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Football Legend, Maradona Critically Ill, Hospitalized |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Diego  Maradona

By Akinwale Kasali

Argentine and World Football Legend, Diego  Maradona, is said to be critically ill, and was rushed to a hospital in La Plata, Buenos Aires, the Argentine Capital.

The 60-Year Old 1986 FIFA World Cup Winner, has been admitted at the Ipensa Hospital in La Plata, about an hour from Buenos Aires.

Maradona, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, is the Coach of the local club, Gimnasia y Esgrima.

He was admitted to hospital to undergo tests as he had been feeling poorly for some time and would be held under observation for “several days.”

The Ole.com.ar sports web site, one of Argentina’s biggest, said it was not an emergency and was not related to COVID-19 as he had tested negative in recent days.

Maradona last appeared in public on his 60th birthday last Friday before his side’s league match against Patronato.

He was gifted a plaque and a cake to celebrate the occasion but he did not stay to watch the game and witnesses said he looked unwell and weak.

The former Napoli, FC Barcelona and Boca Juniors player has suffered frequent periods in hospital over the years, often due to the extravagant lifestyle which accompanied and followed his playing career.

The former Napoli striker was also admitted to hospital in January 2019 with internal bleeding in the stomach.

He also fell ill at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he was filmed passing out in an executive box during the Argentina versus Nigeria game.

Maradona was taken into hospital in 2004 with severe heart and respiratory problems linked to cocaine use.

He later underwent drug rehabilitation in Cuba and Argentina before a stomach-stapling operation in 2005 helped him lose weight.

In 2007 he checked himself into a clinic in Buenos Aires to help him overcome alcohol abuse problems.

Why Tinubu’s Ally, Fowler, Is In EFCC Net |The Source

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

This certainly is not the best of times for the Asiwaju of Lagos, and the Jagaban of Borgu, Bola Tinubu.

Fresh from the controversy surrounding the alleged shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate during the #ENDSARS protest by youths, and his alleged role in it, Tinubu has, now, to endure the calling-in of his close ally, Babatunde Fowler  by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Fowler was a former boss of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, allegedly, on the recommendation and backing of Tinubu. Before that, he was a former boss of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS.

Two reasons have been adduced as to why an invitation was extended to him by the Lagos office of the EFCC.

The first, reports say, has to do with an alleged Five Billion Naira fraud at the FIRS while he was the boss.

According to reports, while he was there, about nine senior staff members of the FIRS were arrested and detained by the EFCC. He was not one of them.

The second reason has to do with the allegation by a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Beta Consulting, Dapo Abara. Abara had accused the firm of money laundering and tax evasion to the tune of N100b.

Tinubu, as confirmed by Abara, has a huge interest in Alpha Beta, and allegedly was, and still is,  the main benefactor. But the management of Alpha Beta vehemently denies the allegations, and instead alleges that it was Abara who defrauded the Firm to the tune of five billion Naira.

Alpha Beta collects all the Internal Revenue in Lagos.

Part of Abara’s  petition, signed by his lawyer, Adetunje Adegboyega, reads: “Over the years, the company has been protected and shielded by some powerful politicians and people in the society which made them to always boast of being untouchable, but our client, feeling the need not to keep quiet again, and strengthened by President Muhammadu is keen on fighting corruption, which has been the bane of our country, is of the firm belief that it’s time to expose and open the can of worms called Alpha Beta Consulting.”

However, at the time of writing this, Fowler was still with the EFCC. Wilson Uwajaren confirmed Fowler was still with them.

Not a few people think that a dig at Fowler as it concerns Alpha Beta Consulting, is an indirect dig at Tinubu.

Protest: Amuwo Odofin Begins Recall Of Hon. Alli-Macaulay From State Assembly |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mojisola Alli-Macaulay2

By Akinwale Kasali

Hon. Mojisola Alli-Macaulay representing Amuwo Odofin 1 Constituency in the Lagos House of Assembly is in big trouble.

The crisis could see her exit from the State Assembly. Her Constituents have commenced her legal recall from the Assembly.

The Constituents, under the aegis of Amuwo Odofin Stakeholders Consultative Forum, AOSCF, released a statement in which they accused Hon. Alli Macaulay of unguarded comments against the youths, and misrepresentation of the constituency.

It would be recalled that last week, Alli Macaulay came under fire and criticism for saying that Nigerian youths are always on hard drugs which is why they are vocal on social media.

