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Court Restrains Ondo Assembly, Speaker, From Suspending Lawmaker |The Source

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By Ayodele Oni, Akure

Reprieve has come for a member of the Ondo state House of Assembly. An Akure High Court, on Tuesday, halted the Assembly and the Speaker; Mr David Oleyeloogun, from suspending him.

The Lawmaker, representing Eseodo constituency in the Assembly,  Mr Success Torhukerhijo, had earlier been  expelled by the majority All Progressives Congress (APC) members of the House,  for not signing the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi.

Following the suspension of four other Lawmakers by the Assembly on alleged trumped-up charges, he sought the protection of the Court from being punished.

Those already on suspension are the Deputy Speaker; Ogundeji Iroju, the only woman, Favour Tomomowo and the only Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) member, Tomide Akinribido and Wale Williams over their refusal to sign impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor.

Following the suspension of the only ZLP member, representing Ondo West Constituency,  a Committee was set up to investigate Torhukerhijo over his alleged use of foul language in a media chat and report back to the house.

To prevent suffering same fate as his colleagues,

Torhukerhijo sought the protection of the court from being suspended.

Justice Ademola Bola, who granted the  Ex parte Order,  consequently restrained the Assembly, Speaker, their officers, agents and servants from suspending the Mawmaker as a member of the House.

The order was also served with a motion on notice as well as an originating summons.

The court upon hearing Mr. Dipo Torhukerhijo, counsel for the Applicant, restrained the Defendants/Respondents, their officers, servants and agents from suspending the  claimant or by any means, or prevented  from performing his constitutional duties or any legislative function as a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice in this suit.

The court also restrained the Defendants/Respondents, their officers, agents and servants from stopping the benefits or other entitlements of the Claimant as an elected member of the House of Assembly pending the determination of the motion on notice.

Prof Sagay: Magu Could Be Prosecuted; Slams Salami; Rubbishes Other Panel Members |The Source

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Itse Sagay
Itse Sagay

By Adesina Soyooye

The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council Against Corruption, PACAC,  Professor Itse  Sagay, has denied the statement   credited to him to the effect that the suspended  Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, could not be prosecuted.

Sagay, a known Magu supporter, also slammed  the Chairman of the Judicial Panel set-up by President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate Magu and the EFCC under him, beginning from 2015, a retired President of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Ayo Salami.

Sagay criticised Salami for inviting those under investigation by the EFCC, to appear before his panel to give testimonies against Magu. He, also, rubbished other members of the Panel, saying he could not trust them to be neutral.

In a statement he released on Monday, titled: Press Release By Prof Itsay Sagay, Chairman of PACAC he said none of the members of the Panel appeared neutral, except Salami. He said they represented agencies which had made allegations against Magu.

Other members of the Panel,  among others  include a representative of the IGP, a representative of the DG of the DSS, a representative of the Ministry of Justice, and a representative of the NFIU.

Magu’s confirmation as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC was rejected, twice, by the 8th Senate over damning allegations on him by the DSS under the former Director General, Lawal Daura.

His primary constituency, the Police, had, also, recommended him for dismissal or retirement, but his job was saved by the Police Service Commission which recommended a lighter punishment over allegations of carrying official EFCC files home, then under the the Chairmanship of Mrs Farida Waziri. And the NFIU had also investigated him.

Apparently, Sagay’s statement was primarily, to deny what was credited to him to the effect that Magu would not be prosecuted.

Sagay: “What I said was that Magu could not be prosecuted before the Salami Report is out, and that Malami’s allegations are  just what they are: allegations in a petition.

“No one is prosecuted on unverified allegations as the PDP wanted, otherwise, it would be a lost cause from the very beginning.

“In my statement, I made it clear that Malami’s petition was just the beginning of a process that could lead to prosecution if solid evidence is established upon investigation.

“I did not say Magu may not be prosecuted. I am not privy to the politics of the Presidency.”

The Salami-Panel, all things being equal, is expected to submit its report within the stipulated 45 days given to it.

