Nigerian Eye

Enugu father raises false alarm over daughter’s alleged kidnap – Police reacts

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The Police Command in Enugu State has described as false the kidnap alarm raised by a father, Mr Frank Anioma, over his daughter, Miss Kosisochukwu Anioma.<br />
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The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement on Saturday in Enugu.<br />
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He said that Anioma took to the social media to announce his daughter’s kidnap as well as reported to the police.<br />
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Amaraizu said that the fake kidnap alarm was raised on Aug. 22 and the police operatives of the Anti-Kidnap Unit immediately swung into action.<br />
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He said that contrary to the fake social media hype, fresh facts had emerged on the purported fake kidnapping incident.<br />
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According to him, Kosisochukwu was never abducted by anyone and that she willingly left their home.<br />
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He said that Anioma’s daughter went to the park at Holy Ghost without telling anyone and headed to Owerri where she met her boyfriend.<br />
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“According to her, both of them have been secondary school friends at Abakiliki but she needed to go see him following the prolonged school holiday.<br />
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“Kosisochukwu, 14, is going to SSS 1 if school reopens same with her boyfriend who hails from Owerri in Imo State,’’ the police spokesman said.<br />
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Amaraizu said that Kosisochukwu confessed that she was not abducted nor kidnapped as stated by her father.

Latest-News Enugu father raises false alarm over daughter’s alleged kidnap – Police reacts

The Police Command in Enugu State has described as false the kidnap alarm raised by a father, Mr Frank Anioma, over his daughter, Miss Kos...

Army hands over alleged kidnappers to police in Taraba

10:52 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Nigerian Army has paraded and handed over to the State Police Command three suspected kidnappers nabbed at an army checkpoint in Taraba State.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">According to ThisDay newspaper, the suspects, a 37-year-old woman identified as Ruth Okoronkwo and her brother, as well as one Emmanuel Kelechi, a taxi driver, were nabbed by soldiers of the 20 Model Battalion, Serti manning a check point at Sabin Gida along Jalingo-Wukari road.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Parading the suspects before journalists at the Police Headquarters in Jalingo before handing them over to the police, the Commanding Officer, 20 Model Battalion, Serti, Lt Col Musa Adamu, assured that the Army and other sister security agencies would continue to work together against criminality.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He said the suspects were in custody of two children when they were apprehended following a distress call from a family member of one of the victims who was kidnapped at Iware, a community also along Jalingo-Wukari road.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He said, “Officers of 20 Model Battalion, Serti arrested the kidnappers following a distress call from family members of one of the kidnapped victims taken from Iware under Ardo-Kola local government area of Taraba state.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“The suspected Kidnappers claimed the children belonged to them when they were intercepted at the checkpoint but when the family members who made the distress call came, they identified their kidnapped son, Ibrahim Ali who is only two years old.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Interrogation of the criminals by the troops revealed that the other kidnapped victim, John Emmanuel, who is one year and four months old, as disclosed by one of the kidnap suspect, was picked in Yola, Adamawa state, whose parents are yet to be contacted.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Speaking to Journalists, the 37 year old Ruth who claimed to be a business woman said she was recruited to kidnap infants for the sum of N50,000.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">According to her “this is my first time of doing something like this. I was promised the sum of N50,000 if I could assist them to kidnap children.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“I have known him (Emmanuel Kelechi) for a long time as a taxi driver who used to assist me to carry my goods because I am a business woman. I am pleading for forgiveness and would never do it again.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">But Emmanuel Kelechi, who also spoke with Journalists said he’s been doing the business for over a month and admitted engaging Okoronkwo to help him kidnap children for someone who promised to pay him N200,000 for every infant delivered.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“I have been doing this for over a month now. Someone I met at Umuahia introduced me into this.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He told me if I can get an infant, he would pay me N200,000. As an ordinary driver, I was enticed by the offer. He said he was going to sell the children to couples looking for children.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“So when I took my younger brother to Yola, where he was to resume school, I met this woman whom I discussed with and both agreed to do the job together.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Also speaking to newsmen, Mr Ali Ibrahim, father of rescued Ibrahim gave glory to God for rescuing his son and expressed appreciation to the Army for their efforts.</div>

Latest-News Army hands over alleged kidnappers to police in Taraba

The Nigerian Army has paraded and handed over to the State Police Command three suspected kidnappers nabbed at an army checkpoint in Tarab...

Probe of $9bn P&ID gas contract ongoing -EFCC Chairman, Magu

10:42 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">Ibrahim Magu, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the agency has begun investigations into the Process and Industrial Development Limited (P&ID) gas processing deal.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">A British court had given P&ID the go-ahead to seize Nigerian assets worth $9 billion because Nigeria did not meet its end of the bargain.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Speaking on Friday while hosting a delegation from the Nigerian Diaspora Commission led by its chairman, Abike Dabiri-Arewa, the EFCC chairman described the process leading to the judgment as “day light robbery”.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Magu vowed that the commission will forensically investigate the transaction and bring anyone one found wanting to justice.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">On Thursday, Abubakar Malami, the minister of justice and attorney general of the federation, had said all the people involved in the approval of the gas processing deal with P&ID will be prosecuted.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“As a government that has the mandate of the people, and their interests at heart, we shall not fold our arms and allow this injustice to go unpunished as all efforts, actions and steps shall be taken to bring to book all private individuals, corporate entities and government officials – home or abroad and past or present – that played direct and indirect roles in the conception, negotiation, signing, formation as well as prosecution of the purported agreement,” the minister had said.</div>

Latest-News Probe of $9bn P&ID gas contract ongoing -EFCC Chairman, Magu

Ibrahim Magu, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the agency has begun investigations into the Process a...

48 groups petition UN, AU over Sowore’s arrest

10:37 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIWvT0zS0dOy5m5dL2UONGcR8RICS3rAYeYiLtLVchW1t9HTlRrg2gnqhcCiu1Uqz_ZsGlf6ywpptQwz7mBux3AujHgooSOczl9oNOvpzI3OMcb0072PRzLkp27DC-ZzCc24HmFtWQH9o/s1600/sowore.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="586" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIWvT0zS0dOy5m5dL2UONGcR8RICS3rAYeYiLtLVchW1t9HTlRrg2gnqhcCiu1Uqz_ZsGlf6ywpptQwz7mBux3AujHgooSOczl9oNOvpzI3OMcb0072PRzLkp27DC-ZzCc24HmFtWQH9o/s400/sowore.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">At least 48 rights and press freedom organisations have petitioned the United Nations and the African Union over the detention of Omoyele Sowore.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The activist, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2019 elections, was arrested over his planned nationwide #RevolutionNow protest.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He was subsequently accused by the secret police of threatening public peace and safety with the protest.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Despite the outcry, the federal high court in Abuja approved an application filed by the DSS to detain him for 45 days. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">In an appeal filed to the UN and AU special mechanisms, the groups called for an intervention to see to the release of Sowore. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">In a statement signed by Idowu Olalere, communication director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), one of the groups, said Sowore’s treatment “constitutes a violation of his right not to be arbitrarily detained, right to a fair trial, right to freedom of expression, right of freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and his rights as a human rights defender.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Describing Sowore as a pro-democracy campaigner, Olalere said the objective of the protest was to demand that the Nigerian government end corruption and economic inequality and guarantee education to all.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">In the petition prepared by Nani Jansen Reventlow from the London-based Doughty Street Chambers, the groups called on “the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, UN Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, the situation of human rights defenders, and African Commission Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression and human rights defenders to: intervene urgently to secure the immediate release of Mr Sowore; and declare his arrest and continuing detention a gross violation of his human rights.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">La Keisha Landrum Pierre, chief operating officer of Sahara Reporters, a newspaper founded by Sowore, also described his arrest as a threat to press freedom. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“The arrest and detention of Sahara Reporter’s founder, Omoyele Sowore, is without doubt a threat to press freedom and investigative journalism in Nigeria,” she said. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Sowore has used the word ‘revolution’ contextually to mean ‘change for the better’ since he founded Sahara Reporters in 2006. He then stated that he would ‘revolutionise’ the way news is being reported: something he actually did by leading the pioneering efforts in citizen journalism in Nigeria. We are shocked that a government that rode to power on the promise to wipe out corruption and be the ‘voice of the voiceless’ is trying to silence the call for change by the same people who elected it.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Joy Hyvarinen, head of advocacy at Index on Censorship, added that “the arrest and detention are a shocking violation of Mr Sowore’s human rights, which calls into question Nigeria’s willingness and ability to meet international human rights obligations.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Sowore, through Femi Falana, his lawyer, had asked the court to nullify the order granted DSS to detain him.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The DSS alleged that Sowore and Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), conspired to overthrow President Muhammadu Buhari.</div>
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Latest-News 48 groups petition UN, AU over Sowore’s arrest

At least 48 rights and press freedom organisations have petitioned the United Nations and the African Union over the detention of Omoyele ...

