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FIFA Under-20 Female World Cup: Japan Eliminates Nigeria, Super Falcons Coach Waldrum, Resigns

September 13, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

In a crunchy tie between the Falconets of Nigeria and Asian Giant, Japan, the Nigerian Ladies could not match the firing prowess of the Japanese. Nigeria’s Super Falcons succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to the reigning vice champions of the FIFA Under-20 Female World Cup.

The defeat ends Nigeria’s journey at Colombia early Friday morning, after a superlative display from both sides.

A goal in each half, first by Miyu Matsunaga and then by Maya Hijikata, meant that Olushola Shobowale’s composed finish one minute into time-added-on was too little, too late at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.

The tenacious Maya Hijikata came close in the 13th minute, almost capitalizing as goalkeeper Faith Omilana came out to punch the ball from a cross, but Comfort Folorunsho was on the line to rescue the situation.

Japan’s famed electric pace and clever flicks and chips were countered by Nigeria’s fit-fighting approach and positional play. But in the 18th minute, Japan came close again when Uno Shiragaki and Manaka Matsukubo missed getting a touch on the ball as Rio Sasaki carved open Nigeria’s defence from a free kick on the right.

The East Asians would go in front in the 33rd minute, as Matsunaga headed home a cross by Rihona Ujihara.

Four minutes before the break, Nigeria could have levelled when Rofiat Imuran’s in-swinger from the left rattled goalkeeper Akana Okuma, but Maya Hijikata cleared the ball off the line.

Hijikata made it two for Japan in the 66th minute when she drove the ball into the net after a cross from the right by Chinari Sasai.

Omilana punched over fierce shots by Matsunaga and Suzu Amano in the 77th and 86th minute respectively, but Nigeria made it a tense finish when Shobowale coolly slotted in a cross from the left by substitute Goodness Osigwe.

Japan will face Spain in the quarter-finals, in a re-match of the final match of the last edition in Costa Rica two years ago.

In another development, Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum has resigned as the Coach of the Senior Female National Side, citing his wife’s health challenges as the major reason he took the decision.

“It’s been a very difficult few weeks following the Olympics, with my wife’s health issues, and the worries that obviously come with that,” reads a statement from the letter.

“After much thought and consideration, I am hereby resigning my position as Head Coach of the Super Falcons.

“This will allow the NFF ample time to find the next manager to take over this incredible squad.”

The 67-year-old took charge of the Super Falcons in 2020.

The former Trinidad and Tobago head coach turned down the chance to manage the team three years earlier.

Waldrum combined the Super Falcons’ role with that of the Pittsburgh Panthers Football Club Team.

His last game in charge of the Super Falcons was the 2024 Olympic Games group stage match against Japan.

Wike Crushes PDP Governors, Fubara In Limbo

Akinwale Kasali

September 13, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Thursday, inexplicably approved of the questionable and controversial Congress held in Rivers State.

The Congress was boycotted by the PDP faction loyal to the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. They boycotted because there is a substantive Court Order that suspended the holding of any Congress in Rivers State.

However, in defiance of the Court injunction, the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, under an All Progressives Congress, APC, Government, held the Congress.

It was however expected that the NWC at its meeting held on Thursday, was going to cancel the Congress, and as enshrined in the Party’s Constitution, hand over the Party’s structure to the Governor. This, especially, as the PDP Governors’ Forum, had backed Governor Fubara, and asked the NWC to review the Rivers State Congress and a couple of others.

However, that did not happen. It did the least expected.

So, against all odds, FCT Minister, Nyesom has been able to solidify his position in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP even when he is, also, the defacto leader of the APC in Rivers State.

Wike’s loyalists within the PDP NWC not only secured the approval but also postponed the National Executive Committee meeting, originally set for September 26, to October 24, which could have overturned the decision.

The PDP NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, made this decision during a meeting at the party’s National headquarters, Wadata.

The NWC meeting had been delayed for the past three weeks amid rising tension within the party, especially between Wike, Fubara and the PDP Governors Forum over the status of Rivers State party congresses.

