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2023: Presidential Aspirant, Anakwenze, Urges PDP To Respect Zoning

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nwachukwu Anthony Anakwenze

By Akinwale Kasali

A member of the Nigeria Diaspora Think Tank and the Chairman of Igbo World Assembly, Nwachukwu Anthony Anakwenze, a United States-based Medical Doctor and the Chairman of Igbo World has urged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to abide by its laid down rules and principles of Zoning.

Appealing to the leadership of the party and stakeholders, Anakwenze said at this critical stage, the Party needs to remain faithful to the idea of zoning the Presidential ticket to the South in next year’s General Elections because the subsisting rotation favours the region at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term.

The United States-based medical practitioner, who has indicated interest in running for the Presidential seat having purchased the N40 Million Nomination Form made the appeal in Lagos at a press conference.

He said the scheming by some politicians from the North to retain power in their region in 2023, in flagrant disrespect of the power rotation arrangement, is not in the best interest of the country.

He said that in 24 Years of Democratic Rule of the nation, the Igbos have been marginalized despite the South East contributing greatly to the development of the nation in terms of infrastructure, intellect and business.

Anakwenze added that the Southeast geo-political zone have demonstrated faith in a united Nigeria than any other ethnic nationality and deserve to produce the president ahead of the other two zones that had already taken a shot at it since the return to civil rule in 1999.

He also condemned the spate of insecurity in the country on marginalisation and injustice.

“The present degree of regional and ethno-political polarisation, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, secessionist agitations and banditry occasioned by poor leadership, puts Nigeria at risk of breaking up.”

“I am a simple man that is driven by the desire to give the youth, the nation’s children what we had growing up; a sense of self-worth and the belief that the sky is the limit when it comes to the ability to excel.”

Speaking on his ability and capacity to rule a complex nation like Nigeria, Anakwenze said he has what it takes to bring the country out of its present economic woes.

He explained that zoning will not allow the best candidate like him to emerge as the presidential candidate of the party, hence his decision that the contest be thrown open for the best to emerge.

He added that he is also an industrialist that employs more than 4,000 youths, and if given the chance to rule the nation, is major focus and investment will be on youth capacity and development.

He pledged to bring back 10,000 medics of Nigerian origin back to help improve the medical sector in the country.

Anakwenze further said that his election as  President,  will bring an end to medical tourism in Nigeria.

GTCO Focused To Become Africa’s Giant- Agbaje

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Shareholders Approve N3 Dividend

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Group Managing Director, GMD Guarantee Trust Holding Company, GTCO Plc Segun Agbaje has disclosed that the financial behemoth is truly on course of becoming Africa’s leading financial giant, one year after transiting to a holding company.

Agbaje made the assertion at the end of the first Annual General Meeting, AGM of the corporation, where the shareholders approved a total dividend payment of N3 per unit of ordinary share for the 2021 financial year.

“Following the shareholders’ approval of our transition to a holding company structure in December 2020, we worked with regulators, the broad spectrum of our stakeholders and some of the most experienced advisory institutions in the world, to ensure that we have, not only a smooth transition but also the best people and the right structures to drive our vision of becoming Africa’s leading financial services groups,” the GTCO chief executive said.

The shareholders endorsed the Group’s proposed final dividend of N2.70 per unit of ordinary share held by shareholders in addition to the interim dividend of 30 kobo interim dividend paid in June, bringing the total dividend for the 2021 financial year to N3.00 per unit of ordinary share.

Speaking on behalf of shareholders, the patron, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association, NSSA, Timothy Adesiyan, noted that the holdo has made serious progress since the transition one year ago, despite the challenging business environment.

Hezekiah Adesola Oyinlola, GTCO Chairman said the corporation has consolidated its position as Africa’s financial leader. He said the company will continue to provide cutting-edge financial services to customers.

He said, “When I look at the future-proofing of every part of our organisation; from our talent base to our business models and digital capabilities, I am reminded of just how forward-thinking our management team continues to be in our company’s constant push to be ahead of the curve in creating innovative financial solutions, delivering service excellence and ensuring long-term value creation.

“I am excited by the potential of our new holding company structure. I see the immense opportunities opened by our strategic investments in building up diverse lines of business.

“The future of financial services belongs to the institutions that will seamlessly integrate the full range of cutting-edge solutions in a people-centric digitally enabled ecosystem.”