NLC reveals why union accepted Buhari’s reappointment of Ngige as Labour Minister

10:32 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx7E-pJ3zN7OO6Wew5ZZ8ry0ZsAVw-viS1d84wDwxFIMEq1z6ib9uv0xoFBKzhqiNjzF50B6E3M-qQnp9djTUDVPwC50AW6dv9pGhgPc2CeeQgn0V4jOpJNOej9pekQ53IqN5O6Lra_hc/s1600/nlc.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="618" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx7E-pJ3zN7OO6Wew5ZZ8ry0ZsAVw-viS1d84wDwxFIMEq1z6ib9uv0xoFBKzhqiNjzF50B6E3M-qQnp9djTUDVPwC50AW6dv9pGhgPc2CeeQgn0V4jOpJNOej9pekQ53IqN5O6Lra_hc/s400/nlc.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has explained why it has accepted Dr Chris Ngige’s reappointment as the Minister of Labour and Employment.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">NLC had earlier kicked against President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision, but Ngige was confirmed alongside 42 other Ministers on Wednesday and will resume on Monday.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Speaking with The Guardian, the General Secretary of the NLC, Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, said that despite the history between Congress and the former Anambra state Governor, the labour movement would not unnecessarily antagonise the Minister.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We felt that Dr Ngige should not be reappointed Minister, but now that Mr. President has reappointed him, we have to accept that.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We know it is the prerogative of the President to appoint whomsoever he wishes and that is respected.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“However, we will engage the Minister for the betterment of the working people of this country,” Ozo-Eson said.</div>

Latest-News NLC reveals why union accepted Buhari’s reappointment of Ngige as Labour Minister

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Buhari marks 400th anniversary of slave trade abolition with article in Washington Post

09:32 Unknown 0

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President Muhammadu Buhari has called for the abolition of slavery in all modern forms in a opinion article he published in The Washington Post to mark the  International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.<br />
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<b>See the write-up:</b><br />
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Four centuries ago, the first 20 documented African slaves arrived on the shores of Virginia. In the years that followed, millions more were shipped in dehumanizing conditions across the ocean and enslaved. Slavery had, of course, existed before. But this indicated the beginning of a mechanized trade that saw human beings reduced to property on an unprecedented scale.<br />
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Despite the fact that descendants of African slaves have made valuable contributions across society, they are still dealing with the effects of this poisonous legacy. They still have to navigate its everyday manifestations, such as discrimination, racism or lack of access to resources and opportunities. This must not be overlooked or forgotten.<br />
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Yet, as we reflect on this day, International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition, it is clear slavery did not only thrive then. It still thrives today. Across the world it is estimated there are as many as 40 million men, women and children living in forced servitude. They are the industrial victims of a business many believe was abolished hundreds of years ago. They are the modern enslaved.<br />
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Their exploitation appears in many guises, though usually unrecognized as slavery. Many victims are unseen, hidden beneath opaque supply chains. Others are hidden in plain sight, entrapped by circumstances that rob them of autonomy. In any case, their labor, often dangerous, is no product of choice, and its conditions are self-perpetuating.<br />
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In Africa, its modern forms include debt bondage, the enslavement of war captives, commercial sexual exploitation and forced domestic servitude. Holding people held against their will, controlling their movements and forcing them to work for the sole profit of others — wherever they are — is slavery today and always.<br />
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The abolitionists of the 19th century succeeded more than any before: By working to extinguish the transatlantic slave trade that had claimed 15 million victims, they laid the groundwork to ensure it did not manufacture millions more. But their work is not done. We must take up their examples as we forge a path forward to eliminate modern-day slavery in all its forms.<br />
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Slavery, once again, has become entwined in the global economy — and it is largely unseen. For instance, most of us might know in principle that the mining of cobalt crucial to our smartphones might have used forced labor. But what do we know of those that experience it? Just as personal testimony and resulting public pressure led to the passing of the Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade in Britain in 1807, these stories must be told and used to inform policy. Once heard, they can elevate visceral reactions, driving the public pressure needed to ensure the application of anti-slavery laws.<br />
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One distinction from then and now is important: the costs. From records, adjusted for today’s prices, the cost of a human-being-as-property was valued on average at $40,000. Today, it is just $90, sometimes even lower. We must remember that slavery is not simply a campaign of hatred; it is the pursuit of profit. One way to extinguish it in its current forms, therefore, is to make it economically unfeasible. This means making sure that any anti-slavery laws have bite, come with strong penalties and are enforced.<br />
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It is also vital to have a robust tip-off and reporting system. Where this once meant detecting ships, today the signs are less conspicuous. The public must be shown how to see what is hidden in plain sight, particularly signs of suspicious behavior. This might seem broad. But vagueness should not give rise to reluctance to report anything that could be smuggling or forced servitude. If something doesn’t look right, report it, for you could be securing another human’s freedom.<br />
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In Nigeria, our anti-trafficking agency has rolled out the “Not for Sale” campaign to protect against the deceptions of human smugglers, helping those who might be vulnerable to false promises see through the ruse and say no. These prevention programs are crucial.<br />
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The appearance of slavery today might have changed. The institution has not. There are no radical solutions to conjure, only political will. But on this, we can learn from the past, the shadows in which modern slavery proliferates today.<br />
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It is not enough to mark this 400th anniversary. We must use it as a platform to eliminate slavery in all its present-day forms. We should reflect in memory to find a better future, one that should ensure freedom for all.<br />
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Source: Washington Post

Latest-News Buhari marks 400th anniversary of slave trade abolition with article in Washington Post

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for the abolition of slavery in all modern forms in a opinion article he published in The Washington...

Mr Nigeria among top 5 best talents at grand finale of Mr World in Philippines

09:22 Unknown 0

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The 24-year-old  Mr Nigeria, Nelson Enwerem, late on Friday in Manila in the Philippines emerged one of the top five talents at the just concluded Mr World pageant.<br />
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A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the contest on cable network from Lagos, also reports that Jack Heslewood of England emerged the new Mr World 2019.<br />
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Heslewood defeated  71 other candidates during the grand finale to become the 10th Mr World.<br />
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NAN reports that the  27-year-old model also won an award for his impressive drumming, had now succeeded India’s 29-year-old, Rohit Khandelwal, who had just completed his three-year-old reign.<br />
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Also, Enwerem, a model and fashion designer, who won the talent award of  being the best in graceful contemporary dance, told NAN from the  Philippines that he was grateful to Nigerians and his sponsors.<br />
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“I just want to say a very big thank you to everyone who supported my journey. God bless everyone, I tried my best to represent our country which I’m very sure I did extremely well.<br />
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“Unfortunately,  I didn’t win but everyone who watched the show or was at the event and everyone who competed with us is very aware that the results ain’t fair,” he said.<br />
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According to him, all I can say right now is that I’m thankful to God, Silverbird organization, my family and friends and every Nigerian out there for making this experience worth it for me.<br />
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NAN reports that though Mr Nigeria did not make the list of the first five topmost contestants, but Fezile Mkhize, (black) from South Africa did.<br />
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Mkhize emerged the first runner up and won the  Mr World Africa title.<br />
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The biennial event, which was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Aug. 23, had Mexico’s Brian Faugier, as the second runner up.<br />
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Bet Saliva from the Philippines went away with Mr World Asia title.<br />
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The five countries that made it to the finals were:  Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, South Africa and current champion, England.<br />
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NAN also reports that Enwerem was one of the 13 young men that represented Africa at the Mr World competition in the  Philippines.<br />
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The other African countries with that featured participants are:  Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan and Nigeria.<br />
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This 2019 edition of Mr World held in the Philippines is the 10th.<br />
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The global titleholder is expected to travel around the world as a charity ambassador.<br />
<br />
The Mr World competition is a biennial event and also, it is the male beauty pageant sponsored by the Miss World Organisation.<br />
<br />
The competition was  founded in 1996 .

