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Super Eagles Will Bring AFCON 2021 Trophy Back Home – Kanu

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Former Nigerian forward, Nwankwo Kanu has reiterated that the Super Eagles are in good position to lift the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Kanu stated this after Nigeria won all their Group stages matches to qualify to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Recall that the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 1-0, Sudan 3-1 before overcoming Guinea-Bissau 2-0 on Wednesday.

READ ALSO: AFCON 2021: We’re Not Perfect – Super Eagles Captain, Troost-Ekong

Reacting, the Atlanta Olympic gold medalist, in a tweet via his Twitter handle after the game, wrote: “KAN U believe it? The #afcon group stage is over. Nigeria with the clean sheet.

“Well done super eagles. Thank you everyone for supporting. We are bringing this cup home, Trophy Believe.”

The three-time AFCON champions will be awaiting their next round of 16 opponents after the end of the Group matches today.

Nnamdi Kanu Never Denied His Membership Of IPOB, FG Lied — Barr. Ejiofor

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Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB has stated that the leader of the group, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not at any time denied his membership of the group, accusing the federal government of peddling falsehood about Nnamdi Kanu.

He was responding to the claim on Wednesday by Barr. S.M. Labaran Esq., who stood in for the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation in the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu that the IPOB leader denied his membership of the group.

He described the claim as deliberate misrepresentation/falsehood and wrong narratives which he decries is gradually gaining prominence on social media platforms and print media.

In a release on Thursday made available to ABN TV, Barr. Ejiofor said Nnamdi Kanu only denied that IPOB is not a terrorist group, stating that being the leader of such group is an offence.

He said, “S.M. Labaran Esq., who stood in yesterday for the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation is a colleague I hold in high esteem, but I shall resist every mischievous ploy being adopted to misinform the unsuspecting members of the public who were not privy to the details of the proceedings in court yesterday, with a wrong and mischievous interpretation of the purport of the Plea taken by our indefatigable Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

READ ALSO: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Denied Being An IPOB Member, FG’s Lawyer Says

“For the records, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu never denied being the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) while taking his plea, but only STOUTLY DENIED THE FACT THAT IPOB IS A TERRORIST ORGANISATION AND THAT BEING ITS LEADER IS AN OFFENCE, which position is well informed.”

Barr. Ejiofor, therefore, called on members of the public to ignore the narrative that Nnamdi Kanu denied his membership of IPOB, noting that what he called black market order proscribing IPOB is a subject of Appeal in Appeal Number: APPEAL NO. CA/A/214/2018, pending before the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

“That being said, it is only laughable that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in their desperate but futile attempt to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it, brought a charge bordering on the status of IPOB, a subject matter of a competent Appeal, where issues has been joined with the same FGN.

“Therefore, be properly guided UmuChineke, because we have sufficiently addressed the emptiness of that count and entire charge in our compelling Submissions before the Court, now adjourned to be heard on the 16th day of February, 2022.

“We do not wish to dwell further on this subject, but be rightly informed that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu never denied being the Leader of IPOB while taking his Plea yesterday” he added.

Corps Member Absconds After Defiling 12-Year-Old Pupil

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A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member attached to the Asamabiri Community Primary School in Asamabiri community of Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Jonathan Ogbe, has abandoned his one-year compulsory national service over his alleged involvement in the defilement of a 12-years-old pupil.

According to findings, Jonathan Ogbe, aged 31 years, an indigene of Kogi State and has one Victor Iko-Ojo Achema as his next of kin, with NYSC call up number NYSC/ABU/2020/113131, has since refused to pick up his discharge certificate to avoid being arrested and handed over to the Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Furthermore, sources hinted that the incident which occurred about September 2021, is said to be currently provoking members of Civil Society Organization (CSO) groups, gender-based advocacy groups and indigenes of the community over delays in prosecuting the alleged suspect.

Even though the NYSC and Nigerian Police are being accused of foot-dragging on the case, the NYSC through its State Public Relations Officer, Mathew Ngobua, denied the claim and confirmed that the accused corps member have absconded.