The political conflict between Wike and Fubara has for months escalated, with many seeing Wike’s action against the administration of Fubara as absolutely unnecessary.

The PDP Governors Forum on August 24 publicly backed Fubara. The Forum called for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and affirmed Fubara’s role as the leader of the PDP in the State.

This support for Fubara enraged Wike, who on August 31 threatened to create chaos in the States which Governors support Fubara if they did not refrain from interfering in Rivers State matters.

In response, on September 3, the PDP Governors’ Forum condemned Wike’s threat as irresponsible.

A senior NWC member, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorisation, revealed that the approval of the Rivers and other state congresses was granted, and the NEC meeting had been rescheduled to October 24.

The NEC meeting, originally set for August to address burning issues, including Damagum’s replacement, was first moved to September 26 because some members were travelling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. It has now been rescheduled to October 24.

With the triumph of Wike over Fubara, the PDP Governors Forum and the loyalists of Fubara, it Is clear that Wike has been able to call the shots, dictate what should be obtainable in the Rivers PDP, and the Party structure in the State.

PSC Approves New CPS Lagos, Abia, Ebonyi Akwa Ibom

The Source

September 13, 2024

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of four substantive Commissioners of Police for Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom state Commands .

The appointments followed the recent promotion of some senior Police Officers by the Commission which created vacancies in some State Commands.

The new Commissioners are, Isah Danladi Nda, Abia State Command; Olarewaju Ishola Olawale, Lagos State Command; Anthonia Adaku Uche Anya fdc, Ebonyi State Command and Miller Gajere Dantawaye, Akwa Ibom State Command.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, said the new State Command Commissioners must be prepared to make a positive difference in the security management of their states of posting.

DIG Argungu said the Commission will monitor their performance stressing that they should not waste time to hit the ground running

He told the new Commissioners that it is their duty to build a competitive, competent and efficient Police Force in their states of posting adding that the Commission will continue to encourage them for optimum service delivery.

He said their appointments should be seen as a call to greater dedication to the service of their fatherland.

The approval of the postings signed by the Secretary to the Commission has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

PDP Suspends Dino Melaye Over Alleged Anti Party Activities

Ayodele Oni

September 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For alleged anti- party activities, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has suspended its former governorship candidate in the state, Senator Dino Melaye.

Melaye’s suspension by the executive committee of the party in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1 was announced in a memo dated September 12, 2024.

The memo reads: “Ward Party Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ayetoro/lluagba ward 1 met on Friday the 12th of September 2024 to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti party activities against Senator Dino Melaye, a member of our great party.”

According to the party, Melaye was invited to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the party on August 20, 2024 to answer to certain allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities, in line with the provisions of Article 57(4), of the PDP Constitution.

“However, he failed to show up, disregarding the invitation and the authority of the party.

“After careful consideration and deliberation, the Ward Party Exco resolved as follows: That Senator Dino Melaye’s failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee constitutes a gross disrespect to the party and its leadership.

“That his actions are in clear violation of the PDP Constitution and the principles of party discipline.

“That Senator Dino Melaye’s conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party, and his continued membership is no longer tenable.

“Therefore, the Ward Party Exco hereby suspends Senator Dino Melaye from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately.

“This suspension is in line with the provisions of Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, which empowers the Ward Party Exco to take disciplinary actions against erring members.

“We urge all members of our great party to remain committed to the principles of party discipline and loyalty.

“We must work together to build a strong and united party, capable of winning elections and serving the interests of our people.”

The disciplinary committee in a letter addressed to the ward chairman and dated September 9, 2024, said, “Consequent upon the refusal of Sen. Dino. Melaye to appear in person or through his legal representation, and having been issued summons which was subsequently followed by a reminder and extension of time to appear, the panel wished to recommend his immediate suspension from the party subject to the approval and ratification of the ward executive of the party.”

In a letter addressed to Melaye by the committee and dated August 25, 2024, the party said, “The ward executives of Aiyetoro 1 arising from the meeting held on the 24th of August 2024, to analyse recent utterances, misconduct by members of the party and to review the general performance of the party in the November 2023 governorship elections.

