Anglican Communion Loses Bishop; Egbu Diocese Gets Four New Archdeaconries |The Source

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November 11, 2020

By George Best Okoroh

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has lost one of its finest Ministers.

The Bishop of Oke-Osun Diocese, His Lordship, The Rt. Rev Foluso Taiwo is dead. Aged 65 years, he passed-on early Wednesday morning, at the Babcock Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, announced his demise in a statement from the office of the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Venerable Dr. Paul Dajur.

Bishop Taiwo was a former Director of Communications, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

His Lordship was consecrated Bishop on September 24, 2019 in Asaba by the immediate past Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace Nicholas Okoh, and was barely one year in office when he passed-on.

His son, Tobi, confirmed his father’s passing.

On a cheery note, in another development, the Bishop of Egbu Diocese, His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okoroafor, has created four new Archdeaconries in the Diocese.

Okorafor broke the good news at The First Session of the Ninth Synod, held at the Anglican Church of Pentecost, New Owerri, Imo State, which ended on Sunday, November 8.

The New Archdeaconries are:

* Umudibia Archdeaconry, created out of Nekede Archdeaconry.

*Eziobodo Archdeaconry, created out of Ihiagwa Archdeaconry.

*Trans-Egbu Archdeaconry, created out of Egbu Archdeaconry.

*Pentecost Archdeaconry, created out of Umualum Archdeaconry.

Seven new Parishes were, also, created.

The announcement of the creation of the new Archdeaconries, and Parishes, was greeted with ovation, as it was rightly seen as a sign that the Diocese, which will celebrate its Silver Jubilee in 2021, is growing in leaps and bounds.

Okorafor is the second Bishop of the Diocese.

The first was His Lordship, the Rt. Rev Professor Emmanuel Iheagwam, who retired at the age of 70 years.

Former President Jonathan Mourns Late Balarabe Musa |The Source

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The Source

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November 11, 2020

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Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed sadness over the death of the Second Republic Governor of Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

In a condolence message to the Government and people of the state, the former President described Musa as a sincere politician who protected the interest of the people.

Jonathan noted that Musa was a highly principled politician who avoided convenient politics and relentlessly pursued his beliefs, even at the risk of suffering personal losses.

The former President said: “Alhaji Balarabe Musa was a sincere and committed patriot and statesman who held fast to people-oriented progressive ideals throughout his political life.

“As a democrat, Musa avoided convenient politics and was passionate and courageous about his views. He was a highly principled man who relentlessly pursued his beliefs, even at the risk of suffering personal and career setbacks.

“He was a great man who deliberately avoided the companionship of the elite but found solace in the company of the ordinary people.

“The late sage was quite sincere in his beliefs and lived the courage of convictions. He fought for the less privileged and was deeply committed to causes that promoted public good for which he will be remembered as one of the finest politicians of our nation.”

CNPP Mourns National Chairman, Balarabe Musa |The Source

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The Source

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November 11, 2020

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The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), has announced the death of its National Chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 84

A statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, described the death is highly regrettable at this trying times of our nationhood.

CNPP: “He will be highly missed by the ordinary citizens of Nigeria whom he had consistently stood with.
“His exit is very painful as he was a father to all irrespective of tribe or religious affiliation.

“He lived and died with his allegiance to the country unquestionable and his integrity intact.

“We enjoin all political leaders to remember that there is an end, power and wealth will pass away but our deeds will continue to speak for us or against us when we are no more.
“His life of contentment should be emulated by all Nigerian leaders”.

Frozen Accounts: Gov Akeredolu Advises #EndSARS Protesters To Go To Court |The Source

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Ayodele Oni

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November 11, 2020

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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State — Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday, said those whose accounts were linked to the $EndSARS protest, and frozen by the apex bank, (CBN) need not fear. He has advised them to approach the Court and seek redress.

Once there is merit in their case, according to him, the same law court will unfreeze the frozen accounts.

The Governor advised those affected by the action of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Central Bank (CBN) to challenge the matter in court if they feel their accounts were unlawfully frozen or same were unjustifiably breached.

A statement by the commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo said Akeredolu, made the remarks while speaking on a Channels television programme, Sunrise, Wednesday morning.

Akeredolu, who is the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum pointed out that, even though the CBN acted in line with the provisions of the law to freeze the accounts, the owners of the account have a right to challenge the decision too in Court.