Imo: Uzodinma Takes-On IMSU; Appoints Leo Stan Eke Governing Council Member; Race For New VC Begins |The Source

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By Charles Igbo

Imo State Governor, Senator  Hope Uzodinma has taken the first step into implementing the recommendations of the Visitation Panel into the affairs of the Imo State University, IMSU.

The Panel, headed by a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nsukka, who was, also, a former Minister for Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, was set up by the immediate past Governor of the state, The Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. But on  assumption of office as Imo Governor, Uzodinma retained the Panel ,as he did the others set up by Ihedioha.

While handing over its report, the IMSU Panel had described the University as a mess, which needed a complete cleansing if it is to remain as a University, and if it is to meet the vision for which it was set-up.

For a complete sweep, the Panel asked the Imo State Government to re-constitute the University’s Council which has been non-existent, thus making its leadership a Sole Administrator, almost.

On Monday, Uzodinma started the journey to revamp the University, by re-constituting the Governing Council.

To be headed by an Owerri son, and revered Cleric, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Lucious Ugorji, the Archbishop of the Catholic ArchDiocese of Umuahia, as Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, it also has a prominent Imo son, Chief Leo Stan Eke, Founder and Chairman of ZINOX, as member. Another prominent Imo son on the Council is Chief Tony Ezenna, Chairman, Orange Drugs Group.

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma (left) receiving report documents from Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Chairman of IMSU Visitation Panel at Sam Mbakwe Exco Chamber, Government House.
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma (left) receiving report documents from Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Chairman of IMSU Visitation Panel at Sam Mbakwe Exco Chamber, Government House.

The appointment of the two billionaires is seen as a coup by the Government which will help boost IMSU Infrastructure-wise, and set it on the road to glory.

Other members are: Prof. Nebo ( Chairman of the Visitation Panel), Sir Lewis Ezeigwe, Chief Ernest Nwapa and, Mrs Victoria Adamu Ekezie.

The reconstitution of the Council would, automatically, kick off the race for the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor to succeed the out-going Prof. Adaobi Obasi, under whom, it is alleged, the University sank to its lowest level.

COVID-19: Last Flight From US To Nigeria Coming |The Source

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Ethiopian Airline

By Adesina Soyooye

Ethiopian Airline will, on August 20, operate the last evacuation flight of Nigerian citizens from the US to Nigeria.

Since the Virus, which put a halt to International  Flights, Nigeria, like other countries of the world,  has been evacuating its stranded citizens from all parts of the world.

The last evacuation flight from the USA will be operated from Newark International Airport, New York.

A press release from the Nigeria Consulate, signed by the Consulate General, Benaoyagho Okeyon, says this will be the 10th evacuation flight, and the last.

The 8th and 9th flight would operate from Houston, Texas, in the 15th and 19th of August, and would head to Lagos same day.

The 10th and  final evacuation flight would arrive Abuja on the 21st, and proceed to Lagos same day.

The cost of the air ticket to Abuja is: $1, 250 for the economy class, and $2,800 for the business class. That of Lagos, is $1,350 for the economy class, and $3,000 for the business class.

So far, Nigeria has evacuated a total of 1,739 of its citizens from the US in six previous flights.

Every evacuee would be required to present a COVID-19 negative test result, of not more than 14 days old before boarding. Evacuees are also expected to have in their custody, hand sanitizers and face masks which they would be required to wear intermittently all through the flight time.

The Buhari Shocker: Says, “We Could Have Used Military, Police, To Overrun Some PDP States During 2019 Elections |The Source

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Muhammadu Buhari

By Charles Igbo

Perhaps, he meant it as a joke. Perhaps, he mis-spoke.

But whatever, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari shocked Nigerians when he said that, if he so wanted, he  and the ruling party, the APC, would have used security personnel to over-run opposition States and won them during the 2019 General Elections.

The President made this statement at a very inappropriate occasion.

It was at a meeting between him, North-east Governors, the National Security Adviser, his Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of other Security Agencies.

The meeting was to discuss the serious and very disturbing security situation in the region.

Insurgents had reduced The region and the Northern part of The country to one big killing field. Blood flows like a river. Most have turned refugees in their own country.

