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Tinubu Awards Speaker Abbas GCON

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Tajudeen Abbas and Bukola Saraki

By Adesina Soyooye

  • For the records, Dr Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President, unlike his Senate President colleagues, was not conferred with the National Honour of GCON. His is still CFR, an honour he was given before he became the Senate President

President Bola Tinubu has broken from a long standing tradition, and conferred on the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, the National Honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON.

The President, on October 1, 2024, announced the conferment on Abbas of the National Honour of the Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, following tradition. He, also conferred on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Chief Justice of the Federation, CJN, the Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the National Honour of GCON, following tradition.

But Members of the House, in a unanimous decision, protested the CFR conferred on the Speaker. They insisted that both the Senate and the House of Representatives are equal; that the House is not inferior to the Senate; and that the Speaker should be awarded the National Honour of GCON. They also pointed out that in the order of National Precedence, the Speaker comes before the CJN.

In the evening of Friday, October 5, Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement to the effect that the Speaker would now be conferred with GCON. The President has elevated him from CFR to GCON.

Onanuga: “President Tinubu was persuaded by the House of Representatives position, and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight.

“Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.

“The Speaker, the Senate President, other Principal Officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated with their new honours later.”

For the records, Dr Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President, because of politics, was not conferred with the National Honour of GCON. His is still CFR, awarded to him before he became the Senate President.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, deliberately, refused to upgrade Saraki, for going against Party (APC) arrangement to emerge as Senate President in 2015, instead of the Party’s preferred choice, Senator (Dr.) Ahmad Lawan.

In 2019, Lawan emerged Senate President while Saraki was defeated at the polls in his Kwara Senatorial Zone. Not a few people are wondering when Saraki would be upgraded  to the “rightful rank of  GCON” – following tradition.

Beheading Of Abia Couple: Police Arrest Three

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

  • Rescues Imo Traditional Ruler

The Abia State Police Command on Friday, October 4, 2024, announced the arrest of three suspected masterminds of the gruesome murder, and beheading of a couple at their  home in Bende Local Government Area of Abia state .

This is even as the Imo police Command, same day, informed that it has rescued a 69-year old traditional ruler from abductors’ den ,following its raid on alleged operational camp of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra IPOB and Eastern Security Network ESN in Ezioha Forest in Mbaitoli council of the state .

The Source reports that ,78 year old Jacob Udo and his equally aged  wife, Dorcas, were on Wednesday October 2, beheaded by some people .

Their deaths expectedly provoked widespread indignation among the people ,including the Government.

The public outcry led to the Police instituting a high powered investigative team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

Less than 48 hours after police inquest, the Abia Command spokesperson, Chilaka Maureen, ASP, in a statement said the arrested suspects are presently being detained and facing interrogation by the Criminal Investigation Department SCID in Umuahia .

She stated that the three suspects are being held in connection with their involvement in the killing of the elderly couple at their Etiti Ulo Bende Local Council home .

According to the police image maker ,the suspects after killing their victims ,carted away their valuables .

Chilaka ,further stated that an autopsy will be carried on the late Jacob and his 73 years old wife ,as part of the ongoing investigation into the matter .

The Abia Police Spokesperson said that the new Commissioner of Police CP ,Danladi  Isah sends his heartfelt  concerns over the gruesome incident, while also assuring Abia residents of the protection of their lives and properties .

” On the 2/10/2024 ,we received a report at Bende Divisional Headquarters,that same date at about 0830hrs ,Mr Jacob Udo, M, 78 years old, and Mrs Dorcas Jacob F 73 years old of Ndiwo Itumbuzo Bende LGA ,Abia state ,but domiciled at Etiti Ulo in Bende LGA of same state were found lying lifeless in a pool of blood in their compound at the aforementioned address” part of the police statement reads .

The Imo state Police Command spokesman Henry Okoye ,in a statement said the raid  which was carried out by the anti-kidnappings unit ,in collaboration with other sister security agencies apart from the release of the  traditional ruler from Umuorgi Mgbidi ,also led to the rescue of several kidnapped victims.

Okoye revealed that during the operation, the leader of the gang was also killed by security operatives.

Items recovered from the raided camp include different types of vehicles ,arms and ammunition, including improvised explosive devices and Biafa flags .

