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Obi Condemns Canadian-Based Woman For Saying Yoruba, Benin People Should Be Poisoned

August 30, 2024

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has described the threat made by a Canada-based woman, Amaka Sunnberger, against the Yoruba and Benin as highly condemnable.

The former presidential candidate issued the condemnation on his X handle on Friday.

The diaspora woman had in a TikTok video clip said Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent should be poisoned wherever they live by Igbo people.

She said her comment was based on the ‘hate’ against her people by other Nigerians.

Speaking in Pidgin English Sunnberger said “Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one.

“I want make Ndi Igbo get that heart of wickedness. Una too dey quiet.

“Enough is enough! If you have any means of kpaing them, kpai them commot for road.”

The comment has been widely criticised world over, particularly by Nigerians who described it as dangerous capable of turning other Nigerians, against Igbo across the world.

For instance, the Igbo social-cultural organisation had in a statement described the woman as a ‘dangerous psychopath’ urging well meaning Nigerians to ignore her.

Reacting, Obi, in a series of posts shared on his X handle this morning, said the comment is capable of polarising the country the more. Sunnberger’s behavior, he said, has no place in a decent society.

He called on Nigerians of all ethnic backgrounds to come together to build a strong and virile nation, adding that division cannot take the country anywhere.

Obi, “utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a Nigerian woman living in Canada against other Nigerians of diverse origins. Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society.

“As Nigerians, we should unite and focus on addressing our shared challenges rather than allowing tribalism and hate to tear us apart. I have consistently stood against the polarisation of our country along tribal, religious or political lines.

“What does a nation achieve through tribal or religious bigotry? Does it contribute positively to development by fixing our numerous health and education challenges and pulling people out of poverty? Does it reduce the price of bread, rice, garri, or yam on the market?

“Does it improve our transportation system or enhance the electricity supply? Does it ensure good governance? The answer is a resounding NO!! Our priority should be to move Nigeria forward, regardless of tribe or religion.

“We, as Nigerians, must live together in peace and love, and ensure that we enthrone leaders based on integrity, competence, consistency, capacity, character and compassion, so as to overcome our present challenges and move the country forward in the right direction,” the former Anambra state governor said.

Meanwhile, Sunnberger had in a reaction to Nigerians’ demand for her to be prosecuted by the Canadian government, remains defiant saying she cannot be deported.

Unprotected Sex Among Teenagers Surges, Says WHO

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 30, 2024

The World Health Organisation, WHO, has raised alarm over the surge in unprotected sex among teenagers in the country lamenting the serious risks involved.

The world body blamed the problem on the significant decline in condom use among sexually active adolescents since 2014, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

In a statement released on Thursday, the WHO’s Regional Office for Europe highlighted a troubling trend revealed by a new report, which showed a decrease in condom use among young people.

The report warns that this decline is putting adolescents at greater risk of sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, and unplanned pregnancies.

According to the reports, the findings is based on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, surveyed over 242,000 15-year-olds across 42 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada between 2014 and 2022.

The data indicates a widespread reduction in condom use, with the proportion of sexually active boys using a condom during their last intercourse dropping from 70 per cent to 61 per cent, and from 63 per cent to 57 per cent among girls during the same period.

Furthermore, nearly a third of adolescents reported using neither a condom nor the contraceptive pill during their last intercourse, with socioeconomic disparities also playing a role.

Adolescents from low-income families were more likely to report not using protection compared to those from more affluent backgrounds.

Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said youths must be equipped with necessary knowledge to make informed decision concerning their sexual choices, blaming the decline in condom use to a lack of comprehensive sex education.

We Are On Course To End Terrorism, Banditry- Army Chief

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 30, 2024

Amidst worrying state of insecurity in the country, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja,has assured Nigerians that the situation will soon be a thing of the past.

The Nigerian Army boss made the remark on Thursday in Akwa Ibom state during the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference 2024.

“I assure Nigerians of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to continue to collaborate with its sister services and other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property across the country. I encourage law-abiding Nigerians to continue to support the government and the security forces in their efforts to make our country safe and prosperous,” Lagbaja said.

The COAS remark comes on the heels of serious insecurity resulting from the activities of Boko Haram, bandits in the country.

