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Nollywood Actor, Kanayo Laments Extortions, Humiliation Of South Easterners At Uncountable Checkpoints

October 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A popular face in the Nollywood Industry, Kanayo O. Kanayo has raised questions about the actual motives behind the avalanche of security checkpoints in the South East Region of Nigeria.

Traveling from Ibadan to Lagos, a journey of a little over an hour, covering over 80 kilometers, the Nollywood veteran said against the situation in the South East, he never encountered a single security checkpoint on the ever busy route.

But the Nollywood veteran said, conversely, one cannot travel up to 200 meters in the South East without seeing either a police and/or military checkpoint.

Going by the clear differentials, Kanayo, therefore, questioned the rationale behind the development.

The situation becomes more disturbing, according to the actor, going by the mind-boggling extortions intimidations ,and open harassment that characterized the conducts of most of the minders of the uncountable security checkpoints in the South East.

Writing on his official handle he said: “I left Felele Olorunshogo area of Ibadan this morning at about 7.15 am and this is exactly 8.15am and I am in Lagos.

“I found out one thing: over a distance of 80 kilometers, I didnt see one checkpoint, one police checkpoint, or an Army checkpoint.

“Have you ever plied the Onitsha/Enugu express road? Did you ever count the number of police checkpoints or military checkpoints on Enugu-Onitsha road ?

“Why is the South East militarized and policed that you cannot go for more than 200 meters without a police checkpoint?

“I need to ask this question because the delay in journeys and humiliation people go through need to be pointed out.”

The number of police checkpoints ,collection points?, They humiliate our people so badly that most times people in the vehicles are asked to come down and hands up .

Is this hatred ? Is this dislike? This is not good .Is the South East still part of Nigeria? ” Kanayo asked.

“Keyamo Is Best Aviation Minister In Africa” – African Group

Akinwale Kasali

October 25, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Africa Airspace Watch Initiative, AAWI, has named Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Best Aviation Minister in Africa.

The award, according to the African Group, is in recognition of Keyamo’s exceptional leadership, innovative strategies, and outstanding contributions to the aviation sector.

In a statement signed by Johnson Lumumba, the group said Keyamo’s exemplary leadership and vision have transformed Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The organisation noted that Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure has made significant upgrades with improved airport facilities and enhanced safety measures.

Lumumba added that Keyamo has also increased connectivity by establishing new routes and flight frequencies, thereby boosting tourism and job creation through strategic investments.

The organisation noted that the Minister has fostered partnerships with global aviation organisations, promoting international cooperation and advancing Africa’s aviation sector.

Notably, Lumumba said Nigeria’s global aviation compliance score has significantly improved under Keyamo’s guidance, following the signing of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization, IDERA.

This milestone, coupled with the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, has propelled Nigeria’s rating from 49% to 70.5% in just a month.

This impressive feat removes Nigeria from the AWG’s watch list of non-compliant countries, categorizing it as ‘high’ and unlocking avenues for aircraft financing and dry-leasing.

According to Lumumba, Nigerian airline operators will now enjoy greater access to global aircraft leasing markets. Keyamo’s efforts have also enhanced safety standards, improved infrastructure development, and fostered collaboration with international partners

“The Africa Airspace Watch Initiative (AAWI) is pleased to announce Festus Keyamo as the Best Aviation Minister in Africa. This prestigious recognition is awarded based on exceptional leadership, innovative strategies, and outstanding contributions to the aviation sector.

“Keyamo’s exemplary leadership and vision have transformed Nigeria’s aviation industry, earning him this well-deserved accolade. His commitment to transparency, team spirit, and selflessness has been evident since his appointment.

“Under Keyamo’s guidance, Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure has made significant upgrades, with improved airport facilities and enhanced safety measures. He has also increased connectivity by establishing new routes and flight frequencies, thereby boosting tourism and job creation through strategic investments.

“Keyamo has fostered partnerships with global aviation organizations, promoting international cooperation and advancing Africa’s aviation sector. His dedication has positively impacted the continent’s economy, connectivity, and safety standards.”

The Africa Airspace Watch Initiative urged Keyamo to continue his remarkable work, addressing pressing challenges and exploring innovative solutions.

“To further develop the sector, we recommend enhancing training programs for aviation professionals, strengthening regional partnerships among African nations to harmonize aviation policies, and promoting environmentally friendly aviation practices,” the group added.

“The Africa Airspace Watch Initiative congratulates Minister Keyamo on this achievement and looks forward to his continued leadership in shaping a prosperous future for African aviation.”

