Respite For Nigerians As FG Extends Deadline For NIN-SIM Linkage

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October 31, 2021

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has given millions of Nigerians a lifeline, following the extension of the National Identification Number, NIN, and the Subscriber Indentity/Identification Module, SIM linkage.

The FG had, on a couple of times, directed the Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC, and the Telecommunication Companies, TELCOs, to extend the deadline for NIN-SIM registration linkage.

Now, the Federal Government has extended the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to the end of 2021.

This was disclosed in a joint statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, and the Head, Corporate Communications at Nigeria Identity Management Commission, Kayode Adegoke issued on this weekend.

The statement was titled ‘Stakeholders Applaud the NIN-SIM Verification Exercise as FG Urges Citizens and Legal Residents to Enrol Before the End of the Year.’

According to the statement, the extension was due to appeals by the Mobile Network Operators and other industry stakeholders, seeking an extension to ensure better compliance with Government’s directive.

It read, “The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami has conveyed the approval of the Federal Government to extend the deadline for the National Identity Number-Subscriber Identity Module data verification. Citizens and legal residents are urged to complete the process before the end of the year 2021.

“The decision to extend the deadline was made further to appeals by the Mobile Network Operators and other industry stakeholders, soliciting for a further extension to ensure better compliance with government’s directive and to avoid widening the digital divide. The extension would also provide the enabling environment for the registration of Nigerians in remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, as well as foreigners, diplomatic missions, those in other areas that were hitherto unreachable, and increase enrolments in countries with a significant number of Nigerians.”

The statement said more than 9,500 enrolment systems with over 8,000 NIN enrolment centres were available in and outside the country to ease the enrolment and linkage process.

It read, “As of October 30, 2021, there were over 9,500 enrolment systems and over 8,000 NIN enrolment centres within and outside the country- this has significantly eased the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.”

The press statement further stated that 66 million unique NIN enrolments have been captured since the enrolment process began, with an average of three to four SIMs linked to the NIN.

It has been difficult for most Nigerians to successfully take part in the registration.

Ondo: NSDC Tackles Illegal Private Security Coys

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Ayodele Oni

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October 31, 2021

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) is set to flush out unregistered private security guards as it trained the first batch of Guards in the State.

State Commandant of the Corps, Dr Hammed Abodunrin, pointed out that the training would enhance their performance and efficiency in security duties.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day Train the Trainers Workshop for selected Private Security Guards, who would in turn train other members, Dr. Abodunrin said the Corps was committed to its mandate of registration, supervision, monitoring, training and issuing of certificate of operations to Private Guard Companies in Nigeria.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of NSDC in the State, Mr Olufemi Omole, disclosed that about 4,000 Private Security Guards have been Identified in Ondo State and in a bid to curb any act of infiltration or enlistment of individuals with questionable characters as guards, the Command would ensure proper monitoring.

The statement quoted the Commandant as saying that recruiting miscreants and criminal minded persons as private guards would be very inimical to the Security architecture of the Nation.

According to him, establishments, institutions and individuals hiring private guards should contact the Private Guard Company Department of the NSCDC to acertain their credibility before requesting for their services.

The Commandant further warned saboteurs and illegal practitioners to either follow the due process of Registration and Licensing by the NSCDC or face the wrath of the law.

He affirmed the readiness of the Command Task Force to seal up unlicensed private guard offices in the State.

The occasion was wrapped up with award of Certificates and free distribution of First Aid Kits to participants to enable them discharge their duties as quick First Aid responders during emergencies.

PDP Convention: Atiku Says APC Is Corrupt, Lacks Leadership Capacity

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 31, 2021

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has taken a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, labeling it a corrupt Party, that has failed Nigeria since it took the saddle Six years ago.

Abubakar added that the nation is on the edge of precipice as the country is going through the most trying and difficult period of its existence.

Atiku was a member of the APC to which it defected from the PDP, months leading to the 2015 Presidential election which ushered the APC into office. However, in the months leading to the 2019 Presidential election, he again defected to the PDP and became PDP’s Presidential candidate.

Atiku made this assertion at the 2021 National Convention of the PDP at Eagle Square, Abuja.

The Wazirin Adamawa appealed to party members and all Nigerians to shun past differences, set aside political machinations and scheming and wrestle power from the APC come 2023.

Speaking further, Abubakar said APC had “comprehensively” failed Nigerians in the past six years but there insists there is an opportunity to set the ship on the right course by atoning for the mistake of past leadership and uniting the country on the part towards greatness.

He said: “I can tell you that I am 70 years plus but I have never seen this country in such a very bad shape, so disunited, so much unemployment, so much insecurity in its history.