The Police spokesman informed that on sighting security personnel ,the hoodlums opened fire ,leading to a fierce gun duel.

While the leader of the group was neutralized, others Okoye said, fled with bullet wounds.

The statement reiterated the commitment of the police and other security agencies in halting the terrorist groups from terrorizing innocent and law abiding residents.

Rivers LG Election: PDP Warns Police, Backs Fubara

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

 

It came late, but as the saying goes, better late than never. In a surprising stand, given the alleged indifference of the National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the political crisis in Rivers the National Working Committee has finally said something. The NWC has thrown its weight behind the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara in the controversy over the Local Government Election slated for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

 

It  has rallied behind  Fubara, and urged  Rivers people to  freely  participate in the exercise.

 

Tension is thick in the State. And the question is: What will happen on October 5, 2024.

 

In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the PDP enjoined the  people of Rivers State to  assert their sovereignty and constitutional right to vote.

 

The NWC hammered on  the fundamental right of the people to take part in  elections is “sacrosanct and must not be curtailed or monopolized by any individual, group, or organization.”

 

The Party  condemned  the alleged conduct of the “APC-controlled” police, and lamented that “their actions aimed at undermining the election process reflect a disturbing pattern of intimidation. Citing reports of the unwarranted invasion of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) facilities, the party decried this attack as a direct affront to democracy and a blatant violation of the rule of law, calling for immediate accountability.”

 

The statement:

 

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the people of Rivers State to firmly assert their sovereignty and Constitutional right by coming out enmasse to vote in the Saturday, October 5, 2024 Local Government Area election across the State.

The PDP insists that the right to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federating unit belongs to the generality of the people of the State and such right, including participation in Local Government Area election cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group or organization under any guise whatsoever.

 

“The Party maintains that the people of Rivers State are ready for election; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court and NO COURT under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has power to stop elections.

 

“For avoidance of doubt, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that “Nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general elections, under the Act pending the determination of a suit.

 

“The PDP in very strong term condemns the attempt by the APC-controlled Police to abridge, subvert and frustrate the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election against the Will of the people, the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, the express provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The reported invasion of RSIEC facilities by Police operatives allegedly to frustrate the conduct of the election is a direct affront to our democracy and the Rule of Law; an attempt which was firmly resisted by the people of Rivers State who are resolute to express their Will at the poll.

 

“The Police and the APC should note that the people of Rivers State are peace-loving and law-abiding but will never allow anybody by whatever means to stifle, abridge, appropriate or subvert their Will especially in choosing who governs them, particularly at the Local Government level.

 

“The @OfficialPDPNig calls on Nigerians and the International Community to hold the @OfficialAPCNg and the Inspector General of Police responsible should there be any breakdown of Law and Order in Rivers State at this time.

 

“The Inspector General of Police @PoliceNG should note that he is duty bound under the Constitution to provide the enabling and secure environment for the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election irrespective of where he stands as an individual. Duty calls on him to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-earned democracy and the stability of our nation, Nigeria.

Our Party salutes the courage and steadfastness of the people of Rivers State in their determination to defend their rights to participate in the process of electing their leaders.

The PDP stands with the Government

@SimFubaraKSC and people of Rivers in their desire to peacefully elect representatives that will democratically run the affairs of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State in line with the provisions of the Law.”

 

Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

2027: “You Are Suffering From Election Defeat Trauma” – Doguwa Blasts Kwankwaso

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alhassan Doguwa and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An All Progressive Congress, APC, chieftain and Member representing Tudun Wada/Doguwa Kano,   Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Alhassan Doguwa, has said that the current New Nigeria Peoples Party’s Government will  be the last in Kano.

This is just as he insisted that wearing red caps in the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region will soon fizzle out.

For the records, the red caps is the trademark of the Kwankwasiyya political movement ,the life wire of the NNPP, led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso .

Doguwa, the House Committee Chairman on Petroleum Resources (upstream)spoke against the backdrop of Kwankwaso’s scathing attack on the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressive Congress (APC), Federal Government.

The NNPP Presidential candidate in the 2023 General Elections had, while receiving about 1000 APC defectors in Kano on Thursday October 3, noted that the people of Nigeria, especially the North, will, in 2027, vote out the APC at the Federal level.

Kwankwaso described the Federal Government-led by President Tinubu as the worst in the history of Nigeria.

