Air Passengers Panic, Question Safety At MMA Over Major Security Breach

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December 28, 2019

By Gideon Njoku

But for the alertness of the pilot of a private jet, Nigeria and its largest airline, Airpeace, might have been engulfed in a disaster.

Even then, the major security breach, which involved a young man, who rushed out from the bush, and climbed into the wheels of a fully loaded Airpeace morning flight from the Murtalla Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, to Owerri, already taxing to take-off, not only stunned airport users, but has put a big question mark on the safety of passengers at the very busy airport.

The 25-year-old man had already succeeded, and the aircraft would have taken off, but for the private airline’s pilot who alerted the Airpeace pilot.

The flight was, thereafter, aborted, and passengers deboarded, for another round of security checks.

Questions have been coming like claps of thunder since the incident Friday morning.

Many air passengers are asking: How did the youngman climb into the wheel of an aircraft in broad daylight, undetected?

Where were Airport Security personnel? What if he was a terrorist? Where was everybody? Was the airplane not thoroughly checked before it began to taxi off?

A statement from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, offered an explanation.

The statement said the intruder was obviously a stowaway. On arrest, after a struggle, according to the statement, the intruder said he thought the plane was flying out of the country. It, also, reassured air passengers of their safety.

Consoling as that is, not a few people recall that this has happened before. They insist such a major security breach is embarrassing to the country, and called for more vigilance.

Following is the statement from FAAN.

“At about 0850hrs of 27th December 2019, a young man of about 25yrs was sighted around the air field by FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel manning the Charlie One (C1) link/holding area.
“In a swift response, the AVSEC personnel on static guard duties at the area rushed to stop his further movement towards a taxiing Air Peace aircraft numbered APK 7252 and with registration number(CS-TQU) and a struggle ensued. All efforts to stop the intruder by the unarmed AVSEC personnel failed as the intruder continued to resist arrest.
“While the struggle was ongoing, the AVSEC personnel called for reinforcement and alerted the pilot of CS-TQU of the intrusion , and to delay the aircraft to allow for a successful apprehension of the intruder.
“The intruder was eventually apprehended by the AVSEC personnel with the support of the reinforcement and has been taken into custody for investigations.
“The aircraft was also advised to return to base for necessary safety/ security inspections in line with standard procedure. Subsequently, The aircraft departed lagos at 10:16, with 171 passengers, and 6 crew
“The MD of FAAN in company with the Directors of Aviation Security services, and Airport operations, ,the Regional General Manager (SW) and the Airport Chief of Security (MMA) inspected the site of the incident and discussed with the Captain of the aircraft, who commended the action of the Aviation Security team. According to him, it was timely and professional in protecting the flight as he was not even aware of any intrusion until they alerted him.”

Toni Payne Drops Bombshell, Says 9ice Neglects His Son, Zion

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The Source

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December 28, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

Days after walking the aisle with one of his baby Mamas, Olasukanmi Akande, ‘Gongo Aso’ crooner, Abolore Akande, popular as 9ice, is receiving a tongue-lashing from his ex-wife, Toni Paine.

Short of calling him an Irresponsible and uncaring father, Paine alleged that he not only neglects her, but inexplicably neglects his son, Zion.

Payne, ex-wife of the Afro-pop singer, 9ice, revealed that she raised Zion, their only child together, all by herself, with 9ice neglecting them.

Payne and 9ice broke up following allegation of infidelity on the part of Payne, who, allegedly, was been dating one of 9ice’s musical friends, Ruggedman.

Both Payne and Ruggedman vehemently denied the allegation.

Taking to her Instagram page to address single mothers, Payne advised them to always stick to their children and commit themselves to their welfare at all times.

“My yearly wish has always been to have peace of mind, to be able to give my son the best in this world. I’m fully committed to those two things. Looking back at the pictures and I gotta say I don’t give myself enough credit,” Payne wrote.