“The social and security challenges in all corners along with the lingering tension surrounding the very nature of our corporate existence as a nation, Nigeria is at the edge of precipice because of the lackluster performance and complacency successive administrations in culminating in the gross failure of this APC-led government.

“The APC has proven itself to be unequip to lead the nation. They have shown themselves to be corrupt, in fact, the most corrupt, sectional and divisive party that was never prepared to lead this country. If we had the idea of what it took to lead a diverse, multiethnic and multi-religious country like Nigeria.

“The responsibility, therefore, is for us to arrest the downward spiral of the Nigerian nation and save the country from even greater calamities. This is our collective responsibility.”

He added: “We must set aside our differences. We must bring forth our brightest lights and position themselves to rescue, restore and rebuild the foundation.

“This time is a critical juncture for us politicians to work together to return Nigerians on the part of growth and development.

“The unity of key players in the PDP is an extension of the unity of Nigerians. I believe we should return and focus the party on part of competence.

“The decisions we take today will determine the future of trajectory of our party and our beloveth party. We can’t afford to fail and we will not fail. We all put out hands together with sincerity of purpose rescue our great country, Nigeria.”

Nigeria Police Debunks Reinstatement Of DCP Abba Kyari

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 31, 2021

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By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to the news spreading like wildfire of the alleged reinstatement of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police and Commander of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team, IGP-IRT, Abba Kyari, the Nigeria Police has vehemently debunked it

There were stories that the Nigeria Police Force recalled Kyari, and he was expected to resume work on Monday 1st November, 2021.

Debunking such claim, Spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Frank Mba, asked how possible that could be when Kyari was suspended by the Police Service Commission, PSC.

He said, “How can the Police recall an officer suspended by the Police Service Commission? It is impossible.

Kyari was suspended by the PSC following his indictment in a Cybercrime scam case involving Abbas Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, in the United States of America alleged that Kyari connived with Hushpuppi to defraud a Qatari businessman of $1.1m.

The FBI is working on the extradition of Kyari to face charges over his alleged involvement in the fraud.

Giving an update on DCP Kyari’s extradition case, the Nigeria Police Force in a statement said the embattled officer had been queried and that the Police was working with the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, on the issue.

He also explained that the panel constituted to investigate the case had submitted its report to the SGF, Boss Mustapha, for vetting and advice on the findings.

The Police said they recently got feedback from the SGF and were contemplating their next step.

Mba, also, said the NPF has not received any extradition request from the FBI for the suspended DCP.

Mary Odili: Chairmen, NBA Branches, Imo, Call For Investigation

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The Source

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October 31, 2021

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Justice Mary Odili attack on her Abuja residence

By Charles Igbo

Reactions to the invasion of the home of Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, are still coming like claps of thunder.

On Friday, October 29, 2021, security personnel had invaded her home in the early evening, laid a siege for hours, with an excuse that they came to execute a search warrant signed by a Magistrate in Wuse.

The initial report was that they were about 50 in number, made up of operatives from the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigerian Police. Later, the Department of Security Security Service was also added. It was said that it was a joint operation by a mix-marsh of security operatives whose activities are anchored from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

The invasion was greeted with outrage, and the fallout has been unprecedented.

The Magistrate who signed the search warrant revoked it hours later, and said he was deceived by misinformation into issuing it. Malami has distanced himself from the scandal and ordered a probe. Both the EFCC and the DSS issued statements saying they were not involved. It remains the Nigerian Police Force which has kept mum, and which officer, a CSP, swore to an affidavit of support which was presented to the Magistrate.

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in a strongly-worded statement signed by its President, Olumide Akpata, expressed outrage, and vowed to see to the end of the embarrassing incident.

And there are other reactions as well from concerned body of SANs and high profile individuals.

The latest reaction came from the Committee of Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association Branches in Imo State.

In a statement signed by all the Chairmen, the statement condemned the invasion, dismissed as barbarian, and called for an investigation into the incident.

Following is the full text of the statement entitled:

STATEMENT BY THE COMMITTEE OF CHAIRMEN OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION [NBA] BRANCHES IN IMO STATE, ON THE INVASION OF THE RESIDENCE OF HONOURABLE JUSTICE MARY UKAEGO PETER-ODILI, [JSC], BY UNKNOWN SECURITY AGENTS ON THE 29TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2021.

“On Friday, 29th October, 2021, the Nigerian airwaves were inundated with the unfortunate news of the Gestapolike invasion/siege by unknown security agents, at the Abuja residence of Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC.

“This barbaric invasion is reminiscent of the better-forgotten and unsavoury invasions of the houses of justices and judges by officers of the Department of State Services [DSS] in a purported “sting operation” in 2016.

