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Chinese Firm Releases Presidential Jet For Tinubu’s Trip To France ‘As A Gesture Of Goodwill’

August 16, 2024

Chinese Company has released one of the three Presidential Aircrafts confiscated over contractual dispute with the Ogun state government.

The three aircrafts, the magazine reported , were seized based on the order of a court in Paris, France after the Nigerian government failed to pay the $60 million judgment sum arising from a disputed contract between a Chinese firm, Zhongshan and the Ogun state government.

The Nigerian Presidency on Wednesday accused the Chinese company of fraudulent plot to seize Nigerians assets abroad.

Zhonshan is trying “to take over offshore assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria through subterfuge,” Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.

However, in a statement released on Friday, the Chinese firm said it has agreed to release one of the presidential jets for President Tinubu to travel to France, next week where the Nigerian leader is expected to meet France President, Emmanuel Macron.

The Chinese firm said one of the confiscated three Presidential Jets has been released for Tinubu’s France trip as a ‘Gesture Of Goodwill’.

The company said it decided to release the aircraft because of the importance of Tinubu’s meeting with Macron.

The Chinese firm said, “Zhongshan has consistently sought to act reasonably and fairly in the course of a legal dispute with Nigeria which was not of its making.

“It has now been made aware that an Airbus A330, currently detained in France as a result of a French court order obtained by Zhongshan, is needed for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to travel to a scheduled meeting with President Macron of France early next week.

“As a gesture of goodwill, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure of that aircraft immediately. This will allow it to be used for the President’s trip.”

Meanwhile, a United state court on Friday rejected Nigeria’s plea for an interlocutory injunction over the seized presidential jets on the basis that the aircratfs are diplomatic assets that cannot be confiscated.

The court threw away the prayer, saying it was wrong for the Nigerian government to breach the terms of the contract agreement.

Alleged Diversion Of Federal Government Palliatives: Court Restrains EFCC, Police From Arresting Gov Yusuf’s Top Aide

The Source

August 16, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Embattled Chief of Staff to the Kano State Governor, Shehu Wada Sagagi, has taken legal steps to forestall his arrest by anti-corruption agencies.

A Kano State High Court court, presided over by Justice Aisha Yau, has granted an interim junction to restrain the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, the Police and other Security Agencies from intimidating, harassing and/or arresting the all-powerful Governor Abba Yusuf’s Chief of Staff, pending the hearing and determination of a motion before it.

The Source reports that of recent, allegations of official compromise have been trailing Sagagi, over several tranches of palliatives advanced to Kano state by the Federal Government.

The Kano state chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, had, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, called for an independent investigation into how the Federal Government branded rice and other food items were allegedly diverted by some Kano State Government top functionaries .

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the APC specifically alleged that a substantial part of the Federal Government’s rice were spotted at an Islamiyya school owned by the Governor’s chief of staff.

The APC Chairman said the party is disturbed by the growing public outcry alleging massive and recurring diversions of empowerment items by some officials of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP-led administration in the State

The Party threatened legal action in the event an inquest is not carried out to determine those behind the diversion of palliatives.

“These recurring negative events have asserted the NNPP’s Government failure to take necessary actions against its officials found to be involved in the diversion of the palliatives.

“It then might be interpreted as acts being perpetrated with its tacit support. It is unfortunate that last week hundreds of bags of rice branded ” Federal Government Food Security Programme ” were discovered at a private school ( Wada Sagagi Islamic School) owned by the Chief of staff to the Governor ,Shehu Wada Sagagi .

“No convincing argument was put forward by Sagagi as to how the bags of rice which form part of the grains donated to the Kano state Government to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal among the poor and vulnerable residents were found in his private residence turned Islamiyya school” the APC stated.

But Sagagi, who had earlier dismissed the allegations as false and aimed at tarnishing his image by detractors, particularly the opposition, in a motion ex-parte prayed the court to stop any move by the EFCC and security agencies from inviting, questioning, arresting and/or harassing him until the hearing and determination of his motion on notice.

