President Buhari Chairs Council Of State Meeting, Gowon, Abdulsalami, Jonathan Present (PHOTOS)

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February 9, 2023

Abia APC Guber Candidate, Ikechi Emenike, Other Party Leaders Pay Courtesy Visit On National Chairman (Photos) — Ikechi Emenike

The Supreme Court has affirmed Ikechi Emenike as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

A five-member panel of the supreme court led by Tijani Abubakar on Thursday affirmed the judgment of the court of appeal delivered in December 2022.

The Abia APC had held parallel governorship primaries that produced Uche Ogah and Emenike as candidates of the party.

On May 26, the APC declared Emenike the winner of the governorship primary in the state.

On November 11, Binta Nyako, a federal high court judge, sacked Emenike and ordered INEC to recognise Ogah as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.

Both APC and Emenike had filed separate appeals challenging the verdict delivered by Nyako.

Dan Eke, another aspirant, also filed an appeal challenging the judgment of the trial judge that recognised Ogah’s candidacy.

In December 2022, the court of appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed Emenike as the party’s candidate.

In the unanimous verdict, Olabisi Ige, who led the appeal court panel, read out the names of the party members sent by the APC national secretariat to conduct the governorship primary that produced Emenike, affirming that the exercise was valid.

Another candidate, Dan Eke, also filed an appeal in which he contested the trial judge’s decision to recognize Ogah’s candidacy.

The court of appeal in Abuja confirmed Emenike as the party’s nominee in December 2022.

Olabisi Ige, who presided over the appeal court panel, read aloud the names of the party members appointed by the APC national headquarters to oversee the governorship primary that produced Emenike and affirmed the validity of the process in the unanimous decision.

N200/SCM Vs N1,000/Litre Petrol: Tinubu Introduces CNG As Cheaper Alternative To Petrol

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October 22, 2024

Hunger: FG Suspends Subsidized 50kg Bags Of Rice Sale To Civil Servants — President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says Nigerian motorists now have the option of buying fuel at N1,000 per litre or gas equivalent at N200 per Standard Cubic Meter.

Tinubu made this known during a meeting with executives of the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) at the State House in Abuja, on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Tinubu acknowledged NIPCO’s role as a critical player in enhancing the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel, noting that such investments align with his administration’s energy security and economic diversification strategy.

He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions for Nigerians.

However, Tinubu lauded NIPCO’s efforts in promoting and supporting the “Switch to CNG” campaign, which has been instrumental in boosting public awareness and providing affordable CNG conversion kits even before the official kickoff of the Presidential CNG Initiative.

He highlighted the significance of this initiative in reducing the nation’s reliance on petrol and cutting down fuel costs for consumers.

“Nigeria’s motorists can buy petrol at N1,000 per litre or equivalent gas per Standard Cubic Meter at N200. We have also introduced incentives for commercial motorists to convert from petrol to gas” free of cost,” Bayo Onanuga, spokesman to Tinubu quoted to have said.

He further encouraged NIPCO to continue its innovative approach to CNG expansion while supporting the government’s broader goals in the energy sector.

Abia CAN Rejects Gov. Otti’s Signpost Tax, Urges Policy Reversal

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October 22, 2024

Abia State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed strong disapproval over the state government’s policy requiring churches to pay taxes on their signposts, ABN TV reports.

In a letter addressed to Governor Dr. Alex Otti, CAN described Abia as “God’s Own State” and noted that it’s the only state in the federation imposing this tax on churches.

The letter, signed by Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, State CAN Chairman, and Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, State CAN Secretary, urged Governor Otti to reconsider this policy, citing concerns it may be perceived as anti-church. They proposed a roundtable discussion with Christian leaders to resolve the issue amicably.

The letter reads;

His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR Executive Governor, Abia State.

Sir,

TAXATION OF CHURCH SIGNPOST IN ABIA STATE.

Calvary greetings from the throne of mercy.

On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, we write to express our displeasure over the State Government’s Policy of compelling churches to be paying taxes on their signposts. As a Christian and God’s own state, it is regrettable that Abia State is the only State in the whole federation that is taxing churches on their signposts.

