Nigerian Eye

Who is a Nigerian? Twitter users ask as Lagos govt apprehends Okada riders from Jigawa

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Nigerians on Twitter have been reacting to the arrest of 123 men from Jigawa State, who had come into Lagos State with 48 motorbikes in a truck.<br />
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The Lagos State Environment Sanitation and Special Offenses Taskforce had apprehended the men on Friday for what it termed, “illegal mass movement of Okada riders.”<br />
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The arrest was jointly coordinated by the State Commissioners for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello and Transportation, Dr. Abimbola Oladehinde, says the verified Twitter handle of the Lagos State government.<br />
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It was revealed that the truck and its occupants were moved to the office of the Taskforce in Oshodi for interrogation after arrest.<br />
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Since photos and videos of the arrest were shared, Twitter users have been reacting.<br />
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See tweets:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr" xml:lang="en">This is an insensitive tweet. These are Nigerians to whom the constitution guarantees freedom of mobility. What Lagos should do is to set up a strict licensing regime for bike operators, this will reduce the no. of reckless riders, generate revenue and improve safety of commute.</p>
— Mist'Dee (@dayodipe) <a href="https://twitter.com/dayodipe/status/1167494559636643845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr" xml:lang="en">Pls What is illegal about mass movt of people from one part of the country to another if they're citizens?<br />
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I think you need to be more explicit with regards to their specific crime(s)<br />
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I also feel it is dehumanizing to transport ANY HUMAN BEING like that<br />
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We can do better Lagos <a href="https://t.co/KLokYCnuvm">https://t.co/KLokYCnuvm</a></p>
— The Revolutionary Seeker (@The_Seeker76) <a href="https://twitter.com/The_Seeker76/status/1167551638577590272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr" xml:lang="en">Most of them are undocumented. They are lords unto themselves. Try to caution them on their activities, and they unleash mayhem. This isn't about being politically correct. They guys are very dangerous. <a href="https://t.co/jMYApkCnpU">https://t.co/jMYApkCnpU</a></p>
— Uzochi Okoroma (@Uzochi_O) <a href="https://twitter.com/Uzochi_O/status/1167722982367797248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Latest-News Who is a Nigerian? Twitter users ask as Lagos govt apprehends Okada riders from Jigawa

Nigerians on Twitter have been reacting to the arrest of 123 men from Jigawa State, who had come into Lagos State with 48 motorbikes in a ...

Transfer: Arsenal’s Monreal joins La Liga side

12:16 Unknown 0

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Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has joined La Liga side Real Sociedad on a two-year deal.<br />
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The Spain international, 33, has started all three of the Gunners’ Premier League games this season and captained the team against Burnley.<br />
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He made 250 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals, after joining the club from Malaga in January 2013.<br />
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Manager Unai Emery said on Thursday that the left-back could leave before the European transfer windows shut.<br />
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Monreal won three FA Cups during his time with Arsenal and helped them reach last season’s Europa League final.<br />
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He made his international debut in 2009, has won 22 caps and was a member of Spain’s 2018 World Cup squad.<br />
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Arsenal signed Kieran Tierney, 22, as his long-term replacement this month.<br />
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The former Celtic left-back is yet to make his Gunners debut and is not fit enough to be considered for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham.

Latest-News Transfer: Arsenal’s Monreal joins La Liga side

Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has joined La Liga side Real Sociedad on a two-year deal. The Spain international, 33, has started all th...

VIDEO: Lagos policeman jails lady for not greeting him, demand N5,000 bribe

11:16 Unknown 0

Latest-News VIDEO: Lagos policeman jails lady for not greeting him, demand N5,000 bribe

"Sowore’s detention portends grave danger for Nigeria"

11:01 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Kalasewe of Apoiland in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Professor Sunday Amuseghan, has appealed to the Federal Government to release the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore from detention.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The first-class monarch, who described Sowore as a worthy son of Apoi, emphasized he should be released unconditionally because his arrest and continued detention portend grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Sowore, who is the publisher of SaharaReporters was arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services over a planned protest tagged #revolutionaryNow scheduled for Monday, August 5, 2019 and subsequently accused of a plot to force a regime change in the country.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Reacting in a statement, Kalasuwe said the arrest was an abuse of the human right to freedom, stating that the planned RevolutionalNow protest could not be said to be reasonable since it was yet to be implemented before he was arrested by the DSS.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Kalasuwe, who faulted the rationale behind the arrest, said it was unfortunate that Nigerians usually forgot events and memories of the past.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He said that Nigeria’s problems emanated from the military’s dictatorship and the tendency to gag the press and prevent freedom of speech and expression.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The planned protest, he admitted, would have presented to Nigerians, the needed opportunity to express their feelings to President Muhammadu Buhari. Kalasuwe said that Nigerians were entitled to express their feelings, provided the protest was peaceful and violent-free and it also represented the feelings of Nigerians.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Not everybody can have access to the presidency in Abuja. This is a democracy, not militarism, where people are cowed and jailed over issues relating to their welfare.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Sowore is an activist, and he was part of the struggle for this democracy. Therefore, he is entitled to express his feelings and that of Nigerians in a democratic setting.”</div>

Latest-News "Sowore’s detention portends grave danger for Nigeria"

The Kalasewe of Apoiland in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Professor Sunday Amuseghan, has appealed to the Federal Governmen...

Buhari group makes allegations against Atiku, PDP ahead of tribunal ruling

10:56 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt6uPiFzS5cZHEQujkQpDrURqcFzbsFw_vJ9IxO0T_v6vrNJgDUSdHoLt5dwMj3vz246ImIb8ICSTvfTuos4Mixh_L9ICppWZy2Ez07XsjgYFRzYuB-j5WJQ-jF3fb-puMX8H56lbEfCY/s1600/atiku%252C+buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt6uPiFzS5cZHEQujkQpDrURqcFzbsFw_vJ9IxO0T_v6vrNJgDUSdHoLt5dwMj3vz246ImIb8ICSTvfTuos4Mixh_L9ICppWZy2Ez07XsjgYFRzYuB-j5WJQ-jF3fb-puMX8H56lbEfCY/s400/atiku%252C+buhari.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Buhari Media Organisation says the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have hatched a plot to smear the character of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Mohammed, ahead of the September 13 judgement of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">It alleged that this was the outcome of a recent strategy meeting of PDP leaders and the former Vice President in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The BMO said in a statement on Friday by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju, and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, that it had credible information that Abubakar and the PDP, fearing near-certain loss at the Tribunal, were preparing the ground for an appeal at the Supreme Court.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The group said one of their strategies for a favourable outcome at the Supreme Court is to force the CJN to recuse himself from the Supreme Court panel to hear the appeal.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The statement said: “We want to alert Nigerians of a devious plot concocted by PDP elements in their usual haven of dubious strategies to launch scathing media attacks on the judiciary with Chief Justice Tanko Mohammed as main target.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“The latest Dubai strategy of lies has been tidied up and is to be launched soon with the ultimate aim of preventing the CJN from heading the Supreme Court panel that will consider their appeal against the outcome of the Tribunal which they envisaged won’t be favourable to them.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“It is a pre-emptive move by a group of unpatriotic politicians which we want Nigerians to be aware of, before they bombard the public space with the type of spurious claims that made the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa stand down from the five-member panel that considered Atiku Abubakar’s petition against President Muhammadu Buhari’s overwhelming victory at the polls.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Nigerians saw how these characters did not care about the sterling qualities of one of the country’s best judges as they maligned her for weeks on end in social and traditional media. They also saw through the crocodile tears of the former Vice President after Justice Bulkachuwa opted to recuse herself, even after the Tribunal dismissed PDP’s petition against her.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Now, Atiku’s attention is on how to get Chief Justice Mohammed out of the way by again using the media to whip up unnecessary public sentiment, in line with his well-documented desperation to rule the country.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“In case he has forgotten, the PDP presidential candidate needs to be reminded of the promise one of his campaign spokesmen, Segun Sowunmi made on his behalf that Atiku would accept the verdict of the Tribunal on his petition challenging the emergence of President Buhari as winner of the election.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Of course, we recognise his constitutional right to proceed to the Supreme Court but we are opposed to a situation where a former Vice President would be part of a scheme to tarnish the image and reputation of the head of our nation’s judiciary.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“For a man that once claimed to be interested in ‘institutional reforms that would enhance national development’, we consider it absurd that he is at the forefront of efforts to rubbish national institutions and their heads.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“And just like we said before the 2019 elections that their Dubai strategy would fail, this Dubai strategy too will also collapse like a pack of cards.”</div>

Latest-News Buhari group makes allegations against Atiku, PDP ahead of tribunal ruling

The Buhari Media Organisation says the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have hatched a plot to sme...