The meeting was to tinker with a response, and so reassure the people.

Not a few Nigerians, rightly or wrongly, have the impression, wrongly, or rightly, that the Military has not done their best, or if they had done, their best was no longer enough.  Even the President thinks so.

On , at least, two occasions, he had said so. Not a few Nigerians, most Governors, and the National Assembly, had asked The President to replace his Service Chiefs. He has majorly ignored the calls.

One of the Governor’s present at the meeting, Prof. Babagana Zulum of Borno state, miraculously, escaped death when gun men ambushed his convoy along Baga road. The Governor alleged It was soldiers that attacked him, thus absolving Boko Haram.

It is the same military, which has not been able to over-run the insurgents, that the President flaunted before   governors, including three, from the opposition party, boasted he could have used to over-run the opposition States for his party.

Among the Peoples Democratic Party governors, who were at the  meeting  were Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba).

He, however, gave his government a pay on the back.He noted that  given what his administration met in 2015,  it had done its best.

He words “We have problems with resources and security. You know what we inherited. The people of the North East will appreciate what this administration has done. The general report I am getting,  from the conventional ones, from the intelligence sources, is that the Army should do better and this is the truth.

“It is so often coming to me that I have to believe it. I listened to your representation, the governors who are on the hotspot now in the North-East, Adamawa, Bauchi and the rest of them who are enjoying peace. I hope they are respecting the sacrifice made by the military.

“I assure you North-East governors, especially the governor of Borno, that we go to bed and wake up thinking about you and how to secure our country. That is the fundamental responsibility of a government; security. In our party, we recognize this. We campaigned on three fundamental issues: security, economy and fighting corruption.

“Nigerians, we thank God, understood us and they voted for us. In 2019, we went round the whole country, saying the same thing and apologizing for not doing better, but we are doing our best.

“I think Nigerians believe us and we did our best. It is true that we lost some states as a ruling party in a developing country, which is normal. I am proud of that because we are impartial, that is why as the ruling party, we lost some states. That means we have our own mistakes.

“Some of those that defeated us are sitting here. We know we are a developing country but we respect our country, otherwise, with the use of the army, the police and the rest of them, we could have overrun you. We just wanted to show that we are humane and we are Nigerians. We will continue to do our best.”

*This is a developing story. Reactions, later…

Arik To Begin Strike August 17, Says NUATE |The Source

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By Uche Mbah

The National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, has given August 17 as the day Arik staff are expected to commence a one week warning strike to drive home their demands. This is after the expiration of the ultimatum given by the aviation union to the airline.

Recall that the union had given Arik 15 days to recall all staff placed on leave without pay since COVID-19,  and improve conditions of service, or face industrial action. The Ultimatum, which started on July 21, 2020, expired on August 5, 2020.

In a circular addressed to all Arik staff, and signed by Ocheme Aba, NUATE Secretary, and Francis Akinjole, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, deputy secretary, and copied to the various security agencies manning the Airport including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and dated July 10,  NUATE said that the notice will remain in force “until otherwise directed by our union”.

“Subsequent to the failure of Arik Air management to address the issues raised in the fifteen-day Ultimatum, our unions issued to the airline since July 21, 202, and realizing that the window of the 15 days came to a close on Wednesday 5th of August 2020, we are now left with no choice than to inform the management of Arik air that there is going to be a total withdrawal of services from the airline as from the next seven days.

“All staff of Arik are therefore notified that with effect from august 17, 2020, all workers should down tools and assemble at places designated by Union officials to be guided appropriately”, the circular read.

Arik’s problem started when, in the heat of the pandemic COVID-19, Nigeria shut down its airspace to both local and international flights. All the airlines sent most of their staff on strike, pending the opening of the airspace. Since its  opening, Airlines have been gasping for breath. No palliatives have been extended to them. Passenger patronage has been very low.

Both Airpeace and Bristol Airlines, penultimate week, sacked 70 and 100 Pilots and Engineers respectively. NAUTE is also up in arms against them.

Arik Air is under receivership by AMCON, which has been looking for buyers.

