Nigerian Eye

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A northern group, the Arewa Youth Awareness Forum (AYAF) has kicked against the decision of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to adopt Femi Gbajabiamila as the next speaker of the House of Representatives. 
 
 
A statement by the group, signed by its chairman, vice chairman and Secretary-General – Mohammed Sani-Kabir, Salisu Abdurrahaman and Ben Alege, respectively, said the endorsement was against the collective interest of the north ahead of 2023 presidency. 
 
 
 
The group said it is backing members-elect that were opposed to the party’s candidate, saying the choice made by the APC was not the best option for the north. 
 
 
AYAF said it is alarmed by the “dictatorial and insensitive manners” in which the party foisted the leadership on the two Chambers of the National Assembly. 
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AYAF urged the party leadership to allow members-elect to freely choose their principal leaders for the 9th National Assembly and urged members-elect to be guided by its extant rules in picking their leaders. 
 
 
“We are also concerned by the fact that northern interests are being compromised with great implication for the future of the region. 
 
 
“We also note with grave concern, the undemocratic posture of some party leadership which is already structuring a game plan for the APC’s 2023 presidential primaries and we note with delight the quiet but firm resistance of APC members who will not concede to being used for such game plans under the facade of party interests. 
 
 
“We also urged lawmakers of northern extractions to resist any attempt by the party leadership to use them against the overall interest of the north,” the group stated. 
 
 
The group also warned the party’s leadership against disregarding the Nigeria’s Constitution by forcing particular members on the National Assembly, calling on the party to allow members to choose their leaders rather than “Tinubu and Oshiomohle forcing Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila on the National Assembly.” 
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REVEALED: How reckless driver caused Ibadan tanker fire

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Three people were burnt and property worth millions of naira destroyed during the week in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after a fuel-laden tanker fell and caught fire. The incident threw the ancient city into mourning and serious panic. 
 
Details emerged yesterday about how a reckless car driver triggered the fire incident that claimed the lives of three people, three cars and more than 10 motorcycles in Ibadan during the week. 
 
Also destroyed in the fire incident were kiosks belonging to a motorcycle seller and a lottery operator. The havoc wreaked by the incident according to eyewitnesses would have been worse but for the quick removal of vehicles in a nearby car wash. The operator was said to have quickly driven the vehicles to safety when the fuel started spilling from the tanker. 
 
The 33,000litres fuel-laden tanker going to Ibadan from Lagos had while trying to avoid colluding with a taxi on the Sawmill Bridge along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, fell and spilled its content on the highway. 
 
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The two sides of the Onipepeye Road to and from Agodi Gate had the residents raising the alarm and warning drivers not to try driving on the fuel-flooded road at the time. 
 
But a driver, refused to comply with the advice and hastily tried to speed past the scene when the exhaust of his car had a contact with a stone while trying to beat a pothole. 
 
The contact led to a spark which eventually started spreading from one part of the road to another. 
 
Eyewitnesses who spoke with The Nation faulted the defiant driver whose stubbornness led to the spark that triggered the fire. He was also one of the casualties of the incident. 
 
The owner of a lottery/game betting shop adjacent road, Kayode Rabiu, said: “We just heard that a tanker had fallen on the bridge and by the time we looked through, we saw that fuel had been pouring down the bridge from a water channel. The fuel was everywhere on the road. Some car owners and drivers were alerted and before you know it, the road was deserted within a twinkle of an eye. 
 
“Unfortunately, some stubborn drivers failed to heed the warning to avoid the affected area. Some of them kept taking a terrible risk by speeding past the place. While we were trying to stop the drivers from passing through the place, one came from nowhere trying to speed past hastily. Unfortunately, he couldn’t beat a pothole in front of him and that was how he hit a stone and immediately there was a spark that ignited the fire. 
 
“Some other cars who were also trying to beat it trying to access the bridge also fell victim. The car at the time was been occupied by a man, a woman and a child. 
 
“Immediately the fire started, the car occupants were confused. The driver in particular lost idea about where to maneuver the car to. The man hastily got down with fire on his body and took to his heels. By the time the woman came out of the car, maybe due to the fumes of the smoke that blindfolded her, she didn’t know the direction to run, but we just saw that she fell and that was where she was burnt beyond recognition. There was also another man from another car who came out of his car and while trying to escape was caught by the fire. 
 
“When I saw that the fuel was gushing out, I immediately packed my machines and equipment and ran far away from the scene but the fire still spread to my kiosk burning it partly. We were still nearly when we heard the explosion and everyone took to their heels and that was how we were spared. 
 
“For me, with less than N10,000 I will fix my shops and restore it, but other people lost everything in their shops, especially those by the car wash. Three motorcycles were burnt and three cars while two people died.” 
 
In his own account, Abiola Omowale, a mechanic whose workshop was also nearby the scene, said he suspected that the victims were new on the route and couldn’t have imagined what they saw. 
 
“When it happened, the fuel was gushing out from the hole which was channeled from the top of the bridge and it spread on the road. Many road users and business owners were already closing their shops and packing up but a driver who chose to be smart was the one that ignited the fire. 
 
“We suspected that the affected cars that got burnt were probably going to Lagos, a father, mother and a child were all affected. The man rushed back for the child and they were almost escaping but while the wife was trying the escape too, the fumes had choked her. Instead of running to safety, she ran into the fire. 
 
“The affected bikes included new ones on display, about three that were packed for repair and the back cover of a tricycle. The fire also affected him in the hand and part of his body.” 
 
A shop owner, Yussuf Alli, who sells motorcycle had his shop burnt down completely. 
 
He said “I had three motorcycles including Jincheng, Boxer, Bajaj, in the shop. All of them including a lot of spare parts were completely burnt. 
 
“The trailer had fallen for about an hour with the content spilling. We traced where it was flowing to, only to see that it was going underground. But unknown to us, the underground led to another area. 
 
“Immediately we saw that it was coming out here, we quickly mobilized ourselves and started to stop all vehicles from plying the route. Some drivers complied while some others didn’t. And it was one of those that didn’t listen to us that caused the fire and that was how the fire spread and affected our shop. The accident began right in front of my shop. I lost close to a million worth of goods in the fire incident and I am back to zero level.” 
 
Also speaking, Micheal Babalola, one of the operators of the car wash down the bridge said: “We were washing some cars when the trailer fell. We had about three cars at our stand but we were able to quickly move them away to safety before the explosion. 
 
“When we heard the explosion initially, we thought it was gunshot but after we summoned courage to go and take a look, we saw that it was a tanker that had fallen. 
 
“The car that ignited the fire was proving very stubborn when they stopped him from going on the affected road but suddenly we just saw fire from his exhaust. The only thing we lost were two big rugs spread on the ground after we had washed them and left them to dry here. Our pumping machine also got spoilt. 
 
“While we were busy trying to move customers’ cars in our ram to safety, I just observed that some people started running towards our direction to pick our buckets and plastics and running upward the bridge. I thought they wanted to go and scoop oil. But we were able to rescue all our machines and cars in our custody.” 
 
The NURTW chairman for the okada section, Onipepeye Unit, Mr Rahmon Ayankunle said: “I was on duty when I heard the explosion on the bridge and when we tried to find out the cause, I learnt that the Nissan Micra taxi was the one who crossed the path of the trailer but while he (trailer) tried avoiding hitting the taxi so as not to kill the people in the car, the trailer fell on the middle of the road and its content started spilling. 
 
“Also, we heard that immediately the driver saw that his truck had started spilling fuel, he went around to ask people for the fire service station around to report but we don’t know how true that was. 
 
“When I went to see the path the fuel was taking, I noticed that it was going down and going to burst out here beside us and I told people and we raised alarm and everybody started packing their wares. 
 
“The other two cars that were burnt seemed to be unfamiliar with the road. The car that the exhaust pipe triggered the fire was also trying to beat the others to access the road before hitting a stationed car by the side of the road. 
 
“My advise for the government is that, they should help us channel the water path underground to the canal nearby. On a good day, that is how water flood this place anytime it rains and road users are often subjected to serious hardship in plying the route under the Sawmill Bridge.”

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A’Ibom university suspends 4 students over rape

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Four male students of the Akwa Ibom State University have been suspended indefinitely for allegedly raping a female student. 
 
 
According to the Head, Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Protocol of the institution, Mr Akaninyene Ibanga, the rape incident took place at the Obio Akpa Campus of the institution in Oruk Anam LGA. 
 
 
 
Speaking yesterday in Uyo, Ibanga said the students were suspended by the university authorities as a normal procedure to allow the police investigate and establish their level of involvement in the crime. 
 