Fitch Report: There Will Be Problem In APC Over Buhari’s Successor

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The Source

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December 28, 2019

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Pitch Report: Nigeria Economy In 2020

Highlights

“• The economic policies implemented so far in Nigeria under the current administration of President Buhari have made the economy become more vulnerable, as the value of Naira remained weak.

“• Any devaluation of Naira would cause big problems to Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment, and as a result, drag down the economy.

“• The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) array of policies are unconventional and costly for the economy.

“• Fitch questioned the CBN policy of attracting portfolio investments in its short-term Open Market Operations (OMO) bills by offering high yields to foreign investors at low cost while restricting operations.

“• To Fitch, the restriction imposed on operations in the OMO market by the CBN will lower OMO market liquidity due to a narrower range of participants, and this will dampen net portfolio inflows.

“Government’s borrowing will be on the rise as Nigeria’s low non-oil fiscal revenues linger._

“• Similar, the firm believes inflation will spike in Nigeria in 2020 due to recent policy measures which include the upcoming raise of the VAT rate, 66.7% hike of the minimum wage, as well as the recent closure of land borders to foreign trade and tightening restrictions on FX financing for a wide range of imports.

“• Fitch projects average GDP growth of 2.4% in 2019-2021, well below the ‘B’ median of 3.4% and the five-year average demographic growth rate of 2.7%.

How it affects your 2020

“• Fitch projection shows that Nigeria’s economy will continue to slow down until 2021, hovering around 2.4%. This represents a big blow to investors’ sentiments, as investments in the economy may drop further and that may affect you.

“• Fitch expects the CBN policy to limit operations in the OMO market to dampen net portfolio inflows. What this means is that, as net portfolio inflows drop, the country’s reserves will continue to decline and this poses a big threat to Naira devaluation in 2020. It also means the Naira you hold would loose its value i.e you can only buy little with much money.

“• Going by the Fitch prediction, devaluation may be imminent in 2020 and any such move means businesses are in for major setbacks in 2020. That may affect your business too.

“Fitch added that President Buhari is likely to increase borrowing as revenue crisis will worsen in 2020. This means a large chunk of the country’s revenue will go into debt servicing, as the country’s debt stock is expected a new high. This affects you as it may affect the pace some infrastructure decay would be addressed in 2020, as government may channel more fund to debt.

“• Nigeria’s inflation is expected to continue to rise in 2020. This means purchasing power is expected to drop in the economy, as several unconventional policies being implemented by the government will continue to drive prices high in the economy.

“• Lastly, Fitch expected rise in political uncertainty. According to the Firm, emerging rivalries within the ruling APC party is expected to spark by early dissensions over the 2023 succession to President Buhari. This means uncertainty in Nigeria’s political atmosphere could hamper policy-making.”

Governors Enliven Calabar With Power-Bikes

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The Source

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December 28, 2019

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By John Adie

Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade and his predecessor, Donald Duke, have shown that if the chips are down, they might try their hands, professionally, as power-bikers and entertainers.

Both men were among power-bikers who entertained thousands of Calabar residents Friday during the Bikers’ Parade.

Among the Bikers were participants from Europe and Asia.

Speaking during the flag off, Professor Ayade, decked in biker’s safety apparels,said the essence of the parade was to demonstrate that humanity transcends religion, race, and culture.

Said he: “We are all one-in colour, in design, in economy, in class.That is humanity.That is the essessence.We have come to deepen and spend money in Calabar.We have come to bring economy into it. Before now the carnival was all about entertainment but now we are moving into business.

“And that is why we are introducing deep content that can, at least, bring the rich and wealthy into Calabar; let them come and enjoy themselves and have humanity at the back of their minds.

“Let them remember that the theme and essence of this year’s carnival are humanity-love for fellow human beings providing a shoulder for the weak and the vulnerable to lean on, and bringing everybody together on a tripod as one people, one culture, one religion which is humanity”

Bikers’ Parade is a segment of the yearly Carnival Calabar. Carnival Calabar, an international tourism fiesta, which holds between December 26 and 28 every year, attracts foreign and local visitors to the Cross River state capital.