The former Governor of Kano State further stated that the people are already fed up with the APC-led Federal Government, and are ready to vote out the party come 2027.

But in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, October 4, Hon Doguwa described Kwankwaso’s assertion as the ranting of a  hallucinated politician,suffering from election defeat trauma.

He maintained that ,the NNPP Presidential Candidate is yet to recover from the trauma of his defeat by President Tinubu in 2023.

The Kano Federal Lawmaker, also, insisted that the leader of the Kano Kwankwasiyya  movement lacks the moral high ground to speak for the North when it comes to its political choices.

He faulted Kwankwaso’s claim that Nigerians, particularly Northerners, are tired of the APC led Federal Government.

“The former Kano State Governor is yet to recover from the defeat he suffered in the hands of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 Presidential election, hence he is hallucinating about 2027.

“At a political gathering on Thursday, my colleague in the House of Representatives in the 3rd Republic, Kwankwaso took his hallucination to the moon when he said Nigerians are tired of APC and will change it in 2027 .

“As we all know, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not leaving any stone unturned in his quest to return our country to the path of progress and prosperity for the benefits of all”, Hon Doguwa noted .

According to him ,despite inheriting a near-dead economy, President Tinubu has taken some bold policy decisions aimed at steering the system back to life .

He stated that since mounting the saddle in May 2023, the President has embarked on genuine mission to correct the ills of the past, noting that it is just a matter of little time before the policies will start to produce the desired results.

Hon Doguwa, therefore, advised Kwankwaso and his likes to rather “face their imminent and inevitable retirement from politics in 2027, instead of engaging in hallucinating permutations and grandstanding.”

Edo Deputy Governor Shaibu Warns Against Looting Of Public Properties

By
Ayodele Oni
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Philip Shaibu - Edo Deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has warned Heads of Government Agencies to guard against looting of public properties as the administration winds down.

A statement personally signed by the Deputy Governor cautioned that outgoing political office holders caught pilfering Government properties would be treated like criminals.

The statement reads “As our administration ends in a few weeks, I have issued a stern warning to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees, as they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any assets missing under their watch.

“The Permanent Secretaries and Directors must know that it is their responsibility to protect the properties because these political aides (Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Assistants, and Senior Special Advisers/Assistants) are government appointees who are also leaving on November 11.

“So, the failure of Permanent Secretaries and heads of these MDAs to act means they will be held responsible for giving an account of their inventories.

“Removing fixed items and government properties is a crime and unacceptable.

“Permanent Secretaries and heads of MDAs should, therefore, guard against such criminality or face consequences. All political appointees must equally desist from such actions, which may land them in trouble.”

“Stop Drinking Tea, Storm Rivers State, Stand By Fubara, Ikenga Urges PDP Governors

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Ikenga Ugochinyere and Governor Bala Mohammed

By Adesina Soyooye

Short of calling them cowards and unserious, a Peoples Democratic Party’s House of Assembly Member, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo, has told all PDP Governors to rush down to Rivers State and stand in solidarity with their Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara.

Ugochinyere’s call came on the heels of the political crisis in Rivers State which has risen to high heavens over the Local Government Election scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

While the Rivers State Government, as authorised by law, is insisting on the election, factions of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress loyal to the immediate past Governor and Minister for the Federal Government Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, insist there will be no election.

Both the Rivers Government and the Wike faction are flaunting Court Orders, one from Abuja against the Council Election, and the other by a Rivers High Court  for the Election.

But street protests for, and against  the Election have, in the past three days, engulfed the State.

In the uncivilised hours of Friday morning, 1.00 am, men in police uniform invaded the premises of the Rivers State Electoral Commission, RSIEC, in a bid to cart away sensitive election materials. But alert was raised by security men who saw them scaling the wall.

On receiving the information, Governor Fubara stormed the RSIEC premises accompanied by stakeholders including members of the National and House Assemblies.

Seeing the overwhelming crowd, the invaders literally ran away.

But addressing the crowd, Fubara, angry but strong, asked them to stand firm; that election will hold; and queried the relationship between the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and Wike. He dared the IGP to go ahead and shoot him, and at a later Press Conference, asked Nigerians to hold the IGP responsible if anarchy breaks out in the State.