 Gulf of Guinea: EU Commends FG’s War Against Piracy

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The European Union E.U, has commended the Nigerian Government for providing leadership in the Gulf of Guinea in the war against criminality in the maritime domain.

The commendation came from the EU Senior Coordinator for the Gulf of Guinea, Nicolas Martinez, who noted that the federal government serious efforts at combating criminality in the area has yielded results.

The EU envoy disclosed this during a working visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA by the EU delegation which inspected assets under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, otherwise known as the deep blue project.

Martinez noted that the EU remains a committed partner to the Gulf of Guinea region and would continue to provide extensive and targeted assistance to strengthen the critical features of the Yaoundé security architecture while cementing the long-standing relationship between ECOWAS member states, like Nigeria and the EU.

“We support Nigeria’s leadership in the regional quest to end piracy and other maritime crimes. You can count on the EU as we are fully supportive of the Yaounde Infrastructure. We urge Nigeria to share experience with other countries in the region. It is obvious from the results so far that Nigeria, providing leadership for other countries, is winning the war against piracy,” he said.

Speaking at the reception for the EU delegation, the Director General NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh noted that the recent removal of Nigeria from the Piracy list by the International Maritime Bureau, IMB, was as a result of collective efforts of various stakeholders within and outside of the country.

“It is not yet time to celebrate. Now the focus for us at NIMASA is sustainability. The improved intelligence gathering and sharing amongst all stakeholders played a major role in the results we are witnessing now. Our Deep Blue Project, the SPOMO Act enacted by the National Assembly, the Convictions of criminals under the SPOMO Act, the commitment of the Nigerian Navy and other military arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces, not forgetting the support from the international community, all led to the reduction of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea,” he said

Jamoh said further that NIMASA is already looking ahead in her quest to attain sustainability.” We are working on an International Maritime Sustainability Conference which we will be hosting in Abuja later this year; also, a comprehensive National Maritime policy for Nigeria is in the pipeline.

Commenting on the Deep Blue Project, Dr Jamoh disclosed that the Japanese Government has pledged $2.4 million Dollars to support the Deep Blue Project just as the Korean Government has donated a warship to NIMASA to add to the fleet of the Deep Blue Project.

The delegation comprising Martinez, and members of selected EU Member States, in the company of the NIMASA DG and senior management staff of the Agency, had conducted an inspection tour of Deep Blue Project assets at the Nigerian Navy Diving School. They also witnessed an organized drill put on by the Nigerian Navy showcasing some of the assets in action.

The Deep Blue Project, otherwise known as the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Defence while being implemented by NIMASA. Its main objective is to secure Nigerian waters up to the Gulf of Guinea.

How APC Administration In Ondo Scares Investors – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Shopprite in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, on Friday, observed that the policy of the present administration in the State portends danger for prospective investors.

The PDP remark followed alleged plan by the State Government to demolish the Shoprite building in Akure and some shops owned by traders at the Trade Fair Complex.

But in a swift reaction, the State Government, through Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo reminded PDP that the Trade Fair Complex had long been abandoned and its demolition would pave the way for a befitting trade complex.

A statement by the party’s spokesman, Kennedy Peretei, stated that “In his trademark sadism, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has brought wailing and tears to Ondo State entrepreneurs who are tenants of the Ondo State Government, at the popular Trade Fair Complex, located at Igbatoro road, Akure.

“It all started like a joke, when on 24th March, 2022, occupants of business premises in the Trade Fair Complex received a Notice to Quit the complex within 14 days.

“Efforts to seek audience with the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Mrs Lola Fagbemi yielded no results.

“The businessmen also approached a lawyer to write to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, explaining the illegality of the actions of the state government, all to no avail.

“Then, on Thursday, 7th April, 2022, when the 14-day Quit Notice was said to have expired, three State Commissioners, led by the Commissioner for Works, Land and Housing, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services accompanied by the Surveyor General of the State, all arrived Igbatoro road to demolish the buildings.

“In a civil servant state where the workers are yet to receive November, 2021 salary, the few who provide employment and helping to energise the economy are being traumatised for no just cause.

“The bulldozer that was initially assigned to pull down the structures was unable to deliver on the assignment, hence, an excavator had to be deployed to reduce to rubbles businesses that are struggling to survive in a very inclement economy.