 
He said the university would eventually expel the students based on the outcome of police investigations, adding that the police cannot exonerate them because the victim has a medical report to back up the  investigation. 
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The suspended students include: Akpan, Udeme Matthew Essien, Godwin Fidelis Bassey Courage Joseph and  Bassey Godspower Columbus.

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Six common habits that may damage your smartphone

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<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Smartphone is one device that has helped improved daily productivity, communication and even entertainment for modern the man.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">As close as people may get attached to their smartphones, proper maintenance is a topic many pay little attention, or totally ignore.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Without intending to, there are some common habits that seem harmless, but may inadvertently damage your phone;</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Ignoring software and application updates</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Software and apps updates are introduced to fix loopholes and loopholes to boost your smartphone’s efficiency. Your smartphone may get sloppy and slow when you delay an update for so long.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">More importantly, cybercriminal are usually on the lookout for devices with loopholes, in order to gain easy access to such devices and defraud owners.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">So next time you see that notification to upgrade your smartphone, take your time and data to do immediately.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Using cheap and incompatible chargers</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Most smartphones come with a compatible charger, but in a situation where such charger gets damaged or missing for whatever reason, it is best to replace with another charger with same quality.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">A cheap charger may be pocket-friendly, but at the expense of your smartphone’s battery. Using a charger with a specification that is not compatible with your phone may ruin also your charging port.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Downloading apps from suspicious source</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Free access to some applications may not be truly free until you confirm the safety of their source. The easiest way to expose your device to malware is by downloading apps from unverified platform.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">So it is in your best interest to avoid downloading apps from third-party stores or suspicious websites, even if they show the icon and name of an app you think you can trust.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Allowing your phone to overheat</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Strong sunlight, prolonged charging and multitasking on your device might make it overheat. But repeatedly pushing your phone to that point will likely do more harm than good to your phone.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Shielding your phone from the sun, turning it off if you have to leave it in a hot car, and otherwise keeping your device at a comfortable temperature is a good idea to prevent accidental damage.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Prolonged charging</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Leaving your phone plugged in overnight is one habit that might eventually damage your phone’s lifespan. Once your battery reaches its charging limit, prolonged charging will make your phone generate excessive heat, and further strain your phone’s battery.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Exhausting phone storage</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Although many smartphones are characterized with a large storage device, they still have their limit.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Once the storage limit is exhausted, your smartphone may start malfunctioning, and slow down your productivity.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Investing in an external storage device may seem wise, and cloud storage will provide a responsive access to your files without an over load on your device.</div>
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Top movies to see this Easter season

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Thinking of what to do with your “short” Easter break? Why not spend the break relaxing with some good movies at the cinemas? 
 
 
 
Experience a blend of comedy, adventure, action, horror and a dash of inspiration with these movies this Easter season. 
 
 
Shazam: This action movie from DC comics is a good way to start the movie marathon. It shows a 14-year old who can turn into an adult super-hero by shouting “Shazam!’’ It is a combination of action, adventure, science fiction and fantasy. DC comics for the first time, sprinkles in a dose of fun and comedy in their movie. Aren’t you just curious of how that will turn out? 
 
 
Captain Marvel: Very similar to Shazam in genre, it is an action, adventure, science fiction and fantasy movie. Starring a female super-hero, Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, It is packed with humor and visual thrills. Find out how Captain Marvel must harness her powers to save the day. 
 
 
A Madea Family Funeral: After some action and adventure, unwind with this comedy by Tyler Perry. It is the final installment of the Madea film series and promises to keep a smile on the face. 
 
 
The Curse of La Llorona: The title announces that it is a horror movie. For those who like to grab their seats as their hearts pound away in fear, this is for you. It tells the story of a legendary ghost who stalks children. Do discover what the curse of the weeping woman (la llorona) is and tell the rest of us that are scared of having nightmares. 
 
 
Little: imagine your overbearing boss transforms into a child and is at your mercy. What will you do? Well, April is has been served a 13 year old version of her boss on a plate and she holds the fork. Find out what she will do in the movie comedy, Little. 
 
 
4th Republic: 4th republic dives into the Nigerian political scene. It unveils a determined and incorruptible female politician played by Kate Henshaw. She is resolved to make changes in the political arena and must fight for this. Will she succeed? 
 
 
Breakthrough: Breakthrough is a good way to end the holiday. Highly inspirational, it will propel you into a geared up state for resumption of work and duties. It as movie based on a true story. Be engulfed in between a boy who must fight for his life, a mother’s unfaltering love and hope in the face of the impossible.

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Police rescue girl from suspected kidnappers

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The police in Delta State yesterday foiled a suspected kidnap of a young girl at the popular Ogbe-ogonogo market in the heart of Asaba, the state capital. 
 
 
The girl was leaving the market on Thursday afternoon and had boarded a tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP when two boys entered the same tricycle, putting her in the middle. 
 
 
 
It dawned on her that she was being taken hostage when she approached her destination and signalled the Keke operator to drop her but he refused to stop. 
 
 
Witnesses told newsmen that an alarm raised by the girl attracted sympathisers and mobile policemen on patrol who pursued the tricycle. 
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When they were eventually apprehended by the police, it was discovered that the girl had either been drugged or hypnotised, as she temporarily lost memory. 
 
 
Witnesses further said one of the suspected kidnappers, in an alleged bid to disappear, threw a ring into his mouth but a policeman held his mouth wide open and removed the ring. Irate youths who gathered around the scene attempted to lynch the gang but the police prevented them. 
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We watched as our loved ones were burnt to death – Relatives of Gombe tanker fire victims

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Bomala, a small community in Gombe State, is yet to recover from the horror that greeted it a few days ago. Everywhere you turn to in the small settlement, traces of horror still dot the landscape, speaking volumes of the extent of the carnage it is still trying to recover from. Last week Saturday, at about mid-day, a tanker laden with premium motor spirit, went up in flames after an accident, bringing chaos on the entire place. Vehicles, motorcycles, electricity poles, houses and even humans – everything around the place were consumed. 
 
When newsmen visited the community earlier in the week, even though life was gradually returning back to the area, the scars of the tragedy could be visibly seen on almost every home. Both young and old, the people lamented their loss, expressed sadness at the deaths of their loved ones whom they watched die in the fire. 
 
Yusuf Idris, a 21-year-old mechanic, was said to be coming after fixing a vehicle when he was consumed by the fire. According to his distraught mother, Hawa Mele, the demise of her son is a terrible blow to the family. 
 
“My son was coming back from work on Saturday when he was caught in the fire around the By-pass area. 
 
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“He was on a motorcycle and unfortunately fell off the bike as they were passing through the place. All efforts to save him proved abortive. We watched him die in agony, we couldn’t save him,” the 47-year-old woman said. 
 
For family members of Jubrin Abubakar, 35, last Saturday’s tanker fire in Gombe is one that they would never forget for the rest of their lives. That day, the real estate practitioner, who had three wives, was on his way to meet with one of his wives when he was caught in the horrific fire that left the entire city in panic. Now gone forever, those he left behind are finding it tough to accept the reality of his demise. 
 
“He was our bread winner. He took care of the entire family including his three wives and 11 children. 
 
“He was coming back from the home of one of his wives before his motor cycle was engulfed in the inferno. He was burnt to death. It is a pity we could not save his life,” Zetu Abubakar, the victim’s mother, said. 
 
The pain of losing a bread winner is yet to settle in Bomala quarters, home of 17-year-old Ibrahim Mohammed, a Junior Secondary School 3 pupil of Herwagana Secondary School until his death. The teenager supplied people water for a living to support his education and family members before the incident claimed his life. 
 
His mother, Hajiya Zara, said, “Mohammed was the bread winner of the family even at his young age. 
 
“He supplied people water in the morning before going to school and after school, he resumed back to truck pushing. 
 
“He had eight siblings and never wanted any of us to suffer. That was how much he loved and catered for us. It is a pity that the tanker fire took him away from us. We will miss him sorely.” 
 
Abdulrahman and Zubairu Mohammed, 15 and 17 respectively, lost their lives when they were heading to a nearby market to get ingredients for stew. Their elder brother, Abubakar, a bus driver, told newsmen that the news of the death of their loved ones came to them as a rude shock. 
 
“They were on their way to get ingredients for stew when they were caught in the fire. 
 
“That day was my wedding and it came as a terrible shock to us when we heard the news of the incident. When we rushed to the scene, it was their burnt bodies that we saw in the fire. I don’t know if we will ever be able to recover from this big loss,” he said. 
 