Latest-News Mr Nigeria among top 5 best talents at grand finale of Mr World in Philippines

The 24-year-old Mr Nigeria, Nelson Enwerem, late on Friday in Manila in the Philippines emerged one of the top five talents at the just c...

‘APC will have Problems in 2023’ – Oyegun

09:02 Unknown 0

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<br />
John Oyegun, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the ruling party will have issues in 2023 general election.<br />
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The octogenarian stated this in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, insisting the issues will arise because President Muhammadu Buhari, on whom the party had tailored its change agenda, will not be qualified to contest.<br />
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Oyegun said the party has time to resolve its internal challenges in order to retain victory in the next general election.<br />
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“When the APC was formed, all the predictions were that it will implode in another year or two, but the APC did not implode,” he said.<br />
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“The APC will have issues in 2023 and it has to start now, it has time to put its acts together for 2023. In 2023, there will be no President Buhari.”<br />
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The former APC chairman discredited allegations that the ruling party failed to accomplish any of its promises during its first term.<br />
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He said the change mantra is still being carried along in the current next level agenda.<br />
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“We never told you that we have that magic switch which immediately our president is turned into office, he flicks it, the whole of the country has change. No, it is a process and let me admit, the realities on ground turned out to be a little bit more difficult than we thought,” he said.<br />
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“Even as we move to the very next level, we are carrying change with us.”<br />
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Oyegun, who celebrated his 80th birthday a fortnight ago, said he invited leaders of the opposition party for the sake of emphasising that politicians are not enemies.<br />
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“I wanted to make a point so I invited people across the party divide because we are not enemies, we all want to govern Nigeria. We may have different methods, but that does not make us mortal enemies. So I thought that was an opportunity to make that point,” he said.<br />
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On the crisis within the party and Edo state, where he once served as governor, Oyegun said such should not be allowed to disrupt the goals of the party and the state.<br />
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“We cannot this crisis in Edo state or even in the party. My message is that we must try to achieve a leadership that is by compromise, by agreement and that is inclusive. We must let the constitution, both of the party and the nation to be our guide,” he said.<br />
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“I have always believed that things can be done better. That our politics does not have to be as aggressive as it is.<br />
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“When we embarked on the doctrine of change, for me, this meant change for everybody in the nation, change in our attitude, change in our respect for law, change in our respect for due process, change in our respect for what is right and our ability to differentiate it from what is wrong. And I offered myself for leadership because I wanted to contribute to that process, that our politics can be different.”

Latest-News ‘APC will have Problems in 2023’ – Oyegun

John Oyegun, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the ruling party will have issues in 2023 general elect...

Maid arrested for stealing ₦1.6 million just six hours after employment

08:42 Unknown 0

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<b>A 26-year-old housemaid, Franker Amaha, has stunned her boss after she fled with foreign currencies estimated at N1.6m six hours into her employment.</b><br />
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The woman identified simply as Mrs Taiye of Masha area, Surulere, Lagos State, had engaged Amaha, whom she knew as Esther, on July 25, 2019 through an agent in Ikorodu.<br />
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It was learnt that two hours after they arrived home, they left for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, to pick up Taiye’s sister, who just returned from abroad.<br />
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On getting home, Amaha reportedly sneaked into where her boss’ sister put her luggage, stole the hard currencies – $2800, £1,000 and 2000 Dutch Guilder – and fled.<br />
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It was gathered that efforts by the woman to locate Amaha proved abortive as she switched off her phones.<br />
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Taiye realised she was in for a complex matter when checks at the form she submitted with the agent revealed her home address and her guarantor’s as fake.<br />
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The case, initially reported at the Surulere Police Station, was later referred to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team and a manhunt was launched for the suspect.<br />
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The detectives eventually trailed Amaha to her friend’s house in the Ajah area of Lagos State and apprehended her.<br />
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A police source said investigation revealed that the suspect carefully planned the crime.<br />
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He said, “The suspect went to the agent on July 24 and the agent asked that she should fill a form and get a guarantor. Because she has a plan, she filled the form with a fake name and attached a fake passport photograph to the form.<br />
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“She identified herself as Esther whereas she is Franker (Amaha). On July 25, she was taken to the house of one Mrs Taiye, at Masha, Surulere, to work as a home help and offered to be paid N20,000.<br />
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“Incidentally, a sister of her new boss returned from abroad on that same day. She followed her new boss to the airport to pick up her sister. When they got home, she entered into the room where her boss’ sister’s bags were kept.<br />
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“She opened one of the bags and stole all the foreign currencies therein, including $2,800, £1,000 and 200 Dutch Guilder. She left the house instantly. While the security man at the gate tried to stop her, she told him that she had problems with the madam. While the guard was trying to confirm from the woman, she took a motorcycle. She ran to Ajah to meet one of her friends and threw away her SIM cards.”<br />
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In an interview with newsmen during the week, Amaha said she stole the money to treat her sick mother.<br />
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The indigene of Cross River State said she approached one Mr Frank, a job agent, and Frank in turn led her to one Ade who linked her to Taiye.<br />
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She explained, “I gave her a fake name and address because I have the intention of stealing from her. I got to her house around noon and we went to the airport around 3:30pm to pick her sister. I opened her (sister’s) bag and took money from it.<br />
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“I stole six $100 notes, five pieces of £20, five pieces of $20 and £100. I changed $100 and made my hair with it and bought a pair of sleepers. I changed the remaining money to naira and deposited it into my account. I stole her money because I got a call from my village that my mother was sick. Please help me beg her to forgive me.”

Latest-News Maid arrested for stealing ₦1.6 million just six hours after employment

A 26-year-old housemaid, Franker Amaha, has stunned her boss after she fled with foreign currencies estimated at N1.6m six hours into her ...

Nnamdi Kanu dares President Buhari - 'You will be disgraced, arrested during your visit to Japan'

08:32 Unknown 0

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Daring President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu said members of the group in the Republic of Japan had received orders from him to disgrace and arrest the President when he arrived the Asian country on Sunday.<br />
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According to Kanu, President Buhari must be arrested and handed over to Japanese authorities to enable him to answer for his alleged mass murder and crimes against humanity, which he allegedly committed in Nigeria between 2015 and 2019.<br />
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The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, had earlier on Friday informed Nigerians that the President would leave Nigeria for Japan on Sunday to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development, holding in the City of Yokohama from August 28-30, 2019.<br />
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But in a statement on Friday evening, the pro-Biafra leader urged its members in the country to mobilise and ensure that they arrest President Buhari, saying they were ready for the legal aftermath of the action.

Latest-News Nnamdi Kanu dares President Buhari - 'You will be disgraced, arrested during your visit to Japan'

Daring President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu said members of the group in the Republic of Japan had received order...

WATCH VIDEO: FBI nabs more Nigerian scammers in Los Angeles

07:42 Unknown 0

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A video of some Nigerians indicted for Internet scam, aka, Yahoo, Yahoo, has been posted online.<br />
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The video, tweeted by ABCNews via its official Twitter handle, shows American authorities in Los Angeles arresting nearly a dozen people.<br />
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The arrest is part of a 252-count indictment that accuses 80 people in the U.S. and Nigeria, of participating in a conspiracy to steal millions of dollars through fraud schemes.<br />
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See the video as shared by @ABCWorldNews below<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">BUSTED: New video shows federal authorities in Los Angeles, arresting nearly a dozen people, part of a 252-count indictment that accuses 80 people in the U.S. and Nigeria, of participating in a conspiracy to steal millions of dollars through fraud schemes. <a href="https://t.co/GZByCpZAiQ">https://t.co/GZByCpZAiQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/oxwsgokx2W">pic.twitter.com/oxwsgokx2W</a></div>
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABCWorldNews/status/1164643405063831552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
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Latest-News WATCH VIDEO: FBI nabs more Nigerian scammers in Los Angeles

A video of some Nigerians indicted for Internet scam, aka, Yahoo, Yahoo, has been posted online. The video, tweeted by ABCNews via its ...