Justice Yau, while ruling on the ex-parte motion on Thursday August 15, said: “An interim injunction is granted restraining the respondents, particularly the EFCC and Commissioner of police by themselves, servants, agents ,privies ,or whosoever and howsoever deriving authority from them from arresting, harassing, molesting and/or detaining the applicant pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice ”

Hearing on the substantive suit has been billed for September, 3, 2024 .

The Source further reports that the Governor’s Chief of Staff was forced to seek the sanctuary of the court. following a formal petition letter forwarded to the EFCC by the Youth Wing of the APC.

In the petition , the APC Youth Wing had pointedly accused Sagagi of being at the head of a Kano State Government cartel behind the diversion of Federal Government palliatives.

“It’s Fake News, I Have Not Been Appointed UNN’s Acting Vice Chancellor”

Adesina Soyooye

August 16, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

Professor Polycap Emeka Chigbu has cut short the joy and celebration of not a few people.

A couple of days ago, the Social Media was agog with the news that Chigbu, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, has been appointed the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University by the University’s Council. Celebration by his friends and admirers followed.

But the Mbaise, Imo State-born Academic says it is all fake news from which he has distanced himself in a personally signed statement.

He disclosed that the truth is that five Professors, apparently, including himself, have been shortlisted and forwarded to the University’s Council, and the process of choosing one out of the five in progress, and yet to be concluded.

Chigbu’s statement reads: “It has come to my attention that reports are circulating online claiming that I have been elected as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I wish to categorically state that no such appointment has been made. I have not been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor, and any reports suggesting otherwise are both false and unsubstantiated.

“The process to elect an Acting Vice Chancellor remains ongoing and has not yet reached a conclusion. On August 12, 2024, the Senate conducted elections among nine candidates, from which five professors were selected and their names forwarded to the University Governing Council for further consideration and vetting. Subsequently, the Governing Council will choose one of these five candidates to serve as the Acting Vice Chancellor. Therefore, any news circulating in the media is incorrect and lacks any basis.”

A couple of months ago, a former Governor of Enugu State, who was also the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Joe Nwodo, shocked not a few people when, in a Media interview, he canvassed that the next Vice Chancellor of UNN must be a native of Nsukka, the host Community of the University.

Dr Nwodo is an Nsukka indigene.

Mpox Spreads, Rises To 39 In Nigeria, Bayelsa State Records Highest Cases

Akinwale Kasali

August 16, 2024

Dr Jide Idris — Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the outbreak of Mpox less than 48 hours after World Health Organization, WHO, announced its spread, through its public health emergency of international concern, the Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria has recorder total number of 39 confirmed cases.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) stressed that no death has been recorded across the country.

The Mpox outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing held in Abuja.

“In Nigeria, cumulatively, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 States and the FCT, from the beginning of the year 2024. Bayelsa (16), Cross River (5), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) leading the pack.

“Noting the significant concern of the ease of cross-border transmission, this press conference is part of the effort to intensify our coordination and communication with stakeholders to manage the spread of the virus and prevent disease importation,” Idris said.

However, the NCDC said that so far, no death has been recorded from the disease already confirmed in 33 States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Idris named Bayelsa as leading the 33 states with five confirmed cases, while Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states all trailed behind with four confirmed cases.

Idris said: “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has been closely monitoring several endemic diseases including mPox which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International / Continental Concern (PHEIC / PHECC) by both the WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACDC.

“In Nigeria, cumulatively, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 States + FCT, from the beginning of the year 2024. Bayelsa (5),Cross River (4), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) leading the pack.

”Noting the significant concern of the ease of cross-border transmission, this press conference is part of the effort to intensify our coordination and communication with stakeholders to manage the spread of the virus and prevent disease importation.”

He also said that so far, about 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths across 13 African countries had been reported in 2024 alone.

