Border Closure: Rice, Arms Allegedly Targeted, Benin Republic Economy Threatened

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September 23, 2019

By Uche Mbah

The closure of Nigerian borders have been taking its toll on the economy of Nigeria and neighboring countries, but it appears the closure is more effective at the southern borders than the North, reports indicate.

The Federal Government has claimed that N2 billion has been saved daily by the closure.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government ordered the closure of Nigerian borders to curtail the activities of smugglers, particularly of Rice, to encourage local production. But critics have faulted the move, which, incidentally appears to be giving positive results, although there is an initial increase in the price of rice, surveys have shown. There were also allegations that the closure was at the instance of a renowned business mogul who has ventured into Rice production. But he is not the only one. The Bavarian Motor Works, BMW representative in Nigeria, Cosmas Maduka, known as Coscharis, has a rice mill that can favorably compete internationally.

There is also another big Rice mill in Kogi state.

Besides, there have been reports of catches of arms intercepted at the borders, particularly in the North, traceable to the arrested kidnap kingpin, known as Wadume.

Wadume has been arrested by the police in controversial circumstances indicting some military officials. It is said that till date, there has been some bureaucratic bottlenecks resulting from inter agency rivalry in the prosecution of his case.

But this magazine was told that part of his activities involves armed smuggling, through which he supplies sophisticated arms to bandits and kidnappers. He was alleged to be building up loyalties as a new godfather, having allegedly sponsored elections of many top politicians.

Now, the border closure may have affected the activities of his protégés who are said to still be on the run, even though over fifty kidnappers are said to be in police net resulting from his arrest.

Neighboring countries are reeling under the impact of the closure, this Magazine learnt.

Since the closed borders, the Republic of Benin currency has taken a hit and has all but collapsed in the presence of international exchange.

The country depend a lot on the cross border trade for economic growth.

CHAN 2020: Home Based Eagles Face Herculean Task Against Togo

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The Source

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September 23, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Home Based Super Eagles hope of qualifying for the 2020 Total African Nations Championship, CHAN, to be staged in Cameroon, hangs in the balance.

The Imama-Amakapabo coached, Home Based Eagles lost to the Sparrow Hawks of Togo 4-1 in Lome, Capital of Togo in the first leg of the qualification series.

Amakapabo lads needs to win the Togolese with a three goal margin, with its opponent not scoring more than a goal when the Togolese comes visiting for the return leg in two weeks time.

The home based Eagles opened scoring through Ibrahim Sunusi in the 14th minute of the match at the Lome Stade La Kegue arena, before the host equalised ten minutes later.

The half ended in a draw, before the Togolese came out smoking in the second half, scoring three goals in the final 30 minutes of the encounter to give the Super Eagles an uphill task and a mountain to climb to the reverse situation.

Nane, who was a thorn in the flesh of the Nigeria defence, completed his brace in the 67th minute before further goals from Tchakei Marouf in the 75th minute and, Ashraf Agoro in stoppage time saw the Hawks secure a healthy lead going into the second leg.

However, the Sparrow Hawks clawed their way back as Richard Nane pulled the home team level in the 16th minute and with three more goals in the second half, the Nigerian team are left with all the work to do in their quest to make it to Chan 2020.

If the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the championship in Ethiopia, it will be first time Nigeria has failed to attend the biennial showpiece for players playing in their home leagues.

Amakapabo and his team face a precarious situation as they go into the second leg of the encounter. Since the CHAN tournament started in 2014, Nigeria has never failed to qualify for the tournament.

In 2014, South Africa hosted the maiden edition of the tournament.Nigeria came third.

In 2016, when Rwanda hosted the competition, Nigeria failef to scale through the group stage.

At the same Championship in Morocco in 2018, Nigeria finished runner-ups against eventual winner and host, Morocco.

Unity Bank: Fire Incident Under Control -Management

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Bayo Bernard

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September 23, 2019

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By Fola James

The authority of Unity Bank Plc has disclosed that it’s already investigating the fire incident that occurred earlier today at its head office in Lagos with a view to unraveling the cause.

“We regret to inform the public that there was a fire incident on one of the floors of our head office building early this morning.

The cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained but the fire service has intervened and has brought the situation under control,” a statement signed by Matthew Obiazikwor , spokesman of the bank said.

According to the statement made available to the magazine, the bank stated that it’s still working to ascertain the level of the damage done by the fire incident but “we are happy to note that there was no casualty or loss of life as a result of the incident.

From current observations, however, the Banking hall and other strategic areas were not affected,” so business transactions with the customers are still being carried out at the office, the statement said.

