Kwara Governor Loses Chief of Staff To COVID-19

By

The Source

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July 8, 2020

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Kwara State Governor, Abdulraham Abdulrazak, has lost his Chief of Staff, Aminu Adisa Logun, mni, to COVID-19.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, announced his passing, Tuesday evening.

Logun, an industrialist, intellectual, and an elder statesman, died Tuesday evening of complications from COVID-19.

He passed a few hours after the test of his result returned positive. He was appointed the Chief of Staff to the Governor on June 7, 2019

The Governor has declared a seven-day mourning in his honour.

Imo: Uzodimma Relaxes Lockdown on Markets; Promises Loans To Traders

By

The Source

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July 7, 2020

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Governor Uzodimma with Chief Don-Chris Okere, ISMATA Chairman who led other leaders from the 27 LGA's in Imo State to meet the Governor at the Government House, Owerri

Beginning Wednesday, the people of Imo state would enjoy their markets again. For about two months, the markets have been under lockdown for fear of the spread of COVID-19. And even though its spread has not been contained, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has authorized the relaxation of the total lockdown on markets in the state.

Addressing leaders of Imo State Amalgamated Traders Association (ISAMATA) led by their Chairman, Chief Don-Chris Okere at the Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri, the Governor directed that markets in Imo State can now open for full operations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

He said that the measure is taken to ensure that the economy of the state is not completely crippled and to make Imo people survive alongside their businesses as source of livelihood.

The Governor challenged the Market Leaders on their pledge to comply with all the Covid-19 protocols which he enumerated to include: provision of temperature check, hand washing buckets, wearing of face mask by both the traders and buyers, observing of social distancing but most importantly, ensuring clean environments and high level of hygiene.

He emphasized: “The issue of hygiene is what we cannot toil with and Covid-19 and other diseases are mostly hinged on dirty environment.”

The Governor who observed that the former governments did not carry the traders along in their policies and programmes pointed out that the success of the government is equally measured by successes recorded in the economy.

He regretted that, in the long period of past administrations, Imo traders never benefitted from external loans, empowerments, and other palliatives that were distributed by the Federal Government and promised that, under his watch, the narrative must change for better.

He enjoined the leadership of ISAMATA to add value to their existence as a group by compiling their membership names and forwarding same to government for such benefits that are meant for traders nationwide.

Governor Uzodimma, however, requested them to always pay their taxes and rates without being pushed around as gentlemen and women who know the right thing to do at any point in time.

He said the era when Tax Forces are unleashed on traders to compel them to pay what is due to government will not apply in his administration if there is proper arrangement between government and the traders.

To achieve a harmonious working relationship with the traders, Governor Uzodimma constituted a three-man Committee made up of the Commissioner for Special Projects, Chairman of Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Special Adviser on IGR to monitor compliance of getting markets reopened and arrange the traders towards getting post Covid-19 palliatives/assistance from government to assist them beef-up their businesses.

He thanked them for their compliance to the Covid-19 directives that made them close their businesses for three months which helped the State to record less victims and very few deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the Chairman of ISAMATA, Chief Okere had thanked the Governor for inviting them to the meeting and appealed to him to relax the total lock down on markets.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for giving Imo traders a sense of belonging through the appointment of some of them into political positions and sensitive committees such as the Covid-19 Task Force Committee in the State. He assured the Governor of total compliance to all directives regarding the ease on lock down of markets.

Breaking: Senate Passes Sexual Prohibition Bill

By

The Source

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July 7, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate has passed the Bill that seeks to protect students in the nation’s tertiary institutions on Tuesday.

The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment of students in tertiary educational institutions and for matters connected therewith, Bill, 2020” was sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie-Omo Agege (Delta Central) and co-sponsored by 105 other Senators.

The Bill became necessary following a series of exposed sexual harassment of female students by Male lecturers in tertiary institutions across the country.