According to him, this alarming increase is linked to a new strain of the Mpox virus which emerged in Eastern Congo and has since been detected in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

He said the National Mpox Technical Working Group, TWG, a multi-sectoral body housed within the NCDC, would continue to coordinate Mpox’ response activities.

”As part of the Government’s ongoing efforts, we have intensified surveillance across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases.

“Thus putting all port health services across all five international airports, ten seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders on high alert.

“Diagnostic protocols according to the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Control, IDSR are now distributed to these locations and port health officers are on high alert and screening for suspected cases.

“Some States have, also, been put on high alert including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba. We are also conducting contact tracing and monitoring for confirmed cases to prevent further spread.

“This will now also include declaration by travellers who have been to any of the countries where there is an ongoing outbreak of MPX in the last 90 days.

“Additionally, we continue to provide healthcare workers and the public with updated guidance on infection prevention and control measures and train SURGE staff as part of our preparedness and readiness for an MPX public health event.

”The NCDC is also notifying public and private hospitals about the MPX alert and sending a list of referral isolation/treatment centers across the 6 geopolitical zones and reference laboratory networks which includes NRL, CPHL, NIMR, LUTH, ACEGID, UNTH, UPTH.

“We are also considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, as Nigeria expects to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.

“The Technical Working Group ,TWG remains committed to providing evidence-based guidance to inform the country’s next steps in safeguarding the health of Nigerians at national, state, and local government levels,” he said further.

Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (i.e., disease of animals transmitted from animals to humans) that is endemic in several African countries including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. The exact reservoir of the virus is still unknown, although rodents, squirrels,s and monkeys are suspected to play a part in transmission.

Breaking: Anambra Comm., Wife Kidnapped In Kogi On Their Way To Attend Soludo Daughter’s Wedding

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 16, 2024

Soludo Daughter Wedding — Soludo's Daughter Wedding

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Anambra state, Patrick Agha Mba, and his wife have been kidnapped in Kogi state.

They were on their way to Abuja to attend the wedding of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s daughter, Adaora when the incident happened, according to sources.

Confirming the incident, the Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Christian Aburime, said security forces were already on the trail of the kidnappers.
Recall that thee governor’s daughter had her traditional wedding last week in Isuofia, Aguata Local Council Area, and was set to tie the knot with Arinze Ibekwe, in Abuja this weekend.

More details coming………

Russian Flag: Northern Group Calls For Decisive Moves, Insists Action Undermines Nigeria’s Sovereignty

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 16, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Civil Society Group, Katsina Concerned Citizens for Good Governance KCCGG, has deplored all forms of covert and overt interference in the internal affairs of Nigeria, by foreign countries.

It, therefore, urged the Federal Government to halt such meddlesomeness, as it intends to undermine the country’s interests in all ramifications.

Comrade Yakubu Mohammed, the KCCGG Chairman, in a statement issued on Friday, August 16, 2024, noted that recent developments in the country, particularly, during and after the nationwide protest, pose a serious threat to Nigeria as a nation.

The Source reports that during the recent #EndBadGovernance protest, some protesters were openly displaying the Russian national flag.

Some of the arrested Russian flag displayers, were found to be foreign nationals, a development that has since sparked a Diplomatic row between Nigeria and the Polish authorities.

The Federal Government and the country’s security top hierarchy have described the action of displaying foreign flags as treasonable.

The KCCGG said such incidents as recorded during the nationwide protest clearly threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

According to the group, sovereignty is not just a mere theoretical contraption, but represents a critical foundation upon which the economic development, political stability, and social cohesion of a country are built.

The group warned that allowing such a paramount foundation to be eroded and undermined under any conceivable guise, will tantamount to irredeemably compromising the existential values of Nigeria.

The KCCGG stated that of recent, foreign interference in the domestic affairs of Nigeria has been undertaken through some covert means apart from the already known overt methods.

“Foreign Government interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs manifests in various ways, but the primary aim is destabilize the country’s political landscape.

“Such actions not only erode national sovereignty, but also aggravate existing insecurity and undermine development.