Thereafter, she was accused of diverting COVID-19 palliatives and presenting same as her birthday souvenir, further impoverishing her Constituents.

The statement released by her constituents highlighted a total of six reasons why they are initiating the recall process.

In a petition written against her leading to the legal process of her Recall from the State Assembly, the Constituents said they are being misrepresented by her, and have lost the confidence reposed on her.

They want her out of the Assembly.

Jonathan To Political Class: Let’s Unite And Advance Interest Of The People |The Source

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The Source
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has urged the political class in Bayelsa to imbibe Christian virtues of love, tolerance, and unity to build a united and prosperous State.

Dr. Jonathan who spoke at the 9th Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa on Monday, November 2, 2020, noted that politicians in the state should emulate those in the body of Christ who despite having different denominations and doctrines still unite to advance the Christian faith.

His words: “The political class should learn from the body of Christ. That is my only message today. There are so many denominations but all of them believe in one God, through Christ and that brings them together always.”

Jonathan who reminded politicians in the state that their primary interest in being in politics is to serve the people and advance their welfare also called on them to see themselves as friends and work together to develop Bayelsa.

“In Bayelsa State, the political class should understand that why we are in politics is to advance the course of the people. No matter our political parties and interests, we must see ourselves as friends and unite to develop our state.

“After the elections what follows is governance.  We should support those who by providence have emerged victorious in the last elections.

“We must not continue in enmity. Irrespective of our political parties, we must work together and love ourselves. There are places where husband and wife belong to different political parties, siblings belong to different political parties but the common interest of the family is retained.

“Let us retain the common interest of Bayelsa, irrespective of our political persuasions. If we continue to work together and put the interest of the state ahead of every other thing, then surely Bayelsa will develop.”

Cross Rivers: Former Gov’nor, Monarch Move Against Ayade |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
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Professor Ben Ayade

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Prominent politicians in Cross Rivers state including the Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Otu are obviously not happy with the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade’s style of leadership and have blamed him for the wanton destruction of private and public property during the last EndSARS protest.

Properties destroyed by hoodlums and protesters angry over police brutality include those of former Governor Liyel Imoke and Ndoma Egba, a former Senate Leader and All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain in the state.

The two politicians as well as the foremost traditional ruler are believe to be very angry with the state governor particularly the manner he handled the protest, apart from accusation of politics of exclusion by the governor.

Imoke helped Ayade become governor and has been known to be his ardent backer since he left office five years ago.

The monarch has therefore demanded that the Ayade steps down from office as the governor of the state.

The Obong made the demand while former Governor Imoke whose wife lost a supermarket during the EndSARS protesters, paid him a courtesy visit.

He reportedly said the governor needs to step aside to enable an interim administration come up so that he can learn governance.

He accused the governor of not carrying leaders in the state along since he came into office, blaming his failure to hold regular security meetings with security agencies in the state for the wanton destruction, looting and arson that took place two weeks ago during the protest.

According to the Obong “This thing would not have happened if he had called the security people together after hearing what happened in Lagos and other places; If he had called them together and tell them, look my friends; nothing should happen in my state,” he said.

“The Governor should be able to open his door for people to come in, and should work with everybody. We have to face it; we don’t need to play around with it; we cannot continue this way. You tell him that there is a need for total reconciliation; a total rehabilitation of whatever he has been doing.

Governor Ayade is running a one man show because he has failed to realize that “Everybody matters in this state. He should be able to talk to people. He wouldn’t call you and even when you call him, he doesn’t answer the call. Nobody talks to him,” the traditional ruler said obviously in anger

Former Governor Imoke while speaking said all hands must be on deck for a peaceful resolution of problems facing the state.

“We need your guidance as we go about looking for solutions to the challenge of young people who are unemployed and have grievances; young people who think they don’t have the opportunities others have had,” Imoke said.

Tinubu’s Man, Fowler Lands In EFCC Net |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

Former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS Babatunde Fowler has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Fowler a close associate of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was fired last year by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sources in the commission  told the magazine that he was arrested in connection with a petition filed against the APC leader and Alpha Beta Consulting by a former managing director of the company,  Oladapo Apara, who has accused the politician of fraud.

Tinubu was also accused of diverting funds belonging to the firm to companies owned by him.

The spokesperson of the anti graft, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed Fowler’s arrest.

The tax firm consults for the Lagos state government and its operation has been controversial.
More details to come……….

