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Sokoto: Anger Over Police Harassment Of Woman Activist; Ndume Condemns Act

November 14, 2024

Senator Ali Ndume has condemned the arrest and prosecution of a woman activist, Hamdiya Sidi by the police and Sokoto state government.

The senator, representing Borno North in the National Assembly said the woman should be encouraged by the authority rather than being vilified and harrased by them.

Recall that anger had recently greeted the arrest and arraignment in court of Sidi by the state police command after he openly condemned the government for failing to contain the activities of terrorists and bandits disturbing her community.

Not a few Nigerians expressed their support for the young woman for daring to speak out for her peoples, calling on the authority to stop harassing her.

Speaking Ndume said the police should stop harassing the woman for drawing attention to the killings by bandits, saying Sidi should not be silenced for speaking truth to power.

Following her arrest last week, serious pressure was mounted on the police which later released her.

But not long after she was released, suspected hoodlums from the state government were said to have attacked her home, abducted ans beaten her up leaving her with serious injuries.

They accused her of embarrassing and inciting the public against the state government.

Following the anger that greeted her arrest, last week, the state police command said Sidi was arrested for inciting the public against the government.

A statement releaed by the spokesman of the command, Ahmad Rufai claimee “Sidi was inciting the women against the government by telling them to forcefully take over government properties in Wammako local government area of Sokoto state.’

The statement read, “The attention of the Nigeria police force sokoto command has been drawn to the ongoing falsehood and misinformation circulated by gistcore media and other social media handles on the purported story that the Nigeria police Sokoto command secretly arrested and arrainged a woman who lamented on the recent rise in killings in Sokoto for embarrassing Governor Aliyu Ahmed Sokoto.

“We wish to make the record straight, i. On the 3rd of November 2024 at 1700hrs one Marafa Yakubu ‘m’ the village head of Sabon Birnin Daji village in Wurno local government area reported to the police that a woman later identified as one Hamdiyya Sidi ‘f’ of Munki village in Wurno local government area came to the village and deceived him that she is a member of that community representing a charitable organization meant to assist women and youth, that she wanted to address woman and distribute relief items to the less privileged in the society.

“To his greatest dismay while she was addressing the women he noticed that rather than distributing relief items as she claimed, she was inciting the women against the government by telling them to forcefully take over government properties in Wammako local government area of Sokoto state, stating that it belongs to them. Noticing the tension in the community as a result of her incitement, he quickly alerted the community guards who arrested her and handed her over to the police.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence and was charged to court within 24hrs for the offence of inciting disturbance.

“ii. One of our constitutional responsibilies is to investigate crimes both simple and capital in nature, to this end, the case of Hamdiyya is no exception.

“iii. Therefore, the Commissioner of police urges all citizens to be wary of the kind of information they throw into the public space and refrain from false and misleading information that could ignite disaffection and disrupt the fragile peace the state is enjoying.

“iv. Sokoto state police command remains resolute in upholding the fundamental human rights while discharging our duty.”

PDP Leaders Attacked In Idanre, Ondo Police Command Launches Investigation

Ayodele Oni

November 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As political parties in Ondo are round off campaigns for Saturday’s Governorship election, the home town of Ade Adetimehin, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Idanre, has been turned to a battle ground by suspected thugs.

Some armed persons suspected to be political thugs, in early hours of Wednesday, attacked some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre Local Government Area of the state.

Director, Media and Publicity of PDP in the local government and a chieftain of the party, Mr Adeyemi Fasoranti, and Hon Bosede Agbaje Salami respectively alleged that the attackers were suspected APC thugs.

They said the attack came as a result of the successful campaign of PDP on Tuesday.

The Ondo State Police Command has ordered an intensive investigation into the incident, which happened after the command had brokered peace among politicians in the area.

Command’ spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, stated in a statement that “the command has intensified efforts in addressing the Idanre rivalry incident, which has surfaced amidst preparations for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.

“In light of recent developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.

“It is important to note that CP Oladipo had previously convened a peace meeting on November 12, 2024, bringing together leaders of the two major political parties in the area.

“During the meeting, he urged them to maintain peace and take all necessary precautions to prevent their supporters from inciting violence. Despite these efforts, however, disturbances erupted overnight, resulting in shootings and a breakdown of public order.

“The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.

“The CP has made it clear that the Command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.

“He calls on parents, community leaders, and influential figures to warn their followers, children, and loved ones to avoid any form of disruptive behavior during this period.”

Ondo 2024: At Mega Rally, Shettima Gives Victory To APC In All LGs

Ayodele Oni

November 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC), rounded off its governorship campaign rally in Akure, Ondo State on Wednesday with the vice president, Kashim Shettima, expressing hope that the party will win in all the 18 local government areas.

He called on the people to come out en masse to vote for APC saying that the vote of the people is their strength and that he is expecting nothing more than eighteen zero.