Lagos: Obasa Says LCDAs Here To Stay, As Lawmakers Holds Public Hearing On Proposed Local Government Law

Akinwale Kasali

October 25, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Public Hearing on the Proposed Local Government Law continues, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has revealed that contrary to speculations making the rounds, the Lawmakers have no plans to scrap the 37 Local Government Development Areas, LCDAs, of the state.

Obasa who was represented by Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Deputy Speakerof the House, said this at a second public hearing on the bill to amend the Local Government Administration law of the state on Thursday.

“We are gathered here to consider and reflect on a bill that seeks to further enhance how our third tier of government should be administered.

“The LCDAs have come to stay and they would remain so by the special grace of God. Nobody is killing the LCDAs. Instead, we have come to say here is the Supreme Court judgement; how do we go about it? I know we all have the interest of this state at heart.

“Did we follow the right part in creating the LCDAs? The answer is ‘yes’. So at this point, it is a call for every Lagosian to rise up and protect the LCDAs by reaching out to all our representatives at the national level.

“Our representatives and senators should lobby their colleagues there. We will continue to do our part and we are doing it to ensure that the 37 LCDAs are listed in the constitution,” the Speaker said.

He recalled that just about two weeks ago, people were also gathered to deliberate on the electoral bill for the Local government election which he said is the first right step before the House could go into how the local governments should function.

“This Bill has passed the preliminary stages and the House is hereby subjecting it to public appraisal in our transparent convention. At this stage, we subject the bill to public assessment, gathering public observations and thoughts to reflect on them in the next stage of the bill.

“The bill is seeking to consolidate all laws on local government administration. The law, when passed, will allow the local governments function optimally with strict adherence to the rule of law and separation of powers,” he added.

The Speaker stressed that the bill also made mention of four-year tenure for the elective offices in the local government, which, according to him, has finally removed the ambiguity of the past as regards tenure of these elective officers.

The bill, he said, has elaborated all that needs to be done for an effective administration of the local governments including declaration of assets, nomination of a chairman, removal of a chairman or vice chairman, discharge of functions of the chairman, local government area supervisors appointees, executive powers of the local government, street naming and many more.

Section 4(3) of the Bill states: “The 20 local governments shall have designated local council Development Areas as listed in the First Schedule to this law for effective and efficient local government administration in the State.

Section 4(1) of the Bill further states: “There shall be 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State with the names specified in Schedule II of the Creation of local government (Amendments) of 2004.”

Speaking after an overview by Hon. Noheem Adams, Majority Leader of the House, Lagos-based lawyer, Muiz Banire (SAN) identified some clauses in the Bill that needed further inputs.

Banire argued: “The import of the Supreme Court judgement is simple. The State Governor does not have the power over council chairmen, if any council chairman misbehaves, it is the councillors that can decide on what to do.”

He also advised that section 38 of the Bill should be expunged, noting “It is no longer legal for the Ministry of Local Government to be issuing guidelines for local governments.”

However, Banire was countered by former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, who said: “The constitution gives power to the State House of Assembly to create local government, the law has been tested, our LCDAs have been in existence but only not listed.

“Nobody can say the law is not in existence, I was the Majority Leader as at then. You are saying the House should not have the power to do some things again; we need to be very careful. We know some governors are making nonsense of the local governments but Lagos is an exemption.”

Corroborating the position of Taiwo, another former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso said: “When you have a child that does not have a name, does it mean that the child is dead? It simply means that the LCDAs are still existing. The Supreme Court has recognised them, we are only waiting for the constitution to reflect the LCDAs.”

She therefore stated that the LCDAs should continue to exist, noting “We shouldn’t throw away the baby with the bath water.”

Also speaking, Imam Ibrahim Tijani from Itire-Ikate said he supported the continued existence of the LCDAs.

A stakeholder, Ajose Agbejoye, suggested that elections into local government councils should start six months before the expiration of the four-year term of a current administration so that electoral issues would have been settled before the swearing-in of a new chairman.

President of Greater Lagos Initiative, Adeniyi Olutimehin also appealed to the House to allow the LCDAs to continue to function irrespective of whatever amendments it makes to the Bill.

Okupe Lauds Tinubu For Scrapping Unnecessary Ministries

Akinwale Kasali

October 25, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former Presidential Spokesman, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for removing some of his underperforming Ministers in a recent Cabinet reshuffle.