Poverty reason most men turn gay – Jaywon

10:56 Unknown 0

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Afro-pop singer, Jaywon has said most men become gay because of hunger and poverty.<br />
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Though the self-proclaimed ‘Oba Orin’ accepted the possibility of some people being born gay, he stated that some people are only gay as a result of poverty and hunger that is now the order of the day in Nigeria.<br />
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“Sometimes I wish I could ask these gays in Nigeria why they are doing it because we all know only few are born not loving their bodies and wish to swap it the other way. Aside that, it is hunger and poverty that made some turn gay and it’s not like they want to do it or are happy doing it,” he said.<br />
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Recall that Jaywon recently scolded street music rapper, Zlatan Ibile which sparked off speculations that a messy intellectual theft scandal was looming.<br />
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However, in a recent interview, Jaywon debunked the claims.<br />
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“Yes, Zlatan and I  had a conversation on the matter. I already told you that I have no personal issues with him because I’m a free minded person; I don’t have time for unnecessary bad blood for another artiste. I just needed to address what happened because it has been happening in the industry and nobody has deemed it fit to address the matter. After his message on my page, he sent me a direct message on Instagram and I replied him. That same day, he came to my house and we recorded two new songs”, he said.

Latest-News Poverty reason most men turn gay – Jaywon

Afro-pop singer, Jaywon has said most men become gay because of hunger and poverty. Though the self-proclaimed ‘Oba Orin’ accepted the p...

DSS arrests mastermind of attack on Nasarawa Deputy Gov, recovers 50 AK-47 rifles

10:56 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPNW8JcDgVMKMaZupt3NlWsUYQySrmkbMRpw2uppknA7WKFMjhaVWylbi6asS0KKBezozzzY2oIuQ0GwyyleW3c-l12yHdJUBJ7R-GxGBpMoiGc4qu0jT3hVGiLJieH-6lqKqkZGO4RTs/s1600/dss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="279" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPNW8JcDgVMKMaZupt3NlWsUYQySrmkbMRpw2uppknA7WKFMjhaVWylbi6asS0KKBezozzzY2oIuQ0GwyyleW3c-l12yHdJUBJ7R-GxGBpMoiGc4qu0jT3hVGiLJieH-6lqKqkZGO4RTs/s400/dss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Department of the State Security Service in Kano State, has arrested one of the dreaded kidnapping kingpins, who allegedly organized the recent attack on Nassarawa State Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Akabe where three Policemen and a civilian were killed.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">It was gathered that the suspect, Muhammad Sani Akazakwai, was apprehended at his mother’s residence in Kano during the week while treating the wounds he apparently sustained during a gun duel with the police.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">A source told our reporter that, “We have arrested him and his mother with another Mallam, who allegedly provides charms for him at Rijiyan Zaki Quarters of Kano while treating the wounds he might have sustained from gun duel with the Police.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The security source, who confided in our correspondent, explained that Sani Akazakwai after attacking the Deputy Governor of Nassarwa State escaped to Kano for treatment of his wounds.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The source said, “While interrogating him, we recovered 50 Ak47 rifles, which he claimed were inherited from his father.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">” We also recovered hundreds of GSM sim cards and other valuables from him.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The kingpin further told the DSS that two other of his henchmen were still in the bush with seven AK47 rifles that they snatched from the dead police officers.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Akazakwai is one of the dreaded kidnapping Kingpins who have been terrorising North Central for quite a long time,” said the source, adding that already, serious manhunt has been launched to get others at large.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Muhammad Sani Akazakwai is a serious criminal, who has been on the wanted list of the security agency, what happened was a breakthrough for us.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We nabbed him with 50 AK47 rifles one can imagine what he is doing with them,” the source added.</div>

Latest-News DSS arrests mastermind of attack on Nasarawa Deputy Gov, recovers 50 AK-47 rifles

The Department of the State Security Service in Kano State, has arrested one of the dreaded kidnapping kingpins, who allegedly organized t...

‘It’s shocking how brothers kill brothers’ — Buhari speaks on Tiv/Jukun crisis

10:21 Unknown 0

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<div style="text-align: justify;">President Muhammadu Buhari says it is shocking how hate and bigotry inhabits the human soul resulting in brothers killing brothers.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Buhari was speaking on the Tiv/Jukun crisis, and he asked the governments and people of Benue and Taraba to exercise restraint following the killing of David Tanko, a Catholic priest, in Kpankufu Village,Wukari, Taraba.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The president made the call in a statement by Garba Shehu, his senior special assistant media and publicity, on Friday.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Suspected bandits had ambushed and killed the priest on his way to attend a peace meeting with his fellow clergymen.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The president directed the governors of the two states, stakeholders including traditional rulers of Tor TIV, Aku Uka of Wukari, religious and community leaders to meet urgently to bring an end to the persistent clashes between the warring parties.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The president said the murder of the Catholic priest highlights the urgency of addressing “this embarrassing and persistent conflict”.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He described the destruction, violent attacks on people and property in the communities by the warring parties as “unacceptable’’.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He said the federal government would not “sit idly and watch the deep-seated antagonistic relationship between the Tiv and Jukun people fester” .</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“I have watched with trepidation and disbelief how hate and bigotry had inhabited the human soul, resulting in brothers killing brothers,” the statement said.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“On behalf of the Federal government and the entire people of the country, I offer my condolences to the Catholic community, the government and people of Taraba over the losses arising from recent incidents involving the warring communities.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“The persistent deaths and destruction and the seeming desire by the warring sides to push each other to extinction is embarrassing, and this is against the essence of our ethnic and religious diversity in the country.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“Progress is impossible where violence and destruction are allowed to dominate our daily lives.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">According to the president, the Tiv/Jukun violence is one of Nigeria’s most persistent and intractable security problems.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Buhari assured the affected communities that the federal government would not leave them to their fate or treat cases of communal violence with levity and indifference.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“The deployment of security men can only provide a temporary solution, “he said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“The long term and lasting solution to this deep-seated antagonistic relationship between the warring factions depend on the willingness of those involved to listen to reason and give peace a chance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“It is time for leaders of the ethnic groups to come together and draw up a roadmap for lasting peace.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“The impact of this persistent violence on the social and economic life of the people is incalculable. ”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">The president also said intervention from the federal level made up religious, community leaders and top security operatives was being put together by the office of the secretary to the government of the federation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">He said the intervention team would examine all issues underlying the conflicts in the hope of finding a permanent solution.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

Latest-News ‘It’s shocking how brothers kill brothers’ — Buhari speaks on Tiv/Jukun crisis

President Muhammadu Buhari says it is shocking how hate and bigotry inhabits the human soul resulting in brothers killing brothers. Buha...

Tribunal sacks former minister, Dambazau’s son as rep

10:21 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNi6RWke_vSXjkqR7xwbZnHtKPhv6XI8jMDj5huMAiXVKghGkDLW804yEeaPpgUWsqonQaNoeAF-KbGPlNNjVWraJnshkVcFrF9wUEXmpxTsltJndUVxYuqL_Se_ossOYopwSdk08hctd/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="580" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNi6RWke_vSXjkqR7xwbZnHtKPhv6XI8jMDj5huMAiXVKghGkDLW804yEeaPpgUWsqonQaNoeAF-KbGPlNNjVWraJnshkVcFrF9wUEXmpxTsltJndUVxYuqL_Se_ossOYopwSdk08hctd/s400/Capture.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">The election petition tribunal in Kano state has sacked Shamsudeen Dambazau, son of the former minister of interior, as member representing Sumaila/Takai federal constituency of Kano in the lower chamber of the national assembly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Dambazau, who did not contest the election but came second in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, was sworn into the house of representatives after a federal high court in Kano disqualified Kawu Sumaila, a former presidential aide.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">But in its ruling on Friday, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue certificate of return to Surajo Kanawa, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">In the ruling, the three-man panel led by Onyekan Abdullahi upheld the decision of the supreme court on the matter, which disqualified Sumaila on the grounds that he did not participate in all the preliminary stages of the election processes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<a name='more' id="more"></a>“We hold that, if a tribunal or court found out that a candidate did not participate in any stage of the election process, the tribunal has no option other than to declare the next candidate with the highest number of votes, as the winner in the election,” the judge held.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“Consequently, Suraj Idris Kanawa, being the next candidate with the highest number of lawful votes cast is the right candidate to be declared the winner in the Takai/Sumail Federal House of Representatives election, held on March 23, 2019.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“Notice is hereby given to INEC to declare the First Petitioner, as the winner and issue a certificate of return to him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“Suraj Idris Kanawa is, therefore, the winner of Takai/Sumaila Federal House of Representatives election, which the Tribunal has upheld.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">In his reaction, Nasir Aliyu, counsel to Sumaila, said as a law-abiding citizen, his client has accepted the ruling of the court.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Aliyu said his client has no plans to appeal the judgment.</div>

Latest-News Tribunal sacks former minister, Dambazau’s son as rep

The election petition tribunal in Kano state has sacked Shamsudeen Dambazau, son of the former minister of interior, as member representin...