He said “the accused has abandoned service and all his numbers and that of his next of kin are not reachable. He has not even picked up his discharge certificate for service.”

Ngobua also noted that the disappearance of the accused corps member was noticed when the usual practice of the NYSC disciplinary measure of inviting accused member to camp, de-kit him or her and hand him to the police for investigation, ”we discovered that he has abandoned service,” he said.

According to the father of the victim, Nelson Gbaranbiri, his wife brought his attention to some strange discharge found in the panties of his 12-years-old daughter while doing her laundry.

Read Also: Two Plots Of Land Cannot Contain Me, My Cars, Entourage – Pastor David Ibiyeomie

“My wife brought my attention to the stains and discharges she usually finds in the panties of my daughter. When I asked about what happened to her private part, she told me that ‘uncle’ will beat her.”

In the petition forwarded to the State Police Commissioner and dated 3rd​ of September, 2021, the counsel to the victim’s family, A.O. Aniso Esq, stated “When the accused corps member was confronted with the victim’s claim, he admitted being responsible and pleaded for forgiveness.

“And seeing that the minor was physically distressed and needed medical attention, the parents took her to the community medical centre and their worst fears were confirmed.

“After the medical confirmation, the family again confronted the corps member of his wrongdoing and he apologize profusely even offering N50, 000 to cover medical treatment. This is a criminal act and he has brought great shame to my client’s family.”

Also reacting to the copy of the petition made available to the State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT), the Chairperson, Barr. Dise Ogbise confirmed that the GRIT has just received the petition and assured that “GRIT will reach out to the State Police Command for more update as we anticipate a prompt response by the Police to the petition already serve them.

“As GRIT, Bayelsa State, we will not relax and we will give the child all the necessary legal and psychological support needed.”

Photo of Corps member who absconded after allegedly raping 12-year-old girl  in Bayelsa

Source

Two Plots Of Land Cannot Contain Me, My Cars, Entourage – Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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Founder, Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt, Pastor David Ibiyeomie has said no two plots of land given to him anywhere in the world could contain him and his fleets of cars and others.

Ibiyeomie, who spoke in a sermon, added that he had given out 50 cars in less than two months and that he gave his first money meant for the car to the kingdom of God.

“When Peter gave his boat what did he get? Fishes because that was his business, when this young man gave money to roof the Church what did he get? Money. I gave my first money meant for the car to the Kingdom of God, till Jesus comes I won’t worry about cars, I have given out 50 plus cars in less than 2 months, have I told you before?

“I gave my first $1,000,000 in 2012 when I had no house, I won’t be talking about the house now, I have landed properties that I don’t even know about, there is nowhere in the world where you give me 2 plots of land that I will use, I can’t use 2 plots because it can’t contain me,” he said in a transcript by Church Gist.

Ibiyeomie added: “Even in the Riverine area where my parents came from, two plots can’t contain me, where will I park my cars, talk less of my entourages, riverine lands are very expensive, the lands are not even available yet two plots can’t contain me anywhere in the world, what will I do with two plots?

“People give me lands as though it is nothing, I have a young man who has a file for them, remember I first gave the money I was to use to build a house to the Kingdom, many of you don’t know how it works in this kingdom, you think it’s by seeing the Governor or the President?

Read Also: Abdulsalami Abubakar Warns Against Petrol Hike

“You’ve been sweating for nothing it doesn’t work like that. That is how it works, if I give God a house, I will get houses, if I was to buy a wig and I give God first I will get factories of wigs, if I was to buy clothes first and I give it to God, I will get clothes. Anything you can think about, if I was to do a wedding and I give God first, the money for the wedding will come like magic, anything I do for him first I won’t lack it.”

He said this blessing would come with persecution, as Jesus said so, saying that “even in church people will still talk, they will even castigate you, when you see people who are giving and they get blessed, some of you in this Church will castigate them, ‘don’t mind him, he is doing like he is the only one in this Church, let me tell you he is the only one o, are you giving?”