Why I shunned PFN panel – COZA pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo

07:42 Unknown 0

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The Founder and Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo, has said he shunned the panel set up by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to investigate the rape allegations levelled against him by a photographer, Bisola Dakolo, because his lawyers advised him not to appear.<br />
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The PFN had said on Thursday, its probe into the allegations against Fatoyinbo was inconclusive because he failed to honour the invitation to appear before the panel.<br />
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But the Senior Assistant to the COZA Pastor, Ademola Adetuberu, in a statement on Friday said the legal advice was also premised on the statement by the PFN President, Bishop Felix Omobude, “where our pastor was publicly disowned”.<br />
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The statement read, “We recall that when Pastor Fatoyinbo was invited by a phone call a few days ago by Pastor Akinola Akinwale, who is the National Administrative Secretary of PFN, we explained that our pastor would not honour the invitation due to legal advice hinged on the ongoing police investigation.<br />
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“The legal advice was also premised on the statement signed by the PFN President, Bishop Felix Omobude, where our pastor was publicly disowned.<br />
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“Based on the foregoing, we are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the PFN was already prejudiced and may not conduct an impartial session.<br />
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“According to the report, Rev Omobude, who we hold in high esteem, went further to crucify our pastor without seeking to know his side of the story on the matter. With all due respect, we consider this a prejudicial position in dispensing justice and fairness.”<br />
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Fatoyinbo argued that “Even our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was given an opportunity for fair hearing by the kangaroo panel set up with the prime motive of condemning Him to death.”<br />
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He said there was no invitation letter from the panel or the PFN, apart from a telephone call requesting him to appear before the panel, adding that a PFN officer who spoke to one of his lawyers was informed that he (Fatoyinbo) would not appear before the panel until the police investigation was concluded.<br />
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The embattled cleric, however, said he could appear before the panel after the conclusion of the police investigation.<br />
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The statement added, “Once the police investigation is over, our pastor is ready to honour the invitation. We have also been legally advised to deploy judicial intervention to clear our pastor as soon as possible, and the process has commenced.”

Latest-News Why I shunned PFN panel – COZA pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo, has said he shunned the panel set up by the Pentecostal ...

PDP unmoved as tribunal sacks Dino Melaye

07:42 Unknown 0

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The Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja on Friday nullified Dino Melaye’s election as the winner of the February 23 Kogi West senatorial poll.<br />
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In a unanimous judgment on the petition filed by Smart Adeyemi and his party, the All Progressives Congress, the three-man panel led by Justice A.O. Chijioke ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh election within 90 days.<br />
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Adeyemi, who represented Kogi West at the Senate in the past, and the APC claimed in the petition that the election won by Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party was marred by overvoting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.<br />
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However, while the APC hailed the judgment, the PDP said it was not bothered about it, saying Melaye would remain the representative of Kogi West at the Senate.<br />
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The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja said they would get victory at the Appeal Court.<br />
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He said, “We are not worried about the nullification because we still have the opportunity of going to the Court of Appeal. However, Kogi West where Dino comes from is the home of the PDP in Kogi State. So if elections are held there over and over the PDP will always win. So we do not have any issue.<br />
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“We are also confident of victory at the Appeal Court because Adeyemi lost that election roundly. His party is the ruling party in the state, but the people of Kogi West voted against him. He knows that he lost that election including in his ward and local government area. So if the election is held 100 times, the PDP will win.”<br />
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The APC chairman in the state, Abdullahi Bello, said Melaye’s sacking was a welcome development.<br />
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In a telephone interview with one of our correspondents, Bello said the ruling had confirmed that there was hope for the common man in the country.<br />
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He commended the judiciary for standing on the part of truth in delivering the judgement.<br />
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Melaye described the ruling “as a total miscarriage of justice.”<br />
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However, Melaye who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, said in a statement he had instructed his legal team to appeal the judgment.

Latest-News PDP unmoved as tribunal sacks Dino Melaye

The Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja on Friday nullified Dino Melaye’s election as the winner of the February 23 Kogi West senatorial ...

Soldier dismissed for killing motorcyclist over ₦100 bribe

07:42 Unknown 0

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Nigerian Army has dismissed Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson, who was accused of killing an okada rider, Chimaobi Nwaogu, at his community, Umuokereke Ngwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.<br />
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Johnson had, on August 7, allegedly killed Chimaobi for refusing to part with N100 at a military checkpoint located at Ohanze, along Aba-Ikot Ekpene Highway. While handing over the suspect to Abia State Police Command, the Commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Brigadier General Solomon Kumapayi, disclosed that the Army had conducted investigations, tried the suspect in line with military regulations and found him guilty.<br />
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The Brigade Commander announced that the killer-soldier has been demoted from the rank of Lance Corporal to Private and dismissed from the Army.<br />
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His words: “The Army promised to do everything possible to fish out the culprit of the unfortunate incident. We had already conducted our investigations and we have, in line with extant military rule, tried the identified culprit.<br />
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“For reasons in line with our rules which he flouted by abandoning his duty location, we have reduced him in rank from Lance Corporal to Private. We have also dismissed him from the Nigerian Army for not acting professionally.<br />
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“We are now handing him over to the state Police Command to conduct investigations and if culpable, should be tried in line with laws of the land.” Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Colonel Aliyu Yusuf, explained that the Army does not condone any act of unprofessional conduct among its personnel and assured that it would continue to protect lives and properties in line with the Nigerian constitution.<br />
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Receiving the suspect, Commissioner of Police, Abia State, Mr. Ene Okon, who noted that the earlier report was that the late okadaman was killed by a cultist, commended the Army for conducting proper investigations in line with its tradition.<br />
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According to him, “the story was that a cultist killed an okada rider, but from in-house inquiries, it was alleged that a soldier was the culprit.<br />
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The military, in line with its tradition, had done its homework and what they are expected to do. “Today(yesterday), the military has handed the culprit to the Police to carry out its statutory function of investigating criminal matters.”

Latest-News Soldier dismissed for killing motorcyclist over ₦100 bribe

Nigerian Army has dismissed Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson, who was accused of killing an okada rider, Chimaobi Nwaogu, at his community, U...

Husband angry, as wife sells child for ₦500,000 in Imo

07:42 Unknown 0

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A woman whose name was given as Chinaza Ukaonu has been arrested by the Imo state police command alongside two nurses for allegedly selling her baby for N500,000.<br />
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The Imo state police public Relation Officer, PPRO, Orlando Ikeokwu, who confirmed this yesterday in Owerri, said that the arrest of the woman was made possible by her husband, Promise Ukaonu, he reported the wife to the police, suspecting that the wife was telling him lies about the whereabouts of their child.<br />
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Others arrested with Mrs Ukonu was an alleged buyer of the child, Amadi Chioma. Also, two others said to be nurses who took care of Mrs Ukaonu, during the time she was pregnant, Esomonu Dorathy and Eke Catherine The police image maker also told newsmen that the child has been recovered.<br />
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Narrating how the police made the arrest the PPRO, said: “On the 01/08/19, operatives of the Command acting on reasonable information arrested, Chinaza Ukaonu; Amadi Chioma; Esomonu Dorathy; Eke Catherine all females.<br />
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“It is noteworthy that Chinaza Ukaonu, left the house on the with an eight (8) months old pregnancy on the pretest that she was going to stay awhile with her brother who stays at Ubomiri, MBAITOLI LGA, upon investigation the husband, one Promise Ukaonu, discovered she wasn’t there.<br />
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“However, a month later he received a call that his wife had a stillborn when he demanded to see the remains of the child, the wife told that she wrapped it in a nylon bag and disposed of it, not satisfied with the story.<br />
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“He reported the matter to the Police, which led to the arrest of Chinaza Ukaonu, who then confessed of having sold the child to Amadi Chioma, for the sum of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000), with the help of the two nurses Esomonu Dorathy, and Eke Catherine, who assisted her through the childbirth. “However, the child has been recovered and the investigation is at an advanced stage.”

Latest-News Husband angry, as wife sells child for ₦500,000 in Imo

A woman whose name was given as Chinaza Ukaonu has been arrested by the Imo state police command alongside two nurses for allegedly sellin...

