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Kaunda: Zambia Declares a-21 Day Mourning Period; Africa Mourns

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kenneth Kaunda

By Akinwale Kasali

Like most African Presidents, he refused to leave office when the ovation was highest. He stepped down as President when he was defeated by a coalition in 1991

The Zambian Government has declared a-21 day mourning period for its former President and father of the Nation, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. Within the period, the National Flag will fly at half mast across the country. And a seal put on all social activities.

Kaunda, regarded as the father of the Nation, died Thursday at the age of 97.

He was one  of Africa’s legends for his role in the fight against colonialism. One of his books, Zambia Shall Be Free was a heat.

The former President was admitted to a military hospital in the capital, Lusaka, on Monday, suffering from pneumonia, which eventually led to his death.

The history of Zambia as a Nation cannot be written without the name of Kaunda been mentioned.

In the 1950s, Kaunda was a key figure in what was then Northern Rhodesia’s independence movement from Britain.

After gaining Independence for his nation in 1964, he became President.

As head of the left-leaning United National Independence Party (UNIP), Kaunda  led the country through decades of one-party rule.

Like most African Presidents, he refused to give way when the ovation was highest. He stepped down after losing multi-party elections in 1991.

Taking to his Facebook page on Social Media to announce the death of his Father, his son, Kambarage Kaunda wrote; “I am sad to inform Zambians that we have lost Mzee,” using a term of respect. “Let’s pray for him.”

Reacting to the death of Kaunda, Zambian President Edgar Lungu said the nation has lost a true African Icon.

“I learnt of your passing this afternoon with great sadness,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “On behalf of the entire nation and on my own behalf I pray that the entire Kaunda family is comforted as we mourn our first president and true African icon.”

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Kaunda’s contribution to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid would not be forgotten.

Former Zambian Football National team captain and legend, Kalusha Bwalya, who paid tribute to the late Kaunda said he had made “an immense impact in Zambia and in Africa.

Former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, in a condolence message to the Kaunda family and Zambia, on behalf of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and his family, paid tribute to a colossus who he said he had a close, cordial, relationship with.

Presidency Warns Obasanjo, Asks Him To Mind His Thoughts, Language

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

The Presidency has warned former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his comments on the State of the Nation.

The warning came from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina who also accused Obasanjo of being behind the “current upheavals in the country by his actions and inactions.”

In an article titled: “Nigeria’s Unity And All The Iberiberism” where he chided Nigerians who want the disintegration of Nigeria, Adesina said: “The sabre-rattling about Nigeria’s unity and the possibility of disintegration has got to the point of iberiberism. Some people have no other business than doomsday predictions of a crumbled, collapsed Nigeria, as if they actually fast and prayer for that eventuality.”

But Adesina said: “Some fathers of the land will not fold their hands and see Nigeria go down.” One of them, he said, is President Muhammadu Buhari, who as a young officer, fought the 30 month civil war for the unity of Nigeria, and has said he will not be around and watch Nigeria go down.

Adesina: “And he (Buhari) has said it: We will not be around and watch Nigeria go down. Never. We will rather speak to insurrectionists in the language they understand.”

Adesina said even Obasanjo has warned against the disintegration of Nigeria, but wants him to show that in his thoughts and language, accusing  Obasanjo  of contributing to the upheavals in the country.

Adesina: “And what of Olusegun Obasanjo, a civil war hero. Despite all that he has contributed to the current upheavals by his actions and inactions, words and bile, he says it is idiotic to wish Nigeria disintegration now. Good. But let us put our money where our mouth is. Let Baba mind his thoughts and his language.”

Obasanjo was one of those who, in 2015, backed then candidate Major General Muhammadu Buhari against the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in the Presidential Election. But no sooner did Buhari come to power than the two of them fell apart. Obasanjo has been criticising the Buhari Government just as he criticised the Presidents Ibrahim Babangida, Musa Yar’Adua and the Goodluck Jonathan Governments.

VersionFlex Redefines e-hailing Service in Nigeria, West Africa

By
Bayo Bernard
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By The Source

VersionFlex, a Nigerian indigenous company, is set to redefine online transportion and logistics service delivery, especially e-hailing in Nigeria and West Africa.