The University of Lagos saga, involving a Foursquare Church Pastor, who was a lecturer in the institution, requesting for sex to pass a student, shook the country.

Also at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, where a professor was demanding to have sex with his female Student, and victimized her on several occasions, and a whole lot of sexual harassment in other institutions led to the Bill being sponsored.

Details later…

Magu Is Not Above The Law; Panel Has Been Meeting For Weeks Without His Knowledge – Presidential Source

By

The Source

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July 7, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Presidential Panel investigating the now suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has been investigating him, for weeks, without his knowledge. In one of the best kept secrets in a government where a couple of secret documents have embarrassingly leaked, perhaps, only a couple of people knew that the Panel has been sitting on Magu, and only ordered that he be brought before the members when they had studied the allegations, and satisfied themselves that the allegations were worth it.

A Presidential source revealed this to Reporters on Tuesday, adding that anybody holding a high and sensitive office must live above board.

The source, also, said that the now suspended Ag Chairman of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is not above the law.

He spoke in connection with the Presidential Panel investigating Magu over allegations made against him by the Attorney General of the Federation, and Minister for Justice, Abubarkar Malami.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, quoted the source as saying that probing Magu affirms that nobody under the Buhari administration “is above scrutiny”. He also said that probing him is a reinforcement of the Buhari administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency. To hold an office that high, the source said, one must be above suspicion.

Magu appeared before the Panel on Monday after he was brought before it. He was detained on its order, and appeared again before it on Tuesday. He was suspended Tuesday afternoon, the second day of his appearance.

But the Source assured that the Buhari government will not pre-judge anybody and would uphold justice.

“The Panel has been sitting for some weeks. In consonance with the principle of fairness and justice, it was needful that the Acting Chairman be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations which are weighty.

“Under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, nobody is above scrutiny. Repeat: nobody. The investigation is to reinforce transparency and accountability rather than to vitiate it.

“Accountability for our actions or inactions is an inalienable part of democracy. In such an elevated position as that of the EFCC Chairman, the holder of the position must be above suspicion”.

Meanwhile, Magu’s personal things have been moved out of his office . He, reportedly, asked his aides to move them out following his suspension, earlier Tuesday, from office, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

EFCC: SERAP Calls For The Immediate Release, Exoneration Of Magu

By

The Source

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July 7, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has said that the Federal Government cannot continue to detain the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, “under suspicious circumstances without bringing any legitimate charges against him”

This was contained in a statement signed by the organisation’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare on Tuesday.

The statement read: “The reported statement by a member of PACAC seems to suggest that Magu’s arrest may be politically motivated and aimed to undermine the independence and freedom of action of the EFCC. If true, this would make a mockery of Buhari’s oft-repeated commitment to fight grand corruption and the impunity of perpetrators, which is fuelling widespread and systemic corruption in the country.

“SERAP urges the authorities to afford Magu his constitutionally and internationally guaranteed fair trial rights. Magu must either be charged with a recognizable criminal offence or released immediately and allowed to do his job without fear of reprisals.

“Nigerian authorities must support the independence and freedom of action of anti-corruption agencies and institutions if they are to be able to genuinely fight grand corruption, which has for many years turned public service for many into a kind of criminal enterprise.

“Nigerian authorities should focus on addressing the impact of corruption such as political violence, and denial of access for millions of Nigerians to even the most basic health and education services, as well as other patterns of human rights violations.

“Improving the independence of anti-corruption agencies and institutions is the most promising way to make tangible progress in the fight against corruption now and in the near future.

“Article 9(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party guarantee to everyone the right to liberty and security of person, and that no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.

“Similarly, Section 35(1) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) guarantees to every person the right to personal liberty and that no person should be arbitrarily deprived of such liberty.”

