Court Slams N500mn Fine On VDM For Defaming Falana, Falz

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October 15, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Blogger and Social Media Critic, Martin Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM, has been slammed a whopping sum of N500 Million by a Lagos State High Court for defamatory comments and videos made against Senior Lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, musician-son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.

The Court ordered VDM to pay N500 million to them for libel, as stated in the pre-action bundle of the judgment.

Justice M. O. Idowu delivered the ruling in suit no: ID/8584/GCM/2024 on Tuesday.

According to him, the publications made by VeryDarkMan on his social media accounts on September 24, 2024, linking Idris Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky, to Falz and his father were defamatory and injurious to their public image.

The Falanas had asked VDM to pull down the offensive post, retract and apologise or they would head to the Courts. He never quite did that, hence the suit.

A source who claim closely to VDM said he may either appeal the judgment or find a way to settle amicably with the Falanas.

“Incessant Collapse Of National Grid Is Sign Of Leadership Failure” – Peter Obi

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Ayodele Oni

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October 15, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has Obi has reacted to incessant collapse of the national grid and criticized the disparity between Nigeria’s power generation capacity and that of other African nations.

Obi highlighted the differences between Nigeria and economies like South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.

Obi in his X account writes “Today, we are the fourth largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis.

“The disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continues to hold back our growth and potential.”

He added that Nigeria, despite its larger population, generates significantly less electricity compared to smaller economies.

He expressed concern over the recent collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid, which has once again left large parts of the country in darkness.

The grid reportedly failed on Monday evening at around 6:18 pm, causing widespread power outages.

Investigations revealed that electricity generation, which stood at 3.87 gigawatts by 5 pm, dropped to 3.56GW at 6 pm, and eventually plummeted to 0.00GW by 7 pm, continuing into the night.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) confirmed the grid collapse in a statement released later that same evening.

Reacting to the incident, Obi, condemned the development, calling it a national embarrassment.

“For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

“This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.

“This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.

“We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable.”

He argued that the lack of consistent power hinders the productivity and growth potential of Nigerian businesses.

“Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development.”

2024 Ondo Election: PDP Calls For Removal Of INEC REC

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 15, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

As the November 16th, 2024 Ondo State Governorship Off Cycle Election draws closer, Governors under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have joined some voters and other stakeholders to demand for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, for allegedly plotting to manipulate the poll in favour of a particular party.

The Governors alleged that Babalola, who was expected to be a neutral umpire, has allegedly indicated her support for a candidate vying for the election next month, saying this will affect the outcome of the exercise in the State.

They also requested that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, remove the REC and replace her with another impartial umpire for the poll in Ondo.

They made the request on Tuesday during the flag-off of the Ondo gubernatorial election campaign in Akure, the state capital, which was also attended by the Acting national chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, and others.

Speaking on behalf of the Governors during the campaign, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said that the campaign against Babalola will be intensified until her removal by the INEC chairman before the poll.

Makinde alleged that the REC has renege on her promises of serving without giving preference to the any political party during and after the poll.

He added that Babalola has not hide her preference for a candidate vying for the election considering that they shared indigeneship ties in the state.

Ondo Assembly Set To Pass Supplementary Appropriation Bill As Finance Commissioner Honours Invitation

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Ayodele Oni

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October 15, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state House of Assembly has re visited debate on the supplementary appropriation bill sent to it by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This followed the appearance of the state Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac on Tuesday to shed light on the bill and other previous approvals.

The assembly, had last week dumped further deliberations on the bill, meant for second reading, following refusal of the commissioner to honour the invite by the parliament.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Olatunji Oshati, explained that the invitation was in line with the constitutional duties as lawmakers.

According to him, the House observed that it was necessary for them to call for the finance Commissioner in order to shed light on the 2024 amended appropriation law.

Oshati, who expressed the lawmakers’ satisfaction with the commissioner’s response at the meeting, assured that the three arms of government would continue to work in harmony for the overall development of Ondo State

The House’s spokesman noted that the invitation of Mrs Omowumi is for the benefit of the citizens of the State, lauding her for her comprehensive analysis of the grey areas in the 2024 appropriation law.

While stressing the importance of the law, Oshati expressed optimism that it would go a long way in addressing the current inflation and economic hardship in the country when passed by the House.

He later informed that the lawmakers have unanimously agreed to proceed on the passage of the 2024 amended appropriation law.

Stressing that nothing would deter them from performing their responsibilities at all times, the lawmakers expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his interest in putting smiles on the faces of the people of the State.

Uzodimma Names Ughala Special Adviser On Public Orientation

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The Source

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October 15, 2024

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved the appointment of foremost journalist, Collins Chibueze Ughala, as his Special Adviser on Public Orientation.

His appointment takes immediate effect.

During Governor Uzodimma’s first tenure, Ughala also functioned in the capacity of a Special Adviser on Public Communication.