Two weeks ago, a traditional ruler was killed in Sokoto state because his family could not pay the N1 billion demanded by his abductors.

Not a few Nigerians say they are worried that the northern part of the country has witnessed an upsurge of banditry and terrorism in recent months, while the southern part of the country is plague by the clash between farmers and Fulani herdsmen.

The Army chief however insists that the situation will soon be brought under control, saying the military and other security agencies are on top of the problem.

For instance, the Army boss stated that 1,166 terrorists were neutratlised this month, an indication that security forces are making progress in their plans to defeat terrorism.

Lagbaja solicits the support of Nigerians for security agencies to ensure that the enemies of the country are defeated, describing the task of totaling eliminating bandits and terrorists as ‘daunting’ but ‘surmountable’.

N70,000 Minimum Wage: We have Not Decided Yet – Yobe Govt

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Yobe State Government on Thursday, August 29, 2024, flatly rejected the news making the round that it has finalized plans to start implementing the N70,000 minimum wage recently approved by the Federal Government.

The Source reports that after a protracted negotiation and intense horse-trading, the leadership of the organized labour and Federal Government settled for a N70,000 minimum wage for Nigeria’s workforce, a couple of months ago.

But most State Governments have insisted that they will not be able to pay the agreed sum.

Instead, they have opted for a further downward negotiated amount in agreement with their financial capacities.

A statement issued by the Governor’s Media Aide, Mamman Mohammed, said the Yobe state authorities have not arrived at a conclusion over the new wage .

He noted that the issue is still under consideration, with a firm promise that a formal pronouncement will be made once the modalities are in place.

“The Yobe State Government has become aware of a duplicitous social media post falsely claiming that a new minimum wage has been approved.

“We have not issued any official communication concerning this matter and will ensure that relevant updates are shared as soon as they are finalized”, part of the statement reads .

Governor Mai Mala Buni’s Spokesperson, therefore, called on the public to disregard the information regarding the minimum wage payments as recently published by some social media outlets.

Enugu Local Government Polls: Ganduje, APC National Chairman, Issues Warning TO ENSIEC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has insisted that the Ugochukwu Agballah-led State Working Committee, SWC, remains the authentic and recognized leadership of the party in Enugu State.

This is just as he warned the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, ENSIEC, to henceforth refrain from any dealings with impostors in the name of the APC.

He, also, warned that any further dealings with some faceless entities, masquerading as officials of the party will attract a legal challenge.

The Source reports that the Enugu APC has been embroiled in a smearing leadership tussle in the last few weeks.

On Friday, August 9, 2024, a faction of the party led by Nwafor Onyeacholam had obtained an order from an Enugu High Court restraining the Agballah-led SWC from parading itself as such.

The restraining order issued by Justice CVC Ezeugwu, also, bars Agballah and other officials from accessing the party offices and assets, including bank accounts.

It, similarly, restrained relevant authorities, including electoral bodies from dealing with the Agballah- leadership on behalf of the APC.

Before then, the Onyeacholam group had slammed an indefinite suspension order on the same Agballah-led SWC citing alleged abuse of office and highhandedness as reasons.

But the Embattled Agballah, at once, dismissed the suspension and restraining orders as the handiwork of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP-led administration in Enugu State.

At an enlarged stakeholders meeting last week featuring major chieftains, including Federal Government functionaries from the State, the Agballahi-led leadership slammed a suspension order on no fewer than 20 members of the Onyeacholam faction, insisting that they are moles planted by the Governor Peter Mba-PDP administration to destabilize the party in the State .

Agballah noted that the constitution of the APC does not allow members to resort to legal actions, without first exploring all the internal dispute resolution mechanism .

Ganduje’s cautionary note to ANSIEC is coming on the heels of the forthcoming Enugu State Local Council Polls in which the APC has signaled intentions to participate.

But the ANSIEC appears not to be ready to do business with the Agballah-led leadership, preferring, instead, to deal with the Onyeacholam faction in deference to the earlier Court injunction slammed on Agballah-led SWC .