Mamman Adamu, 20, lived with his aunt at a village named Toga before the incident happened. A welder by profession, he was coming from the Boronde area of the city when he was caught in the fire. According to the victim’s father, Adamu Lele, the young man is currently between life and death at a hospital. 
 
“Mamman had a job to attend to in Boronde, so he took transport to the place before the accident. 
 
“He just got a wife recently and now this accident has damaged his body and left him in serious crisis. I am only praying to God to preserve his life. His injuries are very serious,” he stated. 
 
Rukaya Mohammed and her daughter, Meriam, are currently both admitted at the burns unit of the hospital due to the intensity of the burns they suffered during the tanker fire. For them, life has become more difficult since that period. 
 
“I live in Akko Local Government Area but on the day the incident occurred, I was in my brother’s house. 
 
“We suddenly heard a blast and before we knew what was happening, we were engulfed in the fire. We had to summon the courage to escape from the place. But at that time, our bodies had been burnt already. 
 
“My daughter cries all the time. She is not able to sleep at night, she is experiencing a lot of pains. The fire has brought us so much agony,” she said. 
 
Auwal Usman, until last Saturday’s tragedy, could boast of a car and a house. But following the tanker fire, he had lost everything he ever worked for. This is aside from sustaining life-threatening burns and injuries during the incident. He lies in a precarious state at the hospital. 
 
“My car was parked outside the house, my family members came because of a wedding ceremony we had at our compound. 
 
“Soon I heard a blast and smoke was everywhere. I heard my son, Muhammad, shouting and that was how we all escaped. 
 
“Before I could do anything, my car was engulfed in fire while I was also burnt by the inferno. I have been in the hospital since then and the pain is very intense,” he said. 
 
Kadija Abubakar is a young mother of six children. She lives in one of the affected buildings in Bomala. She revealed that life had not been the same for them since that ugly incident. 
 
“Immediately I noticed the fire, I moved my children to a safe room. Fortunately, nothing happened to them but as I was doing that, my back was burnt by the fire. I have been in pains since that time,” she said. 
 
Salisu Adamu, 16, is currently battling for his life at the burns unit of a government-owned hospital in the state. He was passing through the scene of the accident that fateful day when he was caught in the fire. He was badly burnt and now hover between life and death on the hospital bed. His father, Pa Adamu, has not left his bedside since that period, hoping that he would make it out alive at the end. 
 
“My son was taking mobile phones to the market to charge due to lack of power supply when he was caught up in that fire incident that day. 
 
“He was terribly burnt by the fire and ended up in the hospital. I am really praying to God to spare his life because his condition is really critical,” the old man said. 
 
Like Adamu, Abba Abdulhamidu is another victim of last week’s tanker fire in Gombe. Residing in Kano, he was on a visit to his uncle, Basiru Musa, in the city when the tragedy occurred. Badly burnt by the fire, he is also battling for his life at the hospital at the moment. 
 
“My nephew came to Gombe State to visit me and my family when this incident happened,” Musa told newsmen at the hospital where doctors are working hard to save his life and the that of other victims.’ “He came with a complete body but now no longer complete. He was caught in fire and this has damaged his body and put his life in danger. 
 
“He was on his way out when he was entangled in the ugly incident,” Musa added. 
 
Suleiman Abubakar, a young man, who ekes out daily living by collecting rubber scraps, told newsmen that he lost his entire business to the fire. 
 
“We noticed how the driver was struggling to control his wheels, unfortunately the tanker had a break failure before getting to the bridge connecting Bomala to other parts of Gombe. 
 
“As the tanker was coming, it was clearing bikes, tricycles and every other thing on its way before it finally fell into the canal beneath the bridge and spilled its content everywhere. 
 
“Soon, the entire place was engulfed in fire. I lost over two tons of rubber that I had collected and was going to sell for N90,000. It is a big loss for me. 
 
“Before the fire started, the tanker separated into two parts, with the head remaining on the Bomala bridge and the tank falling into the canal. 
 
“The tanker collided with a truck belonging to a table water company. It was a serious fire accident that claimed over 15 lives,” he said. 
 
According to Abdulrasheed Musa, who revealed that it took fire fighters over four hours to put out the inferno, the tragedy was a huge one. 
 
“Initially when the tanker carrying petrol went up in flames, we waited all through for men of the fire service. 
 
“When they finally came, they came with an empty truck that had no water in it. They soon left the scene and promised to return,” he said. 
 
The Gombe State Government has announced that it would offset the medical bills of all those affected by the tanker fire. Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Nasiru Nono, made the disclosure while visiting victims at the hospital. 
 
“Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo is pained by this incident and as an arm of government, we intend to discuss about the need to have another by-pass around the area the accident happened because what we have now can no longer cater for our population,” he said. 
 
When journalists visited the Gombe State Fire Service Area Command office, a high-ranking official denied allegations that they defaulted in their responsibility to tackle the fire. 
 
“We are professionals, when we got to the venue, we noticed that we will not succeed from that position, so we had to take another route. 
 
“We were obstructed by the crowd at the place, we could not force our way through. Our appeals for them to make way for us to gain access to the place fell on deaf ears. 
 
“The petrol tanker was heading to Borno when the incident happened,” the official said. 
 
Speaking on the death, Police Public Relation Officer in Gombe, SP Mary Margaret, said, “Based on information available to us, there have been 15 deaths and a number of injured persons from the incident.” 
 
Culled from Punch Newspaper

Latest-News We watched as our loved ones were burnt to death – Relatives of Gombe tanker fire victims

Bomala, a small community in Gombe State, is yet to recover from the horror that greeted it a few days ago. Everywhere you turn to in the ...

CJN Onnoghen’s conviction, jihad against Christians – National Christian Elders Forum

07:59 Unknown 0

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The National Christian Elders Forum has described the Thursday conviction of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal as part of “the jihad” against Christians in the country. 
 
The NCEF claimed the development was a continuation of the “jihad that began with the overthrow of General Yakubu Gowon in 1975”. 
 
The Chairman of the forum, Chief Solomon Asemota (SAN), said this in a statement on Friday in response to an article titled, ‘What kind of elders’ published by a national newspaper. 
 
He attributed the country’s under-development to the conflict between democracy and Sharia, adding that the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern regions had contributed to the problems of Nigeria. 
 
Asemota said while proceeds from oil and gas in the South were shared by all Nigerians, “gold and other precious minerals in the North belong to the North alone to complete annexation of the South to the North”. 
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He added, “President Buhari in 1983 committed treason when he overthrew the Shehu Shagari government. This is in addition to the fact that he was one of the seven colonels who masterminded the overthrow of General Yakubu Gowon in 1975. 
 
“It was the same coup plotters that retired Chief Justice Elias, a Muslim but was a committed democrat, in order to Islamise Nigeria by replacing a Federal Republic with a Sultanate. 
 
“Today, Justice Walter Onnoghen’s removal through stealth jihad of the executive is the continuation of the jihad that began with the overthrow of General Gowon in 1975.”

Latest-News CJN Onnoghen’s conviction, jihad against Christians – National Christian Elders Forum

The National Christian Elders Forum has described the Thursday conviction of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, by the ...

REVEALED: President Buhari spends one year, 39 days abroad from his first four year term

07:14 Unknown 0

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President Muhammadu Buhari has spent a total of 404 days (a year and 39 days) travelling to 33 countries on four continents in about four years of his first term in office. 
 
The country he visited the most was the United Kingdom where he spent 217 days mostly on health grounds and meetings of Commonwealth Heads of State and Government. 
 
His second most visited country was the United States where he spent a combined 41 non-consecutive days. 
 
He met ex-President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump at different times and also attended the 70th, 71st, 72nd and 73rd sessions of the United Nations General Assembly. 
 
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France was the third most visited country with Buhari spending 14 non-consecutive days there. China came fourth with 13 days and Jordan occupied the fifth position with eight days. 
 
Other countries the President visited during the over 46-month period under review included the United Arab Emirates (seven); Morocco (seven); Germany (seven); South Africa (seven); Saudi Arabia (six); India (five); Chad (five); Kenya (five); Turkey (five); Poland (five); and Malta (five). 
 
Others were Senegal (four); Ethiopia (four); Mauritania (four); Netherlands (four); Togo (four); Republic of Benin (four); Côte d’Ivoire (three); Iran (three); Equatorial Guinea (three); Cameroon (two); Ghana (two); Niger (two); Gambia (two); Egypt (two); Qatar (two); Mali (one); and Sudan (one). 
 
