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Category: News

  • Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Scores of residents, particularly youths in Ondo State, have protested the sting operation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at some night clubs in Akure, the state capital.

    Over the weekend reported, operatives of the EFCC stormed the popular Alba Royale Club and Signatures Club located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, raiding the fun-seekers.

    The anti-graft agency also arrested a groom-to-be and his friends who were at one of the clubs for a bachelors’ eve, confiscated mobile phones and seized vehicles belonging to those arrested.

    However, in a swift reaction, the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate said it arrested 127 persons who are suspected to be internet fraudsters. 

    In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, claimed that the suspects were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at the clubs.

    “Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC,” Mr Oyewale said.

    But the invasion of the operatives of the EFCC did not go down well with residents of the state, who have been protesting the action of the anti-graft agency.

    Protesting against the EFCC invasion, Mr Olawale Odeyemi said the midnight raids on the clubs, the arrest and assaults of the youths were illegal and unacceptable.

    A renowned youth advocate in the state, Oluyemi Fashipe, condemned the action of the operatives of the anti-graft agency, describing the invasion as an abuse of citizen’s rights.

    Another protestor, Ewatomilola Emiola explained that the raid by the anti-graft agency was in defiance of its ban on night operation.

    She demanded that those arrested and profiled as internet fraudsters in the Akure clubs should be released unconditionally.

    Meanwhile, Abiola Makinde, the federal lawmaker representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, has condemned the raid on the nightclubs and lounges in the state.

    Hon Makinde, who also is the Chairman, the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, described the raid as an invasion of privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria.

    In a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, and made available in Akure, Makinde urged the residents of the state to remain calm while the invasion is investigated and resolved.

    He specifically noted that the EFCC as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes.

    “However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.

    “Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.

    “Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.

    “The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

    “I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies,” he said.

  • War cabinet minister in Israel resigns, calls for new elections

    War cabinet minister in Israel resigns, calls for new elections

    Israel’s centrist War Cabinet Minister, Benny Gantz, has announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government, calling for new elections.

    In response, Netanyahu released a statement saying that “Israel is in an existential war on several fronts.

    “Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign.”

    In a televised press conference, Gantz accused Netanyahu of prioritising his political survival over a ceasefire deal that would secure the release of about 100 hostages held in Gaza.

    “Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward the real victory,” said Gantz.

    “Strategic decisions are met with hesitation due to political considerations.”

    Echoing increasing public protest against Netanyahu’s government, Gantz called for a new round of elections in the fall.

    He urged Netanyahu to set an agreed date to hold them.

    “Don’t let our people be torn apart,” he said. 

    Gantz’s decision to withdraw his centrist party from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition left it with extremist ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who advocate for reoccupying the Gaza Strip and expanding Israeli settlements there.

    Gantz’s resignation followed a May ultimatum he issued to the right-wing prime minister, demanding that Netanyahu develop a clear post-conflict strategy for Gaza, where Israel has been conducting a fatal assault, and agree to a hostage-ceasefire agreement. 

  • APC Suspends Assistant Woman Leader In Niger

    APC Suspends Assistant Woman Leader In Niger

    An Assistant Women Leader of the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Amina Shehu, has been suspended for six months, over alleged political appointments and job racketeering.

    This is the outcome of the 5-member committee set up by the party Deputy Chairman, Zakariyya Aramm, to investigate the matter and come up with possible findings.

    In a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Musa Sarkinkaji, the suspension was handed down to her by the State Working Committee under the chairmanship of Aminu Bobi.

    It was gathered that the State Assistant Woman Leader’s suspension is in line with Article 21, sub-section (5) xii of the APC Constitution 2022 as amended.

  • BREAKING: Reps seek six-year tenure for president

    BREAKING: Reps seek six-year tenure for president

    A group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives are seeking alterations to the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the rotation of the Presidency among the six geo-political zones of the country.

    They also want an amendment to the Constitution to provide for “A single tenure of six years for the President and Governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Speaking on behalf of the group on Monday in Abuja, the member representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said, “The reduction in government spending and wastage, efficiency in governance, and national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors,” will go a long way in cost-cutting measures.”

  • Labour may resume strike Tuesday after rejecting N62,000, insists on N250,00

    Labour may resume strike Tuesday after rejecting N62,000, insists on N250,00

    The Organised Labour has said it will not accept any N62,000 or N100,000 “starvation wage” as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    It insisted on N250,000, being its latest demand at the last meeting of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage on Friday, as the living wage for an average Nigerian worker.

    This was made known on Monday by Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, while fielding questions on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief show.

    Onyeka said the one-week grace period given to the Federal Government last Tuesday, June 4, 2024, would expire by the midnight of Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

    According to him, should the Federal Government and National Assembly fail to act on the demands of workers by tomorrow (Tuesday), the organs of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, would meet to decide on the resumption of the nationwide industrial action relaxed last week.

    “Our position is very clear. We have never considered accepting N62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what we know is able to take Nigerian workers home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage.

    “We have never contemplated N100,000 let alone N62,000. We are still at N250,000, that is where we are, and that is what we considered enough concession to the government and the other social partners in this particular situation. We are not just driven by frivolities but the realities of the market place; realities of things we buy every day, bag of rice, yam, garri, and all of that.

    “The Federal Government and the National Assembly have the call now. It is not our call. Our demand is there for them (the government) to look at and send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly, and for the National Assembly to look at what we have demanded, the various fact of the law, and then come up with a National Minimum Act that meets our demands.”