The APC National Chairman in an official letter dated August, 26, 2024, and addressed to the State Electoral Body noted that the Party will no longer tolerate a situation whereby the ANSIEC will continue to be dealing with unknown persons in connection with the schedule local council election.

He described the actions of the Enugu State electoral umpire as a deliberate ploy to undermine APC in Enugu state.

Dr Ganduje in the letter ,which he personally signed ,expressed concern that the Prof Christian Ngwu led ENSIEC could be dealing with some persons on behalf of the APC without due diligence enquiries on and or verification of the identities of those it is dealing with .

” Our attention has been drawn to your Commission’s meddling with ,and undue interference with the management ,Control, and Administration of the All Progressive Congress as a political party especially in Enugu state by Commission’s recognition and acceptance of a group of faceless who are unknown to the party as the authorized officers of the All Progressive Congress in Enugu state in violation of the Constitution of APC and the extant laws of Nigeria .

You Commission has on its own accord , chosen to engage with this group of faceless people who were neither elected officers of the party nor accredited Representatives of the party for the purposes of the conduct of the October 5 ,2024 ,Local Government Elections in Enugu state ..

We state that the actions of your Commission violates the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ,and the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 under which the All Progressive Congress was lawfully registered.

Kindly be informed that Hon Ugochukwu Agballah is the duly elected and recognized State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Enugu State and is the only Officer authorized by our Party to submit names for the Chairmanship and Councilorship election that would be conducted by your electoral commission” part of the letter reads .

The APC National Chairman noted that should the ENSIEC continue to ignore the official position of the party, it will be left with no other option than to resort to legal remedies .

Prince Akinloye’s Gruesome Murder: Rights Group Urges Sanwo-Olu, IGP To Wade Into

Akinwale Kasali

August 29, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Tears rolled down freely on the cheeks of hundreds of sympathizers who besieged Ikoyi Cemetery to witness the internment of Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye.

The Prince was gruesomely murdered on Monday, August 26, 2024, along Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos.

He was driving home in his Toyota car when he was double-crossed by the assailants who first shot him, and finally used machetes to butcher him.

Ademola was the son of His Royal Highness, Oba Tijani Akinloye, Sateru II, the King of Ojomu, in Ajiran Town in Eti Osa Local Government.

This development has prompted a Civil Society Group, Centre for Human and Socio Economic Rights, CHSR, to call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State and the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, to Wade in and investigate the gruesome murder of Ademola.

In a statement, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, President of the CSO, stated that the deceased was double-crossed by assailants who, first, shot him, and finally macheted him to death.

He added that while the motive of the assailants could only be ascertained after thorough Police investigation, it imperative to emphasise that the manner of his death follows the same pattern of the gruesome murder of Sheriff Ishola Salami at Moba town adjacent Ajiran Town on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

“It should be in public interest for the police to prioritise the investigation of the assassination of Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye and the earlier incident involving Mr. Sheriff Ishol Salami to ascertain the immediate and remote causes considering concerns and fears elicited amongst the native inhabitants and cross sections of residents of Ojomu community of Ajiran land, Lagos.

“It must be reiterated that the killers of Mr. Sherrif Ishola Salami are yet to be investigated, apprehended and brought to book, 16 months after the incident. In spite of the efforts by the family, the leadership of Ojomu community and our organisation to get the Police to conduct investigation and unearth the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the assassination, there has been deliberate attempt by the Police authorities in Lagos to cover up.

“It would, however, be recalled that we had, in our previous press briefings on the death of Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami, alerted the police and the Lagos State Government of the grave implications of allowing murderers escape justice through mute indifference or complicity by inactions and deliberate equivocation”.

He further stressed that with the indifference approach of the Lagos State Government and the Police, murderers are encouraged and emboldened by the failure of the State to ensure that victims get justice.

“We are, therefore, compelled to ask: What Is the Police and the Lagos State Government upto this time around?

“The assassination of Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye should, no doubt, be deemed callous, wanton and unacceptable in a sane society under the rule of law. We, therefore, wish to again reassert our earlier position that no citizen should be allowed to suffer double jeopardy as victim of senseless killings by a group of individuals who consider themselves untouchable or too connected to be apprehended and brought to book by the law enforcement agencies.

