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  • State of the Nation: Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Calls for Urgent Action

    State of the Nation: Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Calls for Urgent Action

    Worried by the growing spate of insecurity and mass suffering that is largely caused by recent economic policies of government, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) have called on president Bola Tinubu to take urgent steps to stem the slide into anarchy.

    Rising from their meeting convened in Abuja on wednesday, the group also reminded the president of what they referred to as his democratic posture and urged him to commence measures aimed at reconstructing the polity.

    The meeting chaired by Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, saw the participation of prominent figures including Chief Ayo Adebanjo of Afenifere, Chief Engr (Dr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Pogu Bitrus of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of PANDEF, among others.

    Discussions at the meeting centred primarily on the state of the Nigerian nation, the national economy, and the escalating insecurity plaguing various regions of the country.

    The leaders expressed deep concern over the continued fracture and retrogression of the nation due to what they termed as a faulty federal system.

    Specifically, the SMBLF called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to demonstrate leadership in championing the cause of true federalism, citing his past advocacy efforts in this regard.

    They urged President Tinubu to initiate the process of constitutional amendment by implementing both the 2014 National Conference Report and the El Rufai Committee Report on True Federalism of 2018.

    While addressing the rising insecurity, the forum noted with alarm the pervasive threat posed by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across the country. They decried the deteriorating security situation in states such as Plateau, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and the FCT, calling on the federal government to take decisive action to safeguard citizens’ lives and property.

    Furthermore, the SMBLF emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture, advocating for increased federal government support for state and community policing efforts, condemneding the recent formation of an ethnic militia by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in Nasarawa State, stating that the action could escalate ethnic tensions and undermine national unity.

    On the economic front, the forum highlighted the worsening poverty levels in the country, which they described as a significant threat to the federation’s stability. They called on President Tinubu and his administration to devise practical solutions to address the economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly in light of the steep depreciation of the Nigerian Naira.

    Additionally, the SMBLF addressed the situation of Nnamdi Kanu, condemning his continued incarceration and its implications for peace and security in the Southeast. They urged President Tinubu to uphold the rule of law and ensure the obedience of all court rulings concerning Kanu’s case.

    The forum also expressed concerns about the political situation in Rivers State, urging President Tinubu to review decisions to ensure compliance with the constitution and foster lasting peace in the state.

    Finally, the SMBLF discussed recent developments in neighboring West African countries, calling on President Tinubu to take proactive steps to promote unity and welfare within the region.

    In conclusion, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum reiterated its commitment to national unity, peace, equity, fairness, and justice, underscoring the importance of addressing these critical issues for the nation’s progress.

  • Suit seeking to compel PDP to hold NEC meeting adjourned till March 4…Grants order of substituted service

    Suit seeking to compel PDP to hold NEC meeting adjourned till March 4…Grants order of substituted service

    By Vivian Michael Abuja

    The Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday, adjourned till March 4, the case seeking an order directing the Ogun State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership to hold the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the purpose of presenting the activities of the party from the date of the last NEC meeting held on September 8, 2022.

    The suit filed by a former governorship candidate of the party, Otumba Segun Sowunmi, has the PDP, its National Chairman, Umar Illiya Damagun, National Secretary, Sen Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary, Capt Umar Nature, National Auditor, Okechukwu Daniel, National treasurer, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed Yayari, Youth leader, Mohammed Suleimane Kadade and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 8th defendants.

    At the resumed trial, Thursday, counsel to the plaintiff, Anderson Asemota told the court that he could not serve the 2nd to 7th defendants in the matter with the processes of the court because all efforts to serve them proved abortive, but had
    served the 1st and 8th defendants (the PDP and INEC) with the court processes.

    He said, he has filed a motion seeking to serve the court processes on the 2nd to 7th defendants through substituted means.

    The trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon granted the plaintiff’s request for an order of substituted service of court processes on the 2nd to 7th defendants and adjourned the matter till March 21 for hearing.

    Sowunmi is praying the court for an order, directing the 1st to 7th defendants to call a NEC meeting of the PDP for the purpose of presenting the proposed guidelines and regulations governing the conduct of elections to the party offices at all levels and procedures for selecting party candidates for elective offices to the members of the NEC.

    He is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd to 8th defendants by themselves or their servants, agents or privies from functioning or continue to function or discharge the functions of their offices until they call for or cause to be called and held meeting of the PDP’s NEC in total fidelity and obeisance of the party’s constitution.

    The plaintiff wants the court to declare that by virtue of the provisions of Article 31(2)(d), 4 and 5 of the PDP constitution (as amended in 2017), he, as spokesman of the party during the last election is obligated and/or entitled to file the suit to give effect to the aims and objectives of the PDP and to ensure that the provisions of Article 7 of the PDP constitution are observed and respected by members and national officers.