“We Fixed Results At INEC To Make Akeredolu Governor” – Ex-SSG

By

The Source

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July 7, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni, Akure

The immediate past Secretary to Ondo State government, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde has sensationally revealed how he and other unnamed people, in connivance with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Akure, fixed results of the Ondo Governorship Election in 2016, and announced Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as winner in 2016.

He said that the Governor was defeated by the candidate of the PDP, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, but that some of them went to INEC office, and perfected it in favour of Akeredolu.

He insisted that but for what they did, Akeredolu wouldn’t have been Governor.

His verdict: Akeredolu would lose the oncoming governorship election.

This revelation was one of the highlights of an interview Adegunbe granted to an online Yoruba speaking television on why he resigned from office.

In a terse statement on Monday, he had resigned as the SSG, citing personal reasons.

But a couple of hours later, he opened up on why he quit.

He disclosed that he was suprised that after he helped him to office, the governor marginalised him, and refused to fund his office, even though he, the Governor, usually claimed that he was funding his office to the tune of Five million Naira per month. “It is not true”, he declared, insisting that the October governorship election will be tough for Akeredolu to win.

“We made it possible for Aketi to become governor in 2016; we were the pillars behind him and we will not support him again. He will lose this time around”

Political observers, especially, the Governor’s supporters in the state have expressed worry over the unending feud within the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) and the inability of Governor Akeredolu to unite the warring factions.

One of the feuding factions is led by the former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, who dumped the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) few days to the 2016 election, and joined the APC.

Among aspirants that are expected to fight for the APC ticket during the Party’s primary scheduled to hold this month are Segun Abraham, the runner up during the 2016 exercise, and Olusola Oke, SAN, who contested the governorship on the ticket of Alliance for Democracy, (AD) and returned to the APC after he lost

Oke is reported to be enjoying the support of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a chieftain of the party whose relationship with the Governor is, allegedly, not too smooth.

Tinubu and the former Caretaker Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, as well as Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, had made several fence- mending visits to Akure this year, all in an attempt to resolve the internal crisis rocking the ruling party. None has worked.

The recent dumping of the APC by the deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, who is a contending force in the Southern senatorial district of the state should, equally, be worrisome for the APC.

The PDP has been having an upper hand in the politics of the area since 1999.

In his home base, Owo, the governor is facing two challengers, and the entire northern senatorial district which seem to be under the grip of Alhaji Olanusi.

But the many supporters of the Governor, who has a large following amongst women and youths, are not losing sleep. They say the Governor is a good market which sells itself. They say they expected the resignations of the SSG and DG Agboola Ajayi, who had earlier resigned from the APC, without resigning from office as the DG.

“We are ready. By the grace of God, Aketi will win the primaries, and go ahead to win main election.”

Since the ex-SSG’s allegation on how Akeredolu won in 2016, nobody has publicly responded to him. Not even INEC.

COVID 19: Presidency Mulls Fresh Total Lock-down

By

Bayo Bernard

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July 7, 2020

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By Fola James

The Presidential Task Force, PTF on Covid 19 has warned that the federal government is considering another total lock down of the country due to the spiraling number of infected persons.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the chairman of the Task force, Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the federation, during the daily briefing by members of the taskforce.

The SGF had earlier met with heads of security agencies in the country on how to enforce full compliance, after Governor Nasir el Rufai of Kaduna state accused them of frustrating the no movement order imposed three months ago by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC has expressed worries as the virus spread like wild fire.

The agency disclosed on Monday that 29, 286 persons are now infected aside the 654 Nigerians that have died of the global pandemic.c

Mustapha had last week expressed his frustration with the attitude of Nigerians in complying with safety protocols.

The federal government had also recently lifted ban on air travel worsening fears of increasing number of infections.

Mustapha has warned on Tuesday that, “Of recent, we have witnessed a high rate of positive cases especially among people in authority. This has a direct impact on governance and security of our nation. We urge that vigilance and care should be exhibited by all Nigerians, irrespective of status.

This virus does not discriminate and the PTF shall keep sustaining its sensitisation messaging.”