He noted that those affected by the action of the apex bank have a right to expose the necessity or otherwise and even to repudiate the accusations slammed against them by the CBN as frivolous and unfair.

“Speaking very honestly, I don’t see anything wrong in it. If for instance, my account was frozen, what would I do? All I would do is go back to court to explain. The #EndSARS promoters should do that.

“Even politicians, their accounts are sometimes frozen. You have to go to court and explain. And at the end of the day, the court will say, ‘Leave the account. The account should be de-frozen’ and you take your money back.

“If your account is frozen, you justify why the money was there. You come to explain to what use you have put this money.

“If it is that okay, we used this money to pay this caterer to give food to these boys when they were there, it will be explained, people will know and the accounts will be de-frozen.

“It is just that we (CBN) suspected this account then the owner of the account will explain; it is not a conclusion that those accounts were used for acts of treason.” the governor said.

The CBN surprisingly got the nod of the Court to freeze the accounts of some youths connected to the #EndSARS protests, and shockingly alleging terrorism against such persons. A few of the Youths are still in detention. The action of the CBN has earned not a few criticisms nationwide.

The Youths had embarked on a nationwide protest against Police brutality, especially, the SARS. The protest sadly turned violent when it was hijacked by hoodlums. The consequence resulted in deaths and monumental destruction and arson of both private and public properties.

Nigeria Lost N5 Trillion To #EndSARS Protests, Says NECA |The Source

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Uche Mbah

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November 11, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) said that its members lost over N5 trillion to the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests across the country.

The #EndSARS protests turned violent when hoodlums hijacked the protests, burning and looting both public and private properties. Even Media houses were burnt down in an unprecedented destruction spree.

NECA is the umbrella association of private-sector employers.

According to NECA President, Taiwo Adeniyi , the Government should come to the aid of fledgling businesses that has been negatively impacted by the mayhem, noting that many of their members have been kept at home.

“While the Lagos State Government estimated a loss of about oneTrillion Naira, and Plateau State Government estimated over N700 Billion, the total value of the economic loss to the organized businesses nationwide could be in the region of over N5 Trillion”, he said.

“From looted machinery, consumables, livestock, raw-materials, pharmaceutical products, luxury goods, and cash to actual and wicked vandalism and destruction of walls smashed and mutilated doors, glasses, damaged critical electricity infrastructures, burnt buildings and properties and looted stocks.

“The list is endless. The actual value in terms of the financial, emotional, and psychological loss suffered as a result of the arson and looting experienced by these businesses can only be imagined and the impact will linger for a long time”.

He commended measures taken by the federal and state governments, especially Lagos, adding that “it is critical that further initiatives need to be urgently put in place to ensure a quick return to economic normalcy across the country.

“We, therefore, urge the Federal Government to, without delay; make public details of its planned support for the businesses that were affected: we recommend that deliberate bail-out funds for verified businesses affected by the crisis as well as other programs and interventions aimed at supporting these businesses to get back to production and remain sustainable and competitive in the long run, be urgently initiated.”

“Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian economy had witnessed tepid domestic growth, constrained fiscal space, low foreign and domestic investments, declining foreign reserves, which made the economy disproportionately vulnerable to the twin shocks of crude oil price/production collapse and a health crisis.

“The GDP was projected to grow at 2.93 percent in 2020; however, this was reversed to -4.3 percent by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its rapid twist into a global pandemic in Q1 2020, which has had corresponding economic consequences.”

Suspended UNILAG VC, Ogundipe, Reinstated |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 11, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Suspended University of Lagos, UNILAG, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has been reinstated. He received his letter of reinstatement Tuesday night after being cleared of any wrongdoings. The news was greeted with wild jubilation in the University community.

Professor Ogundipe who was enmeshed in crisis with the Wale Babalakin, SAN, led Governing Council of the Citadel in August, was suspended for insubordination, alleged fraud, high handedness and disrespect to the Board of the institution.

The heat of the crisis ignited by what a source described as “more of financial tussle than any other”, was finally brought to a halt when the President Muhammadu Buhari administration suspended the Babalakin led Governing Council and set-up a Visitation Panel.

His removal had stirred massive protests by the University Senate, staff unions and other members of the community who had unanimously backed the embattled VC

A source very close to the now victorious Ogundipe confirmed that Ogundipe was expected to return to Lagos on Wednesday.

