Home Blog Page 3387

Anxiety As Supreme Court Rules On Imo Governor Today

0

There is anxiety among residents of Imo State particularly, in government circles, as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the governorship election in the state on Monday.

Currently, there is a mixture of hope and anxiety as residents wait for the ruling of the Supreme Court concerning the state’s governorship election.

But both sides expressed optimism that the judgment would favour them.
The battle is between Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While the PDP expressed belief that the judgment would be delivered in its favour, the APC is hopeful that it would defeat the former.

It was gathered that the APC and the PDP expressed confidence that their candidates would be declared victorious.

The APC permutation is lately re-in enforced by the recent prediction of Rev Father Ejike Mbaka who had said in his prophecy that Uzodinma will take over reins of leader ship in the state from the incumbent PDP-led government of Ihedioha.

Although Mbaka said he could not explain how it would happen, he however told a shocked congregation that his prophecy would come to pass because others delivered on the same prayer grounds in the past did the same.

Since that prediction, the state has been in confusion as both party members and supporters have taken to consulting prayer houses on the judgment. Some supporters of PDP have taken to facebook to express their feelings over the case.

According to a philanthropist, Princess Ogbuefi Ezinwa: “I am extremely tensed about Monday Supreme Court judgment more than many Governor Ihedioha’s appointees. My party, my people and the entire Imolites, God please keep us all alive to be a witness, in Jesus name I pray.”

The state publicity secretary of APC, Barrister Enyinnaya Onuegbu however expressed confidence that evidence so far shows that Senator Uzodinma won the election.

Efforts to get the publicity secretary of PDP, Damian Oparah proved abortive as he could not pick several calls put across to him.
However, an official of PDP who pleaded not to be mentioned, said that the party is optimistic but not without some anxiety over the case.
“We are praying that the judgment goes in our favour but we are not at peace with the situation,” he said.
However, the Police Command said its men are fully set for the outcome of the judgment of the Supreme Court.

The state PPRO, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, said that the command is fully prepared though the judgment would be delivered in Abuja, adding that the command is working with other security agencies to ensure that there was break down of law and order,

He also advised the people to freely go about their businesses without fear of intimidation or molestation.

“We also warn other parties involved to maintain decorum. If you must rejoice or jubilation you must do that with respect. Somebody is bound to lose but there is an opportunity for next time.”

Obaseki plunges Edo into foreign debt with no result to show, DMO reports says

0

A report from Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO) has shown that Edo State sunk into scary levels of foreign debt under the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

According to the data, Edo State has a foreign debt profile of $276.25m representing 6.53 per cent of the sub-national foreign debt portfolio, a figure second only to Lagos State.

In spite of this rising debt levels however, the Governor, Godwin Obaseki has not been able to make any noteworthy impact since his election in 2016. His three-year governance has seen the state witnessing rising poverty, unemployment, and insecurity rates, with most youths out-of-jobs and at a loss on what to do.

Even more disconcerting is the fact that the debts were acquired in non-transparent deals involved the erstwhile Speaker of the State Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, who helped the Governor to secure underhand loan deals which were diverted to private accounts, through shady legislative cover and approvals.

In many instances, the Governor’s company, Afrinvest has on record collected percentages for the processing of loans, some of which were not properly documented, according to state officials who spoke to JohnMayaki.com.

This conflict of interest, and determination to get away with underhand and undocumented deals, informs the Governor’s desperation to continue the subversion of the House of Assembly by allegedly installing, Frank Okiye, as Speaker.

There are no clear plans on how Obaseki intends to finance the loans he has acquired, and the state, under his watch, has witnessed a reversal in fortune, especially in the areas of the economy, security and the rule of law.

Emefiele risks jail term over $53m garnishee order

0

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin I. Emefiele risks being committed to prison for failing to honour a Garnishee Order Absolute to pay the balance of $53m due and payable under the said Order to Mr Joe Agi (SAN) and team of lawyers that facilitated the Paris Club fund matter for the Federal Government.