Incidentally, the President did not visit any country in South America. 
 
Apart from medical reasons, the President was out of the country to seek security assistance, improve on the nation’s economy and trade, and seek support for his fight against corruption. 
 
Findings showed that while the President was able to build an alliance with neighbouring countries to curb the activities of Boko Haram, his travels did not translate much to Foreign Direct Investment except in 2016. 
 
Nigeria attracted $3.4bn in FDI in 2015 and saw a huge boost in 2016 with the nation getting $5.1bn. 
 
However, in 2017, the nation’s FDI took a sharp decline, dropping to $3.5bn, and to $2.2bn in 2018. Ghana surpassed Nigeria in 2018 as it drew $3.3bn. 
 Breakdown of Buhari’s travels in 2015 
 
Shortly after his inauguration, Buhari on June 3 and 4, 2015 travelled to the Republic of Niger and Chad Republic for consultations on how to tackle terrorism in the country and the region. 
 
On June 7, 2015, he travelled to Germany to attend the G-7 summit and returned on June 9. He proceeded to South Africa on June 13, 2015 for the African Union Summit in continuation of talks on anti-terrorism fight and returned on June 16. 
 
On July 19, 2015, the President embarked on a four-day official visit to the United States and after he returned on July 23, he proceeded to Cameroon for a two-day visit on July 29 and returned on July 30. 
 
He went for the Republic of Benin’s Independence Day celebration from August 2 to August 3, 2015. 
 
In September 2015, Buhari embarked on a one-day visit to Ghana on the 7th and a three-day official visit to France on the 14th, returning on the 16th of September. 
 
The President travelled to New York for the 70th United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2015 and returned on September 29. 
 
From October 26 to 30, 2015, he travelled to New Delhi in India for the Indian-African Forum and on his way back, he made a technical stopover at Khartoum, Sudan. 
 
From November 22 to 24, 2015, the President travelled to Tehran, Iran for the third Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum. 
 
From November 26 to 30, 2015, the President was in Malta to participate in the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. 
 
From Malta, he travelled to France on November 30, 2015 for the UN Climate Change Summit and returned on December 1. 
 
On December 3, 2015, he departed for South Africa to attend the China/Africa Summit. He returned on December 5. 
 
On December 10, 2015, Buhari attended the last rites for the late former President Mathieu Kerekou of the Republic of Benin. 
 
Breakdown of Buhari’s travels in 2016 
 
Buhari’s first foreign trip in 2016 was to Benin Republic on January 8 where he attended the 11th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Niger Basin Authority. 
 
From January 17 to 20, 2016, he attended the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 
 
From January 27 to 29, 2016, the President was in Kenya on an official visit. From Kenya, he headed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for an African Union meeting and returned to Nigeria on January 30. 
 
From February 2 to 4, 2016, the President visited France to attend the Special Session of the European Union Parliament. 
 
From February 5 to 10, 2016, barely eight months into his tenure, he travelled to the UK for his first vacation. 
 
On February 18, 2016, he departed for Egypt to attend the Sharm el-Sheikh ‘Africa 2016’ Business Forum and returned to Abuja the following day. 
 
From February 22 to 29, 2016, the President visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He met with government officials and also visited Medina and Grand Mosque in Mecca, where he performed prayers for the peace and unity of Nigeria. 
 
On March 14, 2016, Buhari visited Equatorial Guinea for two days and had discussions on agreement on Joint Maritime Policing. 
 
From March 29 to April 3, 2016, he was in Washington DC attending a Nuclear Security Summit. He returned to Abuja on April 4. 
 
He was in China from April 10 to 14, 2016 on a state visit. 
 
On May 10, the President departed for the Anti-Corruption Summit in the UK. He returned to Abuja on May 14 but left for the UK on June 6 for his first medical vacation, following reports that he had an ear infection. He returned on June 19. 
 
On August 8, 2016, Buhari travelled to Chad for the inauguration of President Idris Deby and from August 27 to 28, 2016, he visited Kenya to attend the Tokyo Conference on Africa. 
 
On September 18, 2016, the President travelled to New York, US where he spent five days to attend the 71st UN General Assembly. 
 
The President visited Germany on October 13, 2016 and departed on October 16. 
 
He spent five days from November 14 to 18, 2016 in Morocco where he attended the UN Climate Change Conference. 
 
On November 23, 2016, he travelled to Equatorial Guinea for the 4th Africa/Arab summit. 
 
From December 5 to 7, 2016, Buhari was in Senegal where he attended the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa. 
 
On December 13, 2016, he attended the ECOWAS summit in The Gambia. 
 
 
Breakdown of Buhari’s travels in 2017 
 
The President’s first foreign trip in 2017 was to Ghana where he attended the inauguration of President Nana Akufo-Addo on January 7. 
 
On January 13, he travelled to The Gambia to attend a high-level ECOWAS meeting. He was in Mali the following day for the 27th African France Summit. 
 
On January 19, 2017, the President travelled to the UK on medical leave and returned on March 10 after spending 51 days in the UK. 
 
Barely 40 days after, Buhari travelled again to the UK for medical attention on May 8, 2017 and remained there till August 19, 2017, spending 104 days, a record which surpassed that of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. 
 
On September 17, 2017, he left for the US to attend the 72nd UN General Assembly where he stayed till September 21. 
 
He travelled from the US to the UK for medical purposes and returned to Abuja on September 25, 2017. 
 
On October 18, 2017, he travelled along with members of his family to Turkey on a working visit and returned on October 22. 
 
From November 28 to 30, 2017, the President was in Côte d’Ivoire where he attended the EU-AU Summit. And from December 1 to 4, 2017, he was in Jordan where he attended a counter-terrorism summit. 
 
 
Breakdown of Buhari’s travels in 2018 
 
 
His first foreign trip in 2018 was to Ethiopia from January 28 to 30 for the African Union summit. 
 
Buhari was in the UK for 13 days from April 9 to 21, 2018 for his annual leave. 
 
From April 28 to May 4, 2018, Buhari journeyed to the US where he met with President Donald Trump at the White House where they discussed security and trade. 
 
Buhari spent seven days away from home and went to the UK for a few hours for what his handlers termed a “technical stopover.” 
 
Four days after returning to Nigeria, however, Buhari returned to the UK for medical reasons on May 8, 2018, and he returned on May 11. 
 
From June 10 to 11, 2018, the President was in Morocco where three agreements between Nigeria and the Moroccan government were signed. 
 
From June 30 to July 3, 2018, Buhari visited Mauritania for the ordinary session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. 
 
On July 15, Buhari travelled to The Netherlands for the 20th anniversary of the International Criminal Court. He returned on July 18. 
 
President Buhari travelled to Togo on July 29, 2018 where he participated in the Joint ECOWAS-ECCAS Heads of State and Government Summit on Peace, Security, Stability and Fight against Terrorism and Violent Extremism. 
 
The President again travelled to London on a working leave on August 3, 2018 and returned on the 18th, spending a total of 16 days. 
 
The President handlers said during interviews that “he may just see his doctors briefly during the visit.” 
 
On August 31, 2018, the President travelled to China to attend a summit on China-Africa Cooperation and returned after eight days on September 7, 2018. 
 
From September 23 to 29, 2018, he was out of the country, this time to the United States to attend the UN General Assembly. 
 
He travelled to France for a peace forum on November 10 where he spent six days. From November 29 to December 1, 2018, Buhari attended a regional summit in Chad. 
 
The President travelled to Poland on a working visit on December 1, 2018 and returned on December 5. 
 
On Christmas Day, he visited Niger Republic to attend the country’s 60th proclamation anniversary. 
 
Break from foreign trips for elections 
 
The President took a break from foreign trips for three months as he toured the 36 states for the 2019 General Elections. 
 
But after the elections had come and gone, he travelled on April 2, 2019 where he attended the inauguration of Senegalese President, Macky Sall. 
 
From April 4 to 7, 2019, he attended the World Economic Forum in Jordan after which he visited the United Arab Emirates from April 7 to 10 for an investment meeting. Again, he travelled to Chad on April 13, 2019 for a one-day official visit.

Latest-News REVEALED: President Buhari spends one year, 39 days abroad from his first four year term

President Muhammadu Buhari has spent a total of 404 days (a year and 39 days) travelling to 33 countries on four continents in about four ...

Zamfara killings: There’ll be more bloodshed, bandit says in secret tape with emir

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A suspected leader of the bandits responsible for the killings in Zamfara State has vowed that there will be more killings in the state as long as the Federal Government continues to deploy the military and other security forces in the troubled area. 
 