Not surprisingly, there has been no reaction from the National Headquarters of the PDP which Governor is under attack just as mum is the word from the PDP Governors Forum.

But Ikenga, ever courageous  and outspoken, has challenged the PDP Governors. He told them to fly down to Rivers State in solidarity with Fubara.

In a post on X  Ikenga Ugochinyere told PDP Governors to stop making the opposition look like jokers. If they were serious, he said, they should have been in Rivers State by now.

His words: “Serious opposition Governors would have flown to Rivers State right now and be seen with Governor Fubara side by side as show of strong solidarity.

“The right of Rivers people to vote is under attack from Federal Agents and you are drinking tea. Please stop making opposition look like jokers. Let the PDP and opposition Governors fly down to Rivers State, and boldly stand with Governor Fubara who has displayed great courage to defend democracy at all costs. Those at the gate of democracy in Rivers will soon lunch attack on your states, and what you do today can make or mar our democracy.

“The alleged failed attempt by police officers to run away with electoral materials for the LGA election is a treasonable action, that requires strong condemnation and solidarity from opposition Governors. Show that you are indeed leaders of this party for once as not adults scared of pro-Wike’s group’s rantings. #Rivers LGA election is going on.”

Ondo Amotekun Parades Family Of Suspected Robbers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Suspects Arrested by Amotekun

By Ayodele Oni

Amotekun Security Corps in Ondo State has arrested a family – wife, husband and three children that specialize in breaking into houses, comprising of the husband, the family of robbers.

They are among 68 suspected criminals, arrested in the state by the security outfit.

The commander, Adetunji Adeleye disclosed on Friday that the family specializes in houses breaking and stealing.

“On land and chieftaincy issue, there were no infringements; Labor Union in the last one week of Ondo State is peaceful; anti-grazing and farmers/herders clashes, only one on parade today.

“For kidnapping, we have one suspect. The suspect is a 28-year-old Usman Abubakar that was arrested in Igbo Oba, Owo.

“He confirmed collecting two million Naira from the victim, and he told us how they shared it, and how to get to the root of their godfathers.

“On cultism, we have three suspects that were arrested with charms, arms, and ammunition.  On the average, I want to say that the security situation of Ondo State is good.

“The Amotekun rangers launched by governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently had penetrated the forest, and substantially within the week under review, we were able to resist five kidnapping attempts. We were able to rescue nine victims. That is to say that the kidnap attempt failed.

“The notorious portion of Elegbeka had been bombarded, and we are glad to say that the Amotekun rangers had infiltrated the entire forest around Elegbeka to guarantee safety of commuters and property of the people of the area.

“There was a suspect that was arrested in Akoko by the joint effort of the police, the hunters and Amotekun corps. We are reviewing the case and investigation continues on him.

“On stealing of motorcycles, we have Muyidin Olaleye. We have Jimoh Sherif and Alex Idowu for receiving stolen motorcycles.

On stealing of cocoa and plantain, we have Akinbinu Akilolu.”

He warned members of the public to be weary of buying second-hand products without collecting the original verifiable receipt of purchase.

“As a result of the downturn of the economy, a lot of economic breaches are taking place. Please, don’t fall prey to these criminals.”

Hold IGP Responsible For Any Anarchy In Rivers State – Gov Fubara

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Kayode Egbetokun

By Ayodele Oni

 

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara , has accused the Inspector General of Police of serving the interest of an Abuja-based politician to scuttle the Local Government election scheduled for Saturday.

 

Governor Fubara made the accusation during a World Press Conference held at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

 

The Governor said the scheduled Local Government election, barely hours away, cannot be stopped or truncated because a particular person does not want it conducted.

 

He said that everything that needed to be done about the electoral process legally, security wise and logistically, including the voters, have been finalized and voters mobilized.

 

Governor Fubara stated that even the police have been informed, and are expected to discharge their statutory duties, particularly because the court also directed so in its  judgement on the election.

 

He regretted that rather, the police have become hired agents sent to attack the headquarters of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and tried to cart away sensitive materials.

 

“In the early hours of this morning (Friday), I got a security report that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office has been invaded by the Nigerian Police.

 

“I was really surprised because before that time, I got a copy of a signal withdrawing the police officers that were guarding the premises. So, I had to drive to the place myself since the facility belongs to Rivers State Government.