The firm says it will consider the prevailing economic situations of Nigerians in both the availability and affordability of its products and services. The main drive and priority of the *Start Up* is geared towards mass employment and citizens empowerment.

According to Olusola Amosu, Spokesperson of the company with headquarters in Lagos and presence in Lagos and Ogun, to start with, “We are redefining and repositioning the concept and usage of e-hailing to suit the UNIQUE Nigerian business environments. For too long, Nigerians, who are very mobile, have been taken for granted and have lost so much *resources and manpower/labour hours* to inadequacies of Transportation Services. We will strive to provide good rides, attractive incentives and quality services. Our niche is to make it affordable! It is going to be affordable, dependable and available.”

Amosu disclosed that VersionFlex is already partnering to make available a variety of vehicles according to increasing needs of every customer in social, political and economic cadre of the society, with attendant liberty to choose while the drivers are trained to be courteous and respectful.

“VersionFlex has packaged some unique features and perquisites which include a sizeable discount on first-time users, optional savings plan and a zero percent commission for a reasonable period for drivers. ” enthused Amosu, a vastly trained logistics solution expert.

House Of Reps Accuses Police Of Sitting On Recovered Crime Money As It Can’t Account For $7.5 Million

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Police Force

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has observed that the Nigerian Police only pays ‘tithe’ from recovered loot to the coffers of government.

The committee of the green house has therefore ordered the Nigerian Police Force, to disclose the whereabouts of the sum of $7.5million, recovered as proceeds of crimes in 2017.

Also, the House, demanded an explanation of the N360 million recovered as bribery from 26 Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) officials during the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State.

A representative of the force had earlier, before the house committee admitted to depositing a sum of $30 million of the collected $37.5 million with the Central Bank without being able to account for the balance.

The Nigeria Police had been called to testify before the ad hoc committee of the House investigating the assessment and status of all recovered loots, movable and immovable assets from 2002 to 2020.

The force could not also explain to the Rep. Adejoro Adeogun(APC-Ondo) panel, how a document submitted before the committee, which claimed that on the 10th March, 2017, separate amounts of N4.198 million, N26,714,224.195 and N3.85 billion were lodged by the Police, but did not reflect in any account at the CBN.

Earlier, the House Committee had lambasted the representative of the Inspector General of Police, DIG D. O. Ogbunike

The lawmakers accused the police of a lack of recovery account to pay in proceeds of loots, with the representative of the Accountant General corroborating same.

The lawmakers said the attitude of the Police, “gives the impression that police just pays tithes from recoveries.”

The committee described the Nigeria Police as “the most systemically corrupt and ineffective institution in Nigeria” despite huge amount of money released to it yearly by States and the Federal Government.

Boko Haram New Leader Vows ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’

By
Bayo Bernard
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By The Source

The new leader of the notorious terror group, Boko Haram, Bakura Modu aka Sahaba has vowed to press ahead with the legacies of death and violence propagated by its late leader, Abubakar Shekau who killed himself to escape being captured by a rival ISWAP group under the leadership of Musab Albanawi.

Modu made the vow on the crest of call by the Nigerian Armed forces to the terrorist to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

The General Officer Commanding, GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. A.A. Eyitayo, last week, said that the military is not interested in bloodshed so long the terrorists are ready to surrender. But many have quickly rebuffed the General, warning him that the language the terrorists understand is the use of force, that the Army should go ahead and crush them.

General Eytayo said “We are not here for bloodletting, nobody is happy that people are dying. Some of them (Boko Haram insurgents) are listening to the media so it is good for us to appeal to them through the media to shun violence, turn up to seek forgiveness and reconciliation.”

Shekau took his own life after clashes with the IS-ISWAP linked group to escape being captured by the rival group who had been on his trail for many months. The Islamic State allied faction has since taken over Sambisa forest, located in Borno, Nigeria’s North east which was formerly controlled by Shekau –led Boko Haram.

But in spite of the defeat suffered in the hands of ISWAP, and the appeal of its leader Albanawi to surviving Boko Haram commanders to join his group, Modu has appealed to them to remain steadfast, vowing to finish what Shekau started.