 

PDP Says Lagosians Have Lost Confidence Reposed On Gov. Sanwo-Olu |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have called for the immediate resignation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the recent Lekki Killings of #EndSARS protesters and misrepresentation of the people of Lagos.

The PDP stressed that Governor Sanwo-Olu needs to resign as he no longer enjoyed the confidence of the people.

The Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, said Governor Sanwo-Olu could no longer be trusted following the disclosure that he invited the army to quell and disperse EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll-Gate, where there is a controversy over the number of fatalities and the injured.

“The PDP is of the view that it is more expedient for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to step aside now that the army has revealed him as the person who invited the soldiers to quell the Lekki protest.

“Obviously, Lagosians can no longer trust a governor who denies his actions in government. Sanwo-olu has no moral standing worth being proud of and he should admit this and honourably leave the stage as governor. Lagos is held down by his recent misdeeds. Sanwo-Olu has done his best, but not good enough to propel the state to greater development heights. The state is now inadequate in areas of security, commerce, infrastructure, government-citizens’ trust, among others,” Gani said.

He decried what he called the “multiple collapses of pillars of good governance in the state” in the last two weeks, and added that the state had become overwhelmed by issues of insecurity, even as residents were panicky and did not know what wouldhappen next.

“If this state continues to experience thiscollapses in next 72 hours, it may suffer a declaration of a state of emergency, a step that would likely deprive all. The anarchical traffic situations, corruption in state services, high-handedness, favouritism in the state is disturbing.”

Reacting to the call by the PDP that Governor Sanwo-Olu should resign, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu,  Gboyega Akosile, declined to comment on the issue, but referred the Reporter to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC Lagos State Chairman, Babatunde Balogun and Publicity Secretary, Oluseye Oladejo did not respond to several calls and text messages sent to them as at press time.

Joe Igbokwe, the former APC Publicity Secretary in the State said he could no longer speak for the APC, but, however, described the PDP as a moribund party in the state and in no position to make such demands.

“Only the electorate that elected Governor Sanwo-Olu can remove him from office and not a moribund party like PDP,” he said.

Restructuring: Lagos Based Journalist Proposes New National Flag To Quell Agitations By Nigeria Youths |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nigeria Flag

By Akinwale Kasali

A Lagos based journalist, Felix Igiebor, Publisher/Editor of Community News Network (CN News) has proposed a new national flag for Nigeria and called for the restructuring of the nation.

Speaking at a news and current affairs programme, on Arise TV where he unveiled his model of the proposed new flag, Igiebor opined that Nigerians have since lost faith and respect for the current national flag which many believe no longer inspires patriotism among Nigerians, especially the youth.

He reasoned further that agitations by groups such as the Independent Peoples of BIAFRA (IPOB) for self determination is unending because the agitators have no faith or confidence in Nigeria and its leaders and, therefore, will not want to have anything to do with them. They would rather have a country of their own than remain in what they call the contraption called Nigeria.

He further reasoned that agitations for the creation of different republics will be eradicated once national pride is restored in Nigeria’s symbols.

The proposed new flag which is a modification of the current national flag has the rising sun placed in the middle of the current flag with six stars depicting the six Geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Each of the stars has separate colours depicting the main product of each zone which is their contribution to the national GDP.

According to the proponent who is also an author, the idea will be taken to all the major sociocultural organizations, past heads of state, governors,  State Assemblies etc. for their support before it is presented to the National Assembly who will eventually present it to the President for his approval and signature.

Giving the interpretation of the New National Flag he is proposing, he said the Green-White-Green colours remain while the rising sun of the defunct Biafran flag is placed in the white horizontal bar of the current flag.

Six stars of different colors are placed in an arch formation (Sample 1), while six stars of different colors are placed under the bar of the rising sun (Sample 2).

The yellow rising sun in the middle of the BIAFRAN flag he said is adopted and placed in the middle (white vertical bar of the present flag) on the proposed new Nigerian national flag both as recognition and as a way of telling the Nigerian story (history).

*Recognition of the Southeastern people’s struggle for self determination.

*Recognition of the loss of the Southeastern people of over one million people and properties of inestimable value during the Nigerian civil war.

* The rising sun also depicts Nigeria not just the defunct BIAFRA as a nation rising out of obscurity, economic doldrums, and other ills that plague us as a nation.

* The rising sun also depicts Nigeria as a rising powerhouse both in Africa and the world.