We therefore, passionately plead with your Excellency as a matter of urgency to carefully look into this matter and possibly rescind this policy to avoid compelling the Body of Christ in the State from seeing this regime as being anti-church.

Furthermore, Sir, Leaders of the Christian Body in the State can be invited for a round table discussion on the way forward over this very little but delicate issue.

While looking forward to your favourabe response, accept our esteemed assurances of our unalloyed support and prayers.

Yours truly,

Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma State CAN Chairman

Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere State CAN Secretary

ABN TV reports that this development comes amidst Governor Otti’s commitment to improving the lives of Abians and his vow to reverse anti-people policies. The governor has also emphasized the importance of working harmoniously with the judicial arm and ensuring responsive governance.

Lagos Teacher Arrested For Defilement Of Minor, Abortions

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October 22, 2024

Detectives from the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 42-year-old teacher, Gbolahan Osinusi, for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a student for five years right from when she was 12 years old.

The teacher was also accused of forcing the girl to perform a series of abortions after he impregnated her.

The nurse, who allegedly performed the abortion, identified as Mariam Fatolu, is now on the run.

The police in FESTAC town, Lagos, have commenced a manhunt for the fleeing nurse.

Lagos State Police spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the arrest, said a case of defilement was transferred from FESTAC police station to the gender unit of the command in Ikeja on September 30, 2024.

He said the complainant who reported the matter, alleged that one Gbolahan Osinusi, aged 42, a teacher at a school in Ketu-Epe, and also the guardian to the girl, had been having sexual intercourse with her since she was 12.

He said the suspect continued in the act till December 2023 when she turned 17 years.

He added that, “The complainant further claimed that Gbolahan forced the girl to swear an oath not to tell anyone, else she would die.

“He also took the girl to a nurse by name Mariam Fatolu for abortion drugs to be administered on her whenever she got pregnant.’’

Hundeyin further stated that the suspect had already been charged to court.

Daily Trust

Ex-Reps Member Farouk Lawan Regains Freedom After Serving Jail Term Over Bribery

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October 22, 2024

A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan has regained his freedom after serving his jail term at the Kuje Custodial Centre.

Spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS, Adamu Duza confirmed the development.

“Yes, he has been released having served his sentence”, he said on phone.

In a statement, Lawan thanked God for his release which he said marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

He said; “I Thank Almighty Allah. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life as I step out of Kuje Custodial Centre, with a heart full of gratitude to Allah SWT for seeing me through this trial.

“My gratitude is deep, I’m alive and in good health and high spirits to be with my family, friends and associates. I don’t take that for granted.

“I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends who stood by me through this particularly trying phase of my life. May Allah bless you”.

Before his predicament, Lawan, was one of the most influential lawmakers in the National Assembly and a kingmaker of some sorts as he was practically involved in the emergence of all Speakers of the House before 2015.

The former Peoples Democratic Party PDP lawmaker who was chairman of the “Integrity Group” in the House which masterminded the the impeachment of the then speaker, Patricia Etteh, was elected to the Lower Chambers four times in 1999, 2003, 2007 and again in 2011.

In the wake of fuel subsidy removal in January 2012 which kee to nationwide protests and strikes, Lawan chaired a Parliamentary inquisition into the subsidy regime which repeatedly had an estimated scam of $6.8 billion.

In February 2013, Lawan was accused of demanding $3 million from Otedola to remove Zenon from the list of oil companies allegedly involved in the petrol subsidy scam which rocked the nation some years ago.

He was later convicted for soliciting and accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.

However, it was not until June 2021 that Lawan was and sentenced to seven years in prison. The appellate court however reduced his sentence to five years, a decision which was affirmed by the Supreme Court in January 2024.

The former federal lawmaker represented the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano state in the House of Representatives.

Bobrisky Housed In ‘Privilege Cell’ – Prison Officer

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October 22, 2024

A Deputy Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Services, NCoS, Emby Anukwara, has disclosed that crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, was kept in a ‘privilege cell’ during his jail term in Kirikiri Prison.

He explained that Bobrisky was sent to the privilege cell because he was examined and found to have both male and female sex organs.

The deputy comptroller disclosed this at the correctional centre while addressing members of the House of Representatives investigative committee.

The committee had visited the facility as part of their investigative hearing into the allegations against Bobrisky.