 

“Getting to the scene, and to shock of everyone who accompanied me there, I met the presence of some fierce looking policemen in one truck and three other empty Hilux vans trying to force their way into the premises.

 

“And, I had to stop them. In the process, we discovered that the operation, was a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Police Force, both the Rivers State Command and the Headquarters (Abuja), to steal the electoral materials. But by the special grace of God, that act was foiled.”

 

Fubara questioned how so low the Nigeria Police stooped, allowing its officers to engage in such illegal acts that clearly suggested that they have become enemies of Rivers State.

 

He wondered why the Nigeria Police will attempt to take over control of RSIEC or be used to stop a democratic process that is ongoing, which will lead to the emergence of elected political leadership at the Local Government Councils.

 

“Here are the questions: first, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, is it not an agency, and a process that is being controlled by the State Government?

 

“Is it not a system that is governed by the law of the State? Why is Rivers State’s case different. The second part of it is: what is the special thing about this issue of taking over the premises by the Police?

 

“If we should go by what they claim that they had a court order, the court ruling said, don’t give RSIEC voter register, don’t give RSIEC police protection. Did the judgment say they should seal the premises? Or don’t allow them conduct election?

 

“However, the Rivers State Government and RSIEC itself also had a judgment that states clearly: conduct the election with the voters register of 2023; and police, DSS, Nigeria Army and other sister agencies should provide security.

 

“I might not be a lawyer, but I understand clearly that when it comes to the issue of judgment, there is something they call first- in-time.

 

“Why are they looking for a way to stampede this State? The Supreme Court gave a judgment that all local government activities must be conducted by elected officers.

 

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in agreement with the State Governors, directed a compliance to this judgment within 90 days with effect from the judgment date.

 

“And all other States are conducting election to ensure that they comply with the directive, not just the Supreme Court ruling but also going by the understanding that we have with Mr. President.

 

“And what Rivers State is also doing is not different from others. And the big question is: is any other court bigger than the Supreme Court?

 

“If you feel aggrieved, if you feel you don’t want to participate in the election that you should go to court?

 

“While do you want to stop the process of election, to create problem, to create anarchy in the state? We are already complaining of suffering, people are hungry, and you want to stampede the local government civil servants in the State.

 

“On the issue of security, if the police feel they don’t want to be part of the election, they should withdraw.

 

“I am saying this here so that the Inspector General of Police will be aware, and also know that any act against the peace of this State, anything that will bring a situation of lawlessness in this State, if it happens, I think at the end of the day, he should be prepared to take responsibility.

 

“Why is the case of Rivers State different? Is it that the law or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when it comes Rivers State, it is be interpreted in a different way?

 

“This press briefing, if you listen to me, I am not crying. I  am not also calling the international community (,for help). When they have their own press briefings, they call on the International community (for help). I am not calling international community.

 

“But from here, I just want you to know that we are prepared. Once in the lifetime of every man, you need to stand on the side of truth, and even if it will take your life, history will not forget you.”

I Will Use VDM As Example To Stop Social Media Radicalism – Falana

By
The Source
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0
Femi Falana and VeryDarkMan

By Charles Igbo

An apparently still upset and embarrassed Senior Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has said that he would use the controversial case between Idris Okuneye, popular as Bobrisky, and Blogger, Martins Otse, popular as VeryDarkMan, VDM, to stop the menace of Social Media’s destructive radicalism.

Falana’s name and that of his son, Lawyer-turned musician, Folarin Falana, popular as Falz were inexplicably dragged into the controversy between VDM and Bobrisky.

VDM had released a viral audio post  where Bobrisky, allegedly, in a phone call to a friend of hers, told the yet-to-be identified friend that he had bribed  some officials of the EFCC with the sum of N15m to drop money laundry charges against him. He also said that between an unnamed godfather of his, and the Controller General of Prisons, it was arranged for him to serve her jail time in an apartment near the Prisons where he had access to everything. He, also, alleged that he bribed Prison Officials to get those privileges.

VDM told the House of Representatives Committee that he released the voice note because Bobrisky borrowed N4 million from someone and refused to pay.

However, even when Bobrisky paid the debt, VDM still released the voice note.