In the short video in Arabic, Modu urged his faction’s commanders to remain loyal despite the loss of their historic commander.

The video, provided to AFP by a source close to Boko Haram and confirmed to be Modu by another local source, said the insurgents are not prepared to surrender, that they will fight on, despite suggestion that the death of Shakau has dealt a serious blow to their bloody struggle.  .

The undated Boko Haram video shows Bakura flanked by scores of armed fighters in formation as he addresses the camera, in what is traditionally a jihadist group’s way of presenting a new leader.

Addressing his fighters, Modu said “Commanders of Jama’atu Ahlu Sunna Lidda’awati Wal Jihad. Be steadfast and draw your swords, spreading your jihad, decapitating the enemy,” he said, using the official name of Shekau’s Boko Haram faction also known as JAS.

“Don’t allow what befalls you these days to weaken your resolve on the jihad your are waging, because Allah has not forsaken your efforts.” He urgrd Boko Haram commanders to reject ISWAP commander Barnawi.

There are reports that soon after Shekau’s death last month, ISWAP fighters moved against Boko Haram commanders with the aim of forcing them to surrender to the leadership of Albarnawi, without much success as many of them vowed their loyalty to Modu, the magazine learnt.

More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes since Shekau declared a Jihad against the Nigerian government in 2010 following the murder of its demised leader Mohammed Yusuf by security forces.

Shekau gained popularity after kidnapping nearly 300 schoolgirls in 2014, most of whom have either been killed or married out to insurgent commanders.

Bank’s CEO Jailed, Wife Acquitted

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

Former managing Director/chief executive officer of the defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche did not know that the day of reckoning will come when he conspired with Ugo Anyanwu, the Chief Financial Officer of the bank to steal N25. 7 billion belonging to the commercial bank, Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the Lagos High Court has said.

While sentencing the two accused persons on Wednesday, the judge said the duo conspired to steal the money by using well-recognised stockbrokers to transfer money under the guise of loans and shares. According to her, the fraud would have gone unnoticed if the Central Bank of Nigeria, CND did not wield the big stick at the appropriate time.

Both Atuche and Anyanwu have now been sentenced to six years imprisonment by the judge who said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC  proved its case beyond reasonable doubt after 10 years of trial.

However, the judge freed Atuche’s wife for lack of evidence that she was involved in the fraud with her husband.

Justice Okunnu ruled in her judgment that  “The first defendant (Atuche) and the third defendant (Anyanwu) are found guilty of counts one to 11, 14 to 20, 23 and 24 of the charges contained in the information, and are convicted of conspiracy and stealing,” the judge said.

“On counts 12, 13, 21, 22 and 26, I pronounce the first to third defendants not guilty as the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. On counts 25 and 27, the second defendant (Elizabeth) is found not guilty.

“By stealing from the bank, they stole from innocent customers of the bank. I hereby make an order of restitution against the first and third defendants to refund the sums stated in counts one to 11, 14 and 24.

“The sums are to paid to the relevant agencies that recovered the funds on behalf of the bank.

“The first defendant is hereby sentenced to six years’ imprisonment on counts one to 11, 14 to 20, 23 and 24. The third defendant is hereby sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on counts one to 11, 14 to 20, 23 and 24.”

Okunnu said the accused persons committed the fraud using proxies, noting that Atuche was very combative and rude during cross examinations.

According to the judge“It was a well-planned, well-executed scheme but the bubble burst when the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened,” she said.

“The first defendant (Atuche) was diversionary and evasive on the witness stand; sometimes confrontational and rude. The third defendant (Anyanwu) was also combative and rude under cross-examination.”

On Atuche’s wife, the judge said there was no proof that the two companies affiliated to Elizabeth fraudulently received N2 billion worth of Bank PHB shares.

In June 2015, Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of  an Ikeja High Court discharged and acquitted the former Bank PHB chief executive on the basis that he found no merit in the case preferred against him by the EFCC.