He said fresh lockdown is among various options being considered to flatted the curve of the pandemic.

The duty of the Task force is to protect the lives of Nigerians and “To achieve that, if it means to lock down again, we will not shy away from that responsibility. We will recommend to the President who will look at the report and take a decision on our recommendation. What happens in the next two three weeks will determine what we will do.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirka has warned that VIP aides will not be allowed into the airports as local flights resume on Wednesday.

These include security aides of state governors, ministers and other top government officials, who will now be turned back at the gates leading to the airports.

Breaking: Magu Suspended as EFCC Chair

By

Uche Mbah

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July 7, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

The acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, may have been suspended by the Presidency.

President Buhari has set up a Presidential Panel of inquiry headed by Justice Ayo Salami to look into allegations of corrupt enrichment leveled against the Anti-graft Czar days after the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, accused him of corrupt enrichment, demanding for his resignation.

However, feelers from the Presidency indicates that he may have been suspended after being grilled by the panel for hours. He was not allowed to return to the office and allegedly opted to sleep in the cell as, according to him, it is the will of Allah.

The Presidency is yet to issue a formal statement on this, but sources within the Presidency say he is relieved of his duties so as not to tamper with evidence. He was, however, allegedly allowed to freely use his cell phone

Details shortly…

Detained, Magu Says “Kindly Put Me In A Cell, I Won’t Go And Sleep In Any Office; It Is Allah’s Wish For Me”

By

The Source

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July 7, 2020

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Why He May Lose Seat

By Gideon Njoku

Chairman of the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission, EFCC, CP Ibrahim Magu, is facing his second day of interrogation before a Presidential Panel, Tuesday.

Magu, on Monday became hunted after being the hunter for five years.

His arrest by Security Operatives, led by a Chief Superintendent of Police, took him and most Nigerians unawares. He was on his way to the Force Headquarters to attend a meeting when he was intercepted. His plea to be allowed to proceed to the meeting was rejected.

The plea may have been on impulse. In the circumstance he found himself, he had no choice. He has been humiliated already.

His Journey To Detention

His interrogation, headed by a retired President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ayo Salami, and four others, a reliable source told this magazine, lasted for hours – from about 2.00pm to about 10.15pm. His lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, who he called, was with him.

When he eventually came out after the day’s proceedings, he was not allowed home. He was headed to detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID.

Stripped Of Security Details; Not An Easy Journey

The first pointer that he was going to be detained was when his Security Details were stood down. He was stripped of them.

A debate, allegedly, ensued on the mode of transportation. A white Hilux was provided to take him to the FCID where he would pass the night. When he was asked to sit in the second cabin of the Hilux, he rejected the offer, and said he preferred to sit in the open cabin. That would have been quite a site to behold.

But a source said Magu wanted the public to see his humiliation. He did not want to be treated differently from any suspect. He wanted to take his case to the public domain.

The debate on where to sit went on for over 20 minutes. Finally, he was allowed to ride in his official car to the FCID.

There, another debate ensued.

He rejected the office given to him to pass the night in. He said he preferred to be kept in a cell like other suspects.

According to a report in The Nation, Magu sat on a chair, and told them defiantly “I won’t go and sleep in any office. I prefer to be in a cell. Kindly put me in a cell. That is what Allah wants for me. I can’t question God.” It was not confirmed where he eventually passed the night – an office or a cell.

The Allegations Against Magu

A number of allegations had been flying against Magu ever since the 8th Senate, twice, rejected to confirm him, based on indicting reports from the then Director General of the DSS, Mr Lawal Daura.

During the tenure of Mrs Farida Waziri as the Chairman of the EFCC, and Magu, her staff, his case was also brought before the Police Service Commission by the FHQs for misconduct. That earned him a severe reprimand from the PSC .