While congratulating Ughala on his appointment, Governor Uzodimma expects him to bring his experience in the media sector to bear on his new duty post, and in sync with the administration’s 3-R mantra of reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery.

FG Summons High Commissioner Over Yoruba Nation’s Petition To UK Government

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Ayodele Oni

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October 15, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has summoned the British High Commissioner in Nigeria over the petition by Yoruba Nation agitator, Mr Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as “Sunday Igboho”, calling on the United Kingdom, (UK) to consider the Yoruba nation request.

Government stated that the petition was just an ordinary mail which was not endorsed by the UK government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through it’s spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, explained in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, that media reports on the petition “were highly misleading.”

According to him, “Following media reports on the petition submitted at No. 10 Downing Street by Mr Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, the British High Commissioner in Abuja was invited to shed light on the issue.

“During the meeting, the High Commissioner noted with concern that the matter was overblown, indicating that the media reports were highly misleading.

“Furthermore, the High Commissioner informed that he was aware of the letter being delivered, but added that it was merely an established practice of allowing the delivery of letters and petitions at 10 DowningStreet.

“It was not endorsed by any agency of the UK government nor the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.

“The UK government typically does not concern itself with petitions concerning the sovereign affairs of another country.”

He quoted the high commissioner to have informed that such petitions had been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK Government in the past.

He further agreed to continue liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as needed, while reiterating the importance of the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

Igboho, according to his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, in a post on Sunday via his X handle submitted a petition to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, to consider the creation of a Yoruba nation.

He stated that Igboho submitted the petition on behalf of the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, Prof. Adebanji Akintoye.

He wrote, “At exactly 14:00 hrs Dr. Chief Sunday Igboho delivered a petition to the UK Prime Minister on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the YORUBA NATION movement, and Olayomi Koiki, his spokesman @10DowningStreet.

IGP Egbetokun, At Police Conference, Raps Officers Ahead Ondo Gov Election

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Ayodele Oni

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October 15, 2024

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Kayode Egbetokun - Inspector General of Police - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the Ondo State off-cycle gubernatorial election, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has urged police officers involved to replicate and build upon the successes recorded in the Edo State election.

“We must ensure a robust security architecture and that officers perform their duties with impartiality and the highest professionalism.”

IGP Egbetokun gave this charge on Tuesday at the fifth-quarter conference with the strategic managers of the Nigeria Police Force to collaboratively review performance and significant national events since their last meeting in July.

“Our mission is to provide a secure environment where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

“We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and stakeholders to ensure that the Ondo State election is conducted freely, fairly, and credibly, empowering all voters to exercise their rights without any fear of intimidation.

IGP Egbetokun also seized the opportunity to commend the officers and personnel deployed to the recent Edo State Governorship election, as well as to members of other security agencies who participated in the election security management.

“Your exemplary conduct contributed to a peaceful election, exemplifying professionalism and best practices in election security. Despite assessments predicting high levels of violence, your efforts neutralized threats ahead of the election, ensuring a peaceful process.

“This achievement underscores our capacity to secure electoral processes effectively. We are grateful for the commendations received from the general public, election observers, both foreign and domestic, and civil society groups.

“Special appreciation is due to the personnel from other security agencies who joined us in providing security during this election, including the Department of State Services, the NSCDC, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Commission, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“Your discipline, neutrality, and unwavering commitment to law and order, public safety, and the protection of democratic processes are truly commendable.”

He reaffirm his confidence in the officers and the brave personnel on the field who confront criminal activities day and night.

“The Nigeria Police Force has grown stronger through our collective dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. Although the road ahead is laden with challenges, together we will overcome and continue to uphold our core values of integrity, service, and protection.

“Let us approach the future with renewed vigor and resolve, aware that the stability of Nigeria’s security lies in our capable hands. Remember, our primary mission and the respect it commands hinge on our discipline. You are all tasked with ensuring that discipline remains a cornerstone of your leadership and management efforts.

“Together, let us rise to uphold justice, fairness, and human dignity. Our united strength and dedication will forge the Nigerian Police Force into a pillar of hope and security.”

NANS, Ekiti Chapter, Decries Brutality, Harassment By NSCDC Task Force

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Ayodele Oni

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October 15, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has decried the brutality and harassment by officers of the Civil Defence Task Force, (CTU) a special security set up to arrest menace of crime on the state.

The task force is made up of officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC).

The CTU task force has been accused of invading rented apartment of some affluent individuals especially students and stopping them randomly on the highway to extort money from them.

State chapter of NANS cried out on Tuesday decrying “relentless and unjust harassment of Ekiti students by the Civil Defence Task Force (CTU) under Commander Bala leadership. This egregious abuse of power will no longer be tolerated.”

It said in a statement signed by Asaolu Samuel NANS JCC chairman; Olahoke Ayo Ami, Secretary and Olubodun Johnson, PRO, that “The CTU actions have created a toxic atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and vulnerability among students, making us feel unsafe and targeted in our own state.