Ibiyeomie said: “People who don’t give are very good in criticism, watch people who criticize even men of God, they don’t give, all the social media critics who criticise men of God who among them is a giver? Tell me which of them is a giver? Which of them pays people’s school fees?

“Oyedepo has scholarships for people, I have scholarships for people. How many of them are paying school fees for orphans? If you watch people who criticize men of God, they are not givers, they are stingy to everything, even in church some of you criticize me, even as I am preaching now some of you are not happy, you think everyone is happy?”

Source

How 15-Year-Old Female IDP Was Raped To Death By NGO Staff In Borno

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By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Aisha Umar, a female Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Borno State, has been reported dead after allegedly being raped by an official of an International Non-Governmental Organisation.

Although there were different versions of the incident which took place last Monday, some reports said, the deceased, who was into menial jobs for survival, was reportedly lured to the apartment of the suspect at 202 Housing Estate, near Dalori IDP camp, Maiduguri, under the guise of cleaning the place.

This is even as a woman activist and Executive Director Women in the New Nigeria and Youth Empowerment initiative, Comrade Lucy Yunana, yesterday expressed shock over the incident, and promised to mobilize peaceful protest, monitor the case to its logical conclusion with a view to ensure the suspect was punished accordingly.

The suspect identified as Huzaif Adam, 35,  was said to have forcefully had sex with her when she came into his apartment.

According to sources, the victim’s cry for help attracted neighbours to Adam’s apartment, but he had already raped her by then. The neighbours were said to have forced his door open.

READ ALSO: IDP, Aisha Umar Commits Suicide After Being ‘Raped By NGO Official’

The source said the victim, who was traumatised rushed to Adam’s kitchen where she picked up a knife that she used to stab herself.

It was learnt that the deceased was rushed to the hospital for treatment before she died in the pool of her blood.

It was said the suspect who was detained at Gwange Division of Borno Police Command after his arrest was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Executive Director Women in the New Nigeria and Youth Empowerment initiative, Comrade Yunana, expressed shock over the sad incident, adding that, she had since visited both Gwange Police Station and State CID at the Borno State Police Command headquarters and promised to monitor the case to its logical conclusion with a view to ensure the suspect was punished accordingly.

Reacting on her Facebook page, Yunana said, “His name is HUZAIFA ADAM and he just killed two people because of 2-minute sexual pleasure.

“Huzaifa raped Aisha, a young IDP girl who washes plates to feed in Maiduguri. After raping her and beating her up, he locked her and prevented others from seeing her till her friends were able to bring her out.

“Out of pain and heartbreak, Aisha entered the kitchen took a knife and stabbed herself to death. When Huzaifa noticed this, he picked her up to rush her to the hospital and on his way going he had an accident and killed another person at the spot.

“He is currently in police custody… We mourn the death of this innocent soul harshly taken from us by the predator Huzaifa.

“He is also currently an NGO worker with Intersos precisely, I also discovered he was formally suspended for this same act. My question to intersos, WHY SUSPEND A PREDATOR, A KILLER AND A RAPIST as a protection worker???

“We will definitely have protests!!! We shall not rest until justice is served.

“#justiceforAisha #justiceforAish”. Said the woman activist.

Another version of the story revealed that it was Fatima’s friend who took her to Huzaifa

Some of the reports are correct and some are not because, her name is Fatima Muhammad, also known as Aunty Hajja, she was in an Islamiya School in the class when one of her friends (a family friend) came and invited her to accompany her to 202 housing estate. After she made an arrangement with Huzaifa Adam.

After they arrived at  Huzaifa’s room, the friend sneaked out and left the room for Huzaifa. While he was raping her, she was screaming for help. It was at that moment that Fatima’s Friend who brought her called for help.

It was also learnt that Fatima did not kill herself, it was Huzaifa who stabbed. The victim was said to have confessed to her elder sister and her brother shortly before she died.