Displaying nerve-wracking stunts, the Bikers took off from Millennium Park, near the U.J Esune Stadium, and rode through designated carnival routes, including the popular Eleven Eleven roundabout, through Mary Slessor, Marian Road and Rabana roundabout, and then converge at an adjudication point at Marian Road.

The police and other security personnel had a hectic time controlling thousands of awe- struck spectators who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking stunts displayed by the Bikers.

Amazing galaxy of vintage cars driven leisurely round the streets added colour to the parade.

The spectacular displays literally enlivened Calabar as virtually all fun spots were filled with gaily dressed guests and participants, including foreigners

Petty traders also made brisk business as items like soft drinks, snacks, bottled and sachet water, among others, were in high demand.

The yearly event has turned into a major boost to the Cross River state economy.

Boko Haram: Buhari Calls On Christians, Muslims To Join Forces

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Bayo Bernard

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December 28, 2019

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By Fola James

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to rise up and defend the country against Boko Haram and other terror groups who have made killings their signature.

The president’s call came on the crest of the killing of 11 people by ISWAP, a terror group align to Boko Haram.

ISWAP had stated that they killed “11 Christians” to avenge the death of some of their commanders by the Nigerian military.

The killing has almost pit the two major religions against each other, with the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, calling on the federal government to do more to protect Christians across the country.

But the president said the country must rally against the terror organization who have been fighting a war of attrition against the country for close to one decade.

The president stated that ISWAP intention is to set the country on fire by instigating Christians against muslims.

He said the terror group wants muslims blamed for the death of the 11 christians

Buhari said “We should, under no circumstance, let the terrorists divide us by turning Christians against Muslims because these barbaric killers don’t represent Islam and millions of other law-abiding Muslims around the world.”

Buhari said he will continue to defend the country against terror “ As a President, the collective security of all Nigerians is my major preoccupation and the death of an innocent Christian or Muslim distresses me.”

According to him “No true Muslim would be shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ while killing innocent people, an evil frequently condemned by the Holy Qur’an.”

Nigerians must not allow the terrorists to set the country on war path “These agents of darkness are enemies of our common humanity and they don’t spare any victim, whether they are Muslims or Christians, and therefore, we shouldn’t let them divide us and turn us against one another.”

The only way to continue to promote peace among the religious adherents, Buhari said further, is for all Nigerians to be united against terrorists and avoid unhelpful conspiracy theories that serve the interest of Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP.

Edo: Obaseki, Oshiomhole’s Fight Intensifies

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Bayo Bernard

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December 28, 2019

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Parties Rejects Buhari’s Call For Peace

By Fola James

President Muhammadu Buhari seems to have failed to reconcile Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state and the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The president had during the week appealed to the warring parties in the state APC to allow peace to reign.

But in an apparent rejection of the president’s plea, both parties have continued to fuel the crisis rocking the party in the state.

First, Oshiomhole was said to have turned down gifts sent to him by the governor, as part of the celebration of chrismas.

On his part, Governor Obaseki said he was not going back on his part to back the state’s APC on the sack of the national chairman.

Addressing party supporters on Friday, Governor Obaseki stated that he has taken over the leadership of the party from Oshiomhole, also a former governor of the state.

His reason: The party in the state has suspended Oshiomhole, therefore the leadership of the party automatically falls on his lap.

Flanked by his deputy, Phillip Shuaibu, the governor said there’s nothing anybody could do to reverse the suspension, because it followed due process.

Any action, the governor said, taken by Oshiomhole after his suspension is illegal and cannot stand in the face of the law.

The governor said he has taken over the machinery of the party in Edo state. I’m now in control, the governor said to the cheers of his supporters.

Some party leaders had earlier passed a vote of confidence on the national chairman.

“We are the chairmen of the party in the 18 LGAs and we are not aware of the meeting where a vote of no confidence was passed in the national chairman of our party, Oshiomhole, who is doing very well,” an excerpt from a statement by the leaders of the chairmen and chairman of the party in Etsako West, Ibrahim Akokia, Suleman Bagudu (Etsako Central) and Lugard Alukpe (Owan West) said.