Alleged N3 Billion Scam: Let me retire honourably - Oyo-Ita begs

07:42 Unknown 0

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As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) steps up investigation into a N3 billion contract scam, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, has pleaded that the case against her be stepped down.<br />
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The number one civil servant is begging that she should be allowed to “retire honourably.”<br />
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Although she admitted introducing some people to some Permanent Secretaries for assistance, she said she was doing so “without realizing the implication.”<br />
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She said she does not own proxy companies under any guise and has no many upscale assets in Abuja.<br />
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She said although she collected Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) without traveling, the indulgence was not a regular occurrence.<br />
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She also alleged that the EFCC had planned to arraign her on August 19 but she had to remain in a hospital to take care of her health.<br />
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Her plea came against the filling of witness forms by some Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Finance and Administration in order to testify against some contracts when the formal trial of some suspects begins.<br />
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Detectives have also discovered that the Project Accountant, in whose account N600 million was found, is on Grade Level 12.<br />
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Oyo-Ita, however, said the Accountant in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) was not her aide but he reports to a Director of Finance and Administration who also reports to a Permanent Secretary before the Head of Service comes into the picture.<br />
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The foregoing snippets are contained in Oyo-Ita’s plea to those she is begging to intercede on her behalf before President Muhammadu Buhari.<br />
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A part of the snippets saw her saying: “Please, please, please, have mercy on me. I am begging for mercy that this case against me should be stepped down and I should be allowed to retire honourably.<br />
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“I do not own proxy companies. Several people came to me to introduce them to Permanent Secretaries. I have been doing this without realising the implication.”<br />
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On DTA, two top shots who are mediating on her behalf said she confessed to have collected these estacodes without traveling only “a few times.”<br />
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One of the sources, a former bureaucrat, quoted her as saying: “Due to work pressure, I am not able to travel after collecting DTA or estacodes.”<br />
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The source added: “She wants soft-landing from the Presidency because some of the contracts under investigation predated her appointment as the Head of Service. They were awarded between 2013 and 2014. “Her greatest fears border on alleged moves by the EFCC to put her on trial alongside a former minister. “She said there was an initial plan to arraign her in court on August 19 but for providence that she was in the hospital for medical treatment.”<br />
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A second source, who is one of the strong supporters of the President, said: “She evoked much emotion when she was begging for mercy. “Apart from reliving the past, especially PTF days with President Muhammadu Buhari, she said she has been ‘absolutely loyal’ to this administration.<br />
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“She also said the Project Accountant is not her aide at all despite the fact that he is a staff in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.<br />
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“Her argument is that the Project Accountant with N600 million in his account reports to a Director of Finance and Administration who also reports to a Permanent Secretary before the Head of Service is in the picture.<br />
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“We have done our best to lay all the cards on the table before the powers that be. It is left for the President to determine her fate in the light of the investigation report of the anti-graft commission and her defence.”<br />
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No record of her resignation, says Presidency</b><br />
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On the circumstances surrounding her resumption yesterday, there were rumours that the Presidency might have rejected her plans to either resign or retire. It was learnt that the Head of Service confided in the staff in her office that the Presidency directed her to go ahead with her work pending the conclusion of investigation.<br />
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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said last night: “We are not aware of any letter of resignation. There is no record of it in the registry. So, questions pertaining to it ought not to arise.”<br />
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At press time, there were indications that the anti-graft agency had uncovered that the OHCSF officer with N600 million in his account is on Grade Level 12.<br />
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A reliable source said: “So far, we have discovered that he is a GL 12 officer. He is answering questions on how he came about such a huge amount in his account.<br />
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“Officially, the amount allowed in any project account at any time is between N10 million and N15 million. The ongoing investigation might reveal the real purpose for keeping such a huge cash.<br />
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“We have various bends to the investigation and some Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Finance and Administration have filled the witness form to testify on some contracts when a formal trial of suspects begins.”<br />
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Responding to a question, the source added: “We may still invite Oyo-Ita for interrogation. The amount involved is huge.”

Latest-News Alleged N3 Billion Scam: Let me retire honourably - Oyo-Ita begs

As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) steps up investigation into a N3 billion contract scam, the Head of the Civil Servi...

I leave IPOB leader’s threat to God and the law - Nwodo

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National President of apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nnia Nwodo, says he has left the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to God and the law.<br />
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Nwodo’s remark was contained in an open letter to Ndigbo concerning an online video in which Kanu made series of allegations against him.<br />
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“I have noted the threats to my life from the IPOB leader. I leave that to God and the law,” Nwodo wrote.<br />
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Calling on South East leaders to condemn the IPOB leader’s action, Nwodo said: “Ndigbo, I have championed your cause with every amount of energy in me. I have worked with little encouragement or assistance. Thank God my team and I have elevated Ohanaeze Ndigbo to an enviable status. It is dangerous for our solidarity and ultimate success if we allow these vituperative outbursts to truncate our solidarity.<br />
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“In spite of all I say, I salute Nnamdi for his courage and his persistence in upholding our case but I urge you all to rise up and condemn what is condemnable. Speak up and shame those who would want us to split into pieces and destroy our resolve to fight as a united people.<br />
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As a father, I will always forgive an erring child but not without drawing his attention to a misdemeanor which should never be repeated.

Latest-News I leave IPOB leader’s threat to God and the law - Nwodo

National President of apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nnia Nwodo, says he has left the leader of Indigenous People o...

Nigerian footballer Winfred Ndidi enrolls in university

07:42 Unknown 0

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Leicester City combative midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, is already planning for life after football by returning to school, Sports Extra reports.<br />
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Ndidi in his spare time away from football is studying a business degree at De Montfort University, Leicester.<br />
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The 22-year-old said he wants to use his business degree to improve facilities for young footballers in Nigeria once he is done playing active football.<br />
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Ndidi also revealed that he has tried to keep his degree study on a low profile by wearing a hoodie when on campus and even from his teammates.<br />
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“I try to keep a low profile, no one knows me here except for a few” he revealed on Skysports.<br />
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“I think they don’t know yet but maybe they will know now. I am sure that the first person that will come to talk to me about is Jamie Vardy,” Ndidi said of his teammates.<br />
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The Eagles midfielder also reflected on his performance against Chelsea in a 1-1 draw.<br />
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“It was a mixed feeling, I was hurt because I let the Chelsea goal happened, and I also scored a great goal that gave us the equalizer,” he told Skysports.<br />
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Ndidi was a key player for the Super Eagles as the country finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt last June.<br />
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Meanwhile, Ndidi insists the Foxes are ready to pick their first three points of the season when they face newly-promoted Sheffield United in an English premier League game on Saturday (today).<br />
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The Foxes travel to South Yorkshire following successive draws with Wolves and Chelsea, while the Blades have secured four points from their opening two matches.<br />
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Ndidi, who scored Leicester’s equaliser at the Stamford Bridge, says the Foxes can now approach this weekend’s outing with a sense of belief after their performance in West London.<br />
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The midfielder noted that it is a game they should win. “They’re a very good team, it’s something we should actually get something out of.<br />
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“The last two games we drew and I think this is something we have to get something out of, because it’ll give us the edge to move up the table and give us more points. We’re ready for it,” he revealed on the club’s official website.<br />
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The 22-year-old is hesitant to set any specific targets for the 2019/20 campaign, but is nonetheless determined to reach the season’s conclusion with Leicester in a healthy position in the Premier League table.<br />
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“For me, I wouldn’t say top six is the aim, I would say getting so many points to minimise the gap,” he continued.<br />
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“Anything can happen, so we try to get as many points as we can that will get us at the top of the table.<br />
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“These games are very important, we don’t just say top six or top three. We have to get the points out of the games before we place ourselves at the top,” he said.

Latest-News Nigerian footballer Winfred Ndidi enrolls in university

Leicester City combative midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, is already planning for life after football by returning to school, Sports Extra repo...