“The recent developments in the country, particularly during, and after the nationwide protest, pose a serious threat to Nigeria as a nation.

“Thus, the coalition of civil society groups, under the auspices of Katsina Concerned Citizens for Good Governance expresses deep concern over recent incidents involving foreign nationals that threaten sovereignty and territorial integrity of our dear nation”

The group, therefore, called on security agencies ,and the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged involvement of some foreign nationals in the displaying Russian flags during the protest .

The KCCGG insisted that all those found to be remotely, and/or directly connected to the act should be fished out and prosecuted.

“These actions are a direct affront and threat to the peace, security and values of Nigeria which calls for a decisive response to uphold national dignity and sovereignty”, the group noted.

“My House In Maiduguri Is Better Than Tinubu’s Bourdillon House” – Vice President Shettima

The Source

August 16, 2024

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Bola Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

Also says: “Tinubu is the most demonised Politician in Nigeria”, and confirms that: “The economy that we met was in a huge mess”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that those who think the Lagos Bourdillion Residence of President Bola Tinubu is big should visit his own residence in Maiduguri.

He said that his own house is better than that of the President and, therefore, does not understand what the problem is about Tinubu’s Bourdillion Ikoyi residence.

Shettima also described President Tinubu as the most demonised politician in Nigeria but insisted that Predators Tinubu has a good soul, a capacity to pull Nigeria up, and confirmed that: “The economy that we met was in a huge mess.”

President Tinubu took over from President Muhammadu Buhari, the man, he, Tinubu, literally, installed as President, but who a number of those currently in office accuse of ruining Nigeria’s economy.

Not a few people marvel at the size and opulence of the President’s Bourdillion Ikoyi residence, but Shettima insists that Bourdillion is nothing compared to his in Maiduguri.

Shettima: “The first time I went to his (Tinubu’s) house at Bourdillion, I was looking forward to seeing a mansion comparable to Buckingham Palace, with gardens and swimming pools, but there was nothing special in that house. My house in Maiduguri is better than the house in Bourdillion.”

Shettima sought to present the other side of President Bola Tinubu at a book launch in Abuja, an event attended by Government officials and other stakeholders.

He described the President as an unassuming man who neither flaunts power nor wealth, and who is not in power to primitively accumulate wealth.

Shettima: “In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have a leader that we can invest our trust in. I am not playing politics, I’m speaking from the heart. I have seen the soul of the President, and he has a good soul.

“He means well for the nation. He wants to live in a place of glory. He is not in power to engage in primitive capital accumulation. He is in power to leave landmarks in the sands of time. He is the most demonized politician in Nigeria.”

As proof that Tinubu is not engaged in accumulation of wealth or in a show-off, Vice President Shettima revealed that since he came into contact with the President, the President has been using only one wrist watch. He also revealed that the President would rather “drink” garri and groundnuts for lunch than the sumptuous meal others would take.

Shettima: “At the formative stage of the APC, we held a meeting in his house. They served us a variety of meals, but he opted to take garri with groundnut for lunch.

“Since I have known him, he has been using only one wristwatch, and in fact, I dress better than him. He doesn’t even care. He has overcome all those odds to dress well. So, we need to rally around this poor man. He has taken some bold steps. The economy we met was in a huge mess.”

FG To Secure $500m World Bank Loan For Education, Health Sectors

James Orji

August 16, 2024

The federal government is set to secure a $500 million loan from the World Bank to address challenges in the country’s education and health sectors.

This was detailed in a recent “Program Information Document” for the appraisal stage of the Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Governance Program.

The proposed loan, part of the HOPE Governance Program, aims to tackle long-standing staffing gaps and enhance the performance management of basic education teachers and primary healthcare workers.

The document indicates that the Washington-based bank may approve the loan in September 2024.

It also noted that the country would adopt National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) to combat payroll fraud.

