeria Police Force stationed in a state shall, subject to the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, be under the command of the Commissioner of Police of that state.
“(3) The President or such other Minister of the Government of the Federation as he may authorise in that behalf may give to the Inspector-General of Police such lawful directions with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order as he may consider necessary, and the Inspector-General of Police shall comply with those direction or cause them to be compiled with.
“(4) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Governor of a state or such Commissioner of the Government state as he may authorise in that behalf, may give to the Commissioner of Police of that state such lawful directions with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order within the state as he may consider necessary, and the Commissioner of Police shall comply with those directions or cause them to be complied with:
“Provided that before carrying out any such directions under the foregoing provisions of this subsection the Commissioner of Police may request that the matter be referred to the President or such minister of the Government of the Federation as may be authorised in that behalf by the President for his directions.
“(5) The question whether any, and if so what, directions have been given under this section shall not be inquired into in any court.”
NIGERIA IS A UNITARY FEDERATION
“The 1999 Constitution tells a lie against the people of Nigeria when it claims that we are running a Federation but strips the Governor of a State of powers over security. In the final analysis, only restructuring can save this nation.
Those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable!’ Adegboru said.

2023: Osinbajo’s Campaign Billboards Surface In Abuja

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Those routing for Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to run for the office of the President in 2023, are gradually becoming more aggressive in their yearnings.

Billboards and Posters of the Vice President  have surfaced at Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, urging support for him, and asking him to go ahead.

The Presidential campaign banner which was hung on bridges in strategic location in Abuja had the picture of the Vice President, with the inscription:“Join us, Nigeria asks for Osinbajo 2023.”

However, there was no party name or logo on the banners, but the name of a group, ‘The Progressive Project 2023’ was written on it.

No doubt, it will be a battle royale between Osinbajo and his ‘godfather’ Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is  also vying for the Presidential seat.

Southwest Governors Back Sanwo Olu; Asks Him To Deploy Amotekun To Counter Police Action

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

South West Governors have thrown their support behind Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu over his stand on the crisis at Magodo Estate, which has triggered exchange of words between him and Police hierarchy.

Chairman of the forum, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, in a statement on Wednesday, said the action between the Governor and a Police officer was disgraceful.

The statement, stated:

“We are in possession of a video which has gone viral on the social media concerning the disgraceful exchange between a police officer, a CSP, and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, the supposed Chief Security Officer of the State, at the Magodo Residential Estate.

“The content of the video is very disconcerting, and this is being charitable. The utter disrespect, which underlines the response of the officer to the Governor establishes, beyond doubt, the impracticability of the current system, dubiously christened “Federalism”.

“An arrangement, which compels the Governor of a State to seek clarifications on security issues in his jurisdiction from totally extraneous bodies or persons, is a sure recipe for anarchy.

“We condemn, very strongly, this brazen assault on decency. We call on the IG to explain the justification for this intrusion.

“This is not acceptable. Any expectations of rapprochement  between so called Federating units and Federal Security agencies are becoming forlorn, progressively, due to deliberate acts which mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism.

“We condemn, in very clear terms, the  role of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, in this act of gross moral turpitude.

“We, on our part, will continue to interrogate the current system, which treats elected representatives of the people as mere prefects, while appointed office holders ride rough shod over them as Lords of the Manor.

“If the purported Chief Security Officers of the States of the Federation require clearance from the office of the IG on matters within their areas of jurisdictions, only hypocrites will wonder why the current security crisis deepens and there appears to be no solution in the foreseeable future.

“We condemn very strongly, this brazen assault on decency. We call on the IG to explain the justification for this intrusion. This is not acceptable.

“Any expectations of rapprochement  between so called federating units and federal security agencies are becoming forlorn, progressively, due to deliberate acts which mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism.

“We stand by our brother, the Governor of Lagos State. We advise him to deploy the Regional security outfit in the State to protect the lives and property of the people.

“We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces to rein in the excesses of certain elements bent on acting in a manner capable of eroding the bond of trust existing between the people and the Federal Government.

“It is preposterous for political appointees to seek to undermine the very structure of service upon which their appointments rest.”

The altercation between Sanwo-Olu and the CSP took place when the Governor rushed to Magodo to appease the residents who had locked the Estate gates to protest Police invasion over a Supreme Court judgement against the Lagos State Government.

N500m Concert Fee: Akeredolu Dares PDP To Report Him To EFCC; Says Party Is Confused

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

There has been accusation and counter accusations from Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over  an alleged N500m spent on a concert tagged: ‘Countdown Show To Herald 2022’.

The PDP said that the amount, allegedly, spent by the Ondo State Government was reckless in the face of paucity of funds to run the State.

The  PDP has, therefore threatened to drag the Governor to the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on the issue, adding that Arakunrin Akeredolu was using personal companies as conduit pipes to corner State funds.

Ondo PDP spokesperson Kennedy Peretei,  had alleged that the N500 millon was spent on the concert anchored by the Governor’s son in-law, Michael Olatunde and also accused the governor or using personal companies to corner state funds.

Reacting to the allegation,  Governor Akeredolu in a statement by his Information and Orientation Commissioner, Donald Ojogo, challenged the PDP to show proof that he registered 13 companies in 2017.

He urged the opposition party to publish the names of Directors of the companies as well as the names of the companies.

The statement said: “Their assertions in respect of 13 companies they claimed were registered by the Governor’s family in 2017 without evidence exposes the juvenile and pedestrian composure of the PDP. It is sheer waste of precious media space to assert without evidence to prove.

“On the alleged expenditure of N500 million by the Ministry of Information on the ‘Countdown Show to Herald 2022’, it’s not just laughable, but presents the PDP as most unserious.

“The inconsistency in their lies is legendary, as their first release had indicated N200 million in respect of same subject. The public deserves to know more. Therefore, the PDP must hurry to report this to the EFCC for investigation.

“While it is clear that the insidious naked dance of the PDP manifests the height of idleness and political depression, the party’s persistence in the display of uncanny posture on the path of unbelievable lies calls to question whether or not the PDP respects the Ondo State public at all. No serious public takes such beer parlour talks seriously.”

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