But Obaseki at a meeting with some leaders of the party from different Wards and LGAs in the state on Friday, insisted that his predecessor is no longer a member of the APC due to his suspension.

If “he comes back remorseful and apologetic, we will consider taking him back,” Obaseki said.

“Can you imagine a national chairman that is creating problems in his own house? Because of that, we had to suspend him and he remains suspended.

We pray that God should have mercy on him because he has done something bad against God and the people of Edo State; he should find his way back into the party and apologize to all of us.”

The governor also said his predecessor, who in an interview denied nursing a ‘godfather agenda’ in Edo State, selected Philip Shaibu and Osarodion Ogie as his deputy and Secretary to the State Government respectively ”to establish himself as a godfather so they could run to him for settlement.”

Obaseki said “Oshiomhole thought he was setting a trap when he chose Philip Shaibu as my deputy and Osarodion Ogie as Secretary to the State Government. He was thinking that we will always quarrel, fight and then run to him for settlement.

Breaking: Malami Orders The Release Of Dasuki, Sowore

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Uche Mbah

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December 24, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

The Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, has ordered the release of Omoyele Sowore and Sambo Dasuki, two people held by the Department of state services, DSS, despite Court orders.

Dasuki has been in detention since 2015.

Malami hinted on seeking legal means of rearresting the duo, and advised them to comply with their bail conditions.

“The Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has reviewed the pending criminal charges against the duo of Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and Omoyele Sowore.

“Whilst the Federal High Court has exercised its discretion in granting bail to the defendants in respect of the charges against them, I am also not unmindful of the right of the Complainant/Prosecution to appeal or further challenge the grant of bail by the court, having regard to extant legal provisions, particularly Section 169 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

“However, my office has chosen to comply with the court orders while considering the pursuit of its rights of appeal and/or review of the order relating to the bail as granted or varied by the courts.

“In line with the provisions of Section 150(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and in compliance with the bail granted to Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) (as recently varied by the Court of Appeal); and the bail granted to Omoyele Sowore, I have directed the State Security Services to comply with the order granting bail to the defendants and effect their release.

“The two defendants are enjoined to observe the terms of their bail and refrain from engaging in any act that is inimical to public peace and national security, as well as their ongoing trial which will run its course in accordance with the laws of the land.

“I wish to reiterate again the utmost regard of my office for the entire judicial structure of Nigeria.

“This administration remains unrelenting in deepening the rule of law and the administration of justice in general.”

There has been scatting criticisms in recent times of the government continued detention of the duo, with the strongest pressures allegedly coming from the United States. There were indications that the US will be officially represented at the next Sowore trial. That trial, however, did not hold because the Judge washed his hands off the case, saying Sowore’s media had once accused him of taking bribe to subvert justice.

Indications are that the legal documents are being finalized for their release.

Breaking: Jonathan Reacts As Gunmen Fatally Attack His Otuoke Residence

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The Source

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December 24, 2019

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By Gideon Njoku

In a fatal incident that is bound to shock the Nation, tens of gunmen at about 1.30am Tuesday, swooped on the Otuoke home of former President Goodluck Jonathan, killing one of the soldiers on guard duty, and injuring another.

In his immediate reaction, the former President condoled with the family of the dead, and, reassured a shocked Nation of his safety, and the ability of the Nation’s Security to handle the situation.

The gunmen had stormed a military post, 100 meters away from his residence in five engine boats. They, also, tried to make away with a military gun boat.

They were, however, repelled by the gallant soldiers on duty.

At the time of the attack, the former President was not home. He was said to be in Yenegoa, but quickly returned home to monitor the situation.

Since then, hundreds of angry Bayelsans, screaming blue murder, have been trooping to Jonathan’s residence to assess the situation.

Following is a statement, issues on Jonathan’s behalf, by his Media Aide, Ike Eze.