“We, therefore, demand prompt and transparent investigations into the assassination of Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye. Its high time the police let Nigerians know why it has not investigated the murder of Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami sixteen months after the incident.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. kayode Egbetokun and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to openly condemn the assassination of Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye and to order full investigation to be conducted by officers of high integrity that would not be compromised.

“We wish to maintain that only unbiased and transparent investigation can unravel the killers of Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye and those connected with the assassination of Mr. Sherrif Ishola Salami”.

The Group called on the media to join forces with it and other public-spirited individuals as well as groups to demand full investigations into the murders of two sons of Ojomu communities in Lagos.

“We value your attention and continued support in defence of rule of law in the collective interest of our shared humanity”.

In the same vein, Dayo Joshua, a friend of the deceased appealed to the LASG and the Police to up the ante by bringing the murderers of Ademola to book, stressing that the issue must not be swept under the carpet.

“This is disheartening, how a loving, gentle and spirited person like Ademola will be murdered gruesomely in broad day light. Ademola is a farmer who has a PhD in Agriculture and is so diligent in what he does.

“The motive behind his killing is unknown, because he has been a blessing to the community. When Eggs is being sold for N5000, Ademola will sell his own Eggs for N2700.

“The killers of Ademola must be made to face justice. Today it Is Ademola, yesterday it was Sheriff, who is next?,” Joshua queried.

FG To Striking Doctors: Be Ready To Lose Your Pay

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 29, 2024

The Federal Government says striking doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Residents Doctors, NARD should be prepared to lose their pay.

NARD, the magazine reports, is currently on a 7-day strike to demand the release of one of their members, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola who was kidnapped last December in Kaduna state by bandits.

She has spent eight months in the den of kidnappers who are demanding a N60 million ransom.

As the resident doctors continue to shun their work, activities in the nation’s hospitals and other health facilities have been paralysed as Nigerians in need of care are now being forced to seek help in private hospitals.

The striking doctors have insisted that they will embark on an indefinite strike at the expiration of the ongoing one, if Dr Popoola is not released from her abductors.

They had earlier embarked on a protest last week to press home their demand for the abducted doctor to be freed so she can return to the waiting arms of his family loved ones.

Reacting, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said in a statement on Thursday that it will apply no work no pay policy on the striking medical doctors.

The statement was signed by Ado bako, an Assistant Director on Information and Public Relations in the ministry.

According to the ministry, the Resident Doctors failed to negotiate with the government in its quest to bring harmony to the health sector, saying the federal government is doing everything in its capacity to ensure the safety of health workers in the country.

The ministry stated that security agencies in the country have been coordinating with the National Security adviser, NSA, to ensure the safe return of Dr Popoola, adding that very soon their efforts will yield positive results.

The statement read, “Over the past months, the ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, have been working tirelessly to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr Ganiyat Popoola. High-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway and we remain confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.

“The ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike action, in the midst of these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable. We believe that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues.

“In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to bring to the notice of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), that in line with extant labour laws, the Federal Government will evoke the “No Work, No Pay” for the number of days the strike was observed.

“This measure is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of our medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.”

The ministry, however, urged the doctors to return to the negotiation table to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector.

“As always, the ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution,” the statement said.

NARD had claimed that medical doctors in the country have become endangered species due to their constant abduction by kidnappers who abduct them for ransom. The association said over 32 medical doctors are currently in the den of kidnappers across the country with no hope of their safe return.

Police Kicks As Soldier Guns Down DPO In Zamfara, Demands Justice

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The well known spirit of camaraderie between the Army and Police is under serious threat in Zamfara State.

This followed the alleged gunning down of a Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at a military checkpoint by a soldier on Wednesday.

The officer, Haliru Liman, was said to be on his way to Kebbi State for a monthly Conference when the incident occurred.

A statement issued on Thursday August 29, 2024, by the Zamfara State Police Command Spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed that the DPO died of gunshot injuries after being fired at by the said soldier.

According to the Police statement, the DPO was on his to a meeting in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Capital before tragedy struck.

The incident, according to the Police Spokesman, occurred in Danmarke area in Bukkuyum local Council of Zamfara state.