FBI, EFCC arrest more Internet fraudsters in Abuja

07:42 Unknown 0

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it has begun a joint operation with the United State Federal Bureau of Investigation to clamp down on internet fraudsters.<br />
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A total of 16 cyber crime suspects (Yahoo Boys) have been arrested in Abuja since the joint operation codenamed Operation Wire Wire was launched.<br />
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Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, said this on Friday while hosting the Chairman, Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in his office in Abuja.<br />
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He vowed to identify and bring the suspects to justice, adding that following the onslaught and intensified raids on their hideouts by the EFCC, the internet fraudsters had relocated to Ghana.<br />
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Magu said, “It is very sad. It’s like the era of these 419ners and Yahoo Boys is coming back.<br />
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“I remember we worked with the FBI in Lagos and others. We carried out Operation Wire Wire. We are re-energising; we will go out and storm all their hideouts. Most of them have relocated to Ghana because the heat is on them.”<br />
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He pledged the readiness of the commission to sustain the ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies, with a view to curbing the menace of cyber crimes.<br />
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Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the arrest of 77 Nigerians in the United States in connection with alleged cyber crimes.<br />
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Meanwhile, NIDCOM has urged the Nigerians among the 80 persons indicted by the United States for massive email fraud and money laundering to turn themselves in voluntarily or be extradited.<br />
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Dabiri-Erewa said, “We acknowledge the fact that an accusation does not mean guilt, and we hope that all the accused will be given fair and speedy trial.<br />
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“We also ask those accused in Nigeria to voluntarily turn themselves in to American authorities to clear their names, without which the Nigerian government would extradite them if relevant international treaties between the two governments are invoked.”

Latest-News FBI, EFCC arrest more Internet fraudsters in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it has begun a joint operation with the United State Federal Bureau of Investigation to ...

Kano begins free compulsory secondary education

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The Kano State Government says it is set to begin free and compulsory basic and secondary education in the state for millions of out-of-school children, including the almajiri.<br />
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The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, stated this in Abuja on Friday after a meeting with the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, adding that the state would shortly pass a legislation to make primary and secondary education compulsory.<br />
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Ganduje noted that the state had concluded plans to integrate the “almajiri education system into the modern academic curriculum.”<br />
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The governor said, “We are having a very important decision on basic and secondary education in Kano. We have made a pronouncement that basic education and secondary education will be free and compulsory. In order to make it sustainable, we are holding a stakeholders’ summit for which I have come to invite the Minister of Education.<br />
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“Mind you, we are not limiting it to basic education; secondary education will also be free and compulsory. So we are going to have a legislation to back it. As you know, basic education is already compulsory according to the Universal Basic Education Law.<br />
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“On the Almajiri system, the essence of the summit is to take care of the out-of-school children, including the almajiri. What we plan to do is to integrate the Almajiri system with the modern western type of education. We are going to modify the curriculum so that it will tally with the national curriculum that we are operating at the moment.”

Latest-News Kano begins free compulsory secondary education

The Kano State Government says it is set to begin free and compulsory basic and secondary education in the state for millions of out-of-sc...

48 human rights groups petition UN, AU over Sowore’s detention

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Forty-eight human rights groups and press freedom organisations have petitioned the United Nations and the African Union over the continued detention of rights activist and convener of the RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, by the Department of State Services.<br />
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The groups described the arrest and detention of Sowore as a threat to press freedom and investigative journalism in Nigeria, while calling for an urgent intervention by the UN and the AU to secure his immediate release.<br />
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Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the February 2019 election, was arrested on August 3 by the DSS “for threatening public safety, peaceful co-existence and social harmony in the country” by the protest he organised for Monday, August 5.<br />
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The Department had after the arrest called on Nigerians to disregard the “threat of revolution” issued by Sowore. It also secured an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 8 to detain Sowore, who is the publisher of Sahara Reporter, for 45 days.<br />
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Justice Taiwo Taiwo, ruling on an ex parte application by the DSS held that the detention order would be renewable after the expiration of first 45 days on September 21.<br />
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A statement by Idowu Olalere on Friday said Sowore’s detention constitutes a violation of his right not to be arbitrarily detained, right to fair trial, right to freedom of expression, right of freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and his rights as a human rights defender.<br />
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The statement quoted the COO of Sahara Reporters, La Keisha Landrum Pierre, as saying, “The organisations, assisted by Ms Nani Jansen Reventlow, from the London-based internationally renowned law firm, Doughty Street Chambers, are calling upon the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, UN Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, the situation of human rights defenders, and African Commission Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression and human rights defenders to intervene urgently to secure the immediate release of Mr Sowore and declare his arrest and continuing detention a gross violation of his human rights.”<br />
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The statement listed the rights groups to include Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Centre for Constitutional Rights, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Women Agenda, ARTICLE 19 Senegal/West Africa and Global Voice Sub-Saharan Africa.

Latest-News 48 human rights groups petition UN, AU over Sowore’s detention

Forty-eight human rights groups and press freedom organisations have petitioned the United Nations and the African Union over the continu...

President Buhari set to travel to Japan

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President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Japan on Sunday (tomorrow) to attend the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development, the Presidency has said.<br />
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The TICAD7 will take place in the City of Yokohama from August 28 to 30.<br />
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The President is expected back on August 31.<br />
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The TICAD6 was held in Nairobi, Kenya in August 2016 and Buhari also attended it.<br />
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This year’s has the theme, Africa and Yokohama, Sharing Passion for the Future.<br />
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The Japanese Prime Minister and host, Shinzo Abe, will perform the opening ceremonies of the TICAD7.<br />
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A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, “President Buhari will be accompanied by Governors Babagana Zulum, AbdulRaham AbdulRazaq and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Borno, Kwara and Lagos states respectively; ministers and other top government officials.

Latest-News President Buhari set to travel to Japan

President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Japan on Sunday (tomorrow) to attend the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Devel...

Cultists invade two Rivers communities, kill six

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Six persons were killed on Thursday in Kereke Bo-Ue and Nyokoro communities in the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State when gunmen suspected to be cultists invaded the area.<br />
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It was gathered that the gunmen belonging to a particular cult group had attacked the communities between 10am and 11am, causing panic in the area.<br />
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Some persons were also injured during the incident as the attackers were said to have shot sporadically during the two separate operations.<br />
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Though the number of those injured could not be ascertained as of the time of filing the report, it was gathered that one of the victims of the attack died on Friday morning as a result of the injuries he sustained.<br />
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Apart from the killings, it was learnt that a secondary school building in Kereke Bo-Ue and a house belonging to a professor were set ablaze.<br />
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When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident, attributing it to a reprisal by a cult group.

Latest-News Cultists invade two Rivers communities, kill six

Six persons were killed on Thursday in Kereke Bo-Ue and Nyokoro communities in the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State when gunmen...

2019 BBNaija: ‘The Icons’ wins wager task

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‘The Icons’ group of the ongoing Big Brother Naija reality show, have won this week’s wager task.<br />
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News Agency of Nigeria reports that the group has been on a streak as this is their third win in a row following their nomination task win and the previous wager win.<br />
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‘The Icons’ beat out ‘Cruisetopia’, whose members except Venita are already up for eviction, in the series of games set by Biggie on Thursday.<br />
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In line with the theme of the week, the ‘Pepper Dem Gang’ were tasked on three elements around the subject of healthy living.<br />
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Judged on creativity, participation and holistic messaging, ‘The Icons’ and ‘Cruisetopia’ teams each displayed elements which reflected the three features around the subject of healthy living.<br />
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For the first segment of this challenge, the teams were required to contribute to a cleaner environment by recycling items otherwise considered as waste in the House.<br />
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In this element, three members of each team took turns as they presented the recycled projects accomplished by the team.<br />
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‘The Icons’ presented a bunch of recycled items in the form of a television set, a chessboard, a teddy bear and an hourglass.<br />
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While team ‘Cruisetopia’ displayed their reused items in the form of an aeroplane, a mosaic painting and a car.<br />
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For the second presentation, both teams explained how relationships can be nourished and also how a healthy space for all to thrive can be created.<br />
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To this end, the teams were tasked to develop two separate talks on healthy relationships in seven minutes.<br />
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With Jackye and Esther representing team ‘Cruisetopia’, Elozonam and Cindy for ‘The Icons’, each team gave insightful points as they individually took turns to present separate talks on healthy relationships.<br />
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The third element challenged the teams to present twelve yoga poses as a means of creating a happy mind.<br />
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On this challenge, Sir Dee and Frodd represented ‘Cruisetopia’, while Mercy and Diane displayed on behalf of ‘The Icons’.<br />
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For the final wager presentation, Khafi (for ‘The Icons’) and Mike (for ‘Cruisetopia’) each had five minutes to present a single illustrated original positive and uplifting quote for both teams.<br />
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NAN reports that Frodd, Sir Dee, Ike, Tacha, Mercy and Diane were given verbal awards for individual efforts.<br />
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Meanwhile, for losing this week’s Wager Challenge, Biggie announced that team ‘Cruisetopia’ will be awarded a losing punishment reward.<br />
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For winning, ‘The Icons’ left the Arena with this week’s Wager trophy and a bonus of 20 Bet9ja Coins for each team member.