He made this known during a secret conversation with an emir in Zamfara State, a copy of the recording was obtained by Punch Newspaper 
 
In the secret tape, the bandit opposed the deployment of troops in their communities, saying it would worsen the crisis. 
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The supspect, who spoke with the emir in Hausa, in the secret recording obtained from a top military source at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, argued that peace would not reign when “you call the police, soldiers and law enforcement agents to our villages; it will continue to cause more bloodshed”. 
 
Although the military source alleged that the emir in the audio is from Zurmi, one of the troubled local government areas in the state, the name of the emir was not mentioned throughout the recording. 
 
The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, through his Public Relations Officer, Col Tukur Gusau, on Sunday said the Federal Government had some security reports on some community leaders linked to the bandits killing people in the state. 
 
The ministry said the reports “could not be divulged to the public”, noting that the earlier statement by Dan-Ali on some traditional rulers aiding bandits should not be seen as derogatory but as a warning. 
 
But traditional rulers in the state, under the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, last week told the military to name the monarchs aiding the gangsters. 
 
They also claimed that the Nigerian Air Force fighter jets bombed innocent civilians in their villages instead of the bandits. 
 
On Wednesday, the traditional rulers released the names of “11 innocent civilians who were killed in air strikes on Dumburum community in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state on April 9”. 
 
They listed the victims as Daji Barau, Na Bumburum, Suwaiba Alka, Yar Guru, Maryam Shafiu, Dahe Sule, Dan Kurma, Zaliha Dumburum, Aisha Akilu, Alamin Alka and Fati Gum. 
 
The monarchs through the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, had called for an independent investigation into the matter to verify their claims. 
 
But the NAF on Thursday denied the claims, saying the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had constituted a panel to investigate the monarch’s claims. 
 
Meanwhile, in the secret recording of a dialogue between the bandit leader and the emir, they advocated a peace meeting between village residents and herders or people hiding in the bushes. 
 
The bandit said in Hausa, “God has already given you a position (as an emir) and when you talk, people listen. You have some poor masses in the bushes. This violence started happening in our state about six years ago or so. 
 
“They killed my people, they killed my relations, they killed my wives, my children. They killed some of my cows. I ran away when they killed my people. Then I involved myself in the activities of these terrorist groups. Now, I have escaped and back in my community. Will you not accept me as a member of this community?” 
 
The emir replied, “Aka ne (yes, that is it).” 
 
The bandit continued, “You should call your chiefs and bring your people from the bushes and from the village. Anywhere you meet us, advise the people of the community to join hands with the Miyetti Allah association. This land will be peaceful. 
 
“If they make it this way, peace will reign. But to say you will call police and soldiers to Zamfara, this will not bring peace. It will continue to cause more bloodshed.” 
 
The emir replied again, “Aka ne (yes, that is it).” 
 
The bandit said, “Sometimes, you hear that they bombed a place where the bandits are camping. But the next day, the bandits will still come and strike in another place, close to where they bombed.” 
 
The emir said, “We also are not in support of the bombings.” 
 
The bandit continued, “The reason why their bombing will not work is because before their helicopter comes around, information has already reached us. Before the helicopter leaves any base, the information will reach us and even where it will land. If they bomb any place, they will kill only birds and animals which are there. 
 
“Also on land, soldiers were sent to attack us. But before they come, information has reached us. We know how we will attack them and know all areas where they will follow. We want you to ban anything vigilantes. 
 
“People are surprised that they use airplanes to attack us but we are just like ants. They can’t see us; it is God that is helping us.” 
 
The emir replied, “Killing human beings is not good. I have heard your grievances and it is a load on me and I will try to unite the people of the community. We will still call you together to deliberate on it. I will try to ban vigilantes in any other place and I will give the feedback to the government.” 
 
The NAF said despite the claims by the emirs, its fighter jets would continue to pound the hideouts of bandits in the North-West until the hoodlums were flushed out. 
 
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, in an interview with our correspondent, said, “We will not take issue with esteemed traditional rulers. But if they say something that is not true, we must correct that. It took a lot of encouragement for the personnel to continue, because they were quite disheartened by the allegations. 
 
“We follow due process to ensure that it is only the criminals that are taken out by the air strikes. We remain resolute and we will continue our operations. Operations were conducted on Friday and will be conducted tomorrow (Saturday). There is no stand down in any way. Air strikes will continue on identified targets within Zamfara State and its environs until all of these activities are put to a stop.”

Latest-News Zamfara killings: There’ll be more bloodshed, bandit says in secret tape with emir

A suspected leader of the bandits responsible for the killings in Zamfara State has vowed that there will be more killings in the state as...

Dabiri-Erewa decries death sentence given eight Nigerian robbers in UAE

22:09 Unknown 0

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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has described the death sentence passed on eight Nigerians in United Arab Emirate as unfortunate. 
 
Eight Nigerians were sentenced to death on Wednesday in Sharjah, UAE, for a string of robberies at money exchanges and cash machines across the emirate in December 2016. 
 
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Dabiri-Erewa said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja 
 
The presidential aide who expressed concern over the development, however said the incident was not an actual description of personalities of people of Nigeria. 
 
“It is an unfortunate incident, but it is not an incident that defines who we are as a people. 
 
“If a few Nigerians have committed a crime for which they are being punished, thousands of Nigerians are doing great in that same country and are being appreciated and celebrated. 
 
“Mr President, who meets Nigerians every time he goes on official trips outside the country, always appeals to Nigerians to be good ambassadors wherever they are. 
 
“I must commend millions of our brothers and sisters excelling all over the world. 
 
“Bad news travels fast and I appeal to the media to help spread the good news about Nigerians and not concentrate only on the once in a while negative stories,” she said. 
 
All the convicted Nigerians were not identified by both the Gulf News and Khaleej Times, all UAE local newspapers, that reported the trial. 
 
A total of 20 suspects were initially held for attacking security guards in four violent attacks at ATMs and money exchanges across Sharjah in late 2016. Out of the suspects, nine were convicted. 
 
Eight of them were sentenced to death, while the ninth person was sentenced to six-month imprisonment. 
 
Some of the accused, confessed to their crimes; while others denied the charges levelled against them. 
 
The verdict was handed down by Judge Majid Al Muhairi of Sharjah Criminal Court on Wednesday. 
 
(NAN)

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Police to retrain officers, men on arms handling

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In a bid to stem the tide of police brutalities against the civil population, the police authorities have concluded plan to return all officers and men to the range from retraining on arms handling and proficiency. 
 
 
The Assistant-Inspector General of Police for Zone 11, Adeleye Oyebade, who made the disclosure at the inauguration of the “Operation Puff Adder” at the Zonal Headquarters along Gbongan-Ibadan road in Osogbo, Osun State capital, said the police could not allow the little mistakes and errors continue to affect the achievements of the Force. 
 
 
The Police Commissioners for Osun, Oyo and Ondo States comprising the Zone 11 Police Command, Mrs. Abiodun Ige, Mr. Sina Olukolu and Mr. Undie Adie, were present at the inauguration. 
 
 
He said the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, in compliance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive have rejigged “our security architecture by launching “a new operational outfit code named ‘Operation Puff Adder.” 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
 
According to him, the new outfit, since its inauguration, has begun to yield positive results, adding that the IGP has directed that the outfit be replicated in all the zonal and state commands to complement existing security structures. 
 
 
Oyebade, who said the police has the resources to prosecute the operation, assured that the Force has upgraded its technical platform to fight crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism among others. 
 
 
He said the new face of the Nigeria Police is proactive and will not allow crimes to overwhelm its officers and men. 
 
 
Disclosing that the police has identified flash point and was battle ready to curtail criminal activities across the nation, he maintained that the police is strategic in its planning and operations. 
 
 
He further disclosed that the police is sharing information with sister security outfits including the Nigeria Army, Department of State Security Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Prisons Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service among others to combat crimes. 
 
 
He said the Zone 11 Police Command will soon hold a security stakeholders’ conference, where the Civil Society Organizations, Labour and Industrial Unions, Non-Governmental Organizations will be in attendance. 
 
 
The police boss, therefore, called for patience and understanding of members of the public, advising them to always reach out to the police via the control rooms whenever they are in distress. 
 
 
He assured that the police will respond promptly whenever called upon by members of the public.

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I‘ll implement new national minimum wage-Nasarawa Governor-elect

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Mr Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa state Governor-elect on Friday, pledged to implement the new minimum wage, after sworn in as the governor. 
 