While expressing appreciation to “all agencies and volunteers that supported in bringing the incident under control,” the bank stated that “further developments regarding the incident will be communicated as it unfolds.”

The Shame Of A Country

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The Source

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September 23, 2019

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By Gideon Njoku

When Nigerians complain about their country, some of our leaders think they are unpatriotic. When they ask: What is the government doing for us?, they are dismissed as ignorant. When they ask why VAT, for instance, should be increased, the authorities think they are being unreasonable.

The photographs you are seeing are the state of the Enugu-Awka road, as served us by the BusinessDay, Monday morning. And, it is the state of about 75 per cent of Nigeria’s roads.

Where is government?

With the state of roads, cost of transportation increase. Prices of food sky-rocket. Scores of our citizens die every day, making the mortuary one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria.

Murderous Herdsmen: Yoruba Deities Fight Back

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The Source

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September 23, 2019

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By Gideon Njoku

When Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land publicly announced that the issue of murderous herdsmen in Yoruba land would end within four months, and, warned them off the zone, not many people took him seriously. They dismissed him with a wave of the hand. He is just talking. What can he do where hoards of security personnel seem to have failed?, they asked.

Adams is the leader of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC. More important is the Aare Onakakanfo title which he holds. It literary means the Generalissimo of Yoruba land. He is the race’s war commander. The traditional title is enmeshed in tradition, mysteries.

Adams made the pledge to rid Yoruba land of murderous herdsmen in the aftermath of many violent killings in the zone, especially, the murder of the daughter of Yoruba Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Barr. (Mrs) Olufunke Olakunri, along the road, allegedly, by herdsmen.

Those who dismissed Adams’ threat may just now have a second thought if what happened in Ondo state on Saturday is anything to go by.

On that day, something mysterious happened in Ijare Community, Ifedore LGA, Ondo State.

Thunder and Lightning which shook the whole town struck. When the people recovered from the shock, they found out that something more mysterious has even happened in their land.

The lightning which swept through their town had killed 36 cows in one fell swoop. More mysterious is that none of the herdsmen died. They ran scampered to safety.

The people say the death of the cows is attributable to their gods.

They insist that the herdsmen crossed the red line with their cows. They said they stepped into a sacred area of a forest where only their king, or virgins dare. Even then, their king go there only once a year where he spends a night in seclusion, in a cave within the mountain-top. That was around where the cows were struck dead.

From the foot of the mountain to the top, it takes about an hour to get there. The question is: how did the herdsmen and their cows get there?

The cows may have been along the line of lightning. But the people dismiss that, and say it was their god fighting back.

A traditional chief in the area, Wemimo Olaniran, said the cows stepped on sacred grounds and were killed. His words:

“Five days before this time, we learnt that Fulani herdsmen were there to carry wood to build their tent, and we feared that they were taking over the land from us. And, we prayed to God to save us, to intervene because we don’t want anything to desecrate the place because it is a very special place as far as Ijare Community is concerned”

While a few people think it was a natural phenomenon, many say it is spiritual. Yet some others say it is a warning from Yoruba deites.

Alhaji Bello Garuba, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, confirmed the death of the 36 cows, and described it as sad.

Meanwhile, the fear of the unknown has gripped a number of cattle breeders in the zone.

Osinbajo: Presidency Allegedly Shops For Replacement

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Uche Mbah

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September 23, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

With the position of the Vice president being stripped of most activities, speculations are rife on the replacement plans by the presidency which is said to target his replacement with another from the South west.

Constitutionally, the Vice president, though regarded as an appendage to the President-this was cited in the Atiku/Obi tribunal judgement-can only be removed through impeachment. But it appears to be clearer that the traducers of the Vice president are bent on stampeding him out of office through resignation, which is highly unlikely at this point. Some South west politicians are tipped for his replacement, including rumors of another firebrand South west pastor, Tunde Bakare. Bakare has a cozy relationship with the strong man of Kaduna, Nasir El-rufai. El Rufai has been known to visit the Oregun Church of the Pastor to hold closed door meetings with him.

Over the weekend, Bakare has hinted on this in a statement analysts regarded as flying a kite. He told his congregations that the presidency is for him come 2023, and “nobody can stop it”.

Besides Bakare, another top contender is said to be a former south west governor, who may have the imprimatur of the All Progressives Congress National leader, Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu himself, this Magazine recently reported, has been said to be behind the woes of the Vice president. but has denied any involvement in the saga. Sources, however, has hinted that Tinubu did little in his defense when he was confronted with reports of so called anti Buhari activities by the presidency, which hinged on confirmation of former Chief Justice of the Federation, Walter Onoghen, and the sacking of Lawan Daura, former Department of State, DSS, boss.