Okupe, a former Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, during the 2023 Presidential Election further hailed the action of President Tinubu in scrapping some Ministries, which Okupe says are ‘Superfluous’ Ministries.

He said the mid-term rejigging of the Cabinet was necessary and needful putting into cognizance the present economic State of the nation.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Okupe said, “Scrapping superfluous ministries is in line with removing waste and making government compact and effective, this is commendable.

“For the first time, removal of ministers from the cabinet has not been arbitrary or sentimental, apart from an in-house key performance index report.

“KPMG is also said to be involved in critical performance assessment of the ministers.”

He stressed that Nigerians now expect the President and his new cabinet to pull up their bootstraps and seriously and comprehensively address the nation’s numerous plaguing issues.

He also expressed hope in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition the country.

“As I have personally stated in the past, President Tinubu has the capacity and leadership qualities to take Nigeria out of the economic quagmire he met on assumption of office in May 2023,” Okupe said.

Catholic Church Opposes Abortion Legalization, Suggests Education On Reproductive Health

Ayodele Oni

October 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has suggested education of the citizens on reproductive health as it rose against alleged move by the Federal Government to decriminalize abortion in the country.

Standing on the religious sanctity for human life, the Church vehemently condemned the Federal Government’s move to legalize abortion, sparking a heated debate over the importance of human life.

The Church’s stand follows reports suggesting that the Health Promotion Department of the Federal Ministry of Health is reviewing sections of the Criminal Code with the aim of decriminalising abortion.

The proposal is reportedly intended to increase access to safe pregnancy terminations and reduce maternal mortality rates.

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has however formally expressed its opposition through a statement signed by the Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi.

The statement maintained that legalizing abortion would be in direct violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to life citing Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which asserts that every individual has a right to life and must not be intentionally deprived of it.

The Catholic Church argued that the government should prioritise educating citizens on reproductive health and the inherent dignity of human life rather than endorsing abortion.

They further noted that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has long advocated for the protection of human life through various communiqués, teachings, and ecclesiastical documents.

The Catholic Secretariat urged Nigerians to stand against any move to legalize abortion, underscoring the sacred value and respect owed to every human being.

“Rather than expanding access to safe termination of pregnancy by destroying life, the government should amplify its efforts towards educating the people on the imperatives of the values and dignity of the human person.

“Rather than enthrone the culture of death through the legalization of abortion, the government should place a premium on the sacred dignity and love that should be accorded to the human person, which is guaranteed by natural law and divine commandments and affirmed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is safer to have human dignity included in the curriculum than to work against it in the name of providing access, shrouded in the garb of human freedom. The more we know and value the dignity of the other person, the more society will seamlessly live in peace and harmony.

“The Catholic Church and all ethically-minded people oppose all forms of abortion procedures whose direct purpose is to terminate the life of a baby in the womb.

“The unborn child has the right to live and be protected and not to be killed by the fiat of an unjust law. We believe strongly that every human life must be respected and protected, especially the most vulnerable ones in the womb from the moment of their conception

Rivers Helicopter Crash: NNPCL Loses Eight Staff

The Source

October 25, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria recorded its first fatal air crash on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Rivers State.

A Helicopter, belonging to the East West Aviation, chattered by the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited, NNPCL, caring eight souls, six passengers and two crew members, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean at about 11.00am. Sadly, all souls on board the Helicopter perished in the crash. Six of the passengers were contract staff of the NNPCL.

The flight with a call sign number 5 N-BQG(S76C+) was headed to Nuim Antan OML123 fields. It departed from the NAF Base, Port Harcourt.

Odutayo Oluseyi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the crash in a statement on Thursday revealing that three bodies have already been recovered from the sea.

The statement stated: “The helicopter,, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration number 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was from Port Harcourt Military Base, DNPM, to the Nuimantan Oil Rig.

“The aircraft, with eight persons on board ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.”

It continued:

“While no Emergency Locator Transmitter, ELT, signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway.”

The Rivers State Police Command said in a statement that the crash occurred at about 11.00am. It said a staff of Antan Producing Limited, Port Harcourt reported the incident to them.

How Gunmen Killed Nine, Kidnapped One In Anambra Attack

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police authorities on Thursday October 24, 2024, said that operatives of the Service have taken over the scene of indiscriminate shootings which happened Tuesday morning at Ifite behind Unizik gate Awka.

The Source reports that some unknown gunmen stormed Witness Garden along Amansea Road Awka, the State Capital, shooting indiscriminately. Nine people said to have been killed and one kidnapped.