“There have been allegations against your person regarding the management of the party funds for the last governorship elections and general reckless statements and anti-party activities that are capable of bringing the party to disrepute.

“Consequently, the party executive has set up a seven (7) man panel to investigate the alleged anti-party activities leveled against you.”

Another letter dated August 26, 2024 and addressed to Melaye by the party reads, “Relying on Article 57(4) of the people’s Democratic party on the discipline of members.

“We hereby summon you to appear before the disciplinary Committee in person or in company of your legal representative if you wish to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you on the alleged breach of party constitution.

“You are by this summon mandated to appear before the seven (7, m8 committee between 26th and 31st August 2024 at 10am prompt.

“You may wish to communicate through writing to the panel when it is convenient for you to appear within the time frame.”

The party sent another letter dated August 31, 2024, to Melaye where the party said, “This is to remind you on the need to appear before the panel set up by the party.

“Recall that today being the 31st day of August is the last day for the panel to hear the allegation.

“The panel in her magnanimity has decided to extend the summons by another three (3) days, failure to appear will attract a disciplinary action.”

Edo Govt Challenges IGP On Suspension Of State Security Outfit From Election Duties

Ayodele Oni

September 13, 2024

Kayode Egbetokun - Inspector General of Police - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun lacks constitutional power to suspend the state owned security outfit codenamed “Edo State Security Network (ESSN) from participating in next week governorship election.

The Inspector-General of Police had on Wednesday in Benin during an INEC’s stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the September 21st Edo State governorship election announced the suspension of the security outfit indefinitely.

Reacting to the pronouncement, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media to Obaseki, noted that the Security Corps, is a creation of the Edo State House of Assembly.

The Edo State government insists that the ESCN is a body set up by law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“This is tantamount to the IGP disbanding the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Operation Amotekun, ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State billed for next month.

“Government notes that it is unconstitutional for the IGP to make such a declaration since Sec 11 (1), Sec 11 (2) empowers the State House of Assembly to set up structures for public safety and security of the state.”

He, however, added that in the interest of peace, the State Governor has directed all the officials of the ESCN to proceed on leave from September 11 to September 23, 2024, after the election.

Gov Otti To Edo Voters: “Do It The Way We Did It In Abia”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 12, 2024

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

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has insisted that the September 21, 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election is a crucial exercise that holds much for the people.

This is just as he called on the State Electorate to line up behind the Labour party Candidate, Olumide Akpata, to chart a new cause for Edo.

Governor Otti, who spoke on Thursday September 12, at a campaign rally in Benin the State Capital, also urged the people to jealousy guard their votes, so that their wishes would not be truncated.

He enjoined the voters to be awake before, during, and after casting their ballots to ensure that votes actually count.

Otti informed that he was in the State to drum support for the LP Candidate ,whom he described as a competent and trustworthy person capable of taking Edo State to the next level.

He particularly appealed to the LP supporters, and Igbo groups in the State, to back the aspiration of the LP Candidate as they go to the polls.

“I have come to appeal to you. You are all our people. I told Olumide that there is no need preaching to the converted

“We have converted you already and it is now time for us to go and convert others.

“There is an election. It is an election that will make a difference in Edo state. It is an election for the people. We may not have all the guns and ammunition, but we have the people.

“So the charge I want to give you is that when you vote that day, remain in your polling booth, don’t go home.

“That was how we did it in Abia State in 2023. For 48 and 72 hours, nobody slept. We have a saying in Igbo land -‘rats do not eat a man’s meat when he is awake’.

“So ,you people. should not sleep. I know that if it is about votes, we will have the votes. If it is about winning ,we will win. Don’t allow any rat to steal our victory” Governor Otti stated.

The Source reports that Edo state is perceived as one of the strongholds of. Obidients movement and LP in the Country.

But whether that vantage position will translate to electoral victory will be determined on September 21.