The friend was later picked by the Security personnel in her main home in Kaleri London ciki Maiduguri.

Huzaifa Adam according to sources was a Serial Rapist. He raped a lady at Banki town while working as an NGO staff, he also raped another one in Abuja where he is currently in court and now he raped his third victim leading to death.

…….INTERSOS, a Humanitarian Organisation in Borno, saddened about rape incident, suspends staff 

In a press statement signed by the Head of Mission, INTERSOS, Mr Enkas Chau said, the suspect who was their staff have been suspended indefinitely.

“We are saddened to inform you that one of our Nigerian staff members is currently held in police custody in Maiduguri.

“He was accused of having committed rape and other violence connected with the death of a woman, as well as having caused a traffic accident leading to the injury of another person.

“The incident happened in Maiduguri town. Upon learning about this terrible incident, we have immediately suspended the staff, who was off duty and on vacation when the incident happened. As the investigation is ongoing, we will closely monitor the development and take appropriate actions accordingly.

“We express our deep sorrow to the families of the victims. At this moment we are focusing on gathering additional information and providing the necessary assistance to the authorities.

“INTERSOS has a zero-tolerance policy against any form of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Our recruitment process follows strict and detailed guidelines in compliance with the organization’s Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy, and its implementation is constantly followed up by a dedicated unit.

“We are also part of the Inter-Agency Scheme for the Disclosure of Safeguarding-related Misconduct in the Recruitment Process within the Humanitarian and Development Sector.

“As we go through this difficult time, we kindly ask you to share any information you may receive regarding the case with me at [email protected], while we stay at your disposal for any further questions.

“We appreciate your discretion in sharing and circulating only officially confirmed and reliable information, and not to circulate this message further”. Chau stated.

BREAKING: Abdulsalami Abubakar Warns Against Petrol Hike

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Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has warned against an increase in fuel price.

He said this following the recommendation issued by the National Economic Council for fuel price to be pegged at N302 per litre.

Abdulsalami was speaking at the 19th Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja.

Details later…

Source

Reps Order Probe Of IGP, AGF Over Magodo Estate Invasion

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The House of Representatives has determined that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami and Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba will be probed over their alleged involvement in the invasion of Magodo Estate by policemen.

The matter was reported to the house by Ademorin Kuye and Rotimi Agunsoye, both of whom are lawmakers representing Lagos.

Recall that Governor Sanwo-Olu was at the estate a few days ago to talk to the police to move away from there and they refused–in the full glare of the public.

According to Kuye,

“Several attempts have been made by the Lagos state government from 2012 to 2015 to settle the matter amicably, making different engagements, with the judgement creditors presenting a proposal for reallocation in the Magodo Residential Scheme within the Badagry area of the state which some of them accepted.

Read Also: Governors Forum Lauds Senate Over Re-Amendment Of Electoral Bill

“The Lagos state government again in 2016 initiated a settlement to reallocate Ibeju Lekki Coastal Scheme located in the Ibeju Lekki area, but this was rejected by the lead plaintiff, chief Adebayo Adeyiga, as the government continues to dialogue with the majority of the judgement creditors to reach a consensus towards implementing the judgement.

“Despite the ongoing settlement efforts and the pendency of an interlocutory injunction dated December 1, 2020, before the court of appeal seeking an order restraining him and his agents, chief Adeyiga, purportedly encouraged by the attorney-general of the federation and the inspector-general of police, stormed the estate with unknown bailiffs and armed security operatives to execute a judgement that was purportedly delivered by Lagos High Court.

“The execution being presently executed through the office of the AGF with the connivance of the IGP is illegal, as only the Lagos state deputy sheriff can execute same [sic] and not thugs aided by policemen.”

It remains to be seen if they will honour the invitation.

Source

Governors Forum Lauds Senate Over Re-Amendment Of Electoral Bill

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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended the Senate for re-amending the Electoral Act Amendment Bill giving room for direct, indirect, and consensus options for nominating candidates for the various political parties in the country.