The Police has, however, put the death toll at four persons.

The attackers operated in a white Venza Toyota vehicle attacked their victims at about 9.15 am on Thursday,.

However, as at the time of reporting, the motives behind the attack, as well as the targets, were not known.

“Two people were killed at witness Junction, while five lost their lives in the attack that occurred at Mechanic workshop by Laurel junction in the city ” a witness volunteered .

Anambra State Police Command spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, while confirming the incident, however, assured that all efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers .

“The Police response team has taken over the scene of indiscriminate shooting today, 24th October 2024, by 9.15 am at Ifite behind Unizik gate Awka by suspected gunmen.

“Preliminary information shows that the armed men unprovoked, started shooting sporadically and some bullets fatally hit four persons.

“These victims were rushed to the hospital for treatment .Empty bullet shells were recovered from the scene” Ikenga stated .

While calling on the people to remain calm, the police spokesman assured that the perpetrators will be fished out and punished accordingly.

The Source reports that Thursday’s attack came on the heels of Sunday October 21, massacre of no fewer than 11 persons, in Nibo and Nodu Communities by suspected members of rival cult groups.

Kano: “It’s Reckless To Stop LG Polls”, Group Faults Court Order

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A civil society and advocacy group ,Nigerian Democracy Working Group NDWG, has condemned a Federal High Court, Kano, ruling which halted the October 26 Local Council Polls in the State.

The Source reports that Justice Simon Amobade had, while ruling on an application filed by a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress APC, sacked the Chairman and members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, citing their ineligibility for their various positions as a major reason.

The Court ruled that going by the provisions of extant laws guiding the composition of the Electoral Commission, Chairman Prof Sani Malumfashi and his members were not qualified to be appointed to the electoral body.

Consequently, the Court ordered that the Council Polls be halted, pending when KANSIEC, will be properly constituted.

It had also declared null and void all previous actions taken by the Commission in the preparations for the polls, including the sale of expression of interest, nomination forms, and screening of candidates .

But in a statement jointly issued on Wednesday October 23,2024 by its Conveners Dr Vincent Okpara and Dr Idris Mohammed ,the NDWG ,described the verdict as gross judicial recklessness , a clear attempt to truncate the country’s democracy, and an open threat to the peace and security of Kano State.

The group noted that Tuesday’s judgment represent yet another in the history of the Court’s incessant display of judicial recklessness, and tendencies to foment crisis in the State.

“We condemn this judgment in totality as insensitive, anti-people, anti-democracy, anti-social justice, and emotionally loaded.

“This decision is a clear example of the Court’s incessant judicial recklessness and its tendencies to cause conflicts and disharmony in the State

It is our firm belief that in every civilized democracy which respects the will of the people, Courts wouldn’t have reduced themselves to temples of creating confusion, disharmony, social disunity and disorder ” NDWG stated.

To this end, while urging men and women of good conscience to condemn the verdict, the group, also, called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to wade in, and possibly sanction the trial Judge,Justice Amobade.

It informed that in the days ahead,it will be leading over one thousand other civil society groups to petition the NJC and other Judicial authorities against the perceived unprofessional conduct of the Judge.

“Despite Crisis, I Am Still A Member Of Labour Party” – Gov Otti

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 25, 2024

Alex Otti - Abia State Governor — Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite the festering crisis rocking the Labour Party, LP, its only Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has affirmed his loyalty and commitment to the party.

This is just as he called on the residents of Abia State to fully participate in the November, 2, scheduled Local Government Election.

The Governor who spoke on Thursday, October, 24, 2024, at the commissioning ceremony of the reconstructed Administrative Headquarters of Aba South Council consumed by the October 20,2022 EndSars protest inferno, reassured of his administration’s unwavering commitment towards repositioning Aba as the Commercial hub of the South East region.

While admitting the existence of a crisis in the party that provided him with the platform to realize his aspiration of Governing Abia State, Dr Otti, however, informed that he still remain a dedicated and committed member of LP.

The Source reports that Post-Nnewi March 2024, Convention, LP had been plunged into a serious leadership crisis with many stakeholders distancing themselves from the Julius Abure- led National Working Committee, NWC .

The crisis of confidence began pre-Nnewi Convention, following the boycott of the exercise by many stakeholders who cited non- consultation and involvement as major reasons.

However, an attempt by Governor Otti and others including its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi, to solve the leadership crisis has incidentally produced some unintended consequences.