The magazine has been informed that even after his sack, Daura never left his official residence in Aso rock, and is currently an unofficial adviser to the president. Many indicting reports against the Vice president allegedly come from him.

Many of Osinbajo’s aids are said to be forced to relocate their offices outside the seat of power, Aso Rock.

As part of efforts to arm-twist him to resign, the Trader-money issue is allegedly being pulled from under his feet. This, according to analysts, is at the core of his crisis. “The Trader-money has become a veritable tool for the Vice president to mix up with the masses, and endear himself to the down trodden. At the Internally displaced, IDP, camps, he is seen as a hero. This rising profile was what may be worrying to Tinubu, who is not comfortable with it”, this magazine was told over the weekend.

Besides, the rumored third term agenda, recently given bite by a hitherto faceless group, is another issue that is behind his travail. Recall that a senator was elected on the platform of the APC whose political campaign slogan was that he is going to the senate to fight for Buhari life presidency. The Senate leadership has in different fora given their loyalty to the President.

Even the Judiciary appears to have become a allegedly cowed. The Atiku/ Obi case against President Buhari has ended up in favor of the incumbent in a controversial judgement.

Three of the Appeal court Judges that gave the Judgement against Atiku has allegedly been elevated to the Supreme court, a situation the opposition sees as a reward for job well done by the presidency. Atiku has gone to the Supreme court to challenge the ruling.

The last and only president that attempted to amend the constitution for his third term agenda was Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, but the national assembly squashed it.

Currently, President Buhari has everything going for him. The National Assembly is likely to work towards his third term, as the leaders are all allegedly deferring to Buhari more that the country. Only recently, the Speaker of the house of Representatives threatened to report the security chiefs who ignored their initiations to Buhari, giving the impression that the House of Representatives is an appendage of the presidency.

In all these, it appears that the South east is completely excluded from the presidential shot. The zone has never ruled the country since after the civil war and, if things are based on fairness, are the group that should be given the chance. But Governor El-Rufai had insisted that the rotational presidency should be abolished in favor of merit, but posits that only Northerners merit the position for now. The zone, however, need first to tackle the issue of separatist movements.

Tonto Dikeh Finds Love Again In Daniel Amokachi’s Arms

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The Source

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September 23, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, is presently having a swell time, as she has gotten over her crashed marriage to Olakunle Churchill.

Dike has found love in the arms of former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi, popularly called ‘The Bull’.

The two love birds have been showcasing their love affairs, as both are fond of each other, and have informed anybody who cares to know that their love is here to stay.

Amokachi and Dike crossed path during the dinner party organised by close friends of Dike, in which Amokachi was in attendance. That was the genesis of the sizzling romance.

Dike has been flaunting her new guy all over Abuja. She was quoted to have threatened fellow celebrities to steer clear of his new lover, ‘Da bull’.

Amokachi and Dike have been painting Abuja red together like newly-wedded love birds.

Dike has also taken to the social media to show off her new love. The question arising now is whether this would lead to the altar.

Dike and Amokachi’s new love nest is in Abuja. They are mostly sighted together around highbrow Maitama and an exquisite abode in Asokoro.

With these new developments, it appears ‘poko’, as Dike is fondly called by her admirers, appears to have let go of her past after the broken-heart chapter.

The actress, who now lives in Abuja, became an item with the legendary Nigerian footballer shortly after Tonto officially opened her 5-star restaurant in Abuja.

It would be recalled that Amokachi once married a Tunisian lady. The union is blessed with a set of twins.

It is, however, unknown whether Amokachi’s marriage to the Tunisian has hit the rock or not.

Victory Is Of The Lord -Ihedioha; Says The Mess He Met Will Be Cleared

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The Source

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September 22, 2019

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By Gideon Njoku

In his immediate reaction to his all-round victory against three formidable opponents at the Imo Governorship Election Tribunal, Governor Emeka Ihedioha waxed spiritual. He did not gloat. He was humble in victory.

“A horse is prepared for day the day of battle. But victory is of the Lord”, he said, quoting the Book of Proverbs, chapter 21, verse 31.

He, also, hailed the courage and honour exhibited by the Judiciary. More important, he extended a hand of friendship to his opponents, asking them to join him in the development of Imo State. The governor also reaffirmed the promise he made to Imolites during His electioneering campaign to rebuild the State and make the people proud, and told them, “I will not take your faith in my administration for granted.”