“From the accounts of some entrepreneurs who watched helplessly as their means of livelihood got crushed by the roaring equipment, they invested more than N70 million  to upgrade the entire premises to what it is now.

“The funds so invested were converted to rents for them, with some having more than three years unexpired rents.

“More than 100 businesses risk being extinguished if Akeredolu succeeds to pull through with this anti-people exercise.

“While the official explanation for the demolition is the plan of Government to convert the entire place to a “Business District”, there are reports that Akeredolu’s  Heir Apparent, Babajide, had bought up the place for some of his phony projects.

“For a lawyer of Mr. Governor’s standing, does he require a lawyer to explain to him that, annual tenants can not be ejected with a 14-day notice? Did he give any consideration to the families of those who own businesses in the place?

“What is really urgent about establishing a Business District that, your tenants of over fifteen years have to quit within 14 days?

“I also have it on good authority that, a similar notice was given to Shoprite, which is also in the same vicinity of the Trade Fair.

“Amongst the businesses being threatened, there is a Training Institute valued at about N100 million fitted with modern equipment, laptops, furniture and personnel drawn from across Nigeria.

“Ondo State should not be in the news for the wrong reasons. Akeredolu should look elsewhere to establish his business district.”

Government reaction explained further that “While Government concedes to the PDP its right to ride along the path of perfidy as always, it remains the uncompromising responsibility of Government to alert the public of mischief under any guise.

“With reference to the demolition of the Trade Fair Complex, Government enjoins residents of the State to ignore the ruined PDP and its incoherently spewed dis-information.

“For the avoidance of doubt, tenants in the complex had been given an ample opportunity of Notice prior to the demolition exercise even as Government is not unmindful of the puerile efforts of some hired cronies of enthrenched interests.

“Yet, our desire to turn the moribund Trade Fair Complex which had since transmuted to a criminals’ hideout to a fruit-bearing business hub remains unwavering.

“We shall engage all stakeholders, especially potential private investors to bring to fruition, our desires to wrought development on our people.

“In the case of the alleged plan to demolish Shoprite, residents of the State are enjoined to confine this mischief replete with inaccuracy, to the dustbin.

“Shoprite, even as as it remained the only known inherited investment, will rather be given a more befitting ambience beef-up.

“Instructively, Shoprite, without prejudice, serves as the precursor to the planned Central Business District which hosts the following: proposed Five Star Hotel, the novel Entrepreneurs’ Village, Revenue House, the envisaged Business Hub with varied degrees of luxuries, development comforts and others in the pipeline along that strait.

“Our plans for development, especially through credible investment drives shall remain on an enviable cruise throughout the tenure of the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN)-led administration. No amount of falsehood and blackmail will be given a chance to play any role.”

The former PDP administration in the state under the leadership of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko had demolished the state owned Hotel to pave the way for Shoprite.

Lagos Assembly Advocates Better Funding For Health Sector In Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, have mentioned poor funding of the health sector in Nigeria as a hindrance to the country’s attainment of the Universal Health Coverage, UHC, target of the World Health Organisation, WHO.

The Lawmakers said that it was necessary for the Federal and State Governments to prioritize funding of the Health Sector for the well being of Nigerians and betterment of all.

They spoke at the two-day health programme organised by the House in conjunction with the Legislative Advocacy Initiative For Sustainable Development (LISDEL) aimed at enhancing the capacities of legislators and key stakeholders in the health sector of Lagos state as part of moves to help Nigeria meet the universal health coverage.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, Obasa said Nigeria is embattled with various challenges in the health sector, but that poor funding has become a major issue.

“To my mind, the biggest challenge facing the health sector in Nigeria is lack of adequate financing. This is because none of the other problems is too obscure to identify or complicated to solve.

“To solve the problems of lack of adequate financing and thereby invest in the health sector and achieve the Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria, you, the stakeholders have come up with laudable innovative ideas like the Community-based Health Intervention/Insurance.

“This initiative is largely addressing the issue of ‘out-of-pocket payments’ and would alleviate the struggles of our people in the rural areas.

“On this note, I salute the determination of the stakeholders in this sector for your efforts day and night to tackle these rather evasive but tormenting problems,” the Speaker’s representative said.