The source also said the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu will make the official announcements in that regards. It has already been made.

The magazine gathered that the embattled VC was exonerated by the presidential panel that investigated the crisis which engulfed the institution due to the disagreement between him and popular businessman, Wale Babalakin, who was, until he voluntarily resigned , the Pro Chancellor/ Council Chairman.

As the drama unfolded, President Muhammadu Buhari, as Visitor to the University, had removed Prof. Theophilus Soyombo, the Acting Vice Chancellor appointed by Babalakin to replace Ogundipe and appointed Prof Folashade Ogunsola to act as the VC pending the report of the visitation committee.

Also confirming this on his Facebook book page, renowned broadcast journalist, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju wrote,”Unilag VC reinstated! The truth prevails. We said it that Babalakin was wrong.”

However, Prof. Ogundipe has withdrawn its legal suit against Babalakin for defamation and other charges.

#EndSARS Protest: Pastor Adeyemi,Tuface, Chuckle At Criminal Suit Against Them |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 11, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

“Who sent this guy to file this frivolous case?”, was how Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Senior Pastor of the Daily Star Ministries reacted to the criminal suit filed against him 49 others over their alleged role in the recent #EndSARS nationwide protest.

Mr Kenechukwu Okeke, dragged him, several Nigerian celebrities, including Tu Face Idibia, and other prominent personalities before a Chief Magistrate’s court in Abuja for their alleged roles in the #EndSARS protests which rocked the nation

Okeke alleged that during the protest which was hijacked by hoodlums, his properties were destroyed and the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice for engineering the protest.

The Complainant listed a long list of defendants that includes: Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy, David Adeleke otherwise known as Davido, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz; and social media comedians, Debo Adebayo aka Mr Macaroni, and Maryam Apaokagi aka Taoma.

Other musicians sued include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent Idibia aka Tuface, Bankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh aka Don Jazzy and Yemi Alade.

Apart from musicians, others listed as defendants include Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi; activist, Aisha Yesufu; ex-Super Eagles of Nigeria Football legend, Kanu Nwankwo; a former Director General, Bureau for Public Sector Reform, Dr. Joe Abah; journalist, Kiki Mordi, and actors, Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo.

Others are social media influencers – Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro and Deji Adeyanju were also joined in the suit.

The case was instituted on Monday pursuant to sections 88, 109(a), 110(1)(c) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

In his supporting affidavit, Okeke said the defendants played active roles in the #EndSARS protest which later became violent.

It read in part, “That the 1st to 50th accused persons between the 3rd day of October 2020 and the 28th day of October 2020, using Twitter, an Internet web source with URL https://www.twitter.com within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire amongst themselves to commit misdemeanour, to wit, promoting and acting in such a manner, with intent to assist in the promotion of #EndSARS and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97(2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That the 1st to 50th accused persons with intent to carry out some common purpose, assemble in such a manner or being assembled under the composition of #EndSARS as to cause persons in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to fear on reasonable grounds that such assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion may provoke other persons tumultuously to disturb the peace.

“Properties belonging to the complaint were egregiously destroyed by some riotous and tumultuous persons instigated and incited by the 1st to 50th accused persons.”

Tuface dismissed the case as a non-issue as nobody has served him with any summons.

Many Nigerians have also dismissed the case as nonsense, saying: Let the masquerades behind the plaintiff show their faces.

Jonathan Commiserates With Mali On Death Of Ex-President Toure |The Source

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The Source

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November 11, 2020

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Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the Government and people of Mali on the death of the country’s 4^th elected president, Amadou Toumani Touré, at the age of 73.

In a condolence message he personally signed, the former President described Toure as a renowned Malian statesman who contributed significantly to the development of his country.

Dr. Jonathan who is the Special Envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the Republic of Mali also noted that the late President supported the mediation efforts of the sub-regional body towards resolving political crises in Mali.

The former President stated: “I condole with the Government and people of the Republic of Mali over the passing on of former President Amadou Toumani Touré.

“President Toure was a renowned Malian statesman who made significant contributions to governance by working assiduously for the development of his country and the sub-region.

“Long after he left office, Malians and other West Africans had continued to hold him in high esteem because of the way he distinguished himself in the leadership of his country, both as a military helmsman and elected President.