Isaac Kekemeke, APC South West zonal vice chairman, charged the people to vote for the incumbent governor come Saturday 16th November 2024. He said a vote for Lucky is a vote for progress. He said, a vote for APC is a vote for light in Ondo State.

Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate leader urged the electorate in the name of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other important personalities in the state, who had passed beyond to vote for the Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the only one that could continue with the development of the state.

Other speakers including the national Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, Minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State said that Ayedatiwa is capable of wining the election for APC.

They urged the people to vote for APC and not to cause violence promising that the governor has all what it takes to lift the state to its economic standard as he has been doing it and he would continue doing more for the good people of the state .

Aiyedatiwa recounted his unflinching loyalty to late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu adding that if alive today, he would be supporting him to ensure that the state remains for APC.

He said he would do more than what he has been doing that what people are seeing now is just a tip of the iceberg.

Adeleke Presents 2025 Appropriation Bill To Osun Assembly, Flaunts Scorecard

Ayodele Oni

November 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

“Budget of Reconstruction and Recovery” is the title of the over N390 billion 2025 budget presented by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke to the State House of Assembly in Osogbo.”

Adeleke said the budget is borne out of the need to reconstruct the damaged economy and infrastructural facilities of Osun and set a fiscal stimulus against the impact of global economic recession.

According to the Governor, the 34th annual Budget estimates since Osun was created on 27th August, 1999 are in line with the existing Osun State Development Plan, 2023-2050.

“Our major focus therefore is to meet the yearnings of the good people of the State, complete all on-going projects, and embark on new ones where critically necessary.

“It is indeed with a high sense of duty, that I present the appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year. I acknowledge the maturity, discipline and patriotism behind your individual and collective conducts in your bid to uphold the democratic governance tenets.”

Giving the analysis of the proposed revenue and expenditure, Governor Adeleke stated that, “The total size of the Budget 2025 N390,028,277,740.00).

“The expenditure comprises Capital Expenditure of N144, 231,183, 800, Recurrent Expenditure of ₦ 245,797,093,940.00.

“Recurrent Expenditure is divided into Personnel cost, which is made up of salaries and allowances, as well as Pensions and Gratuities and stands at ₦102, 895, 821,010.00. The balance of ₦142,901,272,930.00 is set aside.

“Our Revenue consists of Recurrent Revenue, where Government share of FAAC is ₦ 196, 778, 975,180.00 and Independent Revenue is ₦109, 870, 932, 830.00. Other receipts from development partners is ₦53,377,244,610.00.”

Adeleke seized the event to give his scorecard in the outgoing year 2024, saying his administration recorded unprecedented progress across the sectors which will be unveiled in detail during the midterm anniversary holding for a week later this month.

“Our administration has reduced rural Health Access gap by 40 percent through rehabilitation of over two hundred Primary healthcare centers; We increase health care access to all pensioners from less than 10% to 90% within 2 years.

“We closed road infrastructure gap and deficit by 50% from 80%; We take agric mechanization from 0% to 35%; We built digital economy policy structures from 0% to 55%; We built public service integrity from 25% to almost 70%; We expanded local content from 0% to 75%; We built climate agenda from 0% to over 70 %; We raised state financial support for cooperative societies from 0% to 66%; We expanded financial support to ward cooperative societies from 0% to over 60.

“We built Ilesa University from 15% to over 90%; We redeveloped Odeomu Cooperative College to HND institution; We increased Osun Google coverage from 20%to 65%; We launched phased bursary award from 0% to 40%; We liquidated 40% of inherited salary debt; We paid up over 35 % of inherited pension debt. We improved School infrastructure by over 40 percent; We enhanced rural Infrastructure by over 40 percent with over 300 completed rural projects.”

According to him, the highlighted achievements were recorded without his Government any loan.

“It is also important to state that Osun State has not taken any loan (External or Domestic). We rely solely on the prudent management of available resources to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of Osun State. This is our goal and with God on our side we will not derail”.

ASUU Warns UNIZIK VC: “You Don’t Have Any Authority To Your Position”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 13, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

There appears to be no end in sight to the crisis rocking the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, over the appointment of a Vice Chancellor.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, on Wednesday, November, 13, 2024, called on its members to shun all activities involving Prof Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the Institution’s new Vice Chancellor, as well as his office.

The Source reports that the appointment of Prof Odoh as the Vice Chancellor by the Amb.Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council, has continued to divide the University Community.

The ASUU, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria MDCN, as well as other professional bodies have continued to fault the selection processes that enthroned Odoh as VC.

In addition to mounting several legal challenges against the appointment, the Unions have also resolved to shun all activities relating to the office of the new Vice Chancellor.