 
He made the pledge in a statement signed by his media aide, Alhaji Sanusi Aliyu in Lafia on Friday. 
 
 
 
The governor-elect applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the New Minimum National Wage Bill into Law. 
 
 
Buhari on Thursday signed the bill into law. 
 
 
 
Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
 
According to him, the signing of the new national minimum wage bill into law will usher in a ‘new dawn’ for workers. 
 
 
The presidential aide also said that the signing into law of the new national minimum wage bill showed that the president was willing to take every necessary step to motivate the workers toward greater productivity and improve their welfare. 
 
 
Sule also said that the action of the president was a testament to the fact that, “Our patriotic and beloved President prioritises the welfare of Nigerian workers. 
 
 
“That he is always ready to ensure the right conditions are in place for them. 
 
 
“This step will not only go a long way in assisting workers in meeting certain needs, but will also strengthen the relationship between employers and employees and motivate improved productivity.” 
 
 
Sule assured the state workers that he would follow the footstep of the president by implementing the new wage structure for them. 
 
 
The governor-elect said: “This is an opportunity to reassure workers in the state that, Nasarawa state will also enjoy the new national minimum wage signed into law by the President. 
 
 
“Other welfare issues, pensions, gratuities and so on will be adequately attended to. 
 
 
“Workers should take advantage of this by redoubling their efforts toward achieving our collective goals and making Nigeria a better place for all." 
 
 
The Senate had on March 19, approved N30, 000 as the new national minimum wage with an appeal to the Federal Government to expedite action on its assent and implementation. 
 
 
 
 
(NAN) 
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Okei-Odumakin lauds Buhari on minimum wage law

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President Muhammad Buhari has been commended for signing into law the National Minimum Wage Bill approving N30,000 for the least paid worker in the country. 
 
 
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, stated this in an interview with the newsmen on Thursday in Lagos. 
 
 
Buhari on Thursday signed the Minimum Wage Repeal and Re-Enactment Act, 2019 into law; 
by this act, the new minimum wage is now N30,000. 
 
 
The assent mandates all employers of labour across the country to pay workers a minimum of N30,000 monthly wage. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
 
 
Odumakin said: “It is a welcome development though this is coming at a time when several states in the country have battled over the last couple of years to pay the previous N18,000 minimum wage. 
 
 
“It is my hope that the states and employers within the private sector will commence an immediate implementation of the new minimum wage. 
 
 
“It is also important to remind ourselves that the N30,000 minimum wage remains insufficient for our workers when we consider the inflation rate in our country and the prevailing economic realities. 
 
 
“Yet, we must appreciate the sincerity of President Buhari in ensuring that the new minimum wage becomes implemented,” she said.

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Mounting debt profile: ‘Nigeria safe to borrow additional N7.9trn’

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Analysts at FSDH Research have said Nigeria still has room to borrow an additional N7.89 trillion before reaching a threshold of about N32 trillion. 
 
 
Recall that the Debt Management Office (DMO) during the week announced that Nigeria’s debt stood at N24.4 trillion as at December 31, 2018. 
 
 
The release of the report stirred a hot debate in the country, with different stakeholders appealing to federal government to reduce its borrowings. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also cautioned the country against embarking on further borrowings. 
 
 
However, in its report released this weekthe Lagos-based investment company said based on the fact that the public debt-to-GDP ratio of Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, was still under 20 percent, precisely 18.89 percent, it can still get more loans to reach the 25 percent benchmark set for itself and the 56 percent international threshold set for countries in Nigeria’s peer group. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
 
FSDH Research argued that countries like China, South Africa, India, UK and USA all have high debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over 50 percent, but stressed that they have successfully managed to deploy their borrowings into activities that can stimulate revenue generation including education, transportation, construction, security, technology, and other growth-enhancing infrastructure. 
 
 
“By utilizing these borrowed funds in areas that improve the ease of doing business in their countries, they have been able to grow their economies further, create job opportunities, and create more avenues for their governments to grow their revenue,” the report said. 
 
 
It advised the Nigerian government to diversify its revenue and create multiple sources so as to change the present narrative. 
 
 
“Just as FSDH Research has suggested several times in our previous reports, there is an urgent need to expand the revenue base of the country through the growth of the non-oil sector. 
 
 
“We suggest that the government should adopt strategies to increase and broaden its revenue. Some of these strategies include an increase in the tax base of the country (apart from an increase in the tax rate), removal of all administrative delays in obtaining licences and approvals (including titles to landed properties for building and agricultural purposes), the sale of unprofitable government assets and, removal of subsidies on electricity and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). 
 
 
“In addition, we emphasize that borrowing should be tied to specific projects that can improve the competitiveness of the country, such as the FGN Sukuk Bond. 
 
 
“To conclude, as individuals and business entities in Nigeria, we can help government generate more revenue by paying our taxes and other dues as and when due. And government must surely reciprocate with the provision of appropriate facilities that will make life better for all,” it said.

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CJN Onnoghen case is victory for corruption fight - Presidency

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The Presidency says the war against corruption is all encompassing and not designed to persecute anyone for political or other reasons. 
 
Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in statement reacting to the conviction of suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, in Abuja on Thursday. 
 
He said the conviction of Onnoghen by the Code of Conduct Tribunal was a major victory for the anti-corruption policy of the Buhari administration. 
 
Shehu explained that the outcome of the trial demonstrated clearly that ”the law is no respecter of persons, titles, social or political connections”. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
According to him, the essence of the rule of law is to hold everyone accountable before the law, regardless of their status in the society. 
 
“The rule of law will lose its meaning and validity if only the weak, the poor and powerless are punished for their violations of the law. 
 
”Countries succeed because the rule of law is evenly upheld and enforced. The war against corruption would go nowhere if the high and mighty are spared because of their influence and connections. 
 
”You can’t fight corruption by allowing impunity because the rule of law cannot function where impunity is tolerated.” 
 
He pointed out that the conviction of Onnoghen would send a clear message that the dragnet against corruption would be ”spread widely to hold public officials accountable, whether they are politicians, judges, civil servants or holding positions of public trust.” (NAN)

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Onnoghen appeals conviction by CCT, calls it a miscarriage of justice

09:45 Unknown 0

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Suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has asked the Court of Appeal, Abuja to quash the judgment of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) that convicted him of charges of false assets declaration. 
 
 
Onnoghen in his appeal filed Thursday against the judgment of the tribunal is also praying the appellate court to set aside the order of forfeiture of his assets to the federal government made by the CCT. 
 
 
The CCT on Thursday convicted Justice Walter Onnoghen on all six count charge of false assets declaration preffered against him by the federal government. 
 
 
The three man panel of the tribunal in a judgment delivered by the chairman, Danladi Umar, held that from the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses and the statement of Onnoghen admitting that he made a mistake of not declaring his five accounts with the Standard Chartered Bank, the tribunal came to the conclusion that Onnoghen was guilty as charged. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
 
The CCT having convicted Onnoghen of the charges went ahead to remove Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC). 
 
 
Umar also ordered that in line with the provisions of the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act, Onnoghen was barred from holding any public office for the next ten years. 
 
 
Umar also held that since Onnoghen could not adduce any evidence as to how he got the money in the undeclared accounts in the Standard Chartered Bank, the money are thereby confiscated, seized and are to be forfeited to the federal government. 
 
 
Onnoghen however in the appeal filed on his behalf by his lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, is challenging the decision of the tribunal on grounds that the tribunal erred in law when it convicted him of all the six count charge. 
 
 
According to Awomolo, the CCT erred in law when it dismissed Onnoghen’s application challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to hear the matter and thus occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice. 
 
 
 
Awomolo argued that as at the time the charge was filed against him on January 11, 2019, he was not subject to the jurisdiction of the tribunal. 
 
 
 
He further argued that the tribunal erred in law when it assumed jurisdiction having on January 9, 2018 in the case of Justice Sylvester Ngwuta affirmed the position of the Court of Appeal in the case of Ngajiwa and dismissed and acquitted Ngwuta of the charge. 
 
 
Awomolo said the tribunal erred in law and acted out of jurisdiction when it ordered that the assets of the appellant be confiscated and therefore occasioned grave miscarriage of justice. 
 
 
Part of the 16 grounds the appeal was predicted upon include the claim that the tribunal erred when it held that Onnoghen confessed to the charge framed by admission and use that as a basis to hold that Onnoghen did not declare his assets from 2005 when he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court. 
 