    “A declaration that under and by virtue of the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of NEC of the PDP, the meeting of the NEC of the PDP at which the 1st to 7th defendants shall be present quarterly financial reports or income and expenditure of the party to the members of the NEC.

    “A declaration that, under and by virtue and the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call for or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of the one-third of members of the NEC of the PDP at which the defendants shall present quarterly reports containing the activities of the PDP to the members of the NEC”.

    He also wants the court to declare that the defendants are under obligation to call for PDP NEC meeting to present proposed guidelines and regulations governing the conduct of elections to the party offices at all levels and procedures of selecting party candidates for elective offices to the NEC members.

    “A declaration that, having failed, refused and/or neglected to call for meeting and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of the NEC of PDP in which the 8th defendant (INEC) ought to have been invited, the 1st to 7th defendants are in the breach and/or violation of the constitution of the party and the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

    In an affidavit in support of the suit, the plaintiff averred that the last NEC meeting of the party was last convened by the sacked National Chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorcha Ayu on September 8, 2022.

    The NEC, he said is saddled with the responsibility of fixing and approving the date of the party’s national convention, which is the highest decision making organ of the party and that all efforts to get the defendants to call for NEC meeting proved abortive as the, “defendants have woefully failed, refused and/or neglected to response to my entreaties viva voce and repeated demand for a NEC meeting as well as the letter written by my solicitors in that regard.

    “That, it is in the interest of justice to grant the claims or reliefs sought by the plaintiff in the originating summons as the defendants will not be prejudiced”, he said

  • Unlawful detention: Court orders DSS to pay Abuja Driver N5m

    Unlawful detention: Court orders DSS to pay Abuja Driver N5m

    Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the federal high court, Abuja, Thursday, ordered the Department of the State Service (DSS) to pay five million (5million), over the unlawful arrest and detention of an Abuja based commercial driver, Sanusi Shuaib.

    Justice Olajuwon also ordered the DSS to immediately release him after keeping him in detention without trial since January 16, 2023.

    The court held that the prosecution agency action contravenes section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibited detention of any Nigerian beyond a maximum period of 48 hours without an order of Court.

    The Judge said that DSS on March 29, 2023, got an order of the Federal High Court to hold and detain the driver for only 20 days to investigate and charge him to court if indicted for any criminal matters.

    The Court said that since the DSS did not apply to the court for extension of the 20 days detention period and also did not charge him to court for any offence, any detention outside the 20 days was unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional and null and void.

    Recall that the detained driver had through his counsel, Bala Dakum dragged the DSS before the court to challenge his detention without trial since his arrest on March 16 last year.

    He claimed that the DSS upon arrest accused him of being in possession of firearms for some terrorists and had since remained in the custody of the respondent.

    The applicant prayed for his release and N50M compensation for the unlawful detention.

    Justice Olajuwon in the judgment agreed that the fundamental rights of the applicant to freedom of movement had been breached by the DSS.

    The Judge faulted the claim of the DSS that it was granted six months to detain the driver adding that what the court granted was just 20 days.

    Justice Olajuwon also disagreed with the DSS that the detainee had been moved to the Military detention facility in Gwa gwa, Niger State for trial in terrorism offences adding that there was no evidence to that effect placed before the court.

    The Judge also faulted the claim of the security agency that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice gave approval for the trial of the driver.

    Justice Olajuwon who quoted the letter of the AGF said that the AGF office only recommended that fresh investigation be conducted into the allegations against the driver but which was never done.

    Consequently, the court nullified the continued detention of the driver and ordered his immediate release from the DSS custody in Abuja.

  • AFCON: How Delta Monarch Slumped, Died After Super Eagles Penalty Kick Was Cancelled

    AFCON: How Delta Monarch Slumped, Died After Super Eagles Penalty Kick Was Cancelled

    The Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom, Chief (Dr) Cairo Ojougboh, is dead.

    Sources indicate that Ojougboh’s demise coincided with the moment a penalty kick was awarded against Nigeria during the AFCON match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Wednesday’s semi-final clash in Bouake, Ivory Coast.

    The tension escalated when Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong, netted a penalty at the 67th minute, only for South Africa to be granted a spot-kick shortly after.

    VAR intervened, overturning Nigeria’s apparent second goal by Victor Osimhen due to a foul on South African player Percy Tau in the 18-yard box.

    While the circumstances surrounding Chief Cairo Ojougboh’s death remain unclear, speculation suggests that it occurred at the exact moment a penalty was awarded against Nigeria.

    Reports suggest he possibly collapsed and succumbed to a heart attack following the cancellation of the penalty.

    Despite the incident, Nigeria secured a 4-2 penalty shootout victory, advancing to the final.

  • Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien takes a bow at 100

    Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien takes a bow at 100

    The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien has reportedly passed away at the age of 100. Edozien, who served as the 13th Asagba of Asaba, joined his ancestors on Wednesday, according to sources.

    The news of his demise spread throughout the streets of Asaba, with residents mourning the loss of their revered monarch. Edozien had recently commenced activities marking his 100th birthday anniversary, making his passing even more shocking for the community.

    While the palace has yet to officially announce the monarch’s passing, multiple sources have confirmed the sad news. Efforts to obtain an official response from the Palace Secretary, Chief Patrick Ndili, were reportedly unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

    The death of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Joseph Chike Edozien, marks the end of an era for the Asaba kingdom, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service that will be remembered for generations to come.

  • Police Arrests Woman Over Protests In Niger

    Police Arrests Woman Over Protests In Niger

    The Niger State Police Command has arrested three women and 22 youths for leading the protest in Minna, claiming that the women-led other people to disrupt the peace of the state capital.

    According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the leader of the women, Aisha Jibrin mobilized other women and miscreants to block the Minna-Bida road and Kpakungun roundabout leading to disruption of law and order.

    Abiodun said that the protesters had deliberately refused to clear the road for public use despite the presence of Police patrol teams led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Shehu Umar Didango, and the presence of the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba.

    The PPRO further said that despite these personalities, the protesters turned deaf ears and chose to be violent leading the police to adopt minimum force to disperse the protesters.

    He said: “The Police adopted minimum force to disperse the protesters who turned violent by attacking the Police with dangerous weapons such as stones, bottles, sticks, cutlasses and damaged Police patrol vehicles and parts of the Kpakungu Division roof.

    “In the course of this, the Police arrested the initiator of the protest, one Aisha Jibrin aged 30 years, Fatima Aliyu aged 57 years, Fatima Isyaku aged 43 years all of Soje ‘A’ of Kpakungu area of Minna, and twenty-two other miscreants with the following dangerous weapons; a bench and a stick used as a barricade, three knives, one scissors, one cutlass, one saw blade, one iron pipe, four other sticks, two wraps of Indian hemp and charms.”

    The Initiator of the protest, Aisha Jibrin while defending herself said that her actions were not illegal as she believed that the plight of the hardship they are going through should be heard.

    She said that she never intended it to be a violent protest as she informed one youth leader whom she called Hassan in the community who was given the task to inform the Police about their plan to protest adding that she did not know that he did not inform the police.

    Jibrin defended herself saying that there is too much hunger in the land for the people to keep quiet about.

    However, the Police have declared Aisha’s mobilization of over 100 women and youths whom they called miscreants to block the highway for the protest was illegal

    The PPRO said that all suspects were taken to the State CID for investigation after which they will be charged to court for prosecution adding that effort is ongoing to arrest other identified members of the violent protest.

    In a related development, the Niger State House of Assembly directed the state government to provide palliatives to the most vulnerable members of society to forestall future protests which may be hijacked.

    The legislators noted that the women protested against the high cost of living in the society and inadequate response from the government compelled them to block the main roads to draw the attention of the government.

  • Nigerian Governors gift  N200m to Super Eagles

    Nigerian Governors gift  N200m to Super Eagles

    Nigerian Governors under the umbrella of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) have doled out N200 million to the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their Semi Final clash against South Africa.

    Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan Enoh on Wednesday made this known in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Diana-Mary Nsan.

    The Minister commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Chairman of the Forum, including all members for the swift response, after he raised the need to motivate the team ahead of their semifinal clash.

    Enoh confirmed that the N200m has already been redeemed to the players by the Forum.

    “I want to thank the Progressive Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Uzodimma of Imo for galvanising and redeeming the sum of N200 million to the Super Eagles.

    “The Super Eagles have shown immense commitment and tenacity through every match, this shows that they are on the path to conquer the continent again and bring home the coveted Cup of Nations.

    “Therefore, we must rally support for them because upon their shoulders lie the enormous responsibility to make Nigeria our great Nation proud,” Enoh said.

    Nigeria will on Wednesday (today) take on perennial rivals, Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake by 6 pm (Nigerian time) at the on-going 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The match will be a repeat of the 2000 AFCON semi-finals in Lagos, which saw Nigeria defeat South Africa 2-0.

    Also in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, Nigeria again showed superiority by eliminating the Bafana Bafana 2-1 in the quarter -final stage.

  • Details of official report of Ibadan explosion emerge

    Details of official report of Ibadan explosion emerge

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has received the official report of the Jan. 16, explosion that occurred at Adeyi Avenue in Bodija, Ibadan, in which five persons died.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Fatai Owoseni, made this known on Wednesday while briefing newsmen shortly after the presentation of the report to the governor.