“Arresting and confiscating students’ phones for no valid reason is an outrageous infringement on our fundamental rights.

“Is it a crime to dress well or own property in Ekiti State? Must students be harassed for expressing themselves? The CTU warped priorities have turned them into perpetrators of injustice, rather than protectors of the people.

“We warn the CTU to cease their provocative actions, which threaten to incite chaos and destabilize the state. Commander Bala deliberate harassment of innocent students will no longer be tolerated. His actions reek of desperation and a blatant disregard for human rights.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained Ekiti students, and an end to the CTU oppressive tactics. The Ekiti State Government must intervene decisively and reorient the CTU on their duties.

“NANS Ekiti will not stand idly by while our members are victimized. We will mobilize all necessary resources to protect our students and ensure justice is served.

“To the Ekiti State Government, we say enough is enough! Ensure the CTU respects students rights and freedoms. We will not be silenced or intimidated.

“To Commander Bala and the CTU, we say, stop your reckless harassment and focus on genuine security concerns. Your actions will be met with fierce resistance from NANS Ekiti.

“We urge the public to join us in condemning the CTU actions and demanding a safer, more just environment for Ekiti students.

“The Ekiti State Government to intervene immediately and provide the CTU with a comprehensive orientation on their responsibilities, emphasizing the protection of citizens rather than exploiting them. Specifically, we demand that the CTU cease charging Nigerian students and seizing their hard-earned wages.

“Commander Bala, we implore you to take swift corrective action and instruct your officers to refrain from these unjust practices.

“The Ekiti State Government must ensure that the CTU operates within the bounds of the law and respects the rights of all citizens, including students.

“We request that the Ministry of Information and Values Orientation, under Rt. Hon Taiwo Olatubosun, facilitates this process and ensures that the CTU actions align with the state government agenda for human capital development and youth empowerment

“Together, we will fight for our rights, protect our future, and hold accountable those who seek to undermine our dignity.”

Invasion Of Enugu Radio Station: NUJ Kicks, Demands Unreserved Apology From EFCC

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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October 15, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, on Tuesday October, 15, 2024, condemned the invasion and abduction of some staff of an Enugu based Radio station- Urban 94 .5 FM by suspected operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC.

A statement issued by the Management of the Broadcasting outfit said some Operatives of the anti-graft Agency invaded the Station at about 5.45 pm, halted ongoing programmes and subsequently abducted the presenters.

The armed men, the Management, also, stated, carted away many of the outfit’s equipment worth several millions of Naira.

“While we are following the matter, we will continue to inform our dear listeners accordingly through this medium.

“Once again, we apologize for the unethical break-in into our live studio and disruption of your favourite programmes and hope that the matter will be resolved as soon as possible and for whatever reasons.”

Reacting to the incident, the Enugu NUJ Council, in a statement issued by its Secretary, Dame Ifeoma Amuta, described the invasion of the Radio Station as condemnable.

The NUJ insisted that the behaviour of the EFCC operatives was unprofessional, no matter the weight of the reasons behind the action.

” It is only in times of military seizure of power that we experience such act of forceful disruption of broadcast transmission of this kind.

“No matter what offence, it is the individual that may have committed it as alleged and should be gone after in a due process manner and not extending it to public facilities like Radio on air.

The NUJ, therefore, called for a comprehensive probe into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.

According to the union, the inquest will establish the true identities of the those that carried out the raid, whether or not they were on unlawful duties, as well as the real motives.

The body also urged the EFCC to urgently tender its unreserved apologies to the Radio Station and the general public for the show of shame.

The NUJ lamented that it has become the norm for security agencies in recent times to resort to such uncivilized conducts, not minding that the country has since grown above the oppressive and anti-democratic tendencies of the military dictatorship.

PDP Crisis: Governors Wade In, Nullify Suspensions

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Ayodele Oni

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October 15, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has announced that the suspension and counter actions within the party have been nullified.

Bala explained that the PDP Governors have resolved the factional crisis within the party’s National Working Committee, (NWC) which culminated in the suspension.

While the suspension lasted, the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, was suspended after he announced the removal of some members of the NWC including the party’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba.

Also a brother of the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, declared himself Acting National Chairman and announced the suspension of some leaders including Atiku Abubakar.

Bala told journalists at the Private Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, on Tuesday that all the actions have been nullified following intervention by the PDP Governors’ Forum.

He stated: “The crisis is over. The Governors, Board of Trustees, and other organs have resolved that the NWC should revert to the status quo. They are now united.”

The Governor, traveling to Ondo State for a PDP Gubernatorial Campaign rally with Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, announced the lifting of suspensions from both factions.

Also speaking, Damagum confirmed that the crisis is over, adding, “The party is united, and no member of the NWC left before.”