Pro-Chancellor,and Chairman of Council, Amb Mbadiwe, however, in a memo dated November 11, 2024, directed the aggrieved Unions and other staff members to, within seven days, withdraw all legal actions against the appointment or face disciplinary actions.

The memo which was addressed to “Concerned Staff”, was, also, copied to the University’s Principal Officers, Deans of Faculties, and Heads of Departments.

But in a statement on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the ASUU-UNIZIK Chairman, Kingsley Ubaoji, urged members to boycott all meetings called by the disputed Vice chancellor.

“We have been informed of a meeting today by Dr Bernard Odoh whose appointment as the Vice Chancellor of our great University is barred by a Court order and has been nullified. DO NOT ATTEND THIS MEETING”, ASUU stated.

“For the records, one of the grounds for rejecting Odoh as the Vice Chancellor by the ASSU is the claim that he is yet to attain the position of a Professor, hence the reference to him as Dr Odoh”

The ASUU-UNIZIK insisted that it smacks of a gross act of disregard for the laws of the land for Odoh to convene a meeting in the face of a restraining court order.

The body, therefore, urged members not to lend themselves to any acts capable of conferring undue legitimacy on the legally challenged tenure of Odoh.

” We expect Dr Odoh to be civil and decent enough to subordinate himself to legitimate authorities .

“His appointment stands against a Court order and has been declared null and void by the Federal. Ministry of Education.

“He has no authority to the position he claims. He should avoid precipitating a breakdown of law and order in our University.

“We urge all ASUU members to remain vigilant and be informed about any developments relating Dr Odoh’s activities.

“If you receive any invitations or information regarding any meetings with him ,please disregard them”, Ubaoji stated.

Again, Gunmen Kill Three Soldiers, Dismantle Checkpoint In Abia State

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 13, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a seeming replay of the gruesome murder of about five serving soldiers by gunmen on May 30, 2024, about three military personnel were early, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, gunned down by suspected hoodlums.

A video in circulation showed that the gunmen after felling the three soldiers also beheaded another victim before dismantling the military checkpoint, the scene of the horrendous attack in Umuokpara, Umuahia.

The Source reports that on May 30, 2024, while observing the Biafran Day, five soldiers were ambushed and killed at a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction, Aba North local of the State by some suspected enforcers of the sit-at-home order.

Three of the murdered soldiers were from Abia State, the theatre of the killing.

Wednesday’s attack, however, occurred at a newly established military checkpoint on Ekenobisi/Umuokpara road a short distance to the border between Imo and Abia States.

The attack and killings which were said to have taken place at about 6.20 am have struck immense fears among the people, particularly residents of Umuahia the state capital.

Although the Abia State Government and the Military ,were yet to officially react to the development as at the time of reporting, security is said to have been enhanced in the affected area which is very close to the capital city, Umuahia .

In the video clip of the attack the gunmen were seen throwing away the sand bags used for the erection of the road block by the military, as well as issuing veiled threat both to the Government and the security agencies.

FG Suspends 13 Students Of Federal Govt. College Enugu For Bullying

Ayodele Oni

November 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For the blood cuddling bullying of a year one student of the Federal Government Enugu, the Federal Government has suspended 13 of the students involved in the horrifying act. The suspension period, pending the end of investigation, is for a period of six weeks.

The video of the blood cuddling beating, punching, flogging and humiliating of the student went viral on social media and caused outrage. General opinion is that the students who perpetuated that horror should be arrested by the Police and prosecuted, and the School Principal suspended.

In addition to the suspension of the students, however, a Committee, comprising Security Agents, has also been constituted to investigate the incident, while the suspension lasts.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folashade Boriowo.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, ordered the suspension of the students based on a viral video showing some students of the school engaging in acts of bullying.

Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry ’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across the country.

According to him, a recent report received by the Federal Ministry of Education highlighted the bullying incident at the FUC, Enugu, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.

The report read, ”The findings of the ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on Nov. 7.

”The incident came to light showing the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms.

Based on the findings, all 13 students involved have been placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.”

The Minister also directed the School Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.

He added that immediate measures have been implemented to enhance security at the College by engaging law enforcement agents while also reviewing existing safety protocols.

”Additionally, counseling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment.”

Earlier, the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, had directed the arrest and prosecution of the villains.

Kano: Fmr Councillors Dump APC, Join NNPP

Ayodele Oni

November 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For dumping their former political party, to join the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP), former Councillors in Kano State are to receive their unpaid entitlements soonest.

The State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who said that he was thrilled by their decision to dump the All Progressives Party, (APC), reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to settling the outstanding entitlements of former councillors, some of which date back to 2014.

This assurance was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature.

The announcement followed an event where former councillors from the APC formally joined the NNPP through the Maslaha Forum for Kano State Councillors, Supervisors, and Advisors.

Governor Yusuf commended the councillors for their decision to change allegiances, attributing their move to dissatisfaction with the previous administration’s neglect in paying their entitlements.