Crisis Rocks Ifako Ijaiye, As Hunter Kills One, Critically Injures Two

Akinwale Kasali

September 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Palpable tension has gripped College Road, Ifako Ijaiye Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. A trigger happy Hunter, identified as James, shot dead 18-Year Old Toheeb Akinbowale and critically injured two others.

But for the swift intervention of Police, the crisis could have escalated, and led to a face off between Youths and Residents of the area and members of the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service, NHFSS.

It was gathered that the hunter mistakenly discharged his weapon, fatally hitting Akinbowale and injuring two others.

Akinbowale was said to have been rushed to Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 4:10 PM.

The 28-year-old hunter, James, was reportedly handling a double-barrel when the incident occurred.

In addition to Akinbowale’s death, two others—Sodeeq and another individual, whose name is yet to be confirmed—were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Ikeja General Hospital.

SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos Police Command Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident, and disclosed that a team of detectives was dispatched to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation, including photographing the area and recovering the weapon.

James had been arrested and is now in Police custody as the investigation continues.

Hundeyin said: “It is an unfortunate incident. Our team responded promptly, and we have already begun investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The suspect is cooperating, and we have recovered the weapon used. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Ikeja Mortuary. We will provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.”

He added that the double-barrel shotgun involved in the fatal accident is now in police custody as evidence.

The Police has however revealed that normalcy has returned to the area, and promised that it would make sure that Justice takes its cause, as investigation into the cause of the mistaken discharge is ongoing, and the Public will be briefed on the development of the case in coming days.

Edo 2024: APC In U-turn, Signs Peace Accord, PDP Opts Out

Akinwale Kasali

September 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

In an about-turn which not many people saw coming, the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, finally signed a peace accord against the September 21, 2024 Governorship election.

A couple of hours before it signed the Peace Accord prepared by the National Peace Committee, which Chairman is former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the APC had said its Candidate and the Party will not sign it.

Giving reasons why it would not sign, the Party’s State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, attributed it to the killing of Police Inspector, Onuh Akor, attached to its Governorship Candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, along the Airport Road.

Akor was in company with Okpebholo on their arrival to Benin from Abuja when he was shot and killed. The shot was fired at Okpebholo’s convoy and sadly, killed his Orderly.

The Police has not been able to crack the case and bring to book those who perpetrated the crime, even when the Edo State Commissioner of Police at the time had said the Command had the names of the culprits.

But two hours later, the APC made a U-turn and signed.

However, of all the 18 Political Parties and their Candidates, only the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Candidate, Asue Ighodalo did not sign.

While welcoming General Abubakar to his office, the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has strongly hinting that the PDP and its Candidate may likely not sign the Peace Accord.

Giving reasons, Obaseki stated that the PDP has lost faith in the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun and the Nigeria Police which he leads.

Governor Obaseki expressed concerns about the conduct of the Police and other Security Agencies, and accused them of actively participating in actions aimed at disrupting the election process.

He cited as examples, the arrest of some PDP chieftains, including a Local Government Chairman, by the Police and shipped them to Abuja where they are in custody.

Obaseki to General Abubakar: “You were here in 2020, and just like you rightly said, this is an off-cycle election – there’s a lot of attention.

“Unlike 2020, I am very worried because from the development – and where we are today – to sign the peace pact. But the person who is supposed to enforce peace is now an active participant in creating a disruptive process.

“We had situations where, from the IG’s, armed men just came into Edo State to invade, arrest, and take away PDP members. As we speak, there are about ten in detention in Abuja without trial.

“Two days ago, they came to pick up a Local Government Chairman. He was on his way home, attacked, and shot at. He reported that the Police asked him to come give evidence, but he was arrested. As I speak, he is in Abuja.

“Even if offences were committed in Edo State, why would you not try them here? Why take them to Abuja? Are they offences of high treason? And why not even charge them to court in Abuja?”

Obaseki accused the police of undermining his authority as the State’s Chief Security Officer.

He recounted how he sought the intervention of the Edo State Commissioner of Police in one of the arrest cases, only for the Commissioner to facilitate the suspect’s transfer to Abuja before dawn the following day.