Rapist Gets Life Sentence In Ondo |The Source

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High Court, Akure

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

A High Court in Ondo state has sentenced a tricycle driver, Blessing Kingsley, to life imprisonment for raping a 14 year old girl and infecting her with Hepatitis B.

Justice Bode Adegbehingbe  sitting in Akure High Court, who delivered the judgement after two years trial, said the weight of evidence proved without doubt that Kingsley was guilty of the one count charge of rape.

According to the prosection, Stella Adegoke, a state counsel, the offence was committed on July12 2018, when the 14 year old victim, on her way home from her grandmother’s shop in ondo town, was accosted by the convict, a family friend, who offered to take her home.

But rather than take her home, Kingsley drove her to his house under the pretence of making her greet his family, and forcefully had sex with her.

“A report was immediately made at the Funmbi Fagun police station, while a medical examination confirmed she was raped and even infected with Hepatitis B.

“Kingsley was arrested and arraigned before Justice Bode Adegbehingbe of an Ondo state high court on a one count charge of rape,  punishable under section 358 of the criminal laws of Ondo state 2006.”

The suspect, represented by a Counsel from Legal Aid Council, Toyin Asake, was the only witness for himself, while the prosecution called four witnesses, Sergeant Olanrewaju Agbelusi who arrested Kingsley, a photographer a medical doctor, and the victim.

The prosecution also presented before the court as exhibit, the victim’s blood soaked underwears, photographs of the scene showing blood stained mattress, and her  medical report after the incident among others.

The Judge, in his judgement, said Kingsley gave weak and pitiable evidence. The Judge also said that the accused  criminally exploited his familarity with the victim, despite claiming not to know her before the incident.

He said the weight of evidence by the  principal witness  is substantial to convict Kingsley just as the prosection also proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Adegbehingbe, therefore, convicted Kingsley on a count charge of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Kashamu Buruji: OBJ Replies Critics, Says Mourn Him The Way They Like When He Dies |The Source

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former President  Olusegun Obasanjo has told critics to mourn him the way they so desire when he bids the world Farewell.

Obasanjo said this following series of criticisms that trailed his condolence letter to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State following the death of Kashamu.

Obasanjo, had described the late Senator and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State of evading justice, but couldn’t escape death.

Responding to criticism that trailed his letter, Obasanjo told Premium Times in an interview that it was okay for people to mourn every death but that the living, including himself, must draw the right lessons from the lives of those who have died.

He said it is only in doing this that societies can make progress.

“When I was growing up, in our community, when anyone known with bad character died, we usually only mourn him and bury him. No eulogy. No praise-singing.

“There is an English saying that urges us never to talk ill of the dead. But in this case, we are not talking ill of the dead. We are only drawing lessons from the life and history of the dead. I am not gloating over his death. It is sad for anyone to die and we must mourn him.

“But we must learn from such a passage. There will be bad lessons. There will be good lessons. But we should not just be praise-singing or eulogising the dead, especially when there is no need to do so.

“We should not cover up bad histories and conducts so that the right lessons can be learnt,” he said.

“As you know, I say my mind as truthfully as I know them and in line with my convictions. People are free to say whatever they want about my comment. I don’t begrudge people for holding opinions on whatever I say or do.

“Let people say whatever they like when I transit. Now that I am alive, am I not being abused? Whenever I transit, let people say whatever they know or think about me. Let them say it as it is. What my maker thinks of me is what matters most.” Obasanjo added.

The former President had, in a condolence message, said late Kashamu, who was wanted in the U.S for alleged drug offences, was able to escape justice but could not evade death.

“Senator Esho Jinadu (Buruji Kashmu) in his lifetime used the manoeuvre of law and politics to escape from facing justice on alleged criminal offence in Nigeria and outside Nigeria.

“But no legal, political, cultural, social or even medical manoeuvre could stop the cold hands of death when the Creator of all of us decides that the time is up.

“May Allah forgive his sin and accept his soul into Aljanah, and may God grant his family and friends fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” A part of the letter read.

Several Nigerians have attacked Obasanjo for his remarks which they say demonstrate disrespect for the dead.