APC postpones Bayelsa guber primary date again

10:21 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VCIbzi_aIBy7A-A1pG1N7-yPApfUTG9vB60rHTeoHjItgUROFgJIgKTeq3Ow-mP774EgpkH9Aj98b_CsZjIkpxdumDwK7kPtELLpKG3I4Q5xrIGjh5XXOqUKRO8Z1rgRoj-TjQSl53UD/s1600/APC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VCIbzi_aIBy7A-A1pG1N7-yPApfUTG9vB60rHTeoHjItgUROFgJIgKTeq3Ow-mP774EgpkH9Aj98b_CsZjIkpxdumDwK7kPtELLpKG3I4Q5xrIGjh5XXOqUKRO8Z1rgRoj-TjQSl53UD/s400/APC2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">For the second time in three days, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted the date for the Bayelsa governorship primary.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">The party had earlier shifted the date from Thursday, August 29 to Saturday, August 31, 2019.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday, National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the party has also adopted the Direct mode of primary in line with the written request of the Bayelsa State chapter and majority of the stakeholders.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“This is in compliance with the decision of the APC National Executive Committee (NEC), which grants state chapters and majority of party leaders in a state the right to decide on the mode of primary they wish to adopt.”</div>
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday night, Issa-Onilu, in another statement, said: “In deference to a court order, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted the date for the Bayelsa governorship primary to Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4, September, 2019.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Of the total seven governorship aspirants that were screened, six were cleared to participate in the exercise.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">They are: Mr. Aganaba Preye Steven, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Prince Ebitimi Christopher Amgbare, Ms. Diseye Nsirim Poweigha, Mr. Lyon David Pereworimini, and Engr. Prof (Mrs.) Ongoebi Maureen Etebu.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Briyai Oyeins Frankland was not cleared.</div>

Latest-News APC postpones Bayelsa guber primary date again

For the second time in three days, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted the date for the Bayelsa governorship primary. The pa...

Dangote truck crash: Fasting, prayers saved me from death, says BRT trainee driver

10:06 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXnjdBGAyBXR68SZ49GgNdtFopiwoHqKku8d3lVFAaZS_A-WaTX8eVjgti18FNUfquYiL01G7wS9juixi5Zmo07pW1DJLchLr3QhKYeiDOboau1k8aJXeTzL9MSGANuCxZl2jQQucr6M/s1600/BRT-bus-360x240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="180" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXnjdBGAyBXR68SZ49GgNdtFopiwoHqKku8d3lVFAaZS_A-WaTX8eVjgti18FNUfquYiL01G7wS9juixi5Zmo07pW1DJLchLr3QhKYeiDOboau1k8aJXeTzL9MSGANuCxZl2jQQucr6M/s400/BRT-bus-360x240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Before the clock ticked on the hours of seven Monday morning, Adesina Shiyanbola was already at the head office of Primero Transport Services Limited, the operator of Bus Rapid Transit vehicles, beaming with zeal for his new job.<br />
<br />
Dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, the new driver joined his senior colleague, Samuel Akpochi, on a trip en route to Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, from the takeoff point in Ikorodu Garage. Little did he know that death was lurking around, less than six kilometers away at Ogolonto.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, the driver of a Dangote truck loaded with 45 tons of cement lost control of the vehicle and veered into the BRT lane, crushing the bus in the process.<br />
<br />
The BRT driver, Akpochi, and two passengers died in the crash while 69 others sustained injuries.<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
<br />
Reports initially stated that the trainee driver, Shiyanbola, also died in the accident.<br />
<br />
He survived with head bruises and a broken thigh. He is currently on admission at the Gbagada General Hospital.<br />
<br />
“I think the truck driver was sleeping. We were on our lane. He veered into our path and hit the bus. I was by the front door. People had to cut through the wreckage of the bus before I was brought out,” the native of Ede, Osun State, told our correspondent while preparing for treatment Thursday morning.<br />
<br />
“I am still on treatment. The result of an X-ray on my legs showed that I had a broken thigh. My family paid for the medical bill when I initially came, but I was promised that it would be refunded. Subsequent bills have been free,” he added.<br />
<br />
He said the accident might have claimed his life but for fasting and prayers.<br />
<br />
He explained, “My pastor told me on Sunday to pray and fast for three days. I started the fasting on Monday and was supposed to end it on Wednesday. It was on my second day at work that the accident happened. I thank God I am alive.”<br />
<br />
Another survivor admitted at the hospital, Sofia Idris, a hairstylist, said she was going to her workplace on Victoria Island when the accident occurred.<br />
<br />
“I am getting better now. I had a fracture in the leg. I was at the back of the bus. I boarded it from Ikorodu. I was going to TBS from where I would board a cab to my shop on VI,” she added.<br />
<br />
Sadly, the incident has left the family of the late Akpochi devastated.<br />
<br />
Survived by a wife and four kids, Glory, five; Victoria, three and one-year-old twins, Daniel and Daniela, Akpochi’s death had created a huge vacuum in the family.<br />
<br />
His wife, Blessing, 32, was inconsolable when our correspondent visited the family’s residence on Adeniyi Avenue, Ajegunle on Thursday.<br />
<br />
“My husband left home around 4.30am on Tuesday and we bade each other goodbye,” she began after a long silence.<br />
<br />
“I was expecting him to return home in the evening. It was his brother that broke the news of his death to me. I am not doing any work. We lived on his salary. I don’t know how to take care of the children he left behind. Glory and Victoria have been asking for him; I told them he is dead,” Blessing lamented before she burst into tears.<br />
<br />
The deceased’s elder brother, Peter, said he was at work when he received a call from his office that Akpochi was involved in an accident.<br />
<br />
“I asked them about his condition, but they insisted that I should come. I rushed there with one of my brothers and discovered that he was dead,” he added.<br />
<br />
The Chief Security Officer, Primero, Mr Cletus Okodolor, said the company did not immediately have the information that Shiyanbola survived the crash.<br />
<br />
He said, “Earlier, there was no proper communication. It was on Wednesday that we knew the new driver was alive. They took him to the Gbagada General Hospital. He was attached to the driver that died. It was one driver and two passengers – a male and a female – that died.<br />
<br />
“We have had a meeting with the family of the late driver. We have also visited the survivors at the Gbagada General Hospital and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. Those in LASUTH would undergo surgeries.”

Latest-News Dangote truck crash: Fasting, prayers saved me from death, says BRT trainee driver

Before the clock ticked on the hours of seven Monday morning, Adesina Shiyanbola was already at the head office of Primero Transport Servi...

I cannot maintain friendship with my ex-lover – Lizzy Gold

09:56 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb8YWP4JwxDjXrghhepGyJV6LZQE55TnGKar3b0kMQGvR3aATpkEYh7Jb0NFdJsVjkqLMJpQ2rMyvqwE45qBN1lb-TSWi4wBVVng51_U66HANchJkC6nxD6SUluATcz0VnxNfpwM6Gp4/s1600/Lizzy_Gold_Onuwaje_644088041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb8YWP4JwxDjXrghhepGyJV6LZQE55TnGKar3b0kMQGvR3aATpkEYh7Jb0NFdJsVjkqLMJpQ2rMyvqwE45qBN1lb-TSWi4wBVVng51_U66HANchJkC6nxD6SUluATcz0VnxNfpwM6Gp4/s400/Lizzy_Gold_Onuwaje_644088041.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Svelte actress, Lizzy Gold has averred that she cannot maintain any form of friendship with her ex-lover. The single mother of one disclosed that the only condition she would maintain friendship with her ex-lover is if they have a child together.<br />
<br />
“I wonder how people that maintain friendship with their ex-boyfriends or girlfriends cope?  How do they do it? I can’t be friend with my ex-lover for any reason. Well, except we have a child together, but if we don’t, then the man would have to stay on his lane while I maintain mine. I just have to stay away to resist temptation. I don’t like stress,” she noted.<br />
<br />
Recall that Gold had said she has zero tolerance for poor men, adding that they have no excuse to be poor.<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
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“I have zero tolerance for poor men, do a legit job, work hard you’ve no excuse to be poor. Even in the bible, it is stated that man must till the ground. Stop being lazy and stop depending on people to survive. If you don’t have money do not get married even my brothers are not exempted from this advice”.