 
He wondered that the evidence of the defence witness did not create any reasonable doubt on the evidence of the prosecution witness that Onnoghen did not make declaration of his assets since 2005. 
 
 
The appellant further wondered how the tribunal could convict him on charge of false assets declaration when the five accounts in Standard Chartered Bank were declared in 2016. 
 
 
Part of the reliefs sought in the appeal however includes an order setting aside the judgment of the tribunal on grounds that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the charge. 
 
 
An order holding that the tribunal ought to have recused itself from the matter based on the allegations of bias. 
 
 
And an order discharging and acquitting Onnoghen from the charge. 
<div> </div>

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Nigeria, Niger sign anti human trafficking pact

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and its Niger Republic counterpart have signed a pact to eliminate the menace in both countries. 
 
 
NAPTIP signed the agreement with Nigerien Agency Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (ANLTP/TIM) at a dinner event on Thursday in Abuja. 
 
 
 
In a communique signed by heads of both agencies, Nigeria and Niger agreed to work together to stamp out the evil of human trafficking from both countries. 
 
 
Ms Julie Okah-Donli, Director General of NAPTIP, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while her Nigerien counterpart, Madame Goge Maimouna Gazbo, signed for her country. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
 
Among agreements in the communiqué are finalisation and signing of a memorandum of understanding on the collaboration and organisation of joint sensitisation across border communities of both countries. 
 
 
Both agencies also agreed to establish a joint technical working group to work together in the area of investigation and training of counsellors and social workers on how to deal with trafficked victims, amongst others. 
 
 
Speaking at the event, the NAPTIP DG expressed confidence that the collaboration would achieve positive result. 
 
 
“I believe that going forward, we have developed strategies for more successful approaches to stemming the tide of human trafficking from our countries. 
 
 
“This strong collaboration and partnership by both countries in the fight against human trafficking promises to be very effective and mutually rewarding,” she said. 
 
 
She thanked the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for facilitating the event. 
 
 
The Nigerien anti trafficking boss, Maimouma Gazbo, also expressed confidence on the effectiveness of the partnership. 
 
 
The high point of the event was award presentation to both Okah- Donli and Maimouna Gazbo by the ICMPD, represented by Mrs Moji Sodeinde. 
 
 
The officials of the Nigerien anti human trafficking agency have been in Nigeria for the past one week to work out cooperation and collaboration terms with NAPTIP. 
 
 
NAPTIP had earlier on Thursday unveiled an anti human trafficking module to be introduced into basic and senior secondary school currricular. 
 
 
 
(NAN) 
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Ajegunle killing: Police dismiss, declare killer inspector wanted

09:30 Unknown 0

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Inspector Daniel Ojo who shot dead one Adaobi Ifeanyi and wounded another, Emmanuel Akomafuwa, in Ajegunle area of Lagos last Saturday, has been dismissed from service and declared wanted. 
 
 
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Zubairu Muazu, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, Ikeja, on Thursday. 
 
 
Inspector Ojo together with five other policemen had on April 13 accosted their victims during when he shot Ifeanyi who died on the spot. 
 
 
The five policemen were however subjected to orderly room trial while Insp. Ojo escaped. 
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“On April 13, 2019 at about 7:00am, police officers attached to Trinity Police Station who were suspected to be involved in the shooting of Adaobi Ifeanyi and Emmanuel Akomafuwa at Akpiri Street, Olodi Apapa, were arrested and detained,” he said 
 
 
Muazu gave their names as Insp. Adamu Usman, Sgt. Adeyeye Adeoye, Sgt. Kashim Tijani, Sgt. Lucky Akigbe and Sgt. Paul Adeoye. 
 
 
 
“Inspector Dania Ojo who escaped immediately after the shooting was declared wanted. The other police officers were subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings at the command headquarters Ikeja. 
 
 
“Investigation revealed that Inspector Dania Ojo unilaterally carried out the shooting without consideration to laid down procedures on the use of firearm. 
 
 
“He is therefore, found guilty of abuse of power, unlawful and unnecessary exercise of authority. 
 
 
“He is thereby dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and declared wanted. Upon arrest, he will be charged to court for murder.” the CP said. 
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Latest-News Ajegunle killing: Police dismiss, declare killer inspector wanted

Inspector Daniel Ojo who shot dead one Adaobi Ifeanyi and wounded another, Emmanuel Akomafuwa, in Ajegunle area of Lagos last Saturday, has...

LASTMA officials empowered by law to arrest offenders, impound vehicles – CEO

08:30 Unknown 0

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Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials can arrest erring motorists and impound their vehicles, the agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chris Olakpe, clarified on Thursday. 
 
 
Olakpe, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), was reacting to reports that the officials did not have such powers. 
 
 
He spoke while receiving in his office, members of the Humanitarian Voluntary Association for Community Development, who came to condole with him over the death of 18 LASTMA officials in the line of duty last year. 
 
 
Olakpe said the laws also stipulated penalties for neglect of traffic directions and disobedience of traffic control personnel. 
 
 
The LASTMA boss said: “One thing the people must know is that the purpose of laws in any state is to regulate human conduct and punish violators, to ensure safety and sanity on the roads and at the same time regulate the function and authority of traffic personnel.” 
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LASTMA’s findings, he said,  showed that gridlock was caused by the unusual driving behaviour of some motorists, adding that it was important for the public to cooperate with traffic officers while on the road. 
 
 
 
Instead of taking the law into their hands, motorists should take advantage of LASTMA’s open-door policy by reporting any erring officer, he said. 
 
 
Olakpe said : “From January to date, over 30 traffic officials have been brutalised by ill-tempered motorists. As an agency, we owe it to our officials and their families the responsibility of ensuring their security and safety while performing their duties,” he said. 
 
 
He said LASTMA would work with sister agencies and the public to deepen collaboration and cooperation and protect traffic officials. 
 
 
The vehicle of any motorist, who proved to be an agent provocateur, Olakpe said, would be impounded and taken to LASTMA yard  in accordance with the law. 
 
 
 
The LASTMA CEO said his men would soon begin another training on civility, politeness and protocol of arrest with emphasis on respect for the public. 
 
 
He said measures had been put in place to reduce gridlock during Easter and beyond. 
 
 
The group’s president, Bankole Odunuga, acknowledged the sacrifice and courage displayed by LASTMA officials, despite the hazards of the job.

Latest-News LASTMA officials empowered by law to arrest offenders, impound vehicles – CEO

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials can arrest erring motorists and impound their vehicles, the agency’s Chief Exe...

We’ll triumph over terrorists, bandits, kidnappers – Buhari vows

08:00 Unknown 0

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President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday that recent upsurge in banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes in the country, shook him, but assured the nation that the killers would be defeated ultimately. 
 
He stated that security agencies had been given the necessary support to end the killings, which the President admitted was a trying phase that would pass away. 
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Buhari raised his concerns in an Easter message he released in Abuja. 
 
In the message, which he personally signed, the President rejoiced with Christians, urging all to “use this auspicious season to show love to our neighbours, and cater to the needs of the less-privileged in our midst,” a lifestyle exemplified by Jesus Christ. 
 
On the security challenges, he stated, “Our nation is currently gripped with gloom over unfortunate killings, kidnappings and violence, as seen in the recent tragic incidents in some states of the federation. 
 
“This should not be. We must reinforce the bond of brotherhood and good neighbourliness that citizens of a cohesive country must share. We must not allow the few bad elements in our communities to put asunder our communal tendencies and chords of unity. 
 
“I know from my regular interactions with security chiefs, state governors, victims and members of communities caught up in the unfortunate cycle of violence, that Nigerians are united against the evil minority. 
 
“This administration will do all it takes to adequately equip and motivate our armed forces and other law enforcement agencies to enable them successfully confront these security challenges. We will not allow merchants of evil and death to overwhelm the nation. 
 
“Under my watch, the nation will triumph over them – terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and the like.” 
 
In his message, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, urged Nigerians to imbibe the value of sacrificing in the interest of the country as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. 
 
He said Christ’s selfless service to humanity was being commemorated across the world at the Easter period. 
 
Saraki stated this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Thursday. 
 
He congratulated Christian faithful in Nigeria and across the world as they celebrate the Easter festivities. 
 
He expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their steadfastness and prayers which he said, had immense impact on the peace, unity and continued survival of the nation. 
 
He noted that the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections was a direct testament to the sincere efforts and prayers of all Nigerians. 
 