The military personnel allegedly involved in the tragic incident, is attached to the Operation Dadarin Daji, tasked with the job of combating banditry activities in the state.

The Source reports that Zamfara state ,as lately attested to by Governor Dauda Lawal has been one of the epicenters of banditry and other associated criminal activities in the North West region

Abubakar noted that the DPO was still gunned down despite identifying himself.

According to him, the Zamfara State Police Authorities are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the unfortunate incident, with a view to unraveling the true circumstances surrounding it.

The Zamfara Police Command is also demanding that all those found culpable be brought to justice.

“On August 28, 2024, at approximately 1030 hours, the DPO, SP Liman, was brutally murdered by military personnel led by one Has San attached to OPHD sector 6 ,Dan’marke area of Bukkuyum Zamfara state.

“The circumstances surrounding this heinous crime are alarming and unacceptable. SP Liman was on his way to attend a monthly Conference in Birnin Kebbi, and was stopped by military personnel despite identifying himself as a police officer.

“In a shocking display of aggression Hassan pointed his gun at SP Liman and shot him in the head, resulting in his instant death .

“We condemn this unprovoked attack in the strongest possible terms and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“The military actions are a clear violation of the rules of engagement and the principles of inter-agency cooperation .

“We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this egregious incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” part of the police statement reads.

We Can No Longer Afford Fish, Meat For Our Families

James Orji

August 29, 2024

Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani

Kaduna residents have cried out over their incapacity to feed their families due to the economic hardship in the country.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the residents of the state lamented what their families are currently going through as a result of the high cost living.

In separate interviews, some residents said they reduced their feeding routines due to the country’s prevailing economic recession.

Fatima Idris said she cooked only breakfast and dinner.

“My husband is a monthly earner with less than N100,000 salary. A few years ago, he used to buy rice, beans, noodles and spaghetti for the family, but now he can’t afford them. That is why he asked me to manage the little he can afford with the kids and be eating only twice a day; nowadays, we don’t even give food to our visitors,” she said.

Muhammed Bello embarked on a two-day voluntary fast to gain spiritual reward and reduce feeding costs. He explained that he drinks water with some dates at dawn and breaks his fast in the evening with a balanced diet to nourish his body.

Another resident, Adamu Mairiga, a civil servant, stated that he tries to provide his family with three square meals by sacrificing some of his needs.

”They will eat food, but I don’t buy meat or fish because I feel those are luxuries for now, and I can’t afford them. I do ensure I buy them eggs once a month.

“The situation we are in this country, family men are really facing hard time; from food to school fees and rent, we are just living by the special grace of God,” he said.

Recall that a hoards of Nigerians embarked on a 10-day protests to demand solutions to the current economic hardship in the country due to the high cost of basic food commodities. The protests tagged #Endbadgovernance took place between August 1-10.

I Am Ready To Die For The Struggle, Ajaero Declares After Honouring Police Invitation

James Orji

August 29, 2024

The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, has declared that nothing will deter him from defending the Nigerian workers.

Ajaero made the declaration after honouring the invitation from the Nigerian Police Force, NPF.

The NLC president honoured the Police invitation earlier today following which he returned to the Pascal Bafyau House, the headquarters of the NLC in Abuja.

He was accompanied to the Force headquarters by his lawyers, including Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN where he submitted a statement to the police.

The magazine reported that Ajaero’s lawyer had written the police last week asking for more time after the Police invited the NLC leader for an interrogation, on terrorism related allegations on August 20.

Addressing a crowd of labour members who gathered at the NLC headquarters to welcome him after honouring the police invitation today, Ajaero said his resolve to advance the cause of the Nigerian worker remains strong and unshakable.

He said, “The labour movement is worth dying for because of the patriotism and commitment. Labour movement is one of the biggest pan Nigeria organisations, our patriotism from the days of colonial government to even the period of the military is unshakable.

“We are more patriotic than any other institution you can think of in this country and we are going to continue to be that. We have gone there and we are back, I just want to confirm to you that as a citizen we have gone there and we are back here.”

Ahead of his appointment with the police today, the leadership of the NLC has put all its affiliates nationwide on stand-by to embark on an indefinite strike if Ajaero was detained by the police.

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