A Lagos Court had sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison for naira mutilation.

But recordings of a conversation leaked by social media sensation, Martins Ortse aka VeryDarkMan, suggested that Bobrisky never served his jail term at Kirikiri prison as ordered by the court.

In the audio, the crossdresser said he served his jail term in a lodge due to the influence of his ‘godfather’.

However, an investigative panel has said there was no evidence that Bobrisky slept outside the prison during his six-month jail term.

However, the officer while addressing the House of Representatives committee, said: “I am Emby Anukwara, Deputy Comptroller of Corrections and officer in charge of Medium when Bobrisky was brought in here.

“On the April 12, 2024, Bobrisky was brought here at about 10:30 pm, and at about that time, we could not do the necessary documentation.

“So knowing his history as to if he’s a male or female, we decided to take a proactive action; so I directed that he should be given a single cell in the privilege ward – privilege cell.

“He was taken to P-ward room 2 where we are. The next day when we did the admission, he was taken to medicals where the doctor and matron examined him and said he had a male and female organ.”

Bobrisky Transferred To FCID Alagbon, After Failed Attempt To Flee Nigeria

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October 22, 2024

Bobrisky Transferred To FCID Alagbon, After Failed Attempt To Flee Nigeria — Bobrisky

Controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris, otherwise known as Bobrisky, is currently in detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State, where he spent the night in a cell at the police facility.

A source, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said further directives were being awaited regarding Okuneye’s case, adding that he was taken to the FCID for safekeeping following his arrest by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service during his attempt to exit the country through the Seme border.

The source said, “Bobrisky was brought to the FCID, Alagbon, around 10 p.m. on Monday. Immigration arrested him at Seme Boarder and brought him for safekeeping.

“He is in detention at the FCID, Alagbon. He was arrested on Sunday, detained overnight, and taken to the FCID, Alagbon, around 10 pm on Monday. He is still at the FCID.”

Confirming Okuneye’s detention, the spokesperson for the FCID, Lagos, Mayegun Aminat, during a conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday, said, “He is detained at FCID Alagbon. He is with us and we are to get a remand to keep him in custody today.”

ABN TV reported that the spokesperson for the NIS, Kenneth Udo, in a statement on Monday evening, described Okuneye as a person of interest over recent issues of public concern.

“In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to exit the country.

“He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the country’s borders,” Udo said.

Governor Otti Approves N70k Minimum Wage For Abia Workers

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October 22, 2024

Abia Adopts Renewable Energy For Long-Term, Reliable Power Sources. — Governor Alex Otti

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has approved the payment of N70,000 as minimum wage for Abia workers with effect from October end, ABN TV reports.

This announcement was made by Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu during a press briefing in Umuahia, highlighting Governor Otti’s empathy for workers

Kanu assured that payment will commence within days, covering all worker categories.

He said:”Payment of minimum wage will commence in the next few days. The Governor has approved that.”

This move follows Governor Otti’s promise to strengthen the administration of justice, including constructing 17 court halls across Abia’s local government areas.

Reactions to the announcement have been mixed, with some hailing the decision as a positive step for Abia workers, while others express skepticism, questioning the feasibility of implementing the new wage.

Details shortly…

Anambra Withdraws From Suit Seeking To Declare EFCC Illegal Organization

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October 22, 2024

We Are Not Recruiting – EFCC Warns Against Employment Scam — EFCC

The Anambra State Government, on Tuesday, announced its decision to withdraw from the suit that is seeking to declare the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, illegal.

The state, through its Attorney General, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, told the Supreme Court that it was no longer willing to be a part of the legal action that was originally instituted by Kogi state.

The withdrawal notice was dated October 20.

Anambra took the position on a day that Osun state, through its Attorney-General, Mr. Oluwole Bada, applied to be allowed to consolidate its grievance against the operations of the EFCC, with that of Kogi state.

Osun state told a seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, that it is seeking the same reliefs that Kogi state listed against the EFCC.

Whereas Sokoto state, which was earlier joined as a co-plaintiff in the matter, did not send any legal representative at the resumed proceeding on Tuesday, other states that announced their appearances, were; Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Oyo, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo and Bauchi.