Latest-News I cannot maintain friendship with my ex-lover – Lizzy Gold

Svelte actress, Lizzy Gold has averred that she cannot maintain any form of friendship with her ex-lover. The single mother of one disclos...

BBNaija: Esther cannot be trusted- Mercy declares

09:51 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgWKh3pNQKXh4UEcA3EXxl9kTAmmrsH-5zcK9TWTSa6dSuaiNw9L9JB2yYz2DKTJe0LqcU6SYBTBD8d35n3_NESzfXgGbDLzzQzgI73rmLNxeM5odTksZ-R-Yu49Mq31DeSztriHvlNE/s1600/bbnaija+esther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgWKh3pNQKXh4UEcA3EXxl9kTAmmrsH-5zcK9TWTSa6dSuaiNw9L9JB2yYz2DKTJe0LqcU6SYBTBD8d35n3_NESzfXgGbDLzzQzgI73rmLNxeM5odTksZ-R-Yu49Mq31DeSztriHvlNE/s320/bbnaija+esther.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Over time, BBNaija 2019 housemate, Mercy has become one of the most popular housemates in this year’s edition of the reality TV show.<br />
<br />
Mercy has lamented about her friendship with Esther. During her chat with Diane on Friday<br />
<br />
She said she does not trust Esther and feels she is playing games with her and Diane.<br />
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According to her, Esther comes to them only when she has no male housemate by her side.<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
<br />
Mercy said: “When Nelson was there Esther was not coming to us, then he left she came back to us. Then she got close to Frodd and now she doesn’t come to us again. Who does she think she is to decide when to come to us?<br />
<br />
“I don’t want to have any regrets. I want to do things for myself. I feel like Esther is playing games with me and you, my heart hasn’t trusted Esther up till now. I can trust Venita more than Esther.”

Latest-News BBNaija: Esther cannot be trusted- Mercy declares

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Burkina Faso send Flying Eagles out of African games

09:46 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVm_18qbcVWGWyckKSl3t7Skco_750j3n8a7e7BIx_9a_G2V6n2A6rvwt-fms_lIfICUeIqnCP285QbHR6V_IK7IpSttl_EG-BUfiTpVElUKDSxebihdg4-as-6fwgvf4jEX69If7NPik/s1600/flying-eagles-696x450-696x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="696" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVm_18qbcVWGWyckKSl3t7Skco_750j3n8a7e7BIx_9a_G2V6n2A6rvwt-fms_lIfICUeIqnCP285QbHR6V_IK7IpSttl_EG-BUfiTpVElUKDSxebihdg4-as-6fwgvf4jEX69If7NPik/s400/flying-eagles-696x450-696x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Team Nigeria got some gold medals yesterday to maintain its second position on the table, however, players and officials of the Flying Eagles were forced to early bed yesterday in Rabat, after they lost 0-2 to Burkina Faso in the gold match at the Boubker Aamar Stadium.<br />
<br />
The Coach Paul Aigbogun-led team, which defeated Mali in the semifinal, went into yesterday’s match assuring Nigerians that they will conquer Burkina Faso.<br />
<br />
The defeat means Nigeria’s search for the gold medal in the men’s football events in the African Games is further extended to Accra 2023, if the team qualifies.<br />
<br />
Nigeria last won the football gold medal on home soil in 1973. Forty six years on, Nigeria had to settle for the silver medal for the third time after those of Algiers 1978 and Cameroon at Abuja 2003.<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
<br />
But somehow, if considered a record, Nigeria is the only country to have won gold, silver and bronze medals in the event. The silver medals are those of Algiers 1978, Abuja 2003 and now Rabat 2019.<br />
<br />
Nigeria won the bronze medal at Cairo 1991 and Brazzaville 2015. Burkina Faso launched themselves into the path of gold when Cheick Djibrik Ouattara found the net in the 24th minute.<br />
<br />
The ovation that greeted the goal had hardly died when Ismaila Ouedraogo doubled the lead six minutes later. With two goals up at half time, the Burkinabes fortified their defence in the second half to the frustration Flying Eagles.<br />
<br />
Their female counterparts, Falconets, had defeated Cameroon on penalties to win the gold medal on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing team became the cynosure of all eyes yesterday following the superlative performance by the athletes.<br />
<br />
The nation’s Canoeing athlete, Ayomide Bello Ayomide Bello won the C1 200m gold at the Mohammed Ben Abdellah Dam in the early hours of yesterday to send Team Nigeria into jubilation before Foloki Goodness added another gold medal in the C2 200m.<br />
<br />
The gold medalists have qualified for the Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing event at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Latest-News Burkina Faso send Flying Eagles out of African games

Team Nigeria got some gold medals yesterday to maintain its second position on the table, however, players and officials of the Flying Eag...

‘Don’t encourage police by paying for bail, it is free’, Lagos CP warns

09:36 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD39d0dCopqH1_M2cdafy-muIR5l3X3REzejvoYDXljPGrvIO27Y5eed2nwvy7Gg76i6P6inNRKn8CXbp2_S0FXGf2wE-BH4ArdWmVerEw8a1mTz4nNNetuJLijjqDv_RlB5O1KVQadaU/s1600/Nigeria-Police-Force-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="436" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD39d0dCopqH1_M2cdafy-muIR5l3X3REzejvoYDXljPGrvIO27Y5eed2nwvy7Gg76i6P6inNRKn8CXbp2_S0FXGf2wE-BH4ArdWmVerEw8a1mTz4nNNetuJLijjqDv_RlB5O1KVQadaU/s400/Nigeria-Police-Force-Logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lagos State police commissioner, Muazu Zubairu, has reemphasised that citizens of the state should not pay for bail as it is absolutely free. He said citizens only need to provide necessary documents to be granted bail or be charged to court within 24 hours.<br />
<br />
Zubairu made the assertion at a stakeholders security summit held in the Ipaja community with the theme, ‘My community, my security’, which is targeted at introducing community policing to the people.<br />
<br />
The DPO of Ipaja division, Tokunbo Abaniwonda stressed that the task of policing Ipaja and its environs does not rest solely on uniformed agents and encouraged all to partner with the police in the business of policing the community to make it safer and saner.<br />
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Speaking on the theme of the summit and on behalf of the community, Segun Awosanya, noted that the job of security lies on the community and with the help of the police. While applauding the force for their dedicated service, he said that the police force is not a profession for people who are looking for a job, but those who are ready to sacrifice, hence the welfare of the officers which is addressed in the police reform bill will further encourage and enhance their duty to humanity.

Latest-News ‘Don’t encourage police by paying for bail, it is free’, Lagos CP warns

Lagos State police commissioner, Muazu Zubairu, has reemphasised that citizens of the state should not pay for bail as it is absolutely fr...

EFCC arrests 2 more wire fraud suspects on FBI wanted list

08:31 Unknown 0

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The Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Office have arrested two suspected internet fraudsters linked to the ongoing collaborative investigations between the EFCC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI. “The suspects were separately arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Owerri, Imo State.<br />
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“One of them, Ogbonnah Atoukaritou, a leader of a loose syndicate of fraudsters allegedly engaged in Business Email Compromise, was arrested in Port Harcourt while the other suspect, Alpha Chidi Egbeonu, suspected to be involved in defrauding a US-based victim, Goldberg Segalla LLP and other yet to be identified victims, was arrested in Owerri.<br />
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“Items recovered from the suspects include laptops, android phones, land documents, hard disks, Central Processing Unit, warehouse, and a recently built house, now attached by the EFCC.<br />
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“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” according to a statement by EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwugaren.

Latest-News EFCC arrests 2 more wire fraud suspects on FBI wanted list

The Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Office have arrested two suspected internet fra...