Kashamu, a controversial politician, who, for years, was wanted by the U.S government for alleged drug offences but managed to beat repeated extradition attempts, died in Lagos, Saturday, from coronavirus complications.

He was buried on Sunday in his home town, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun state.

EFCC: Magu’s Lawyer Slams Panel; Says It Is Unfair To Magu, Disobeyed Buhari |The Source

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By Adesina Soyooye

Aliyu Lemu, a Counsel to the suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has decried what he called the unfair treatment being given to his client by the Presidential Investigation Panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate Magu.

Aliyu lamented that not only has the Panel been unfair to Magu, it has, also, disobeyed Presidential orders.

The Counsel spoke Monday evening on a Channels Television program, Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

The seven- man Panel headed by a retired President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ayo Salami, has been investigating Magu’s tenure at the EFCC.

The impression given, even by the Presidency,  was that it was just an Investigative Panel. But it surfaced on Sunday evening that it was indeed, a Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

In a letter dated July the 3rd, the President had given the Panel, Judicial powers, meaning,  more powers than was thought.

The President, also, asked it to hold public hearing on the activities of the EFCC under Magu from 2015, and submit its findings within 45 days.’

Lamenting the situation, Aliyu said he was surprised that the Panel disobeyed the President by sitting inside the Villa, away from the prying eyes of members of the public and, especially, the Media. Why  is the Panel doing that?, he asked, and why don’t they want the Media? A transparent panel should be covered by the Media, he reasoned. The Media should be given access, he submitted.

He, also, revealed that till date, his Client, has not been given a copy of the allegations against him, or any of the petitions.

He, however, revealed that his Client was given a copy of the Terms of Reference of the Panel only on the 8th of  August.

Describing the situation as unfair, Aliyu said, the Panel has been busy, taken evidence from persons under investigation by the EFCC. He dismissed such evidence as prejudicial.

Speculation is that considering the 45 days given the Panel within which to submit its findings, it is likely to submit it by next week.

The Judicial Panel had Magu arrested on July the 6th.  He was detsined for nine days.Since then, he has been on suspension from office. It was, allegedly, instigated by a petition to the President against Magu, written by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Insecurity: North Has No Respect For Leaders – Gov. Matawalle; Blames Northern Youths |The Source

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By Akinwale Kasali

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle says the North has no respect for leaders. He attributed this disrespect for leaders as the reason   why the region is facing security challenges.

The Governor’s assertion comes as a surprise to many who thoght it was the opposite. Until his disclosure, many thought it was the South-east, especially, being republicans, which could be guilty of disrespect for their leaders.

But the Governor disagrees.

He said that the North would continue to have the problem of insecurity due to lack of respect for leaders, especially traditional rulers, lamenting that the youths were the perpetrators of the crimes in the North.

Matawalle made this disclosure while receiving people of Anka, Bungudu, Bukkuyum and Maru Local Government areas led by their Emirs and Local Government Chairmen, who paid him Sallah homage at the Government House, Gusau, the state capital.

“Most of the security challenges in the North could be traced to lack of respect for traditional rulers and recognised regional leaders who could always be called upon to advise on social and political leadership.

“No society can make any meaningful impact and enjoy perfect peace when there is no harmonious relationship between the youths and their leaders. That is why I directed that this year, I will not receive any community at the Government House except they are led by its traditional ruler, ” he said.

The Governor urged people at the corridors of power to always accord Traditional rulers and institution respect as they are the catalyst for societal integration.

“We must start according respect and dignity to our rulers like it was before, because Allah gave them the position which we have to recognise,” he said.

“Henceforth, we shall be the ones going down to the Emirs’ Palaces for Sallah homage to spend a day or two with them and their people at the grassroots,” he said.

He insisted that unrepentant bandits and informants would not go unpunished, appealing to the people to renew commitment to the fight against notorious bandits and kidnappers, pointing out that security is the responsibility of everybody, and not only the responsibility of the government or security agencies.

“Every body must put hands on deck to look inwards and flush out the notorious elements among us. Most of the crimes committed by the bandits at the grassroots indicate a connivance with informants within the community”.

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