Bobrisky was arrested and prosecuted in Court by the EFCC for abusing and defacing the Naira. To the shock of not a few people, the Court which found him guilty  jailed him for six months without an option of fine, inspite of his pleading guilty to the offence as, allegedly, advised by his legal team.

Not a few people noted that, at least, two other people who committed same offence were given options of fine.

Bobrisky’s alleged claims, as revealed by VDM, has shocked Nigerians and ruffled feathers. The Board of the NCoS has suspended from office, two top officials over Bobrisky. The EFCC Chairman says it is  investigating the allegation against its operatives. The House of Representatives set up a Committee to investigate the allegations, while the Federal Government has, also, set up an Investigative Panel. It is expected that heads will roll by the time the dust settles.

What pains Falana  most was how his name and that of his son were dragged in. On the Falanas, the audio recording released by VDM claimed that Bobrisky disclosed that through an arrangement by Falz, he was going to pay Falana senior the sum of N10 million to secure him a Presidential pardon.

Bobrisky has, however denied the audio recording, and said it was AI-generated.

But telling his own side of the story, Thursday night on Channel Television’s Politics Today anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, Falana said he had neither met Bobrisky nor spoken to him before.

Falana: “Bobrisky never spoke to me. I have never met him. I do not know him from Adam. He was alleged to have spoken to my son, Folarin (Falz).

“Yes my son said this guy (Bobrisky) was appealing to people for assistance and called my son, I think on May 4, this year. ‘Please, can you give me N3 million to be placed in a special part of the prison?’. We call it the VIP section.

My son asked him ‘Are you calling me under the authorization of the Superintendent of Prisons?’ He said no. And my son said ‘Please don’t call me again. I am unable to assist you to bribe the prison authorities. And be very careful since you are already in prison for an offence. Please if you are going to call me next time, you either go through the superintendent or you write a letter endorsed by the prison authorities’ and that was the last.

“Somebody now starts releasing tapes somewhere and went on to lampoon and rather defame me by saying the guy had spoken to me.

This is infantile radicalism.”

Falana revealed that he had helped hundreds of people who had legal problems without asking for a kobo.

On his next step, he said he had made public his conditions. He gave VDM 48 hours to render a public apology to him and his son. Have sane published in newspapers and posts on Social Media. He said given the gravity of what was done to him, he was not asking for too much. He insisted he would proceed to Court to clear the names of the Falanas. He said he very much appreciates freedom of speech, and is in the forefront of decriminalising it, but he needed it was not a license to defame and blackmail people.

He, therefore, said he would go on with a Civil suit in order to restore his and his son’s integrity.

He emphasized: “I want to use this case to set an example so that nobody will  simply run to the Social Media to defame any Nigerian.”

FG Takes Over Epe General Hospital From Lagos Govt; Now Federal Medical Centre

By
James Orji
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0
Sanwo Olu and Alausa

The federal government has taken over the management of Epe General Hospital from the Lagos State government.

To this effect, a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, was signed on Thursday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, the federal government representative.

The MOU was signed during the Lagos Trauma Conference 2024, themed: “Advancing Trauma and Emergency Response – Enhancing Trauma and Emergency Systems for a Thriving Lagos,” which took place in Victoria Island yesterday.

The event, which featured the panel of discussants and goodwill messages, had state government officials, royal fathers in attendance, who urged government to bridge the communication gap by using technology.

Speaking Governor Sanwo Olu said one of the aims of signing the MOU is to make health affordable for the residents of the state. He also promised a conducive working environment for health workers in the state, adding that the state government will continue to priotise their welfare, provide necessary equipment so that they can deliver effective health service to the people of the state. .

the governor said, “We will establish a Paramedics & Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) cadre in the Public Service to increase the number of qualified paramedics who can respond to emergencies in the field and stabilize patients before they reach the hospital.

“We will make available general and continuous professional development opportunities for healthcare workers at all levels, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques in trauma care.

“We recognize the importance of mental health support for healthcare workers who are often exposed to highly stressful and traumatic situations. We are committed to providing the necessary psychosocial support to ensure that our healthcare professionals remain resilient and focused on providing the best care possible.”

On his part, Alausa said following the MOU the hospital has effectively become the Federal Medical Centre, Epe, stressing that the medical facility will provide specialised health services to the residents.

According to him, the federal government will use the medical facility to provide standard health care services aimed at makning the state a model in the country.

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