His words: “Today is a very important day in the history of our Rebuild Imo Project. The Nigerian Judiciary has once again demonstrated courage and much honour in the discharge of its constitutional duty. The judgement today has reaffirmed our confidence in our judicial system.

“During the electioneering campaigns, I did assure our people that Imo state, under ny watch, would stand firmly under the rule of law, and this judgement has strengthened my resolve to be guided by this solemn promise.

“I want to thank Ndi Imo for, firstly, electing us, and furthermore for standing by us as we strive to rebuild the state. I can assure you that we will not take your faith in us for granted.

“The work ahead of us, as a people and as an administration is a very enormous one, but we will surmount all the odds. We have already started laying the foundation for a quick recovery. All hands must be on deck.”

Declaring that there was neither a victor, nor a vanquished, he dedicated the victory to the Almighty God.

The Tribunal had on Saturday, in Abuja, summarily, one after the other, dismissed the petition filed against the Governor’s victory by Senators Hope Uzodinma, APC, Ifeanyi Ararume, APGA, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, AA, as frivolous and lacking in substance.

Imo: Ihedioha Knocks Them Out

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The Source

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September 22, 2019

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By Gideon Njoku

In Imo State, Saturday evening, the downpour was unprecedented. Yet the people trooped out in their thousands to celebrate their victory, a divine victory given to them by God.

They had waited all day, anxiously, for the judgement to be delivered. But Their Lordships had their hands full. They had three judgements to deliver, all the three on the petition filed by three governorship candidates – Senator Hope Uzodinma, APC, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, APGA, and, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, AA – against the victory of Governor Emeka Ihedioha at the governorship polls.

Ihedioha had defeated them at the polls, but they refused the people’s decision, and went to the Governorship Election Tribunal.

It was long and tough and energy sapping. But Ihedioha had remained calm. Each of the three claimed victory. It was three against one. Tension was high, especially, as Their Lordships moved the venue of the Tribunal to Abuja.

But, this Saturday evening, all that came to an end. Ihedioha knocked them out.

One by one, their cases were thrown out. The Judges said they had no case, that it was an exercise in futility, that they merely wasted everybody’s time.

And so, the celebrations began. At the time of writing this story, the wild celebration was still on, and the rain continued to pour, as if in celebration too.

NDDC Crisis: Groups Call For Resignation Of Akpabio, Keyamo Over Odubu’s Appointment

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The Source

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September 22, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

A group, Midwest Progressive Forum, MPF, has called for the resignation of the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Minister of State, Festus Keyamo, over the appointment of Pius Odubu, former Deputy Governor during the Adams Oshiomhole administration, as the Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The group blamed Akpabio and Keyamo for failing to properly advise President Muhammadu Buhari on the correct position of the law.

Its National President, Comrade Andrew Emwanta, and the General Secretary, Mrs. Judith Osarumense, in a statement jointly signed by the duo, said that Akpabio and Keyamo are beneficiaries of the crisis of the Commission since they allegedly constituted their offices into the interim Board of the Commission, under the guise of probing the finances of the commission.

“As lawyers, they both owe Mr President the responsibility of advising him on the propriety and legality of the nomination(s) to the offices of Chairman and Managing Director of the Commission, which was made in flagrant violation of the provisions of the NDDC Establishment Act No. 6 of 2000.”

Emwanta stressed that, “due to this avoidable mistake by the President, there are currently over 5 lawsuits in various courts challenging the validity of the Board nominations. The underlying gravamen of the current crisis over the nomination of the NDDC Board leadership is akin to the President nominating a citizen of Chad Republic as the Grand Khadi of the FCT” (Abuja) Judiciary because he is fluent in Fulani language and a Nigeria-trained Islamic Scholar.”

The group asked the two officials to resign for failing the President.

“It was because of the failure of top government officials to appropriately advise a former President of Nigeria that made the country to lose a lawsuit in England, which will cost Nigeria over 9 Billion Dollars.

“This NDDC crisis is avoidable if the two Ministers in the Niger Delta Ministry will put aside partisan and personal interests, and accordingly advise Mr President on the correct position of the law. If the two Ministers are unable to follow the path of patriotism and due process appropriately advising Mr President on this impending national tragedy, they should turn in their letters of resignation, because they have started failing to fit into Mr President’s next level agenda. There is no room for laxity and impunity in an era where corruption is tantamount to failure to act on account of personal interest. A stitch in time saves nine.”