Saraki said, “The Easter period is again a reminder that we have to imbibe the spirit of making sacrifices in the interest of Nigerians as exemplified by Jesus Christ whose birth, life, passion, death and resurrection brought salvation to mankind.” 
 
Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, enjoined Edo residents and Christians across the country to emulate Jesus Christ’s example of selfless sacrifice as espoused in commemoration of Good Friday. 
 
In his message to mark Good Friday, a Christian Holiday in preparation for Easter celebration, Obaseki said, “As Christian faithful celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary this Easter season, I urge everyone to reflect on the essence of this day, the value of giving oneself and passion for the downtrodden. 
 
“Good Friday embodies Christ’s love for mankind, for which he gave his life. Likewise, as we celebrate, we should remember to be our brother’s keeper, uphold the spirit of togetherness and sacrifice for the greater good of all.” 
 
He urged Edo residents to celebrate peacefully and take the opportunity to share the love of the season with their neighbours, noting, “I enjoin Edo people to share the love of this season with their neigbhours. Adequate arrangement has been made to ensure hitch-free Easter celebration in the state.” 
 
Kwara State Governor-elect, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, congratulated Christians on the successful completion of the Lent and Easter celebration. 
 
“This period reminds everyone of the sacrifice, selflessness and commitment of Jesus Christ. I therefore call on Nigerians, especially Kwarans, to reflect on the lessons of Easter and translate same to everyday event in our lives,” the governor-elect said in a statement issued by his media aide Rafiu Ajakaye. 
 
He urged everyone to also strive to bequeath a legacy of peace and selflessness to the coming generations, as did Jesus Christ.

Latest-News We’ll triumph over terrorists, bandits, kidnappers – Buhari vows

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday that recent upsurge in banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes in the country, shook hi...

How embattled CJN Walter Onnoghen was convicted

05:10 Unknown 0

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 Suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen lost yesterday the battle to affirm his integrity. 
 
The Code of COnduct Tribunal (CCT) pronounced him guilty of violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. 
 
The CCT, in a unanimous judgment of its three-member panel, held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt, the relevant elements of the offences in the six-count charge on which Onnoghen was tried. 
 
However, Onnoghen has appealed the judgment. 
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Tribunal Chairman Danladi Umar held, in the lead judgment, that the prosecution, led by Aliyu Umar (SAN), proved, with hard facts, devoid of technicalities, that Onnoghen made false assets declaration by deliberately omitting to declare the five domiciliary accounts he maintained with Standard Chartered Bank, and in which huge deposits were found. 
 
Umar, who reviewed the evidence led by parties and the exhibits tendered, noted that while the prosecution established its case against the defendant, Onnoghen called only his driver as his sole witness, and in so doing, failed to discredit the evidence of the three witnesses called by the prosecution. 
 
He agreed with the prosecution that Onnoghen’s claim, in his statement, that he forgot to declare the five accounts he opened between 2010 and 2011 in Standard Chartered Bank, which were found to have remained active since then, amounted to admittance of non-declaration and false declaration of asset. 
 
Umar noted that since Onnoghen admitted that he forgot to declare the accounts, it means that the declaration he made was false. 
 
“The prosecution has proved the charge any beyond any reasonable doubt. The preponderance of proof has been established against the defendant. The defendant falsely declared his asset by deliberately omitting to declare his five bank accounts, and he is found guilty of contravening the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.” 
 
After holding that the tribunal has found the defendant guilty, the chairman asked Onnoghen’s lawyer if he had anything to say in the form of allocutus. 
 
Lead defence lawyer, Okon Nkanu Efut (SAN) said he has nothing to say. 
 
When Umar put the same question to Onnoghen, who had all the while sat quietly in the dock, he (Onnoghen) stood up, bowed a little and said: “I have nothing to say, my lord,” and sat down. 
 
The Tribunal Chairman resumed reading the judgment and said: “The tribunal has clearly examined the evidence of PW1, PW2 and PW3 and exhibits tendered by the prosecution, and come to the conclusion that the defendant has falsely declared his assets by deliberately omitting to declare the five accounts under consideration. 
 
“And on that note, find the defendant guilty of the aforementioned breach of the code of conduct for public officers. 
 
“By the provision of Section 23(2). Of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, the defendant has clearly violated the provision of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and he is accordingly convicted as follows: 
 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">*The defendant is hereby removed from office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council and Chairman, Federal Judicial Service Commission. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq"> *The defendant is hereby barred from any public office for the period of 10 years. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq"> *The money in the five accounts, which the defendant has failed to disclose and has not produced evidence as to how he amassed such amount of money not declared, the money in those accounts is hereby confiscated, seized and forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria as it is crystal clear that such money was acquired illegally based on the fact that the defendant has failed to produce any evidence as to how he acquired such huge sums of money in those bank accounts.”</blockquote>
 
Following CCT judgment, Justice Walter Onnoghen will forfeit N47, 878,933.87 to the Federal Government. 
 
The cash is the total sum in the five accounts which the tribunal confirmed that Onnoghen did not declare. 
 
The breakdown of the sums is as follows: $10, 187.18 (N3, 565, 513 @N350 to $); £13, 730.70 (N6,563,274.6 @ N478 to £); $63, 832.99 (N22,341,546.5); N2, 556, 019. 25; N12, 852, 580.52. 
 
The case at the tribunal was “about failure to declare five accounts and alleged violation of the Code of Conduct Act.” 
 
The account Exhibits the government presented to the tribunal were as follows: 
 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">CCB4o, CCB4p, CCB4q for Onnoghen’s Euro Account No. 93001062686 with NUBAN No. 5001062686 with a balance of $10, 187.18(USD) as at 11th January 2019 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">CCB4r, CCB4s, CCB4t and CCB4u for Onnoghen’s Pound Sterling Account No. 285001062679 with NUBAN No. 5001062679 with a balance of £13, 730.70 as at 11th January 2019 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">CCB4v, CCB4w, CCB4x, CCB4y and CCB4z, CCB4za, CCB4zb, CCB4zc, CCB4zd, CCB4ze, CCB4zf for Onnoghen’s Dollar Account No. 0001062650 with a balance of $63, 832.99 USD as at 11th January 2019. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">CCB4zg, CCBzh, CCB4zi, CCB4zj and CCB4zk for Onnoghen’s Naira NUBAN Account No. 0001062667 with a balance of N2, 556, 019. 25 as at 11th January 2019. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">CCB4zl, CCB4zm, CCB4zn, CCB4zo and CCB4zp and CCB4zq, for Onnoghen’s Nigerian Naira NUBAN Account No. 5000162693 with a balance of N12, 852, 580.52 as at 11th January 2019.</blockquote>
In two earlier rulings before the judgment, the tribunal dismissed two motions filed by Onnghnen in the form of preliminary objection to the charge. 
 
The first challenged the tribunal’s jurisdiction to try Onnoghen when the allegations against him had not been presented before the NJC, in line with the Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa against the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 
 
The second asked the tribunal Chairman to recuse himself from further sitting on the case on the grounds that he was allegedly charged with demanding bribe from a defendant, Rasheed Taiwo, a retired Customs officer, who was charged before the tribunal. 
 
In dismissing the first motion, the tribunal said it had the power to try Onnoghen for the offences contained in the six-count charge before it. 
 
The tribunal said it was trying Onnoghen as a public officer, not as a judicial officer, and hence there was no need to first refer the charge against him to the National Judicial Council (NJC). 
 
It said, in the conduct of its affairs, the CCT is not under any supervision of anybody, including the National Judicial Council, and, therefore, not subject to the directive of the NJC. 
 
The tribunal reversed its earlier judgment in the case of Justice Sylvester Ngwuta on the grounds that its finding in the Ngwuta case was based on wrong legal principles and narrow interpretation of statute. 
 
In the Ngwuta judgment, the tribunal had upheld the Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Justice Nganjiwa, to the effect that any allegation of misconduct against a serving judicial officer must first be referred to the NJC. 
 
In the second ruling, the tribunal said it was impossible to have its Chairman step down from a case, because where there is no Chairman, there is no tribunal. 
 
The issue about the allegation of bribe against the Chairman has been fully investigated and effectively dealt with by the EFCC It said the EFCC cleared the Chairman on the grounds that the petitioners could not prove their allegation. 
 
The tribunal dismissed the defence’s argument that the defendants was not likely to get a fair trial because the Executive was the investigator, prosecutor and judge in the case. 
 
It noted that since the Judiciary, whose judges are appointed by the Executive, is not dictated to by the Executive, the defence’s fear that the CCT’s conduct of the trial would be dictated by the Executive is baseless.