The chairman of the committee on health of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Olusola Sokunle, delivering his address noted that the programme would help address the basics of ensuring universal health coverage policies and objectives.

He commended LISDEL for helping legislators, clerks of various Houses of Assembly and others with capacity building in relation to health financing.

“It is targeted at strengthening the state’s health sector and deepening legislators’ understanding of health financing, universal health coverage and public health coverage objectives,” Sokunle said about the programme.

He promised more partnerships with stakeholders to make the health sector of Lagos better.

Speaking concerning the programme, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. David Setonji, noted that even though Lagos still had a lot to grapple with, the state is doing well and taking the right steps to meet the WHO targets.

The Waste In Zamfara Amidst Poverty

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Zamfara cars

By Adesina Soyooye

On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, the Governor of  poverty-stricken and terrorrism-engulfed Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, “dashed” 260 vehicles, including Cadillac  2019 Model to 17 Emirs, 13 Senior District  Heads and 230 District Heads.

No less a personality than the revered Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji  Sa’ad Abubakar 111, was invited to flag of the distribution ceremony.

The Governor said it was in appreciation of the Traditional Rulers roles in maintaining peace in the State.

He said: ” The role of Traditional Rulers in fostering national unity, safe-guarding our values, and serving as moral compass, for our society cannot be over – emphasized.

“As premier leaders in our communities, Traditional Rulers play key roles in resolving conflicts and in assisting the Government to provide fatherly advice to their subjects in the interest of promoting peace and harmony.

“As our leaders, we would stay steadfastly committed to providing for your welfare, safety and essential support  that will enable you to carry out your duties without incident and with bigger success.”

Hereunder,  Adeola Soeten, takes a look at the unprecedented gifts, and analyses its implications for the State, and what the money could have done for the people in an article titled:

Zamfara full of Blood and Royal Cadillac

By Adeola Soetan

Alhaji  Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State purchased Cadillac 2019 series for 260 Emirs and other traditional chiefs in his very poor state that’s under daily bombardment of terrorists with the death of hundreds of poor citizens murdered, maimed and displaced.

That model of Cadillac goes for an average of $95, 000; that’s around N40m each.

When you multiply N40m by 260 Emirs, you get N10.4bn.

Zamfara is home to the highest number of poor and vulnerable people in Nigeria, according to the National Social Registry, with a record of 3,836,484 from 825,337 households.

According to the United Nations, a person is considered to live in extreme poverty when they are living on less than $1.90 per day; that is N798 per day.

According to Rotimi Sankore, a data analyst, “Roughly 80 per cent of the people in Zamfara have no secondary school education.

This accounts for why bandits have a huge reservoir of recruits on which they continuously tap from”

Zamfara ranked 36th in WAEC ranking. In Zamfara, the doctor to patient ratio is one doctor to 14,000 patients.

Zamfara State is a disaster happening with unabated human carnage.

It’s under this terrible human social and economic conditions that Mattawale’s Zamfara State is wasting N10. 4bn on rich traditional rulers many of whom already have more than enough luxury vehicles in their garages.

If an average of N2m is spent to train and establish its poor population, at least more than 5,000 citizens will be empowered and removed from the street of joblessness and crime where the youths are easily recruited to terrorist groups.

Nigeria is truly an expanse looting field held hostage by its criminal ruling class.

Popular Nigeria Gospel Singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu Is dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Osinachi Nwachukwu

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than three weeks after the demise of popular Gospel Artiste, Chinedu Nwadike, another popular Gospel Singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu,  has passed on.

The ‘Ekwueme’ crooner was said to have been on life support for the past two months. The cause of her ailment that made her bedridden was unknown as at the time of filing this report.

But it was gathered from unconfirmed sources that she died of throat Cancer.

The renowned artiste is known with her angelic voice and came into prominence following her track, Ekwueme. The sad news of her demise has gone viral, sparking reactions from  many people.

Osinachi featured in some popular gospel songs like “Nara Ekele” by Pastor Paul Enenche (Dunamis, Abuja), “Ekwueme” by Prospa Ochimana, and “You no dey use me play” by Emma.

Her fans took to the social media to pay tribute to the gospel singer.

Below are the reactions of some social media users;

@PROSPERO – Gospel artiste, Sister Osinachi popularly known for her song Ekwueme has passed away.