Others were; Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo and Nasarawa.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, appeared as the sole defendant in the matter.

The AGF did not oppose Anambra state’s request to pull out of the case.

It will be recalled that 16 states of the federation had approached the Supreme Court to challenge the operations of the EFCC.

The states are contending that the anti-graft agency was not validly established by the then administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It will be recalled that the EFCC was established by an Act of the National Assembly on December 12, 2002, by Obasanjo’s administration.

Following the appointment and confirmation of its pioneer Executive Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and other administrative officers, by the Senate, the Commission commenced its operational activities on April 13, 2003, though its Establishment Act was later amended in 2004.

However, in the suit before the apex court, the states, through their respective Attorneys General, argued that section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not complied with before the EFCC began its operations.

According to the plaintiffs, it was a mandatory provision of the Constitution that majority of the Houses of Assembly of States must vote and agree to the passage of the EFCC Act, insisting that it was not something that only the National Assembly was legally allowed to do.

They told the Supreme Court that none of the states was carried along before the EFCC was established by the then President Obasanjo’s administration.

They argued that the Supreme Court had in a decided case-law in Dr. Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, held that it was a United Nation Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provision of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed.

The plaintiffs maintained that since the due process was not followed before the EFCC Establishment Act was enacted, it cannot be applicable in states that never approved of it, in accordance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

They argued that any agency that was formed as a result of the Act, ought to be regarded as an illegal institution.

The 16 states are relying on the fact that since the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is the supreme law of the land, any Act of the National Assembly that is inconsistent with the Constitution, ought to be declared a nullity.

Kogi state had specifically raised six questions for the apex court to determine, even as it sought nine principal reliefs.

It, among other things, prayed the Supreme Court for: “A declaration that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) or any agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria cannot investigate, requisition documents, invite and or arrest anyone with respect to offences arising from or touching on the administration and management of funds belonging to Kogi state of Nigeria or any Local Government Area of Kogi State.”

As well as: “A declaration that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) or any agency of the Federal Government, lacks the power to issue any directive, guideline, advisory or any instrument howsoever called for the administration and management of funds belonging to Kogi State of Nigeria or any Local Government Area of Kogi state.”

Air Peace Raises One Way Ticket From Lagos To Abuja To 200k

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October 22, 2024

UK Aviation Authority Raises Safety Violation Concern Over Air Peace

From November 1, 2024, a one-way flight ticket from Lagos to Abuja on Air Peace is to hit N200,000.

The harsh economy has been affecting the aviation business causing airlines to increase their fares amid lamentations from passengers.

This development has forced some Nigerians to abandon flights for road transport.

Checks by our correspondent on the airfares of airlines on Monday showed that Air Peace increased its fares to N200,000 from November, the highest among the domestic airlines.

While Air Peace has N200,000 and above on its website for a one-way trip between Lagos and Abuja, Aero is charging N94,000 to over N109,000; Arik Air has between N104,405 to N139,292; and Ibom Air ranges between N124,000 to over N133,000.

The high airfares have left many passengers stranded at airports in recent times, as they could not secure flights to their destinations.

The busiest routes, Lagos-Abuja and Abuja-Lagos, are more impacted as many passengers find it tough to secure seats.

An official of Air Peace who does not want her name in print confirmed the development, tying the increment to the present Nigeria’s worsening economic challenges.

“If you buy a ticket and see the breakdown, you will discover that we are bleeding as an aviation company and even the prices of running the business are almost getting out of control.

“Just as we all know, all these killing taxes go to the government, and businesses especially airlines have been left with no choice other than to do this, it is what it is.”

Also, efforts to get the Chief Operating Officer of the company, Toyin Olajide, were unfruitful as she ignored both calls and text messages of enquiry put across to her phone.

A businessman, Adeleke Aina, who told our correspondent that he has been travelling by air for years added that with the rates at which “airfares are skyrocketing by the day without any clear explanation other than economy this, economy that, I will be left with no other option than take road transport as my new meanings of movement.

“This is killing everything, fuel has turned into what it is and the Federal seems unconcerned with this abnormality. I fear for this country.”

PUNCH

IPOB Disowns Sit-At-Home Order, Urges Calm In Southeast

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October 22, 2024