IN his ruling Justice Lawal-Akapo said though the prosecution had properly preferred counts 1 to 10 bordering on criminal stealing against the defendants, but ruled that counts 11 to 27 of the charges did not connect the defendants’ theft with shares and stocks.

He cited the cases of  Erastus Akingbola and Okey Nwosu, former chief executives of Intercontinental Bank and FinbanK, respectively as precedents.

“We Don’t Need To Balkanize This Country” – Onyema, Air Peace Chairman

By
Uche Mbah
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Allen Onyema- Air Peace Chairman

By Uche Mbah

Inside the Boeing 777 Aircraft going to Abuja from Lagos, an unexpected Preacher took the microphone. Nigerians are used to announcements by Aircraft crew members – the Purser or the Captain or the Captain’s second in Command. They tell them about their flight – weather, time of arrival etc.

Those who take commercial buses are also used to seeing Preachers, Bible in hand, trying very hard to preach repentance to distracted, stressed and wary passengers. Or hawkers of all kinds of fake medications which they brazenly claim cure all manner of illnesses from running stomach to HIV/AIDS to Diabetes.

But this was different.

The speaker was none of those. It turned out to be the proprietor of the Airline, its Chairman, Allen Onyema.

Onyema’s Airline, Air Peace, is the biggest privately-owned Airline in Africa. It has the largest fleet. So, what is the preaching all about? Is he looking for more  patronage by, and from passengers? Was he going to announce a slash in air fare?

Again, no.

Onyema said he had a message of peace. He told the, at once, bewildered and surprised passengers that he was bringing them a message of unity. He told them how sweet it is to be a Nigerian. And, how proud they should be.

Onyema is from the South-east Zone of Nigeria, a Zone whose   hundreds of thousands of Youths are restless and angry with the entity called Nigeria, and are asking for a referendum, and desperately want out of Nigeria for the Republic of Biafra;  a Zone whose people are shouting marginalization and see persecution in almost everything, and insist a better life lies in an independent Biafra.

But Onyema thinks different. He sees the good side of remaining in Nigeria. He sees the benefits of a big country, the pride in not being an offspring of a mushroom country. And he felt there was no better place to put his message across than on board an aircraft where the elite and the diminishing middle class could listen to him. He preaches hope where many see despair. And, oneness where they see disunity.

He told them:

“I want you to have hope in your nation. Nigeria is for all of us, the bigger Nigeria is, the best thing that can happen to all of us.

“We don’t need to balkanize this country. You don’t know what you’ve got having this nation called Nigeria. Our diversity should be our strength, and not our albatross.

“The diversity we have is the best thing that have ever happened to this Nation.Let us make it work. Let us not engage in playing games. Let us not engage in demonizaion of ethnicities. Let us work as Nigerians.

“The Americans, America is the melting pot of all ethnicities in the world. You have igbo America, Yoruba America, Hausa America, Fulani America, and Anglo America from England, Russia America from Russia, and all over the world.Yet when they get this passport they profess America.

“However, our country with all our diversity. the first thing we profess is ethnicity.  I am Igbo, I am Hausa, I am Yoruba. Can we stop this? This country can be better than it is.

“It is not the fault Government, it is not your fault. It is the collective efforts of all of us that can make it work, not just Government alone. I want you to have hope in your nation. Do not lose hope. Do not feel that the worst have come to happen.

“We have passed through this stage before. Let our diversity be our strength and this country will remain great. God bless you. I hope God  will bless you all. Thank you.”

it is not known how far he can go.If it is a one-off thing. And  if his passengers listened to him, or felt he was a distraction. But a couple of passengers were heard saying: “If this man wants something from the Government, he should go directly to them. He cannot take our money and still not allow us to enjoy our quiet moment here. Or, is he paying for our time?

But another said: “He is a patriotic Nigerian, no doubt, and he wants to protect his business. I hope it does not backfire.

Again, Gov Akeredolu Invites Eyitayo Jegede For Task Ahead

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu - Ondo Communal Clash

By Ayodele Oni

Reacting to the decision of the Appeal Court upholding his victory as the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said the decision has further enriched the nation’s jurisprudence.