Justice I. E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on November 20, 2019, under form 15, issued the judgment summon to Emefiele in a case with suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/1193/2017 instituted against Central Bank Of Nigeria as Garnishee/Respondent, Linas International Limited and the Hon. Minister Of Finance as Judgment Debtors Garnishees by Mr Joe Agi Judgment as Creditor/Applicant on behalf of a team of benefitting lawyers.

This order is coming barely 48 hours after an Abuja High Court, presided over by Justice Jude Okeke, sentenced the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Olusegun Runsewe, to prison in a ruling on a motion drawn from a suit filed by Ummakalif Limited against Minister of the FCT, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), DG of NCAC, and the Minister for Culture and Tourism, as the first, second, third and fourth defendants respectively.

This judgment summon, which was issued by Justice Ekwo and made available in Calabar at the weekend said: “the plaintiff/judgment creditor obtained Garnishee Order Absolute against the Central Bank of Nigeria in this matter on the 5th day of July 2019, for the sum of $70,000,000.00 (Seventy million US dollars) and the same sum remains partially unsatisfied till date to the tune of $53m.

“The Judgment Creditor has filed an affidavit in this Court, a copy whereof is hereunto annexed, wherein it is alleged that you the above-named Godwin Emefiele are liable (as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Garnishee) to pay the sum payable under the said Garnishee Order Absolute…”

It would be recalled that there is a judgment on Paris Club fund, where the Federal Government approved the payment of money, and the court ordered that they should pay 20 per cent of the fee to be paid to a team of lawyers, led by Agi. But the CBN governor ignored the order and paid less to all the lawyers out of the total sum of $70m.

2023: Yarima Declares Interest To Contest For Presidency

0

A former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmad Sani Yarima has declared interest to contest for the presidency come 2023.

Yarima, an All Progressives Party (APC) member disclosed this yesterday in Bauchi while speaking with newsmen shortly after he paid a condolence visit to a famous Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi over the death of his wife.

He said that various political groups from different parts of the country had approached him to contest for the presidency. “And by the grace of Allah, I will contest for the seat in 2023,” he said.

Yarima who served as governor for eight years and senator for eight years said if elected in 2023, he will fight poverty, create job opportunities and address the infrastructural gap in the country.

“The APC has set a standard of producing a presidential candidate through direct primaries and by the grace of Allah I will contest the primaries. People will look for a candidate that has something to offer for the country, a common man will not look for money but will look for what I can offer to the country,” he said.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his fight against corruption and security challenges, urging him to do more to address poverty and unemployment.

Serena donates $43,000 winners cheque to Australia fire victims

0

An emotional Serena Williams donated her US$43,000 winner’s cheque from the WTA Auckland Classic to the Australian bushfire relief fund on Sunday.

It was the 38-year-old Williams first tournament victory in three years, but she tempered celebrations by saying her thoughts were with Australians.

“I’ve been playing in Australia for over 20 years and it’s been really hard for me to watch all the news and everything that has been happening in Australia with all the fire and… animals and people that have lost their homes.”

In addition to donating her winner’s cheque, Williams has also signed the dress she wore in the first round in Auckland and put it up for auction to raise funds for the Australian appeal.

31 injured in Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident – FRSC

0

No fewer than 31 persons including children sustained various degrees of injury in an accident involving a luxury bus around Mowe on Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Saturday.

Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun, Mr Clement Oladele, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abeokuta on Sunday.

Oladele explained that the accident occurred around 4:38 p.m. and was caused by excessive speed and loss of control around the construction zone.

He said that 50 persons were involved in the accident which comprised 19 male adults, 20 female adults, six male children and five female children.

“31 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, made up of 10 male adults, 14 female adults, three male children and four female children. Fortunately no death was recorded from the crash.

“The lone crash involved a Yutong Luxurious Bus with registration number LND 119 XY,” he said.

Oladele explained that most of the injured victims were rescued to hospitals for medical attention.

The FRSC boss advised motorists to drive cautiously, avoid speed especially around construction areas and obey traffic rules and regulations.

 

Serena donates $43,000 winners cheque to Australia fire victims

0

An emotional Serena Williams donated her US$43,000 winner’s cheque from the WTA Auckland Classic to the Australian bushfire relief fund on Sunday.