“ As a committed patriot, he made enormous sacrifices towards promoting democracy and restoring peace and stability in Mali, especially at different periods when the country faced challenging times.

“I recall his reassuring wise counsel and calm disposition in the course of different peacebuilding missions, especially in 2012 and 2020 when ECOWAS-led mediation and negotiations successfully resolved lingering socio-political crises and restored normalcy in Mali.

“The late former President will be greatly missed across the continent because of his commitment to peaceful diplomacy, democratic reforms, and socio-political stability.”

#EndSARS: Timi Frank Says Buhari Responsible For Harm, Killings Of Protesters |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 11, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Wednesday, condemned, in its entirety, the suit filed by an activist against 50 prominent members of the #EndSARS protesters at a Magistrate’s Court in Abuja.

Frank in a statement in Abuja, insisted that while the plaintiff claimed to be an activist, he has credible intelligence that the APC administration is behind the suit which aims to indict the peaceful protesters and pave way for their unlawful incarceration.

He called on Nigerians to hold President Muhammadu Buhari responsible over any harm that may befall any member of the #EndSARS protesters, including activists and celebrities now listed in the “proxy suit”.

He said that the Buhari’s regime has perfected the filing of court processes by proxy by engaging gullible quasi activists as fronts to move against perceived opposition elements as evident in a similar petition to the Code of Conduct Tribunal that led to the illegal removal of the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) from office.

Nevertheless, he called on Aisha Yesufu, Folarin Falana (Falz), David Adeleke (Davido), Bankole Wellington (Banky W), Tiwa Savage, Nwankwo Kanu and Sam Adeyemi, and 43 other #EndSARS protesters not to be intimidated by the shenanigans of the Federal Government through the kangaroo suit.

He urged them to remain resolute in their quest to end brutality and impunity in the governance of the country, as no victory comes cheap and easy.

He urged Nigerians to pray for all #EndSARS protesters so as to thwart the evil machinations of the Federal Government against them.

He urged the Federal Government as they embark on this vindictive and frivolous voyage of prosecution of #EndSARS protesters to be mindful of recent uprisings in Mali and Sudan where security forces, backed by government, killed and arrested scores of protesters but at the end of the day the will of the people prevailed.

He wondered why the Buhari regime would seek to prosecute peaceful protesters who were demanding for their rights to be safe from harassment, torture and brutality in the hands of the recently disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police while killer Fulani herdsmen, bandits and Boko Haram insurgents are not being prosecuted with similar zeal.

He said that it was ironic that while the Lagos State Government has ordered the unconditional release of over 250 persons believed to have hijacked the #EndSARS protests to perpetrate criminal activities, the Federal Government is moving against those who protested peacefully.

According to the Bayelsa-born political activist, majority of present APC leaders including Buhari protested against the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012 and 2015 but the government did not attack, harass, intimidate, arrest nor prosecute any of them like they are presently doing to peaceful #EndSARs protesters.

He declared that members of the Buhari administration would not escape justice at the international community even if they cloak themselves with official power to hide their excesses.

He revealed that following the ongoing witch hunt of #EndSARS protesters, Nigerians in Diaspora have set up a 14 member committee to identify and document properties owned by present government officials.

He said after the collation, the list would be attached to petition to the Governments of countries where such properties are located.

He said such governments would be expected to probe the sources of funding for the properties and to call for the forfeiture of those acquired illegally.

He called on Nigerians to be firm in their resolve to end looting, corruption, cruelty and impunity in the country irrespective of any act of aggression against them by the present administration.

Ondo NUT Tackles Akeredolu’s Aide |The Source

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Ayodele Oni

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November 11, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, has reacted to what it described as spurious allegation that some teachers are using pupils for domestic duties in their private homes.

A top Aide of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Doyin Odebowale, had accused teachers of engaging pupils for domestic chores.

He urged teachers to desist from using pupils to work in the private farms under the guise of practicals for agricultural studies.

The Governor’s Aide claimed reports to that effect was in government possession.

But, the State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Victor Akomo, said the allegation was an old practice saying teachers no longer use pupils for domestic chores in the digital age.

“Teachers don’t do that again. We do not believe it is happening in our schools.

“We have extra lessons and no time for the pupils to go to any homes. It might be a speculation.

“We are in support to sanction teachers caught.“