The decision of an enlarged National Executive Council/Stakeholders meeting on September 4, 2024, in Umuahia to supplant the Abure NWC with a 29-member Interim Committee, led by Senator Esther. Nenadi Usman has so far turned out to be an albatross for the party.

The legitimacy status just conferred on the Abure leadership by an Abuja Federal High Court has since precipitated a supremacy battle between the two leaderships.

The battle is presently taking its toll on the Abia State Chapter, with the two factions struggling over which to submit the list of party candidates to the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, for the Local Council Polls.

In an apparent confirmation of wide spread speculations suggesting that the Governor may have settled for the Zenith Labour Party ZLP as the preferred platform for his loyalists to contest the election, Dr Otti, on Thursday urged the people to vote only credible and committed candidates, irrespective of party affiliations.

He insisted that the people must come out in their numbers to participate in the council election to ensure that only those who will sincerely serve their interests are voted, regardless of the party promoting them.

According to him, due to the premium placed on the forthcoming Local Government Election, his administration has extended all the necessary support to the State Electoral Body to enable it conduct free and fair polls.

While reminding the people of the potency of their votes, Governor Otti called on them to ensure the enthronement of people with the commitment to serve at the all- important grassroots level.

According to him, the timely completion of the Aba Council Administrative Headquarters despite the massive destruction wrecked on it is an eloquent testimony to the result of good leadership.

He, therefore, commended the outgoing Mayor of the Council Chief, Uche Nwogu, for his exemplary dedication, commitment, and leadership qualities.

“I must commend you for starting and finishing this project within your short stay in office. Any one who saw the structures after the #Endsars protest, and what have been done now, will no doubt applaud the commitment of the Mayor.

“That is what good leadership should be – service to the people. The reconstruction of these structures l will no doubt rekindle the interests of the people as well as serve to reposition Aba as choice destination for business and commercial activities.

“On our part as an administration, we will continue to sustain our pursuit of infrastructural renewal and maintenance of peace and security as a way of promoting the confidence of investors” Governor Otti stated.

Earlier in his address, Chief Wogu, attributed the successful completion of the reconstruction effort to prudent management of resources and sincerity of purpose.

” I want to thank the Governor for the success of this reconstruction effort. We received all the support we needed from him .

“Besides, we were guided by the good example he provided at the state level through dedication, commitment and accountability.

“What we did at this level was to copy from his exemplary attitude. We resisted the temptation of sharing money to some people for doing nothing.

“We resolved that we are not going to give the common wealth to a few individuals. We agreed that we will use the peoples money to work for them. The result is what is on the ground today. And we are grateful to the Governor for giving us the opportunity to serve our people.” Wogu stated.

Please Get Me Bello Turji, Defence Minister Pleads With Military

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Officers and men of the Joint Taskforce North West Operation, Fansar Yamma, have been given the marching order to apprehend wanted and notorious banditry kingpin, Bello Turji.

The Source reports that Turji, who has been top on the wanted list of Security Operatives engaged in the fight against banditry and terrorism in the North West region is considered one of the most notorious and vicious banditry leaders in the Zamfara axis.

Apart from his ruthlessness in dealing with victims, Turji has equally caught the attention of not just security personnel but also many Nigerians owing to his tendency for imposing excruciating tax regime on areas under his control.

He, recently, imposed a protection levy of N30 million on some Zamfara communities, a development which drew the ire of the authorities both at the state and Federal levels.

Defence Minister, Mohammad Abubakar Badaru, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, on a visit to the troops of Operation Fansar Yamma in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital, charged them to capture the bandit leader at all cost.

Badaru who was received on the visit by the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Mani Mumini and the Commander of Fansar Yamma, Oluyinka Olalekan, a Major General, also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation of the tremendous successes recently recorded by troops in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the North West region.

The Defence Minister, who is the immediate past Governor of Jigawa State, stated the President has been closely following events in the last few months, and is satisfied with the progress being made in tackling the security challenges in region.

“The President urged me to thank you and to encourage you to intensify efforts towards combating insecurity in these areas and across the country.

“He is ready to provide all necessary resources to end insecurity in the North West and Nigeria as a whole”, he noted.

While acknowledging some challenges facing efforts at combating banditry and other criminal activities, in the region, Badaru called for concerted efforts to capture wanted banditry lord Turji, noting that his arrest will be a sweet victory for him.

“Are you ready to finish with them? Are you ready to end it? Please get me Turji.” the Defence Minister stated.

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