    Owoseni said that three persons of interest have been identified in connection with the cause of the unfortunate incident.

    He added that the identified persons will face prosecution based on the investigation carried out.

    Owoseni also revealed that the character of the explosive is known as ‘Water Gel Type Based Explosive’ and that the explosion was triggered by an electric spark.

    He explained that a Closed Circuit Television in one of the affected houses gave footage of how the incident happened.

    Owoseni, the former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, assured that the state government would bring the perpetrators to book.

    He added that the government would also check the immigration status of all the people of interest since majority of the suspects quizzed were from Mali.

    “We have been able to report that the swiftness with which security was deployed to the epicentre had so far successfully made the state to fully secure the environment.

    “And with the security that was provided, the state has also been able to prevent untoward happenings, especially opportunistic crimes that hoodlums always take advantage of such situations to carry out.

    “We would recall that an emergency situation centre was put in place by the governor, and was located at the premises of Oyo State Housing Corporation, Ibadan.

    “The EOC has so far collated information, data of things that happened there and some of the data collated include census of the respective houses and the fatalities that were affected including the extent of losses suffered.

    “As of 6 p.m, Feb 3, which was the 18th day of the incident, a total of 335 affected persons registered at the emergency situation centre.

    “These include 16 companies or business operators, churches, mosques, three schools and the UCH also approached the centre to report on their losses.

    “The losses reported also include fatality, injuries of various degrees, damages ranging from total collapse and submerging of houses, houses that suffered collateral damage and the ones that suffered minimal damages,” Owoseni stated.

    The chairman, Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers, Mr Mbim Okutinyang, who is also the lead coordinator of the team that carried out structural integrity on the affected houses, also told newsmen that 282 houses were affected.

    He however said that only four of the houses would have to be demolished due to the degrees of the damage.

    Okutinyang added that the seismic report was still being awaited.

    On his part, the Head of the Emergency Operation Centre, Prof. Temitope Alonge, said 80 victims in total were managed across various hospitals following the incident, but only five patients were on admission as of the time of the press briefing.

    Alonge explained that four of the patients are being treated at the University College Hospital (UCH) and were at various levels of recovery, while one patient is at the Redeemers Hospital being managed for a spinal cord injury.

    He said that most of the cases at UCH will likely be discharged within the next one week.

    The head of the EOC added that some of the affected victims that experienced medical disorder such as respiratory illness had been treated.

    He also explained that those with symptoms suggestive of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder were being attended to by clinical psychologists from UCH.

    Giving an update on the tests for radioactivity, Alonge said the site of the incident had been cleared in terms of radioactivity, as the EOC invited the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA) to conduct another screening.

  • Tinubu sends Shettima to Côte d’Ivoire to support Super Eagles against South Africa

    Tinubu sends Shettima to Côte d’Ivoire to support Super Eagles against South Africa

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima
    On Wednesday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to lend President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    The spokesperson for the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said Mr Shettima’s trip to Côte d’Ivoire was at the instance of Mr Tinubu.

    The Super Eagles will take on South Africa in the semi-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    The match will be played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire later this evening.

    According to Nkwocha, the visit will strengthen the deep-rooted connection between football and national identity in the country.

    Mr Nkwocha said the vice-president’s presence would inspire the Super Eagles on the pitch and serve as a rallying point for millions of Nigerians cheering from their homes.

    According to him, this year’s AFCON has seen the Super Eagles soar to new heights.

    “With a dominant performance in the group stages and a thrilling victory in the quarter-final, they have established themselves as strong contenders for the title.

    “With this being their 15th semi-final appearance, Nigeria holds the record for most appearances at this stage. They will be aiming to replicate their success in 2013 when they lifted the trophy in South Africa,” he said.

    He further said Mr Shettima’s visit to Côte d’Ivoire would serve as a powerful call for national unity and support.

    “As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial semi-final match, Nigerians across the globe are urged to raise their voices and cheer their team. The entire nation stands behind the Super Eagles,” he said.

  • Reps To Probe MDA Involvement In Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    Reps To Probe MDA Involvement In Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate some officials of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in alleged certificate racketeering with Nigerian students.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the floor of the House, on Wednesday, moved by the member representing Birniwa/Guri/Kiri-Kasamma Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Abubakar Fulata

    Recall that a Nigerian reporter, Umar Audu had, in December 2022, bagged a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in six weeks and subsequently participated in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.

    Audu subsequently accused unnamed officials of the Ministry of Education as members of the racketeering syndicate; a development that elicited widespread criticisms by well-meaning Nigerians.

    Leading the debate on the motion, Fulata called on the House to “identify officials of MDAs and students who benefited from such institutions and their campuses in the last ten years.”