“Their decision is justified, and I assure them that their entitlements will soon be paid.”

He disclosed that a committee has been set up to oversee the payment process, which will follow a method similar to that used for pensioners.

Additionally, he directed the newly appointed chairpersons of 44 local governments in the state to identify all former councillors who have yet to receive their benefits.

Expressing his gratitude for the councillors’ support, Yusuf emphasized that the NNPP prioritizes the welfare of the people, contrasting this approach with the previous government, which he described as indifferent to the councillors’ struggles.

Sunusi Madobi, chairman of the Maslaha Forum, explained that many former councillors who served between 2015 and 2023 decided to join the NNPP due to Governor Yusuf’s dedication to their welfare.

According to Madobi, these former councillors had repeatedly requested their benefits but were disregarded by the previous administration.

2027: Sowore Rules Out Coalition With Atiku, Obi; They Are Evil, He Says

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 13, 2024

Omoyele Sowere, the Presidential candidate candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, says he has no intention to form any coalition with two top presidential materials in the country.

Sowore, the Nigerian media enterpreneur made this known while speaking on the Honest Bunch podcast on Tuesday.

He said he’s not prepared to form any coalition with Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

Abubakar and Obi came second and third in the 2023 presidential election behind the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed of the APC who won the election.

His remark comes on the suggestions among not a few Nigerians that top presidential candidates in the country should form a coalition to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in 2027.

The ruling party has come under serious criticisms for its abysmal performance since it came to power last year.

A strong coalition among top political parties in the country has the potential to displace the ruling APC from power, critics of the administration said.

The 2023 AAC presidential candidate however said he had no intention to form any coalition with either Atiku or Obi, describing them as the chips of the old blocks, responsible for the current problems facing the country.

He said he has made up his mind not to join forces with such politicians due to his philosophy that he “will never support a Nigerian leader who has held any political office,” in the past.

Abubakar was Nigeria’s vice president between 1999 and 2023 while Obi served as Anambra state governor for eight years.

Sowore: “If I form a coalition with Peter Obi, I will be going against what I have always stood for, which is that I will never support a Nigerian leader who has held any political office — whether at the federal, state, or local level — if I consider them non-performing.

“It’s the same reason I would never have joined hands with Atiku. And the Peter Obi you’re talking about was a vice-presidential candidate to Atiku when I was a presidential candidate in 2019.

“So, what are we talking about? There is no lesser evil in my book. If you are evil, you are evil. If you are good, you are good. I have a general disdain for non-performance.”

Endemic Corruption Responsible For Incessant Power Grid Collapse- EFCC Boss

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 13, 2024

The endemic corruption in the Nigerian power sector is responsible for the incessant power grid collapse in the country, Ola Olukoyedee, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman has said.

Olukoyede told the House of Representatives Committtee on Financial Crimes on Tuesday during a hearing that Nigerians will ‘shed tears’ if they find out the deep-seated corruption that has bedeviled the sector for years.

The chairman of the anti- graft agency spoke amidst worries by electricity customers over the incessant power grid collapse in the country.

According to checks by the magazine, the national grid has collapsed at least 10 times since the beginning of the year, even as analysts in the sector insist that a permanent solution has yet to be found to the problem.

The latest of such collapse was last Tuesday when the grid went off again amidst serious concerns among electricity consumers in the country whose businesses are affected when such situations occurred.

Speaking to the lawmakers yesterday, Olukoyede stated that the corruption in the sector is capable of bringing people to tears.

He explained that contractors, executing projects in the sector are seriously shortchanging the country by purchasing inferiors materials which they supply as original, after receiving billions for such contracts

Olukoyede said, “As we speak, we are grappling with electricity. If you see some of the investigations we are carrying out within the power sector, you will shed tears.

“Every time you see the thing tripping off, the thing gets burnt, and all of that, it falters and it collapses. It’s part of our problems.”

Not a few Nigerians insist that the power sector in the country is where corruption is most endemic, considering the huge funds that have been allocated to the sector for years without tangible results.

Those familiar with the sector informed the magazine that successive administrations in the country used it as a cash cow, where funds are siphoned for purposes other than providing stable electricity for the people in the country.

The situation, according to them, have left a huge financial gap, forcing successive administrations to allocate more funds to the sector. In spite of the billions of dollars that have been allocated to the sector for decades, there is nothing to show for it.

Lamenting the problems in the sector recently, the ministry of Power Adebayo Adelabu said the sector will require $10 billion annually to achieve any meaningful turn around.

“For this sector to be revived, the government needs to spend nothing less than 10 billion dollars every year for 10 years, because of the infrastructure requirements for stability in the sector, but the government cannot afford to do that, it must make the sector attractive to investors and to lenders. The business must be attractive, there must be commercial pricing”, Adelabu said.

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