It was the 38-year-old Williams first tournament victory in three years, but she tempered celebrations by saying her thoughts were with Australians.

“I’ve been playing in Australia for over 20 years and it’s been really hard for me to watch all the news and everything that has been happening in Australia with all the fire and… animals and people that have lost their homes.”

In addition to donating her winner’s cheque, Williams has also signed the dress she wore in the first round in Auckland and put it up for auction to raise funds for the Australian appeal.

Why we suspended national ID for UTME – JAMB

0

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have said it decided to suspend the use of the National Identification Number as requirements for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry registration due to technical issues and stakeholders’ concerns.

The UTME and DE registration are scheduled to begin on January 13 and end on February 17.

Announcing this at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede,  said technical issues regarding the registration system at the National Identification Management Commission was a  major reason for the suspension.

He cited difficulties being faced by prospective candidates in the NIN registration.

Oloyede said the NIN would, however,  be necessary for the 2021 UTME and Direct Entry registration.

The registrar said, “We came to a decision yesterday (Friday) and decided that we would suspend the use of the NIN as a prerequisite for the 2020 UTME and Direct Entry registration until 2021.

“By then, all candidates would have been given a  one-year notice to register. This does not affect our permanent and ad hoc staff who will participate in the exercise as they will require the NIN for verification.”

Oloyede said JAMB  and the NIMC would continue to share intelligence reports and other plans for the smooth conduct of the exercise in the future.

He stated that the NIN was aimed at tackling examination fraud.

He added, “We have gone round and seen the passion and commitment of the candidates; the reality on the ground is that what we expect is not attainable at the moment, so we shall not inflict more pain on candidates.”

The  Director-General of the NIMC, Mr Aliyu Azeez, said the move was necessary as they were overwhelmed by the exercise because they were given a short period.

He said they had only 1,000 centres in the country for the exercise and would need up to 4,000 centres.

He, however,  said the partnership with JAMB would continue, advising parents and candidates for the 2021 exercise to use the suspension to acquire the number within the stipulated time to avoid a last-minute rush.

Azeez promised that by 2021,  the NIMC registration would be available at JAMB Computer-Based Test centres nationwide with operators on the ground to capture candidates.

Our correspondent had reported the difficulties faced by candidates in NIN registration including the alleged extortion of candidates by  NIMC officials.

A spokesman for JAMB, Benjamin Fabian, had alleged that some syndicates were behind the hitches at the NIN registration centres.

Reverend’s wife burns nine-year-old with iron over bedwetting

0

The wife of a reverend in the Oko-Oba area of Lagos State, Mrs Olusola Adeleke, has been arrested by the police for allegedly burning the skin of her home help with a hot iron.

The woman was arrested along with the reverend, Adebanjo, as the couple were alleged to have subjected the nine-year-old girl to series of physical abuse since she started living with them two years ago.

Sunday PUNCH learnt that the girl’s travails came to the limelight recently when one of the Adeleke’s two dogs bit her in the chest while she was feeding them.

It was said that the couple did not take her to hospital for treatment which prompted a mandated reporter to inform a child rights advocate, Mrs Toyin Taiwo-Ojo, about the case.

Taiwo-Ojo, a lawyer, told our correspondent that apart from the dog bites and mark of iron, there were scars of lashes all over the girl’s body.

She explained that she approached the reverend, who claimed his wife was playing with the victim when the hot iron burned her skin.

She said, “I asked him if the iron is a toy but he was speechless. The woman didn’t tell us what the girl did that warranted such inhumane treatment but the girl said she was punished for bedwetting.

“She said she is from Ajara (in Badagry). According to the girl, the couple lured her to their house two years ago through her mother’s friend. They told the mother that an elderly couple without a child needed somebody to keep their company and they promised to send her to school. That was why her mother released her to the couple

“We have been trying to reunite her with her family. She doesn’t know her surname; she only knows that her father was an Alhaji before he passed on. The suspects are pastors. They used horsewhips to beat the little girl who is about nine years old. There were scars all over her body from several previous beatings.”

Our correspondent learnt that the state’s Ministry of Youth and Social Development were involved in the matter and the suspects were arrested on Thursday and transferred to the gender unit of the state police command headquarters in Ikeja.