    He continued: “If that does not meet our demand, we have given the Federal Government a one-week notice to look at the issues and that one week expires tomorrow (Tuesday). If after tomorrow, we have not seen any tangible response from the government, the organs of the Organised Labour will meet to decide on what next.

    “It was clear what we said. We said we are relaxing a nationwide indefinite strike. It’s like putting a pause on it.

    “So, if you put a pause on something and the organs that govern us as trade unions decide that we should remove that pause, it means that we go back to what was in existence before.”

  • JUNE 12: FG Presents Programme Outline For 25th Democracy Day Celebration

    JUNE 12: FG Presents Programme Outline For 25th Democracy Day Celebration

    The federal government has unveiled a lineup of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Democracy Day, marking twenty-five years of continuous democratic governance in Nigeria.

    The announcement was made in a notice issued by Abdulhakeem Adeoye, acting on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

    The notice outlines that the celebration will start on Tuesday, June 11, with a symposium held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, commencing at 9:00 am.

    Following the symposium, a youth conference is scheduled to take place at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, starting at 6:00 pm.

    The agenda for Wednesday, June 12, includes a grand parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, at 8:00 AM, followed by a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00 PM.

    “The programmes lined up for the celebration include a symposium on Tuesday, June 11, at 9:00 AM at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “Later that day, a youth conference will hold at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00 PM.

    “A grand parade will take place on Wednesday, June 12, at 8:00 AM at Eagle Square, Abuja,” followed by “a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00 PM,” the noice read.

    Furthermore, the notice assured to provide additional updates as the celebration comes closer.

  • Borno Governor Zulum Hands Over to Deputy, Takes One Month Break

    Borno Governor Zulum Hands Over to Deputy, Takes One Month Break

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has transferred power to his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, to act as governor during his absence for a month.

    Kadafur will serve as acting governor from June 10 to July 8, 2024.

    This development was announced during an emergency session of the Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA) on Friday.

    According to the Speaker, Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, Governor Zulum’s decision is in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), ensuring a smooth transition of power.

    “Borno State House of Assembly has received an Executive Communication informing the Members of handing over the affairs of activities of the office of the Executive Governor of Borno State to the Deputy Governor,” Lawan said.

    The Speaker praised the move, stating that it guarantees continuity of governance and the smooth operation of state affairs.

    This is not the first instance of Governor Zulum handing over power to his deputy. During his first term, he similarly transferred power to Kadafur while performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

    Meanwhile, the House leader, Hon. Dige Muhammad, moved a motion for the House to recess and reconvene on July 9, 2024, which was adopted.

    The assembly was thereafter adjourned accordingly.

  • Enemies Of Kano Distracted Gov Yusuf For One Year – Kwankwaso

    Enemies Of Kano Distracted Gov Yusuf For One Year – Kwankwaso

    Leader of Kwankwasiyya movement and the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the opposition in Kano of distracting government for one year.

    Kwankwaso reacted to the development during the occasion of the declaration of the State of Emergency on education in Kano State.

    He said, “Let me start by congratulating him on this historic day, the day the governor is declaring a State of Emergency on education. For those who are aware that the governor has been working from day one you can see his footprints everywhere across the state.

    “Despite the fact that the governor was distracted for about one year. Immediately after election, enemies of the State took him to Court – Tribunal, Appeal Court to Supreme Court. We have seen what happened even when they knew that there is no need to go to any Court or tribunal. Everybody knew that he won his election.

    “Even the enemies were saying that they wanted to take it by force because they believe they have a government. Despite all that, the governor has been working and obstacles after obstacles, we don’t know what is happening and what has happened in this state but the governor is moving.

    “In fact that reminds me of our situation during my second term when two months after my swearing in as governor, we had Boko Haram attacks in mosques, attacks in markets, police stations, schools and everywhere we were focused and ensured that we were not distracted.”

  • Presidency Announces N60m grants for youths

    Presidency Announces N60m grants for youths

    The Presidency on Saturday announced that the sum of N60 million has been disbursed to 120 youths selected from across the country.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (SSAP-TVEE), Abiola Arogundade, made this known in Abuja at the award of grants and Solar Kiosks as well as Certificate of Completion to deserving participants of ‘Unlock Training Programme’.

    She noted that the programme was the outcome of a six-week campaign initiated by the Presidency during which Nigerian youths were asked to record and submit a one minute video on their current TVET skills, what their plans are for the future on such skills and how they want the government to assist them achieve their plans.

    Arogundade said during the programme, both online and physical participants were trained on the components of a good business plan including executive summary, business overview and marketing strategies, pricing, money management and risks, among others.

    The presidential aide added that at the end of the campaign, about 10,000 participants were trained in a 10-day intensive training session on how to write and execute business plans.

    Her words: “After the course, participants were asked to write and submit business plans. Today, we are giving out N500,000 grants each to 120 winners with the best Business Plans.

    “We are also giving out honourary awards to 80 persons seen to be doing very well in their Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship skills but need support to upscale their businesses.

    “As you must have seen on your way in, there are four Solar Kiosks to be given away to winners to support the business development of their TVET skills. They include one designed for hair dressing, one designed for catering and food vending and the other two for general purposes.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu names Abuja expressway after Chinua Achebe

    BREAKING: Tinubu names Abuja expressway after Chinua Achebe

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the naming of the M18 road infrastructure in Guzape District, Abuja after renowned novelist, Chinua Achebe.

    The President stated this during his address at the inauguration of the road in Abuja on Saturday, June 8.

    This was contained in a post by Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Olusegun Dada.

    He wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Commissions the M18 road infrastructure in Guzape District of Abuja. Names road after Nigerian Novelist and Poet, late Professor Chinua Achebe.”