The governors said this during their meeting held on Wednesday night in Abuja.

They commended the Senate for amending clause 84 regarding the mode of candidate selection in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

They also urged the House of Representatives to do the same by adding the consensus clause.

The state governors also discussed issues as regards the nation’s security challenges, health, food security, among others.

Concerning fuel subsidy removal, they resolved to engage the organized labour on the best approach to take to avoid causing hardship to citizens.

The governors however hold the view that issues regarding fuel subsidy or prices of petroleum products are already provided for in the newly signed Petroleum Industry Act.

They asked that states should ramp up vaccination and other covid 19 management strategies, in view of the Omicron variant.

Governors at the meeting include the NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje; Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule; Anambra Governor Willie Obiano; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Osun State Governor Gboyeba Oyetola.

Also at the meeting are Deputy Governors of Gombe; Yobe; Enugu; Bauchi; Lagos; Ondo; Benue; Katsina; Rivers; and Kogi.

Read Also: AFCON 2021: We’re Not Perfect – Super Eagles Captain, Troost-Ekong

Senate’s U-Turn

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday rescinded its decision on making direct primaries the only method of electing candidates by political parties.

The decision was taken a few days after President Muhammadu Buhari said he was ready to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill after the National Assembly makes the necessary adjustments.

The direct primary clause had earlier hindered the assent to the bill, however, the President in an exclusive interview with Channels Television said that he was willing to sign if only the legislators will effect changes which must include the addition of consensus candidates and indirect primary options to the mode of selecting a candidate for an election.

Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abubakar (Kebbi North) during plenary on Wednesday explained that the motion for re-committal of the bill to the Committee, on the Whole, was against the backdrop of the “need to address the observation by Mr President C-in-C and make necessary amendment in accordance with Order 87(c) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022 (as amended); and relying on order 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022 (as amended).”

Accordingly, the chamber rescinded its decision on the affected Clause of the Bill as passed and recommit same to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and passage.

In the same vein, the House of Representatives today also rescinded its earlier decision on compulsory direct primaries.

However, unlike their counterparts in the Senate, the Reps adopted direct and indirect primaries but expunged the option of consensus candidature.

Source

AFCON 2021: We’re Not Perfect – Super Eagles Captain, Troost-Ekong

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Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has said the team is not perfect and makes mistakes that can be corrected with each game at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

Troost-Ekong, who was the man-of-the-match on Thursday, told newsmen during a post-match conference that the team was still a work in progress, adding it is improving with every game.

READ ALSO: AFCON 2021: “We Do The Talking On Pitch” – Troost-Ekong

The Super Eagles on Wednesday defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 at the Stade Roumde Adjia to become the only side at the ongoing 33rd edition of the competition to win all their three group games.

“When you think about the games, for us as winners, the key is to try to improve every time.

“We’re not perfect and of course, we make mistakes but I think the biggest thing is that you want to improve every time.

“I’m very happy that the coach and crew gave me the confidence again to play and I am trying to pay them back for that.

“But more importantly, it is about the team and I think the confidence of the team is growing,” Troost-Ekong said.

AFCON 2021: “We Do The Talking On Pitch” – Troost-Ekong

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Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has said that Nigeria now do the talking on the pitch at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

Troost-Ekong, who was the man-of-the-match against Guinea-Bissau, told newsmen during a post-match conference that there were many questions about him and the team’s chances coming into the tournament, adding however that the team’s performance on the pitch had vindicated them.

“I am very happy that I have been able to contribute as much as I can so far. I think that is the beauty of football.

“In November and December, I was criticized and still I am. You know that’s our job. It was not only about me before the tournament started.

READ ALSO: AFCON 2021: Eguavoen Reveals Who Should Get Most Credit After Nigeria Defeated Guinea-Bissau

“There were also a lot of question marks about Nigeria’s chances and I feel we have enjoyed the position as the underdogs.

“We just take it game by game and I think we do a lot of talking on the pitch now,” he said.

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