Latest-News 2019 BBNaija: ‘The Icons’ wins wager task

‘The Icons’ group of the ongoing Big Brother Naija reality show, have won this week’s wager task. News Agency of Nigeria reports that th...

Dino Melaye reacts to tribunal’s ruling against his senatorial election

12:43 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye has reacted to the Kogi State National Assembly/State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal’s nullification of his victory at the senatorial poll.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Melaye polled a total of 85,395 votes to defeat his APC opponent who scored 66,902 votes. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">But the APC candidate, Sam Adeyemi went on to challenge Melaye’s election on three grounds of irregularities, over voting and non compliance with the electoral act.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday, a three-man panel led by Justice A. O. Chijioke, in a unanimous judgment, accepted Adeyemi’s ground and ordered for a fresh election in the senatorial district.</div>
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<a name='more' id="more"></a>Reacting on Twitter, Melaye said he would get judgement at the Appeal court.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He wrote, ”On Tribunal judgement. No cause for alarm at all. Even if it went my way they will still go to the Appeal Court. Our mandate can not be taken. We will get judgment at the Appeal Court.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">”There will be fresh election in Kogi West because I will be Governor. For my Senate mandate no shaking.”</div>

Latest-News Dino Melaye reacts to tribunal’s ruling against his senatorial election

The Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye has reacted to the Kogi State National Assembly/State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal’...

Tribunal sacks Senator Melaye, orders fresh polls

12:23 Unknown 0

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Senator Dino Melaye has been sacked as the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District.<br />
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The National Assembly/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Lokoja, Kogi State handed down the sack today and ordered a fresh election.<br />
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Melaye was dragged to the tribunal by the All Progressives Party candidate, Senator Smart Adeyemi.

Latest-News Tribunal sacks Senator Melaye, orders fresh polls

Senator Dino Melaye has been sacked as the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District. The National Assembly/State Assembly E...

Nigerians always complain about govt but something is wrong with everybody -Ex-US Envoy

12:23 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">Andrew Young, a former ambassador of the US to the UN, says Nigerians are always complaining about the government but that ”something is wrong with everybody”.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Young said this on Thursday at dinner organised by the Emeka Offor foundation for him in Abuja.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The event was also to mark the record of no wild polio virus case in Nigeria in three years.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The former US ambassador said he has never heard of a good government in Nigeria because of complaints by its citizens.</div>
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<a name='more' id="more"></a>“Everybody know that Nigerians are to be respected, if not feared, except you Nigerians. Nigerians are always complaining about themselves,” he said.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Is like complaining about government you have had, I never heard about a good government in Nigeria – something is wrong with everybody. Well let’s face it, the world has never and would be perfect.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“There have never been a people that have come further and work harder and produce more with less and suffered more problems than the people of Nigeria and the government that you have produced.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Young said it is a “tremendous accomplishment” for Nigeria to wipe out polio in its wild forms.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“I don’t know if you have 50 million people, 90 million people, 120 million people and you don’t know either but we know that polio has been cured,” he said.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“I remember polio as a boy because Franklin Roosevelt was a victim of polio and we started when we were little children to wipe polio, now here we are in Nigeria, with its millions and millions of people trying to end a disease that has killed millions and millions throughout its existence.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“So cannot tell me that things are not better, I look at the way the cities are growing, I look at the Nigerians that come to the United States of America and you don’t send dumb Nigerians there, they are all smart.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Some might be a little sleek but they are all brilliant, they work hard. They solve problems.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He also said South Africa would not be free today and Mandela would not be out today if not for Nigeria.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">On his part, Offor said by March 2020, Nigeria would be officially certified polio free by the World Health Organisation (WHO).</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Yesterday, 25th of August, Nigeria marked three years of [being] wild polio free, we got together and we decided that we should wait a little bit until we get the final certification from WHO which is due sometime in March 2020,” he said.</div>

Latest-News Nigerians always complain about govt but something is wrong with everybody -Ex-US Envoy

Andrew Young, a former ambassador of the US to the UN, says Nigerians are always complaining about the government but that ”something is w...

Minimum wage: Labour, FG to resume negotations today

11:53 Unknown 0

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Organised labour and the Federal Government will today meet to resume negotiation over the modalities for the implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage.<br />
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Labour, through the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, has been negotiating with the Federal Government since June 6, 2019.<br />
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The Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Alade Lawal, confirmed this to ThePunch on Thursday,<br />
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Lawan noted that labour was optimistic that the meeting would resolve pending differences and spell a new direction towards ending the controversy surrounding negotiation.<br />
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“We are hoping that we can see the end of the problems surrounding negotiation. We also call on workers to be patient,” he added.

Latest-News Minimum wage: Labour, FG to resume negotations today

Organised labour and the Federal Government will today meet to resume negotiation over the modalities for the implementation of the N30,00...

Despite protest by PDP members, Oyo Assembly screens 27-year-old Fakorede as commissioner

11:18 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">Scores of members of the Oyo State chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday stormed the state House of Assembly complex to protest against the nomination of a 27-year-old man, Seun Fakorede as commissioner.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">It was gathered that Governor Seyi Makinde of the state recently sent three additional names of commissioner-nominees to the Assembly. The nominees, which included Seun Fakorede, an indigene of Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Professor Raphael Afonja and Mrs Fausat Sani were billed to be screened by the lawmakers when the protesting PDP members stormed the Assembly on Thursday.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The protesting PDP members, who were led by Oyo South Senatorial Chairman, Sir. Samuel Olawuwo, called on the lawmakers to turn down the nomination of Fakorede.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">While justifying their call for the nullification of his nomination, Olawuwo said both Fakorede and his father had long left the party and also worked against the victory of Governor Makinde in the last election.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Olawuwo said, “When we voted, we thank God that we won at the state level. We won at the senatorial level. By the time we were campaigning about, the governor promised us that anytime he wanted to pick either the commissioner or any other office, he would consult us. But he didn’t do that when he wanted to pick Seun Fakorede.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Our people in that area have plans for whatever we do. We have slated the commissionership slot for Tapa, and to which that has been done. So, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Mrs Olufunmilayo Orisadeyi is from Tapa.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We slated House of Assembly for Igangan and that has been done. For Idere, we slated caretaker chairman. Then, we slated the slot for House of Representatives to Igboora. If there is another chance, Igboora is going to be the next place to be considered for commissioner. But that was not done.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We are not here quarrelling with the governor at all. We are not quarrelling with the Speaker. But we only want to express our concern about the man picked. It is very appalling. This man, whose son is now picked, is a staunch member of APC.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We totally reject the nomination of Seun Fakorede. If the governor wants to nominate another person, we are not quarrelling with that. But that family, we are totally rejecting it. The people participating in this protest are from Igboora, Idere, Aiyete, Tapa, Igangan.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">But, the protest seem to have no effect as the lawmakers confirmed and approved the three nominees at Thursday’s plenary.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Despite the outcry, the Assembly screened and confirmed Fakorede, Afonja and Sani amid controversies.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Fakorede while responding to questions from the lawmakers on plans for the state owned football club, said the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) is very important to the state government and with the help of all stakeholders in the sport world, things will turn around for the club.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Fakorede said that the protest is an internal matter that would be settled in due course.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">While answering question on what she will do to address child abuse in the state, state, Sani advocated strong punishment on whoever violate child’s right and engages in any form of abuse.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Afonja stressed the need to support governor Makinde to make Oyo state great again.</div>

Latest-News Despite protest by PDP members, Oyo Assembly screens 27-year-old Fakorede as commissioner

Scores of members of the Oyo State chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday stormed the state House of Assembly c...

EFCC arrests 10 suspected yahoo boys in Delta State

11:08 Unknown 0

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It was end of the road for 10 suspected internet fraudsters on Wednesday August 21, 2019, as they were arrested at their hideout in an early morning operation by Operatives of the Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Sapele,  Delta State.<br />
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The arrest was triggered by intelligence received by the Commission. The suspects are Abuwa Marvis, Ikpasa Efe, Abraham Idede, Maye Edefeose, Ovie Akpojevuehe, and Akpotor Okeoghene. Others are Abuwa Jeffery, Ehirouture Precious, Best Lucky, and Lucky Desmond.<br />
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Items recovered from them include lap top computers, mobile phones, flash drives, internet modems and charms (voodoo). The Commission also recovered a Toyota Venza from one of the suspect.<br />
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The suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.