THE SIX STARS

* The Black Star represents black gold. It represents oil produced majorly in all the Niger Delta states of the South South zone of Nigeria.

*The Light Brown Star represents groundnut produced in the North West states of Nigeria.

*The Yellow Star represents the Cocoa produce of Nigeria’s South West states of Nigeria.

*The Deep Brown Star represents yam and other such agricultural produce of the Middle Belt states in Nigeria.

*The Silver Star represents trade and enterprise which are predominant amongst the South East states of Nigeria.

*The White Star represents cattle and cattle rearing which is predominant in the North East states in Nigeria.

#EndSARS: Falz Explains Why Protest Was Hijacked By Hoodlums |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Folarin Falana - Falz

By Akinwale Kasali

Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, son of Human Rights Activist and Legal Luminary, Femi Falana, has disclosed the main reason why the  #EndSARS protest against Police brutality and extra judicial killings was hijacked by hoodlums.

The Nigerian hip-hop artiste, lawyer and social activist, Falz, said the reason  why hoodlums and thugs attacked demonstrators and disrupted the protests was that they were willing tool of politicians used to create apprehension and forment trouble in the society.

He added that the hoodlums disrupted the protests because they did not know better, adding that the hoodlums were oblivious to the fact that the agitation will rub off positively on them and change their life for good.

Falz made the disclosure at a webinar organised by a group called “We Move Naija”.

He opined that the #EndSARS protests had engendered the re-engineering of Nigeria, noting that the country will not remain the same again.

He noted that with the passion and unity displayed by Nigerian youths in the past weeks, he was optimistic that the future of the country looked brighter.

He added, “I have never seen a Nigeria as united as what I saw during the protests. The youths were so united. However, the question for many people now is, what next? I think it is work in progress. The struggle has by no means ended. Majority of the work lies in citizen education.

“People need to know their rights and what the Constitution says. For some time, I have been informing my followers on social media about what the law says about specific issues but I decided to commit my resources and efforts into making it a full-fledged show when I realised that many people were unaware of certain things.”

On hoodlums disrupting demonstrations, he said “The words, ‘hoodlums’ and ‘thugs’ were thrown around a lot recently. A hoodlum is an average young man like me who does not know better. Nobody was born or destined to be a hoodlum. They just need more education to let them know they don’t have to be used by politicians to wreak havoc.”

He, however, enjoined youths to focus on the next election cycle in 2023 to make substantial inputs to the political process.

“As we are approaching 2023, it is important for us to start getting ready. It would be a big year for our future. It is important to start getting our permanent voter cards. A lot of people don’t understand certain things like the process for recalling an elected official.

For example, if somebody who is representing you in the National Assembly is not doing what the constituents want, you have the power to remove him. The power of the people is greater than the people in power. We need to work more closely with one another,” he said.

He said the whipping up of religious and tribal sentiments was a way of sowing seed of discord among the populace “We need to discard all the religious and tribal sentiments that have been thrown around. They are just tactics by people trying to tear us apart. We need to keep the energy going. Stay alert and register to vote.

“We need more intelligent people in government. These past few weeks have shown us that the people we have in power are very shallow. They are just there to embezzle money. We need people who know that they are there to serve us and not for them to be worshipped”, he concluded.

Akeredolu Defends Governors Over Hoarding Of Covid -19 Palliatives |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has explained reasons for hoarding palliatives meant for distribution to Nigerians during the Covid 19 pandemic ravage.

According to Akeredolu, who is also Chairman South West Governor’s Forum, some of his colleagues were waiting for the official launch of the Palliatives packages by the coallition against cacovid 19.

He spoke in his country home, Owo, at a Thanksgiving service to mark the third year enthronement of an Anglican  Cleric, Rt Rev Stephen Fagbemi as Bishop of Owo Anglican Communion.

He pointed out that no governor in the country would deliberately hoard COVID-19 Palliatives, meant for distribution to the populace during the lockdown occasioned by the pandemic.

Some suspected hoodlums, during the endSARS protests in states pounced on warehouses where the food items were hoarded looted and set them ablaze.

The Governor stated that no warehouse was looted or destroyed in Ondo state because the Palliatives were promptly shared to the people.

Governor Akeredolu said those states where the palliatives were hoarded were also expecting more donation of the remaining items and flag-off by the CA-COVID-19.

He spoke on his victory in the October 10 Governorship election, describing it as God’s project which no man could truncate and that he would still come out victorious at the tribunal.

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