The lawyer said the victim while narrating her experience stated that the couple gave her tough chores to do, including tendering to Adeleke’s aged mother.

She said, “The malnourished child said she had been staying with the couple for the past two years without going to school. Her daily chores include changing the diaper and cleaning of a 90-year-old grandmother, who also resides in the place. She also feeds the two Alsatian dogs in the house and takes care of their kennel. A scar by her breast was a dog bite she sustained four days earlier but the reverend and his wife did not deem it fit to take her to a hospital for anti-rabies and anti-tetanus injections.”

The child rights activist stated further that the girl was taken to a hospital for treatment where a preliminary report revealed that she had been sexually abused.

“A medical test has been carried out on her and the result will be out on Monday. The girl has not revealed who did the dastardly act to her because of the trauma she had gone through. We are still waiting for the outcome of the police investigation to know the perpetrator,” she added.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest of the couple.

He said, “Investigation on the case is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.”

300 Workers Resign From Pastor Paul Adefarasin’s House On The Rock Church

0

It was learnt that Adefarasin, fondly called ‘Pastor Paul’, during the sermon of his Church’s first Sunday of the Year service held at The Rock Cathedral in Lekki, Lagos, announced to the congregation that about 300 workers of the church have so far tendered their resignation letters.

According to the Pastor, these hundreds of his members took that decision simply because of the present economic challenges in Nigeria. He said most of those who quit the assembly are relocating to Canada to be precise.

During the sermon, Pastor Paul was quoted to have said to his vibrant multi-ethnic congregation: “Stop blaming Government and political parties, the blame game is the first symptom of irresponsibility.”

The suave clergy told his members that if there is anything they have to stop doing in the year 2020, it’s the blame game.

According to him, “It is called irresponsibility. Irresponsibility is the ignorance of accountability. This is the year to take full responsibility for all your actions and inaction…Until God gives you challenges that seem bigger than you, you may never find out what treasure you have on the inside.”

As part of the steps to ameliorate some of the challenges facing the people, Pastor Paul was said to have decided to take it upon himself the responsibility of assisting the government to fix some basic needs of the populace within and outside his vicinity.

He was said to have called upon other privileged individuals and corporate bodies to step up their readiness to assist since it appears the government is not ready to make life easy for its citizens.

Pastor Paul, who would be 57 on January 25, is one of the Nigerian billionaire pastors. From the living room of his parents in Ikeja, Lagos, he set up House on The Rock Church in 1994 and his ministry has blossomed over the years to about 40 branches with over 50,000 worshippers spread across Nigeria and abroad. Currently, the buoyant and vibrant church is worth about N50 billion, with a cathedral worth close to N5 billion. It rakes in a tithe of about N5 billion, an offering of close to N3 billion annually, amongst other funds.

Pastor Paul, a keen follower of Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House, a mega assembly in Dallas, Texas, United States, collaborates with his mentor and many other famous gospel artistes to stage the popular annual Gospel music concert, The Experience at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Nigeria.

He is said to shell out over N1 billion for the concert annually with a large chunk of the money going into settling artistes’ fee, and accommodation of the international artistes, crew and guests, logistics, among others.

The House On The Rock head pastor is also the Founder and President of the Rock Foundation; a charity organization committed to social reformation, education, provision of healthcare and relief work for the downtrodden and disadvantaged in Nigeria and West Africa.

Pastor Paul is married to charming Ifeanyi Adefarasin, who is the Co-Pastor of The House On The Rock; a vibrant multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic congregation with daughter churches spread over Africa and Europe at present.

She is also the founder of Woman To Woman Ministry, which is committed to social reformation, education, provision of healthcare and relief work amongst the downtrodden and underprivileged in Nigeria and West Africa.

Pastor Ifeanyi, a former banker before her call to the ministry, has a burning passion to see the empowerment of women in her generation, her nation and her continent.

Meanwhile, sources within the church told this writer that Pastor Paul has allegedly placed an embargo on the release of the video of the Sunday sermon where he revealed the resignation of those staff until further notice.

Latest News

Popular News Now