Re: Attack in Otuoke by unknown gunmen

“A security post stationed near the Otuoke residence of former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Bayelsa State was attacked by unknown gunmen early Tuesday morning.

“The hoodlums who came in about five engine boats stormed the security post located about 100 metres away from former President Jonathan’s residence in his hometown Otuoke by 1:30 am on Tuesday and attempted to take away a gunboat belonging to the military stationed at the creek beside

the residence .

“They were, however, resisted by gallant soldiers who engaged them in a fire fight.

The gunmen who couldn’t stand the firepower of the military were forced to beat a retreat.

“One soldier, unfortunately, lost his life in the fight while another was injured. The injured soldier who is currently receiving

treatment at a medical facility in Yenagoa is in a stable state.

“The former President who was not in Otuoke at the time of the attack, however, returned to his village early this morning to assess the situation.

Dr. Jonathan promptly condemned the attack and reassured his people that there was no cause for alarm.

“The former President has also condoled with the family of the deceased soldier, the military, and has urged the concerned security authorities to swing into action and bring the culprits to book.”

Gunmen Storm Gate House Near Jonathan’s Otuoke Home killing A Soldier

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Uche Mbah

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December 24, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

The story had filtered in early Tuesday morning that the home of former President Goodluck Jonathan has been attacked, with a soldier killed and another wounded. But more details indicated that some gunmen who came in gunboats from the creek stormed the security outpost in order to steal a military gun boat stationed at the creek.

Confirming this, the spokesperson of President Jonathan, Ikechukwu Eze, said the injured is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital, adding that Jonathan came back to Otuoke Tuesday morning.

Below is an excerpt from Eze’s press statement.

“A security post stationed near the Otuoke residence of former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Bayelsa State was attacked by unknown gunmen early Tuesday morning.

“The hoodlums who came in about five engine boats stormed the security post located about 100 metres away from former President Jonathan’s residence in his hometown Otuoke by 1:30 am on Tuesday and attempted to take away a gunboat belonging to the military stationed at the creek beside the residence. They were however resisted by gallant soldiers who engaged them in a firefight.

“The gunmen who couldn’t stand the firepower of the military were forced to beat a retreat. One soldier, unfortunately, lost his life in the fight while another was injured. The injured soldier who is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Yenagoa is in a stable state. The former President who was not in Otuoke at the time of the attack, however, returned to his village early this morning to assess the situation.

“Dr. Jonathan promptly condemned the attack and reassured his people that there was no cause for alarm. The former President has also condoled with the family of the deceased soldier, the military and has urged the concerned security authorities to swing into action and bring the culprits to book.”

Reports indicate that Soldiers have already swung into action, cordoning off the town and combing the area for the perpetrators of the crime.

Revenue Sharing Formula: Fayemi Calls For Immediate Review

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The Source

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December 24, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Governor Forum, NGF, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has called on the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari to have an immediate review of the country’s revenue Sharing Formula.

Fayemi made the call while fielding questions from State House Correspondents, in Abuja.

He said that the current revenue allocation formular where the federal government gets 52.68%, states get 26.72% and local governments, 20.60%, was not realistic.

In August, the federal government had set up a committee to review the revenue sharing formula “due to current economic realities”, which has been long overdue, as the two lower tiers of government were battling additional responsibilities.

Fayemi stressed that the review of the revenue sharing formula is still the position of the NGF, which feels the time for the revenue sharing formula to change is now.

“We have made a representation to the President and Commander-in-Chief. This is not just under the Buhari administration; this has been an ongoing agitation that started way back since the time of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. It continued during former President Umar Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan. So, it is not just something that has been brought out under President Buhari.

“The process is that Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) will do its own due diligence, consult widely with critical stakeholders; and we have also made available our own representation to RMAFC.

“Every state has a representative at RMAFC as you know and only last week, RMAFC held a retreat on this and other matters and I believe they will communicate the position.

“Now that we have a full-fledged RMAFC in place with a Chairman and other members appointed, it is our expectation that this will be taken up by RMAFC with Mr President in a manner we have taken it up”.