In a Statement, he personally signed, the elated Governor stated that “The Appeal Court has just, a while ago, delivered a landmark judgement affirming my election as the duly-elected governor of Ondo State alongside my deputy, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“Understandably, many had waited in animated breaths for the outcome of this case which commenced from the lower Tribunal to this extent.

“This is a permissible venture in clearly inoffensive exercise of the rights of litigants. No grudges against any in this regard.

“All have seen the scholarly industry infused into this judicial exercise by the most venerable Honourable Appeal Court of eminent Jurists.

“The issues examined and conclusions reached have further enriched our Nation’s Jurisprudence, no doubt.

“The outcome notwithstanding, the verdict of the Honourable Appeal Court is yet another great opportunity for my brother, colleague and friend, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN to join me in the greater task of taking Ondo State to loftier and higher heights.

“The responsibility of leadership such as that reposed in me is tasking and can only be of immense benefit to all if we set aside politics for the common goal.

“This collective, bi-partisan effort and approach is more desirable now, than anyone can imagine. We have all won together, and together must we develop our dear State.”

Jegede’s Party, the PDP, says it is heading to the Supreme Court for the final judgment. But not a few people think it is going to be  an exercise in futility.

Eyitayo Jegede, PDP Seek Solace At Supreme Court

By
Ayodele Oni
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Eyitayo Jegede

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ondo State and its candidate during the October, 10, 2020 election will challenge the Court of Appeal decision at the Supreme Court.

The next move was contained in a statement by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Kenedy Peretei, after the Appellate Court dismissed the appeal filed by Jegede against the Election Tribunal judgement.

Ground of appeal, according to the statement was that “In concluding her lead judgement, Hon. Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua said the Appeal was partially dismissed and partially allowed.

“To the ordinary man in the street, the judgement was “inconclusive” and we must approach the Supreme Court to help them conclude the judgement.

“The kernel of the Eyitayo Jegede/PDP petition was whether or not a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) should be allowed to stay.

“Whether or not Mai Mala Buni, as a sitting Governor of Yobe State can double as National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, to sign the nomination of Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN for the Governorship election.

“While the Court of Appeal acknowledged that it was violation of the Constitution, it still went ahead to dismiss the appeal.

“We are still studying the details of the judgement, by virtue of the fact that it was delivered via Zoom.

“But we have sufficient grounds to appeal the decision of the Court. We are confident the Supreme Court which is the highest court in the land will do justice.”

Super Eagles Striker, Peter Olayinka, To Tie Nuptial Knot With Former Miss Tourism, Yetunde Barnabas

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Peter Olayimka

By Akinwale Kasali

Super Eagles and Slavia Prague Football Club of Czech Republic striker, Peter Olayimka is set to get married to his heartthrob, Yetunde Barnabas, on Saturday 19th June, 2021.

The lanky striker who was part of the Super Eagles team that played last week’s International friendly against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Austria has been in a romantic relationship with the former Miss Tourism.

Barnabas, a Nollywood actress, who gained popularity after her triumph in 2019 Miss Tourism Beauty Contest, starred in Wale Adenuga’s Sitcom, Papa Ajasco.

She played the role of Miss Pepeiye in the Sitcom, and also featured in Yoruba Movies on several occasions.

The relationship between the duo have been on for over two years, with the love birds doing their Introduction last year.

The event, expected to attract many football stars and administrators, as well as celebrities, would be held six months after completing their engagement ceremony in the country.

Olayinka, who further confirmed that the event would be held on Saturday, June 19 through a statement on his official social media handle on Monday, described her fiancee, Yetunde, as her missing rib.

The striker promised Yetunde that he would forever love and cherish her for the contribution she had made in his life since they met.

He said: “Your eyes stole my heart, your smile gave me life, your presence made me high, and your touch left me breathless, IFEMI. I will forever love you IYAWO MI……. oya lets go babe June 19 is the date”.

Olayinka played an integral part in his Club’s triumph in the Czech Republic League, with the striker hitting double figures of goals to secure the League title for his Club.

He also led his Club to the quarter final of the UEFA Europa League competition, where it lost to Arsenal Football Club of England 5-1 on aggregate.

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