Waether Forecast: NiMet predicts thunderstorms, rains for Saturday

08:31 Unknown 0

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains over most parts of the country on Saturday.<br />
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NiMet’s weather outlook on Friday in Abuja envisaged some cloudy conditions over the eastern parts of the country particularly.<br />
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According to it, thunderstorms are anticipated over Sokoto, Kano, Kebbi and Katsina axis of northern States with cloudy conditions around the eastern parts of the region in the morning hours.<br />
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The agency forecast thunderstorms later in the day and night temperatures of 30 to 33 degree Celsius and 21 to 23 degree Celsius respectively.<br />
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It predicted prospects of thunderstorms over Kaduna, Abuja, Niger and Kwara states with cloudy conditions over the eastern states of the region in the morning.<br />
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It forecast likely thunderstorms and rains over most parts of the region later in the day with day and night temperatures of 24 to 32 degree Celsius and 16 to 24 degree Celsius respectively.<br />
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“For the southern states, thunderstorms and rains are expected in the morning over the western parts with cloudy conditions dominating the eastern parts.<br />
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“Rains are likely over the region in the afternoon and evening period with day and night temperatures put at 30 to 33 degree Celcius and 20 to 24 degree Celsius.

Latest-News Waether Forecast: NiMet predicts thunderstorms, rains for Saturday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains over most parts of the country on Saturday. NiMet’s wea...

6 die, 24 others injured as two buses collide on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

08:26 Unknown 0

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Six people were confirmed dead and 24 others, including children, injured on Friday when two commercial buses collided along Isara – Ogere stretch of the Lagos – Ibadan expressway.<br />
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The accident which involved a Toyota bus with vehicle number ABC932XJ and a Mazda bus with vehicle number FST820XD, occurred when the Mazda bus veered off its lane and collided with the Toyota bus coming from Abuja.<br />
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The Route Commander, Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, Florence Okpe, attributed the fatal crash to “excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.”<br />
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Okpe added that the Mazda bus travelling from Lagos perilously left its lane while overtaking another vehicle and collided with the Toyota bus coming from Abuja which was travelling on the opposite direction of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway.<br />
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She stated: “A total of 30 people were involved made up of 19 male adults, nine female adults, one male child and another female child.<br />
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“The people injured in the crash were 24 comprising 16 male adults, female adults, a male child and a female child.<br />
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“Unfortunately the crash led to the death of six people made up of three male adults and three female adults.<br />
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“The FRSC rescue team rescued 11 injured victims and took them to Victory Hospital Ogere, six other victims were taken to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) Sagamu.<br />
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“Seven other victims were taken to Idera Hospital Sagamu for medical attention.”

Latest-News 6 die, 24 others injured as two buses collide on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

Six people were confirmed dead and 24 others, including children, injured on Friday when two commercial buses collided along Isara – Oger...

Presidential Election Petition: PDP urges judiciary to be fair

08:26 Unknown 0

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The Peoples Democratic Party has said Nigerians are anxiously waiting for the judiciary to make the right ruling on its petition before the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.<br />
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The PDP and its candidate for the February 23 presidential poll are challenging President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the election.<br />
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The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this while receiving a Coalition of Young Professionals in Abuja, who paid the party a solidarity visit in Abuja on Friday.<br />
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In a statement, Ologbondiyan also urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country and its democracy.<br />
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He said, “As a party we have made a solid case before the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal. Our candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has also presented his case supported by credible evidence. We have presented incontrovertible evidence to show that our presidential mandate was stolen. Every Nigerian looks to the judicial officers for justice.<br />
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“Nigerians are waiting and hoping that the judiciary will have the courage to do justice in the presidential election petition.”<br />
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He added, “In the face of the anguish, pains, calamitous events, bloodletting, strong division, resentment, insecurity, acute hunger and starvation crippling our country, Nigerians’ only hope is now in the judiciary to save our nation by addressing the substance of the petition by Atiku and the PDP.<br />
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The convener of the coalition, Alhaji Shehu Magaji, commended the leadership of the party for mobilising Nigerians for the 2019 general elections.

Latest-News Presidential Election Petition: PDP urges judiciary to be fair

The Peoples Democratic Party has said Nigerians are anxiously waiting for the judiciary to make the right ruling on its petition before t...

NYSC hands over 50 fake graduates to police

08:16 Unknown 0

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The National Youth Service Corps has disclosed that it has nabbed 50 unqualified graduates who attempted to register in the Batch B Stream II exercise with fake certificates at the orientation camps across the country.<br />
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The NYSC confirmed on Friday that the fake graduates, from various tertiary institutions, had been handed over to the police for prosecution.<br />
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The NYSC said the verification of the credentials of all corps members was on in the 37 orientation camps across the country, warning that unqualified graduates would not just be fished out but duly prosecuted.<br />
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It can be recalled that no fewer than 25 prospective NYSC members were apprehended by the scheme on Monday.<br />
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However, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, confirmed on Friday that over 50 fake graduates had now been arrested across the orientation camps and handed over to the police.<br />
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Adeyemi, in a statement, noted that the NYSC Director-General, Brig Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, warned that those not qualified would no longer pass through the scheme.<br />
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She said, “The NYSC is committed to stemming the tide of fraudulent mobilisation of unqualified home-based and foreign-trained Nigerians, especially those purported to have graduated from unaccredited universities in the West African sub-region.<br />
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“The verification of credentials of all corps members currently in the 37 orientation camps across the country is still ongoing. As of date, over 50 unqualified graduates from different institutions of higher learning have been decamped from the 2019 Batch B Stream II NYSC Orientation Camps and handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution<br />
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Also in Taraba State, the NYSC caught six fake corps members; three of the suspects were identified as Nasiru Yau, Shehu Mukhtar and Illiyasu Usman. They all claimed to have finished from the Isfop University of Cotonou in the Republic of Benin.

Latest-News NYSC hands over 50 fake graduates to police

The National Youth Service Corps has disclosed that it has nabbed 50 unqualified graduates who attempted to register in the Batch B Strea...

N1.6 Billion Fraud: Goodluck Jonathan, Dudafa partners in crime – EFCC

08:16 Unknown 0

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos which on Thursday cleared ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s former aide, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, of the N1.6bn fraud charges pressed against him.<br />
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Barely 24 hours after Justice Mohammed Idris handed Dudafa and his co-defendant, Joseph Iwuejo, a not-guilty verdict, the anti-graft agency has approached the Court of Appeal, seeking the reversal of the verdict.<br />
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In freeing Dudafa and Iwuejo of the entire 22 counts, which the EFCC filed against them, Justice Idris had held that the anti-graft agency failed to prove the charges because it failed to call vital witnesses, which could have helped it to prove the charges.<br />
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Justice Idris said the vital witnesses, which the EFCC ought to have called but refused to call, included Jonathan, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and one Somprei Omeibi.<br />
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But in its appeal, the EFCC argued that it could not have called Jonathan, CBN governor, Dasuki and Omeibi as witnesses to prove the charges against Dudafa because they “were, at best, particeps criminis (partner in crime) in the scheme of the fraud contained in the charge.”<br />
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The EFCC contended that it did not consider those listed by the judge as vital witnesses, adding that it “was not under any legal obligation to prove facts already admitted by the respondents.”<br />
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The anti-graft also fumed that Justice Idris refused to attach any probative value to the statements made by Dudafa and Iwuejo while being interrogated by investigators.<br />
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In the appeal filed on Friday, the EFCC told the Court of Appeal that Justice Idris “erred in law and occasioned serious miscarriage of justice” in setting Dudafa and Iwuejo free.<br />
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It, therefore, urged the Court of Appeal to convict them and to impose upon them the sentence prescribed by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

Latest-News N1.6 Billion Fraud: Goodluck Jonathan, Dudafa partners in crime – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos which on Thursday cleared ex-Pre...