May her soul Rest In Peace

Farewell Osinachi

Farewell Ekwueme

Farewell the Lord’s golden voice .

@88ideass – I just heard that this “Ekwueme ee, ekwueme eee, you are the living God” gospel crooner – Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu is no more.

@OfficialAkoh – Just heard that the osinachi nwachukwu who was featured in ekwueme is dead. It’s a sad one. May her soul rest in peace

@Obama_naija – Osinachi Nwachukwu, that angelic voice in ‘Ekwueme’ just passed away today…She was on life support for about 2 months

@Drmuzoic – Wait, what?

Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu, dead??? How???

Her last musical release was in September 2021, when she released Ikem, God of Power.

The family is yet to issue a statement on her death and her burial arrangements.

She is survived by her husband Peter, and four children.

She was the twin sister of “Amarachi Grace Eze, who is also a powerful singer.

Soludo: Criminals Will Face Full Wrath Of Law; 85% Not From Anambra

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma  Soludo, has again offered amnesty to hoodlums in the State.

Speaking during his visit, on Friday, to the Aguata Local Government Secretariat which was razed by hoodlums on Thursday, Soludo said the amnesty comes with a full package of rehabilitation to enable them be useful to themselves and the society.

However, said the Governor, those who refuse his offer, and continue to engage in criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law, adding that the State will not be intimidated by criminals.

“Anybody in the bush is a criminal and will be treated as such. We will come after Criminals because the people’s power must triumph”, he said.

Shedding light on how the Secretariat was razed by hoodlums, Soludo said the armed Criminals were chased from their camps at Aguluezechukwu and Oboji where they have been operating from in the past two years. They were running away from the Security Operatives who had clamped down on them, and on their way, paused to set the Secretariat on fire.

On the identities of the hoodlums, Governor Soludo absolved the people of his State, revealing that: “85% of the hoodlums come from a particular State in the South-east while 15% came from other States.” He, however failed to name the State from where the 85% came.

The insecurity in Anambra State has escalated in the past couple of weeks. At least, two Local Government Secretariats have been razed down by gunmen. Lives have, also, been lost including two officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC,  who were brutally killed, and their  operational vehicle set on fire.

Addressing members of the press at Aguata Local Government Area Secretariat, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles C. Soludo CFR said that armed criminals have been operating as kidnappers, rapists, etc. for close to two years from camps set up in Aguluezechukwu and Oboji. The security personnels in the state clamped on them and in the process of fleeing, decided to set Aguata LGA headquarters ablaze. He reiterated his stance on offering amnesty to those in the bush, so they can be rehabilated and become useful to the society but stressed that those who refuse the offer shall face the full wrath of the Law because they can’t intimidate the people of Anambra State.

Mr Governor further revealed that 85% of these criminals are from a particular state in South East while the remaining 15% come from other states. Items recovered in their camps are registers of kidnapped victims, weapons, charms, etc. Prof Soludo assured the people that peace and stability must return in Anambra and SouthEast. “Anybody in the bush is a criminal and will be treated as such. We will come after criminals because the people’s power must triumph. We must create a liveable and prosperous homeland where peace, security and progress must thrive”.

Ekiti Police Command Nabs Suspected Killer Of FUOYE Student, Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Suspected Criminals in Ekiti State

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Police Command has paraded seven suspects in connection with various crimes ranging from cultism, murder, burgling, kidnapping and impersonation.

One of the suspects is Akamo Ayodeji who, allegedly, attacked a student of the Federal University Oye Ekiti, Akomolafe Tolulope Patience with an axe, which led to his death.

The arrests came barely few days days after the new Commissioner of Police,  Moronkeji Adesina assumed office.

The CP on assumption of office, promised to continue to partner with the Military, Paramilitary, intelligence Agencies and communities to  enhance knowledge sharing, deepen mutual understanding and develop a tight security architecture in the State.

This, he believes, will cripple activities of criminal elements  and guarantee safety of lives and properties of the people of Ekiti State.

Addressing journalists at the premises of the Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Abutu, said the partnership was already yielding result, as all the suspects were arrested through tip off from members of the public and intensified efforts by men of the Command.

Giving details about the arrests, Abutu said “On 04/04/2022 at about 17:30hrs, the Command received a distress call that some suspected  kidnappers were operating along  Ikole-Ekiti/Ijesa-Isu-Ekiti Road.