Latest-News EFCC arrests 10 suspected yahoo boys in Delta State

It was end of the road for 10 suspected internet fraudsters on Wednesday August 21, 2019, as they were arrested at their hideout in an ear...

BMO mocks Obasanjo over FIRS indictment as tax defaulter

10:48 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has mocked former President Olusegun Obasanjo for being indicted by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, as a tax defaulter.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Recall that the FIRS had listed Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, a company owned by the former President, among 19,000 tax defaulters. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">However, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, BMO said it was also shocked that someone who considered himself as the father of modern Nigeria was a tax defaulter.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The organization further told him that it was not just okay to write letters to President Muhammadu Buhari over the state of the nation, but also important that he pays his taxes as at when due.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The statement by the BMO reads; “It is a big surprise that a company owned by a former President who sees himself as the father of modern Nigeria is on a list of companies that have run afoul of the nation’s tax laws.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We also consider it a thing of shame for General Obasanjo not to pay taxes as at when due, especially as he is known to pontificate either at public fora or through open letters against societal ills, aside from launching scathing attacks against all sitting Presidents after him.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We do not see why he should stop writing letters or speaking out against societal ills, but it would be hypocritical for him not to pay his company’s taxes as at when due. So, our message to former President Obasanjo is: Keep writing open letters to Nigerians but do not forget to pay your taxes,” the BMO said.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The comments by BMO comes day’s after Obasanjo described himself as ‘an incurable optimist,’ while calling on Nigerian youths to keep faith and not lose hope despite the many challenges the country is facing.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The former President made the call while addressing some youths and students from select schools in the State at a Youths Governance Dialogue organized by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Obasanjo, who described himself as ‘an incurable optimist’ in Nigeria, declared that, though the current situation in Nigeria was bad, he could see the light beyond the tunnel.</div>

Latest-News BMO mocks Obasanjo over FIRS indictment as tax defaulter

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has mocked former President Olusegun Obasanjo for being indicted by the Federal Inland Revenue Service...

Okorocha stole N1trillion – Ihedioha

10:33 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has accused former Governor Rochas Okorocha, of stealing N1trillion while in power.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">This was contained in a statement on Friday issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Steve Osuji.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Available records show that in eight years, former Governor Okorocha mismanaged about One Trillion Naira belonging to Imo State”, he said.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We are taking our time in unveiling the numerous atrocities of the last administration and certainly, he must answer for all the evil he did against the people of Imo State.</div>
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<a name='more' id="more"></a>“It is very strange that a former Governor could sit and concoct lies. How could Governor Emeka Ihedioha spend N2.8b on sanitation? What was it used for? Okorocha’s problem is that he is so used to lies that he no longer knows the difference between lies and the truth.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“The state spends only about Twenty Five Million Naira on sanitation and the bulk of the funds come from support from corporate organizations as part of their corporate social responsibility.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Okorocha also alleged that Governor Ihedioha has, within two months in office, built a Hotel in Abuja and new houses in Owerri and his village. This further shows that the man, Okorocha is sick.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“As at today, Governor Ihedioha operates from his private residence in Owerri, following the pillage and vandalisation of Government House by former Governor Okorocha and his cronies.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“How could he say the Governor is building new houses, when he owns a palatial residence in Owerri, where he operates from and mansions in his village, built many years ago? The question is – are houses built in two months?</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Only Okorocha can build a house in two months and it collapses after a short while. Imo people already know that Okorocha is a habitual liar and should not be taken seriously.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“The truth is that Okorocha wrecked Imo State. All he is doing is to attempt to divert the attention of Imo people. Unfortunately, Imo people are smarter than that.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“He also claimed that Governor Ihedioha did not win the last election. So who won? He cannot get over the fact that his puppet in-law failed; he is also in pains that he has not been able to extend his dynasty in Imo.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“But no amount of falsehood will deter the people’s governor, Ihedioha from fulfilling his electoral promise of rebuilding Imo State. The present administration shall remain on course in its efforts to recover Imo people’s funds and property looted by Rochas Okorocha and his cronies,” he said.</div>

Latest-News Okorocha stole N1trillion – Ihedioha

Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has accused former Governor Rochas Okorocha, of stealing N1trillion while in power. This was contain...

Nwodo to Nnamdi Kanu: I won’t insult Buhari or call Nigeria a zoo

10:33 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPiobHU-jZE_XvJCeHGK485edVwe0NgZRdxLDUhGV-LYPcmkthmqX2dPs89iJTtja1GKX6TuGFsVu0grEcsDylbT1Jgr5PrS8VD0yLAnCgugw4izHBkno5rD0r41TyCCQcfHzD6ATfoc8/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="617" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPiobHU-jZE_XvJCeHGK485edVwe0NgZRdxLDUhGV-LYPcmkthmqX2dPs89iJTtja1GKX6TuGFsVu0grEcsDylbT1Jgr5PrS8VD0yLAnCgugw4izHBkno5rD0r41TyCCQcfHzD6ATfoc8/s640/Capture.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">John Nwodo, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, says he will neither insult President Muhammadu Buhari nor call Nigeria a zoo.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">In an open letter to Ndigbo, Nwodo denied the allegations labelled against him by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He said Kanu’s latest “unprintable lies about me” prompted him to address the accusations “because, not to do so will make them credible amongst those who may not have heard my side of the story”.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Igbo leader said Kanu accused him of being a Fulani stooge.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Nwodo said everything he had done proves his activism is in the interest of Ndigbo, adding that he had no role in the invasion of Kanu’s residence in 2017.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He accused Kanu of making threats to his life and that of his family and also inciting IPOB members against him.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Nnamdi accuses me of being a Fulani stooge!! I am sure no reasonable Igbo man believes him.  I have criticized President Muhammed Buhari more than any other Nigerian.  Perhaps, what I don’t do is to insult his person or call Nigeria a zoo.  I was trained to be respectful.  I can disagree with you without being rude and impertinent,” Nwodo said.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“No matter how sectional, incompetent or unproductive I consider the President of Nigeria to be, I must respect his age and office in my criticisms of him.  As for the attack on my late father, I forgive Nnamdi. My father was Zik’s Minister and Okpara’s Minister.  My father and late Chief M.N Ugochukwu were some of the prominent financiers of the Biafran War.  I fought the Biafran War myself as a Biafran soldier at a very young age without my parents objecting.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Yes, I served President Shehu Shagari and General Abdulsalami Abubakar as minister.  I respect them notwithstanding differences of opinion we may have on the structure of Nigeria.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Odumegwu Ojukwu was like my senior brother.  Bianca can attest to our closeness and my loyalty to him.  Vice President Alex Ekwueme was my mentor and friend.  Nnamdi Azikiwe confided in me and treated me like a son.  M.I. Okpara was the Chairman of my wedding.  Late Dr. Dozie Ikedife was the first person to sign my nomination form for the office of President General of Ohanaeze.  None of these Igbo leaders found me a traitor of Igbo cause.  Every-where I have been in Igboland, young men and women embrace me, pose for photographs with me and commend my efforts in championing our case.  I salute them all.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Notwithstanding these abundant evidence of my championing IPOB cause, he ordered an invasion of my telephone with numerous insulting calls and threats to my life.  My home in Ukehe was bombed.  Police investigations of these incidences linked some of them to IPOB members.  Their lawyers approached me and I thought that a father taking his son to court and subsequently to jail would be un-Igbo.  Notwithstanding their confessional statements, I withdrew my compliant against them and they pledged to be of good behavior.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“I have noted the threats to my life from the IPOB leader.  I leave that to God and the law.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Nwodo said despite Kanu’s attack on him, he appreciates his (Kanu’s) upholding of the Igbo cause.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“In spite of all I say, I salute Nnamdi for his courage and his persistence in upholding our case but I urge you all to rise up and condemn what is condemnable.  Speak up and shame those who would want us to split into pieces and destroy our resolve to fight as a united people,” he said.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“As a father, I will always forgive an erring child but not without drawing his attention to a misdemeanor which should never be repeated.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Nwodo had criticised IPOB over the attack on Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy senate president, in Germany on Saturday.</div>
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