REVEALED: P&ID can seize Nigeria’s assets in 160 countries

08:16 Unknown 0

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Process and Industrial Developments Limited, which got a United Kingdom court’s grant to seize $9.6bn in Nigerian assets, may be able to seize the nation’s assets in 160 countries which are part of the New York Arbitration Convention, international arbitration experts have said.<br />
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A dispute resolution partner and expert in international arbitration at a European law firm, Fieldfisher, Mr Simon Sloane, and a partner with international law firm Dentons, Mr James Langley, said P&ID could seize assets belonging to Nigeria in the territories of 160 countries which are signatories to the New York Arbitration Convention.<br />
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The New York Convention is also known as the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards or the New York Arbitration Convention.<br />
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The convention – of which Nigeria is a member – was adopted by a United Nations diplomatic conference on June 10, 1958, and entered into force on June 7, 1959.<br />
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An August 16, 2019 judgement by a London’s Commercial Court has granted P&ID the right to seize some $9.6bn in assets from Nigeria over an aborted gas project.<br />
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The case involves a 2010 deal in which the Federal Government agreed to supply gas to a processing plant in Calabar that P&ID would build and run.<br />
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The project was aborted and in 2012, P&ID took the Federal Government to arbitration over the deal’s failure.<br />
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The tribunal, made up of Lord Hoffman (the presiding arbitrator), Chief Bayo Ojo (Nigeria’s arbitrator) and Sir Anthony Evans (P&ID’s), was organised in London under the rules of the Nigerian Arbitration and Conciliation Act as part of the original contractual agreement between the parties.<br />
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In January 2017, the tribunal ordered the Federal Government to pay P&ID $6.6bn. With interest, the sum now tops $9bn, an amount said to be about 20 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign reserves.<br />
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Although the Federal Government has said it is taking steps to appeal the judgement, Sloane and Langley on Friday said going by the judgement, P&ID could target real estate, bank accounts or any kind of moveable wealth proven to be unrelated to Nigeria’s operations as a sovereign state.<br />
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“The onus will be on the claimant to prove that the property is exclusively in use for commercial purposes,” Sloane told Reuters. “It’s quite a difficult hurdle to overcome.”<br />
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The arbitration expert noted that state assets that had any diplomatic function, such as a commercial property that is also used to issue visas, could not be seized.<br />
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On his part, Langley said state asset seizures happened all the time, noting that in a 2008 case against Chad, a British judge ruled that proceeds of oil sales held for the purpose of making repayments to the World Bank qualified as commercial assets.<br />
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Reuters also reported that in 2018, an American judge cleared the way for a Canadian mining firm to target shares in a United States oil refinery owned by a state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, over an arbitration debt owed by Venezuela.<br />
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As the Federal Government holds bank accounts in foreign jurisdictions, including Britain, the experts said ultimately, a judge would have to rule on whether any individual asset was subject to seizure.<br />
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Be that as it may, the experts said the August 16 ruling against Nigeria converted the arbitration award to judgement and gave it the same force as a British court ruling, which would be recognised across the European Union as long as Britain remained a member.<br />
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Sloane said Nigeria’s best protection would be to ensure it had no significant commercial assets in any jurisdiction that could be exposed to an asset execution.<br />
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However, he said the arbitration award also allowed P&ID to seek to seize assets in any of the 160 countries that were part of the New York Convention, which is a global pact for the recognition and enforcement of arbitration awards.<br />
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Some of the countries that are part of the New York Arbitration Convention include Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.<br />
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African countries that are signatories to the convention include Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria, which was acceded to the Convention on March 17, 1970.<br />
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Sloane and Langley said there was a long history of successful asset seizures using the New York Convention, stating that Nigeria’s prospects of the appeal against the $9bn judgement were limited.<br />
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“Nigeria would have to apply to set aside the order for enforcement and that may be difficult to achieve,” Langley said.<br />
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He explained that a set-aside request would have to prove there was an error in the ruling and stated that the judge’s decision was not legally controversial.<br />
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Lawyers representing the Federal Government had argued the award should not be enforced because England was not the correct place for the case, and even if it were, the amount awarded was “manifestly excessive.”<br />
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But Langley said the decision on the UK as the seat of arbitration was made in 2016 and the arbitration award was made in 2017.<br />
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“Nigeria had 28 days in each case to appeal. It appealed the former decision but missed the deadline by several months and a judge dismissed it. It never appealed the latter decision,” the lawyer said.<br />
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Although Nigeria successfully applied to have the award set aside by the Federal High Court in Lagos, however, Sloane and Langley said in English law, judges did not typically review either the decision on the seat of arbitration or the underlying award once the window for appeal had passed.<br />
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The lawyers said once the court made its judgement on an order, which was expected in September 2019, P&ID could start targeting Nigeria’s assets.<br />
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To delay this, they said Nigeria would also have to request a stay of enforcement while the set-aside request was considered.<br />
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“A set-aside request ruling is quick in legal terms – a matter of weeks or months rather than a year or more,” Langley said.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>$9.6bn judgement targeted at foreign reserves –FG</b><br />
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Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Friday said the UK court judgement was targeted at the nation’s foreign reserves and that the “international scammers” had Nigerian collaborators<br />
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The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this while featuring on a Television Continental’s programme, ‘This Morning.’<br />
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Mohammed claimed that whenever it was observed that the nation’s foreign reserves were increasing, some people who he described as “vultures” would conspire and decide how to deplete the reserves.<br />
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He said the “international scammers” could not have succeeded in their bid if they did not get enjoy the cooperation of some Nigerians.<br />
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He said the Federal Government’s desire to unravel those behind the deal was what informed President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent directive to the relevant agencies to probe the contract.<br />
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Mohammed said, “Anytime the foreign reserves of the country are rising, there is always this attempt by vultures that will come with one scam targeting the reserves.<br />
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“It is also important to state here that these international scammers would not have succeeded without the collaboration of the people within.<br />
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“That is why the Federal Government is beaming its searchlight on this particular contract to unravel those behind the move to inflict economic injury on Nigeria and its people.”<br />
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Stating that the Federal Executive Council as constituted at the time of signing the contract in 2010 did not approve the contract as required by law, the minister added that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources which signed the contract had no technical knowledge to execute a gas contract.<br />
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Meanwhile, while seeking self-execution to set aside the judgement, the minister on Thursday said the Federal Government was willing to meet with P&ID to negotiate the agreement.<br />
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Mohammed said this on “Good Morning Nigeria,” a live breakfast programme of the Nigerian Television Authority.<br />
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“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that this judgement is set aside. I want to assure Nigerians that there is absolutely no imminent threat to the seizure of our assets because even the UK courts said they couldn’t begin any attachments until the courts were back and there will be a further hearing on the matter.<br />
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“We are even willing to sit down with the P&ID and negotiate. We are ready to take this matter to the highest level – legal, diplomatic and otherwise – because we think it is just unfair and unconscionable. You don’t inflict this kind of injury on a country and its people for your selfish reasons,” he said.<br />
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The minister on Tuesday at a press conference in Abuja said President Buhari had directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the National Intelligence Agency and the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to conduct a thorough investigation into the contract.<br />
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He said the President’s decision to probe P&ID and its activities was based on the fact that the Federal Government suspected a foul play in the contract.<br />
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He said, “We want to set the record straight that the Federal Government views with serious concerns the underhanded manner in which the contract was negotiated and signed.<br />
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“Indications are that the whole process was carried out by some vested interests in the past administration, which apparently colluded with their local and international conspirators to inflict grave economic injury on Nigeria and its people.”

Latest-News REVEALED: P&ID can seize Nigeria’s assets in 160 countries

Process and Industrial Developments Limited, which got a United Kingdom court’s grant to seize $9.6bn in Nigerian assets, may be able to ...

I was attacked in Ekiti, they nearly broke my head - Fayose

07:46 Unknown 0

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A former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, on Friday said he escaped attack by a whisker while leaving the House of Assembly in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.<br />
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Fayose, who appeared at the Assembly on Friday on the invitation of the legislative body, said, “It was on our way from the Assembly that some people trailed us in a Pick-up purposely to attack us. We managed to escape. In short, one of them nearly broke my head.”<br />
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The former governor, who said he came to honour the Assembly’s invitation because “a clear conscience fears no accusation”, said, “When I got to the Assembly, they said they were not ready and that they would inform me when they were ready. As a matter of fact, since they accused me of financial misappropriation, they were supposed to be ready.”<br />
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However, he went into a closed-door session with the Speaker, Funminiyi Afuye, and two other lawmakers.<br />
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The Assembly had summoned Fayose; a former Speaker of the Assembly, Kola Oluwawole; a former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Mr Dapo Olagunju; a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr Kola Kolade; and the 16 local government chairmen elected during Fayose’s tenure over allegations bordering on misappropriation of funds.<br />
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The former governor in a told journalists said, “I got this by noon yesterday (Thursday) and I called the Speaker to confirm whether it was true and he confirmed it. You know my style. When the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) wanted me, I told them ‘I’m here’.<br />
<br />
“So, I have come to the House of Assembly to tell them I’m available for their questions. I drove down from Lagos to tell them that there was no hiding place for some of us, so, I am here and ready to give an account of my stewardship.”<br />
<br />
Fayose, who denied he had been given a soft landing by the Federal Government in the EFCC’s case against him, said he would not compromise standards.<br />
<br />
He said, “I will not follow the multitude to sin. I want to believe that selective justice will not help our country.<br />
<br />
“I have condemned anyone who says that in Nigeria, when you come to the All Progressives Congress, then you become a saint. I am telling you, I will never become a member of the APC, I will never defect.<br />
<br />
“If I wanted a soft landing against my party, against my candidate, that would have happened in the past, I stood my ground during the elections. So, that is impossible.”<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Afuye said that Fayose’s “ambush” to the House of Assembly complex was resisted because he came unannounced.<br />
<br />
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Tai Oguntayo, the Speaker said, “After the resolution of the Assembly at the plenary on Thursday inviting the former governor to appear before the House, he called the Speaker to confirm if the report was true.<br />
<br />
“The Speaker confirmed to Mr Fayose that it was true and that was the end of the discussion.<br />
<br />
“When Mr Fayose announced his readiness to the Speaker, he was told to go back and await the official invitation letter from the House of Assembly.<br />
<br />
“The former governor was accorded his due respect on arrival at the House of Assembly, being a former first citizen of the state.”<br />
<br />
The spokesperson for Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Yinka Oyebode, did not answer his calls.<br />
<br />
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ekiti State Command, Caleb Ikechukwu, said, “I have not been briefed about that.”