But what brought Magu to this level was an indicting letter, recommending his sack, almost, written against him, to the President, by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Malami is his Supervisory Minister, but they never really got on. The Minister sees Magu as a disobedient subordinate.

Among other allegations, some of the 22 allegations against Magu include, but not limited to:

*Alleged ownership of four houses abroad by proxy.

*Alleged discrepancies in the reconciliation records of the EFCC and the Federal Ministry of Finance on recovered funds ( a point former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun had also raised)

*Declaration of N539b as recovered funds instead of N504b earlier claimed.

*Insubordination to the office of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice

*Not providing enough evidence for the extradiction of Diezeani Allison-Madueke

*Alleged late action on the investigation of P&ID, leading to legal dispute

*Not respecting Court order to unfreeze a N7b judgement in favour of a former executive director of a bank.

*Alleged delay in acting in two vessels seized by Navy.

* Alleged favouring of some investigators called Magu Boys.

*Reporting some Judges to their presiding officers without deferring to the AGF

*Alleged sale of seized assets to cronies, associates and friends.

*Alleged issuance of investigative activities to some media, prejudicial to some cases.

Magu’s Humiliation

Reactions have been coming like claps of thunder since the “arrest” of Magu. The DSS which officers were said to have arrested him were quick to distance the Service from it. Its Spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, said the Service did not arrest the Acting Chairman of the EFCC. This statement was followed by that of the EFCC which claimed that its boss was not arrested.

The DSS was correct. It turns out that the CSP who led the team which invited Magu to the Presidential Panel came from the FCID.

But opinion is that the manner Magu was intercepted and taken to the old Banquet Hall for interrogation was untidy.

Why, for instance, was Magu not served the invitation to the panel at his residence, or in the office, the previous day?

Since the five members of the Panel were already waiting for Magu before he was brought to them, it means the panel had been constituted, at least, a couple of days earlier.

The questions then are: Why was he not given an earlier notice? Why was he embarrassed along the road?

Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, an unabashed supporter of Magu, and the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, points an accussing finger at Malami. He says it is corruption fighting back. And accuses Malami of working hard to sack Magu from office. He warns that the investigation of Magu could have an adverse effect on the war against corruption. “Be careful”, Sagay told the President.

But on Tuesday, Sagay distanced himself from the statement, saying that a Board member, Prof. Femi Odekunle, did not speak on his behalf.

What Will Be Magu’s Fate?

It is difficult to say. But pointers are that, for now, he is likely to be suspended from office, pending the outcome of the investigation. His next in command may be asked to oversee the activities of the Commission. But a former DSS Assistant Director, Dennis Amachree says in Magu’s shoes, cleared or not, he would resign.

Nigerians Blame Buhari, Magu

Many Nigerians say President Buhari is to be blamed for the fate that befell Magu now.They say the President ought to have removed him from the Commission when the 8th National Assembly refused, twice, to confirm him as the Chairman of the EFCC based on Security reports from the former DG of the DSS.

“Why did the President leave him in an acting position for five years? And why has he not sent his name back to the 9th Senate for confirmation”, asked a commentator on a television interview on Tuesday.

Whatever, opinion is that Magu’s pride has been bruised, and so is the anti-corruption war of the Buhari Government.

Breaking: EFCC Boss Magu Suspended, Detained For More Interrogation

By

Bayo Bernard

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July 7, 2020

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

After spending the night in the presidency for interrogation, the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, has been suspended by the President Muhammadu Buhari.

The anti-graft czar was arrested in Abuja on Monday by men of the Department of State Services, DSS and whisked to the investigative panel headed by former president of the court of Appeal, Ayo Salami.

The EFCC later denied that Magu was arrested, that he was only invited by the private police. .

But the magazine learnt that Magu who has been accused by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, of corruption, insubordination to constituted authority was questioned from Monday to the wee hours of Tuesday.

He’s still under custody and more interrogation will follow, sources privy to the Force Headquarters in Abuja told the magazine.

More details later………