“The Police came in and obtained a warrant to arrest 60 PDP supporters. All these to drive all our leaders into hiding. So, for me, my role as the Chief Security Officer is being made nonsense of by the IG.

“I called the Commissioner and let him look into it. He said he would get back to me. The next day, he moved him to Abuja before 4.00am. So, how can we sign a peace accord?

“Clearly, what we are seeing is that they want to have a violent election. They would use the forces of coercion and intimidation to win the election by hook and crook whether we like it or not. That’s the message.

“It’s why we say that everybody arrested is released or brought back to Edo to try them for whatever offence they have committed until we can do anything. We have no confidence that the police will protect us in this election.”

Speculations are rife that the APC and its Candidate could change their mind and rescind the decision by signing the Peace Accord.

Imo: Military, Police Launch Operation Stamp Out Kidnapping Around FUTO Axis, Others

The Source

September 12, 2024

By Charles Igbo

In an unprecedented operation to address the scary criminal activities, especially, kidnapping, the Imo State Police Command, in conjunction with the Military, has launched a comprehensive operation in, especially, Owerri-West Local Government Council, the Council which hosts the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO.

This comes on the heels of an alarm raised by the Management of FUTO, over the activities of Kidnappers around the short Obinze-Ihiagwa stretch which leads to its Main Gate.

In an alert to FUTO students, the Management warned them to restrict unnecessary movements, especially early mornings and late evenings due to the activities of the hoodlums who have upped the ante of their criminal activities. The alert noted that some kidnappings had taken place, uncomfortably, close to the University’s main gate.

A couple of days ago, four people were kidnapped along the Obinze stretch when kidnappers double-crossed a vehicle with three persons inside. They also shot a motor cyclist on the leg, and kidnapped him along with the three people in the vehicle they double-crossed.

According to ASP Henry Okoye, Command Spokesperson, in a statement he signed on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police, on Thursday, 12th September, the operation, in collaboration with the Military, is “aimed at eradicating kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes affecting some parts of Owerri West LGA including Obinze, Ihiagwa, Avu, and Federal University of Technology (FUTO) areas in Owerri, as well as neighboring regions.”

The operation, the press release said, “underscores the determination of both agencies to restore safety and security to all Imo communities.”

He further said that by “pooling their expertise and resources, the police and military are committed to dismantling criminal syndicates and bringing perpetrators to justice.”

Okoye: “The deployment of a specialized team of highly trained personnel is

designed to neutralize the threats posed by criminal elements and to ensure that educational institutions, including FUTO, remain secure environments conducive to learning.

“Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has called for the full cooperation of the public.

“Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station or via the dedicated hotline at 08034773600.

“The joint Forces remain resolute in their mission to uphold law and order.

“Updates on the operation’s progress will be provided as developments occur”, ASP Okoye said.

Peter Obi Sympathizes With Victims Of Abagana Market Fatal Accident, Wants FRSC To Be Strict On Safety Measures

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 12, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 elections ,Peter Obi on Thursday September 12, 2024 identified with the families, relations and friends of victims of Wednesday’s Abagana Market fatal accident.

The Source reports that a Sienna Toyota vehicle driver reportedly lost control due to some mechanical faults, before ramming the vehicle into the crowded Oye-Agu Abagana Market, Njikoka Local Council of Anambra State.

No fewer than three persons were killed ,while several others ,mostly roadside traders/market users sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Goods worth several millions of Naira were also lost during the incident.

Reacting to the unfortunate incident on his official site on Thursday, Obi a former Governor of Anambra state, called on the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to be resolute in its enforcement of road safety measures.

This, he said, the Commission can do by way of ensuring that all road users adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations.

Obi, while condoling with the families, relations and friends of those who lost their lives in the fatal accident, also, prayed for the quick recovery of the injured ones .

He expressed sadness over the unfortunate development, that also led to the destruction of many goods at the market.

“Iam disheartened by the sad news reports of a fatal road accident which .occurred at a local market in the Abagana Community where some lives were lost and others injured” Obi wrote.

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