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Atiku vs Buhari: INEC reveals when election results can be transmitted electronically

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Latest-News Atiku vs Buhari: INEC reveals when election results can be transmitted electronically

Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham reward Lampard’s faith in Chelsea youth

12:07 Unknown 0

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<br />
Frank Lampard’s first season at Chelsea remains a work in progress but the emergence of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham means there are already significant positives to be drawn from the new era at Stamford Bridge.<br />
<br />
Lampard – whose side face Sheffield United at home this weekend – promised to provide opportunities to young players when he returned to his old club this summer.<br />
<br />
The former midfielder’s position was partly driven by the transfer embargo imposed on the club, but also a belief in the reserves of talent at in the club’s academy that has too often been overlooked by Lampard’s predecessors.<br />
<br />
The fact that for too long John Terry was the last homegrown player to emerge through the ranks and establish himself as a first-team regular was viewed of an indictment of recent Chelsea managers from Jose Mourinho through to Maurizio Sarri.<br />
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<br />
But if early season form is anything to go by, Mount and Abraham could be features of the Chelsea line-up for some time to come.<br />
<br />
Mount has made a particularly striking start with the midfielder’s form earning him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo.<br />
<br />
The 20-year-old has been at Chelsea since the age of six and having spent last season on loan with Lampard at Derby County in the Championship, his abilities are well known to the manager who has demonstrated great faith in the player by starting him in all three of Chelsea’s league games so far.<br />
<br />
Mount has responded with goals in his last two games and was joined on the scoresheet in last weekend’s 3-2 win at Norwich City by Abraham who struck his first two goals for the club at Carrow Road.<br />
<br />
Abraham showed his potential by striking 37 league goals during Aston Villa’s promotion-winning season before returning to Chelsea this summer.<br />
<br />
Even so, Lampard’s decision to start with the 21-year-old ahead of Olivier Giroud in the season opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford raised eyebrows.<br />
<br />
But Abraham has demonstrated he is capable of competing with his more experienced team-mate for the main striker position on an equal footing and could join Mount in Southgate’s set-up if he maintains his progress.<br />
<br />
The performances of the two players, together with those of Christian Pusilic, the 20-year-old USA midfielder signed for £58 million and then loaned back to Borussia Dortmund last January, has provided a lift at the start of Chelsea’s season.<br />
<br />
Lampard has been charged with healing the rifts that opened up last season between Sarri and some of the club’s supporters who were unimpressed by the Italian’s playing style and his reluctance to give young players a chance.<br />
<br />
The situation of Callum Hudson-Odoi came to highlight this discontent, not least because the winger pressed for a mid-season move to Bayern Munich after becoming frustrated at the lack of opportunities coming his way.<br />
<br />
The 18-year-old was handed a more prominent role in the second half of the campaign before his season was halted by an Achilles tendon injury in April.<br />
<br />
Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffered a similar injury, depriving the pair of the chance to make an early impression on Lampard. Both players, though, are stepping up their recovery and their return will swell the number of academy graduates vying for selection.<br />
<br />
The challenge for the younger players – as with the rest of Lampard’s side – is to develop a level of consistency that will allow the club to maintain its hold on a top-four place.<br />
<br />
That means backing up a promising win at Norwich by avoiding an unexpected slip-up against Sheffield United come Saturday.

Latest-News Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham reward Lampard’s faith in Chelsea youth

Frank Lampard’s first season at Chelsea remains a work in progress but the emergence of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham means there are alre...

Nigeria loses 22mb of crude oil in 6 months – Gov Obaseki

12:01 Unknown 0

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<br />
Edo Governor,  Godwin Obaseki said the nation lost about 22 million barrels of its crude oil production to oil theft between January and June 2019.<br />
<br />
Obaseki disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, the Spokesman for the Nigerian National Petroleum corporation( NNPC) in Abuja on Thursday.<br />
<br />
He said that if nothing was done to curtail the ugly trend, the figure could double by the end of the year.<br />
<br />
The governor, also the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee of the National Economic Council on Crude Oil Theft spoke at a stakeholders meeting held at the NNPC towers.<br />
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<br />
He said the menace of oil theft and pipeline vandalism were beginning to pose a threat to  the national economy.<br />
<br />
The governor called on stakeholders to join forces and work toward eradicating the menace of crude oil theft that was currently on upward swing in the country.<br />
<br />
It would be recalled that the NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR) for June revealed a staggering 77 per cent rise in cases of oil pipeline vandalism across its network of pipeline infrastructure.<br />
<br />
According to the report, 106 pipeline points are breached, representing an alarming increase from the 60 points vandalised in May 2019.<br />
<br />
The meeting had in attendance the group Managing Director of NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, and representatives of the governors of Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers.<br />
<br />
Also in attendance were representatives of the Police, Navy, Army, Civil Defence and the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and some indigenous operators.

Latest-News Nigeria loses 22mb of crude oil in 6 months – Gov Obaseki

Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki said the nation lost about 22 million barrels of its crude oil production to oil theft between January and J...

BREAKING: Nigerian party chairman kidnapped in Abuja

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Latest-News BREAKING: Nigerian party chairman kidnapped in Abuja

Gov. Matawalle’s convoy reportedly attacked, two policemen killed, many injured

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Latest-News Gov. Matawalle’s convoy reportedly attacked, two policemen killed, many injured

Details of Buhari’s investment meeting with Japan Bank, Toyota emerges

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Latest-News Details of Buhari’s investment meeting with Japan Bank, Toyota emerges

32 adults, 14 children arrested for street begging

11:11 Unknown 0

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<br />
The Kano State Hisbah Board says it has arrested 46 suspected beggars in Kano metropolis for allegedly violating the law banning street begging in the state.<br />
<br />
Alhaji Lawan Ibrahim the Public Relations Officer of the Board disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Kano.<br />
<br />
He added that the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a special raid carried out between 1p.m and 3 p.m at Audu Bako Secretariat, Oasis Bakery at Taurauni, Magwan road and Iyaka road in the metropolis.<br />
<br />
“The number comprises of 32 adults and 14 children. The board will properly screen them, counsel and thereafter release them since there are first-time offenders,’’ he said.<br />
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<br />
On Aug. 28, the board arrested 60 other suspected beggars in Kano metropolis for allegedly violating the law banning street begging in the state.

Latest-News 32 adults, 14 children arrested for street begging

The Kano State Hisbah Board says it has arrested 46 suspected beggars in Kano metropolis for allegedly violating the law banning street be...

P&ID to Nigerians : Justice Minister cause of your $9b nightmare

11:06 Unknown 0

Latest-News P&ID to Nigerians : Justice Minister cause of your $9b nightmare

3.7m refugees out of school: UN says teach them or pay the price

11:06 Unknown 0

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<br />
Less than half of the world’s refugee children are getting a school education, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said Friday, warning of negative consequences for host countries.<br />
<br />
“We need to invest in refugee education or pay the price of a generation of children condemned to grow up unable to live independently, find work and be full contributors to their communities,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees.<br />
<br />
An estimated 3.7 million among 7.1 million school-age refugees do not go to school, the Geneva-based UNHCR said in a report that was published as children across the northern hemisphere are heading back to class after their summer vacations.<br />
<br />
Only 63 per cent of refugee children attend primary school, compared to the global rate of 91 per cent.<br />
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<br />
The rate drops sharply in high school, as 24 per cent of refugees get an opportunity to receive secondary education, far below the global 84 per cent.<br />
<br />
The UNHCR called on governments and donors to fund a new initiative to build secondary schools, train teachers and cover education costs for refugee families.<br />
<br />
Without school or job prospects, “adolescents are more vulnerable to exploitation and more likely to turn to illegal activities out of desperation,” the UNHCR report said.<br />
<br />
It noted that children from host communities also stand to profit if additional schools are built.<br />
<br />
Only 3 per cent of refugee youths attend university, compared to 37 per cent of their global peers.<br />
<br />
The UNHCR urged universities to be flexible about education certificates, which many refugees leave behind as the flee violence or persecution.