“Whereas the purported Order made by the Magistrate Court, Wuse, has been revoked by the Magistrate who made same; whereas all the relevant security agencies have denied involvement in this unfortunate incident; and whereas the Honourable the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, has come out to deny knowledge of this barbaric action by rogue security agencies, these go to show that the shield bearers of our democracy [Judiciary] are now easy preys to the same security agencies who are meant to protect them.

“Lawyers in Imo State strongly condemn this reprehensible, roguish, barbaric and abominable invasion of the residence of the Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC, who is the second most senior Justice of the Supreme Court. We view this incident as a continuation of the unrelenting attempts and efforts by the Government of the day to intimidate and cow the Judiciary.

“Furthermore, we call for a thorough investigation into the sequence of events culminating into this invasion, and for all those culpable to be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land. This is to serve as a deterrent to would-be overzealous security agents and their collaborators in power who may be tempted to embarrass and ridicule the Judiciary.”

Signed:

J.I. Ogamba, Esq. – Chairman, NBA Owerri Branch.

Chief A.U. Ugboaja, KSC – Chairman, NBA Mbaise Branch.

R.C. Ndeme, Esq. – Chairman, NBA Okigwe Branch.

B.A. Munonye, Esq. – Chairman, NBA Orlu Branch.

Chief Richard Anyanwu – Chairman, NBA Mbano/Etiti Branch.

Justice Peter-Odili is the second highest Judge in Nigeria. She is from Imo State, but married to a former two- term Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili.

PDP: Finally, Secondus’ Chairmanship Ends

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 31, 2021

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By Akinwale Kasali

Iyorchia Ayu, former Senate President has emerged as the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, formally bringing an end to the reign of Prince Uche Secondus.

Secondus was suspended from office by three Court Rulings. His problem began when he fell out with his State Governor, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who had facilitated his occupation of the office.

Secondus bid to stop the PDP’s National Convention was thrown out on Friday by the Court of Appeal Port Harcourt Division, thus paving the way for the election of new National officers that will run the party.

Ayu, a consensus candidate for the position, took over the leadership of the main opposition party alongside 20 others elected into various positions within the PDP National Working Committee.

The PDP National Convention which began on Saturday lasted till the early morning of Sunday.

Hundreds of party delegates participated in the election of the new national officers at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

Ayu is a former Nigerian Senator who was elected President of the Senate during the Nigerian Third Republic (1992–1993).He later served in various Ministerial positions in the Cabinet of President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.

After falling out with Obasanjo, Ayu left the PDP and joined the Action Congress (AC).

He was head of the campaign to elect Vice President Atiku Abubakar as President on the AC platform in April 2007.

Ayu was born in Gboko in Benue State. He taught sociology in the University of Jos, including courses on the art and science of Marxism, and was the Chairman of the Jos University chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

After entering politics, he was influential among the majority Tiv people in his home state of Benue.[citation needed]He was elected Senator in the Third Republic on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and became Senate President.

In November 1993, the senate impeached Ayu, who was a strong opponent of the Interim National Government established after the elected president Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola had been prevented from taking office.

However, he later became the Minister for Education in General Sani Abacha’s Military Government.

All things being equal, he is expected to up office as the PDP National Chairman in December when the tenure of Secondus, whose substantive suit is still in Court would have officially ended.edly raped by a middle aged man, Soji Bakare, popularly known as SOJ, has cried for Justice.

The State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the suspect, but the mother of the victim, Mrs Yinka Babalola pleaded that the suspect should be made to face the wrath of law.

It was learnt that SOJ assaulted the minor at her parents’ house at the weekend at Aiyeyemi street, Isolo area of Akure, when her mother was at the nearby market selling soup ingredients.

The suspect, who is living at Edo lodge area of Oke Ijebu Akure, is reported to be a regular visitor at Isolo to see her wife hawking around the area.

Mrs Babalola explained that the suspect was caught in the act and he had been apprehended by men of the A Division police station, Akure.

She stated that the child has been taken to the hospital by the Police for medical treatment and examination.

The woman, who said her husband travelled out of Akure, appealed to the Police authorities, the Ondo State Government and civil society organizations to come to her aid so that the suspect, would be brought to book for allegedly raping her child.

Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations officer, PPRO, Mrs Funmi Odunlami, said the suspect has been detained, saying the case would be transferred to the state CID for further investigation.

The Police spokesperson noted that SOJ would be charged to court immediately because of the gravity of the offence.

Mother Of 10 Years Old Rape Victim In Ondo Cries Out For Justice

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Ayodele Oni

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October 31, 2021

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By Ayodele Oni

Mother of a 10 year old primary school pupil, in Ondo state, who was allegedly raped by a middle aged man, Soji Bakare, popularly known as SOJ, has cried for Justice.