“The Command, upon the receipt of the information, deployed a team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to the scene for possible arrest of the suspects.

“On approaching the scene, the suspects numbering about five (5) sighted the Police and took to their heels into the bush. Effort intensified by the operatives led to the arrest of one Aliyu Mohammed.

“Items recovered from him are two (2) barreta pistols, forty (40) rounds of 9mm live ammunition, three (3) Airtel Sim packs, one (1) Glo sim pack, one (1) yellow hand band of Axemen Black Axe secret cult group, one (1) military neck chain, one (1) Army leave pass and one (1) Army ID Card belonging to his late brother, one LCPL. Aliyu Abbas who died sometime early this year and six (6) passports photograph snapped by the suspect in Army camouflage uniform.

“On searching the scene, another barreta pistol  suspected to have been left behind by the fleeing suspects was found on the ground.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to be a gun runner who had earlier supplied a barreta pistol to one Fatai Danjuma and Ademilua Ayodele Hammed at the cost of  Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,000:00) in March, 2022.

“Further efforts intensified by the RRS operatives led to the arrest of Fatai Danjuma in Ado Ekiti and Ayodele Ademilua Hammed in Ayetoro-Ekiti.

“The two suspects confessed to be involved in the arms deal and Ademilua Ayodele Hammed claimed to have resold the pistol to one Olajide  Samuel at the cost of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000:00).

“Concerted effort made by the operatives led to the arrest of Olajide Samuel at Isolo-Opin town in Kwara State and the barreta pistol in his possession was recovered

“Also On 04/04/2022 at about 1700hrs, the Command received a distress call from Mathew Street, Ado-Ekiti that a serial burglar was arrested and about to be lynched by  mob.

“A team of RRS personal was deployed to the scene, rescued the suspect and brought him to the station.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he was trying to burgle a house at Embassy Area, Agric Olope, Ado-Ekiti when he was arrested.

“It was discovered that the suspect escaped from lawful custody with Police handcuffs in 2021 after he was detained for an offence of burglary and stealing. He also confessed to be a serial burglar.

The suspect’s house was searched and one (1) Police handcuff, one (1) Vdigi black television set and food stuffs suspected to have been stolen were recovered.

“Similarly, a suspect, Adebayo Adelanke was also paraded in connection with the robbery incident at Embassy Island Ado Ekiti, On 25/07/2021 where houses were burgled and many valuables carted away including vehicles.”

According to Abutu, the suspect was indicted by eleven suspects arrested but has been on the run since then.

One of the phones stolen at the scene of the robbery was recovered from him.

The PPRO noted that as soon as investigations were concluded, all the suspects would be charged to Court.

CNPP Bemoans High Cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms in Nigeria

By
The Source
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0
Chief Willy Ezugwu

The umbrella association of all political parties and political associations in the country, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms being sold by political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections, urging political parties to issue free forms to young candidates.

Worried that the trend will lead to money bags and corrupt politicians sustaining their dominance in the country’s political space, the CNPP in a statement issued on Friday by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said the trend has gotten to a worrisome level.

According to the CNPP, “Nigeria will be the loser if the trend is not checked as good governance will be far in coming.

“How can a young graduate with capacity for quality leadership, who have been working, even in the last ten years, on a salary of N150, 000.00 be able to purchase a nomination form for a House of Representatives at the cost of N7 million as pegged by APGA, or N2. 5 million as PDP  pegged its own or at APC’s N3.85 million?

“To purchase forms for presidential aspiration is out of the question as no youth can afford it, except young aspirants from rich homes or who have made money from elsewhere, not from paid employment.

“We consider this development as a deliberate design by political parties to exclude the best of Nigerians from participating in the electoral process.

“We have watched with dismay as aspirants are either protesting the high cost of the forms or are making appeals for a discounted sales of expression of interest and nomination forms.

“We therefore call on all political parties with exorbitant expression of interest and nomination forms to cut down the costs for young candidates to encourage youth participation in politics or at best issue free forms to young aspirants under 40 years of age.

“While some political parties have announced free forms for female aspirants, the prevailing high cost of forms is still unacceptable and should be revisited by political parties that are concerned to ensure equity in pursuit of good governance and to encourage the deepening of democracy in Nigeria through popular participation”, the CNPP stated.

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