“This results area will incentivize (i) the enhancement of sector and workforce planning functions, (ii) the reduction of significant staffing gaps and improved deployment and management practices for basic education and primary healthcare workers, and (iii) the adoption of new or existing systems such as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) system and National Identification Number (NIN) platforms to check payroll fraud, implement biometric check-ins where available, enable community monitoring, performance bonuses, and automatic payroll deductions.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians says such loans from the Bretton Wood, United States-based global agency are usually tied to some conditions which are not beneficial to the people.

For instance, the removal of fuel subsidy and the convergence of the foreign exchanged market by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration , which have brought untold hardship to Nigerians are believed to be part of the conditions set by the Bank for Nigeria government to qualify for more loans.

GTCO Website Up Again; “We Are Happy,” Say Customers

James Orji

August 16, 2024

Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO, says attempts by some hackers to hack its website were unsuccessful.

The Holder said in a statement on Thursday concerns raised by media reports that its site has been hacked were unnecessary, and should be discarded by the public.

On Wednesday, there were apprehension among the customers and stakeholders of the financial service company after report (not The Source) claimed that the company had experienced disruptions on its internet banking services due to the alleged hacking.

The reports claimed that customers were unable to log on to their accounts to perform banking transactions.

According to the statement titled “Alleged Web Domain Hack: GTBank Provides Clarity”, which was made available to journalists yesterday, GTCO said attempts were, indeed, made to hack the company’s website, but that the hackers failed to accomplish their enterprise.

It urged “customers and stakeholders’ to remain calm as “the bank’s website has not been cloned,’ contrary to suggestions made b y some mischief individuals, adding that the company has strong security measures enough to stop hackers.

The statement said, “Our attention has been drawn to reports in the media alleging that hackers have seized the bank’s website, cloned it, and intercepted customer data.

“While there was an isolated incident of an attempt to compromise our website domain, we would like to assure all our customers and stakeholders that the bank’s website has not been cloned and that we do not store customer information on our website, and as such, there has been no instance of compromise of customer data.

“Our dedicated team of Information Security Experts is currently working round the clock to restore domain settings, and we can assure our customers that our website will be up shortly.

“We urge all our customers to please disregard the claims in these media reports and assure you of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding customer data. Thank you for your continued support,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, many customers of the bank who spoke with the magazine said the website is now up and running, saying they are happy with the development.

Senate Defends Bogus Allowances; Says Govs, Ministers Receive Big Pay

James Orji

August 16, 2024

The Nigerian Senate has reacted to the controversy sorrounding the emoluments of senators, considered by not a Nigerians to be outrageous in the face of the current economic realities in the country.

The chairman, Senate Committee on Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu said on Thursday that the issue has been overflogged, noting that senators are not different from other public officials like President, and governors who receive big pay.

He said a large part of what the lawmakers receive is used to run their offices, including salaries for their support staff and constituency allowances.

“This is not a personal allowance or salary for the legislator. These funds also support the staff of constituency offices,” Adaramodu said in a statement on Thursday.

Nigerian lawmakers in the National Assembly, comprising the Senate and House of Representatives are believed to be one of the highest paid legislators in the world.

They have come under severe scrutiny from not a few Nigerians who insist that their salaries and allowances be reduced.

The call has gained momemtum recently after former President Olusegun Obasanjo condemned the lawmakers for fixing their salaries and allowances, which he described as bogus.

Obasanjo had described the action to be ‘morally’ wrong.

Recall also that Senator Abdulrahmen Kawu Sumaila told the BBC Hausa Service that he earns a total of N21 million monthly salary and allowances, which he claimed every senators receive as running cost.

The minimum monthly wage for the Nigeria worker is N70,000.

Reacting to the controversy, Adaramodu described the issue as an “outdated claims regarding inflated salaries and allowances attributed to senators,” stressing that the expenses of the National Assembly is barely one percent of the national Budget.

“The National Assembly accounts for about 1% of the federal budget and has consistently adhered to this limit, even amidst financial constraints. The Senate remains committed to serving the nation with integrity and dedication, driven by a patriotic desire to revitalise Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric,” Adaramodu said.

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