Latest-News 3.7m refugees out of school: UN says teach them or pay the price

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You’re looking for war – Shekarau attacks Wike over alleged demolition of mosque in Rivers

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Latest-News You’re looking for war – Shekarau attacks Wike over alleged demolition of mosque in Rivers

Nnamdi Kanu discloses why Nigerian President will not return from Japan

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Latest-News Nnamdi Kanu discloses why Nigerian President will not return from Japan

Oyo Assembly moves to slash 2019 budget approved by Ajimobi

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Latest-News Oyo Assembly moves to slash 2019 budget approved by Ajimobi

BBNaija2019: Mercy, Tacha, Mike, others most searched housemates

09:46 Unknown 0

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<br />
Google on Wednesday disclosed Mercy, Tacha, Mike, Ike, and Seyi were the most searched Big Brother Naija Season 4 contestants on the Google search.<br />
<br />
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google West Africa Regional Communication, and Public Relations Manager, said that while the housemates struggle for the grand prize of N60 million, fans have been scouring the net to find out more about their favourite contestants.<br />
<br />
Eight weeks in, 26 housemates and 12 evictions later, it looks like the most-searched housemates were giving the other contestants a run for their money, says Kola-Ogunlade in a statement.<br />
<br />
”According to Google Search, they are five top trending Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem housemates since the commencement of the competition on 30 June 2019.<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
<br />
”The list is based on top search performance on Google.<br />
<br />
‘The fourth season of Big Brother Naija, known as “Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem”, has taken Nigeria by storm,” he said.<br />
<br />
He said that the search was as follows: Mercy, a 26-year-old video vixen and businesswoman based in Lagos loves cooking, swimming, travelling and dancing.<br />
<br />
Her on-screen relationship with fellow contestant Ike, as well as her fashion sense and good looks, keep Big Brother Naija fans wanting more and searching for her online.<br />
<br />
Kola-Ogunlade said that Mercy is the most-searched Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem contestant on Google.<br />
<br />
Following closely is Tasha, who hails from Rivers State; this 23-year-old social media sensation loves to show herself to the world and the Big Brother Naija stage is the ideal platform.<br />
<br />
The businesswoman has grown her popularity on social media through the show and is the second most-searched Big Brother Naija 2019.<br />
<br />
”Her stern character adds to the excitement of the reality show.<br />
<br />
Mike Edwards stunned Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem fans when it was revealed that he was married.<br />
<br />
”He is also a CEO and an athlete with a resilient spirit, Founder of the first Black-owned cigar brand in the United Kingdom.<br />
<br />
Kola-Ogunlade says Mike has been able to position himself as a guru in the Big Brother Naija house and his accent has made quite an impression on the audience.<br />
<br />
Mike is number 3 on the list of most-searched Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem contestants on Google.<br />
<br />
Kola-Ogunlade said that Seyi, popularly referred to as the grandson of Awolowo, has indeed made his mark in the Big Brother Naija 2019.<br />
<br />
From being head-of-house to having a heated argument with Ike at one point, he has a strong personality that has stood out since day one of the show.<br />
<br />
The bubbly entrepreneur is also a medical doctor who has stated his commitment to his journey of self-acceptance, his girlfriend and his belief.<br />
<br />
The 26-year-old Steve Ikechukwu Onyema, originally from Imo State, is said to be the look-alike of Marvel’s Black Panther actor, Michael B. Jordan.<br />
<br />
His relationship with fellow housemate, Mercy, among other activities in the house, has made him one of the contestants to watch out for.<br />
<br />
He ranks the fifth position among the top searched Big Brother Naija 2019: Pepper Dem housemates according to Google Search.

Latest-News BBNaija2019: Mercy, Tacha, Mike, others most searched housemates

Google on Wednesday disclosed Mercy, Tacha, Mike, Ike, and Seyi were the most searched Big Brother Naija Season 4 contestants on the Googl...

Homos3xuality is African- Jidenna

09:41 Unknown 0

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<br />
Nigerian-American Singer, Jidenna, has said homos3xuality is very much African and not a derivative of European culture.<br />
<br />
The suave singer made this on Monday, while as a guest on Sway’s Universe.<br />
<br />
According to him: “You hear these African leaders who are dressed in three-piece suits, got an iPhone, speaking in English and not their native tongue, saying, ‘it’s un-African to be homos3xual, it’s un-African, we don’t have it. That was brought as a European import.<br />
<br />
“It’s not true. It’s not true at all. You got Uganda, the kingdom of Buganda at the time… Before Uganda, there was an openly gay king. If you go to Zimbabwe the bushmen as they call them, you’ll see homos3xual acts in the Cape paintings.<br />
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<br />
If you go to different communities in Africa, there were different rites of passage where if a woman was with a woman, or a man was with a man, they were thought to be more powerful”.<br />
<br />
Speaking further, he noted that there was never a time, it didn’t exist.<br />
<br />
“There was never a time where this didn’t exist. Or where it was just hands down that homosexuals were wrong. That’s not actually an African thing, which means it’s not a Black thing to be homophobic. So, what is a foreign import is actually the idea that this is somehow wrong. That’s the truth. That’s actual history. Y’all can google it. You can look it up. Don’t take my word for it. Look it up.”

Latest-News Homos3xuality is African- Jidenna

Nigerian-American Singer, Jidenna, has said homos3xuality is very much African and not a derivative of European culture. The suave singe...

Magu sends message to Buhari govt

09:41 Unknown 0

Latest-News Magu sends message to Buhari govt

Presidency attacks Moghalu, gives reason for Buhari’s absence at G7 summit

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Latest-News Presidency attacks Moghalu, gives reason for Buhari’s absence at G7 summit

Ministry of Interior staff get warning

09:36 Unknown 0

Latest-News Ministry of Interior staff get warning

N25tn debt profile: Further borrowing’ll hurt economy, experts warn FG

09:36 Unknown 0

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<br />
<br />
Contrary to the stand of the Federal Government that the nation only has revenue challenge and not debt problem, economists and experts have said that the country has a huge debt burden.<br />
<br />
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, had at a meeting with the members of staff of the ministry on Monday said that Nigeria did not have any debt challenge but a challenge with generating sufficient revenue.<br />
<br />
The minister decried what she described as ‘insensitivity’ concerning the debt situation in the country, preferring that attention should rather be focused on revenue generation rather than debt.<br />
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<br />
However, in separate interviews with our correspondents on Thursday, experts, including a professor of economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Sheriffdeen Tella, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr Bismarck Rewane,  said that there was the need to be concerned about the nation’s debt situation.

Latest-News N25tn debt profile: Further borrowing’ll hurt economy, experts warn FG

Contrary to the stand of the Federal Government that the nation only has revenue challenge and not debt problem, economists and experts h...

Banker accused of stealing customers’ N11m

09:36 Unknown 0

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A 34-year-old banker, Ramon Rilwon-Olayiwola, yesterday appeared at a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing N11 million from bank customers’ accounts.<br />
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The defendant, a resident of 8, Sultan Bello Street, Owutu, Ikorodu, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.<br />
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He, however, pleaded not guilty.<br />
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Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Edet Okoi told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 22, at about 7:20 pm, at Access Bank head office in Lagos.<br />
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He alleged that the defendant, an employee of Access Bank Plc., while working at the bank’s Contact Centre Executive Unit, used his position to fraudulently access customers’ details and withdrew money from their accounts.<br />
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Okoi alleged that the defendant withdrew N11 million from customers’ accounts.<br />
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“The defendant conspired with some other employees to change some customers’ details on the system and made unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts without the customers’ consent.<br />
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“During internal investigation, which the bank carried out, the CCTV footage showed that it was only the defendant that used the system for accessing customers’ details on the said date,” he said.<br />
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Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias granted the defendant N5 million bail with two sureties in the like sum and adjourned the case till September 29.

Latest-News Banker accused of stealing customers’ N11m

A 34-year-old banker, Ramon Rilwon-Olayiwola, yesterday appeared at a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing N11 ...

Insecurity: Aisha attacks Buhari, calls him unprintable names

08:46 Unknown 0

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Aisha Yesufu, Co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, advocacy group, has again attacked President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as incompetent, clueless and inept.<br />
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Yesufu who spoke against the deteriorating security situation in the country and the recent kidnap of three Ahmadu Bello University students also said that President Buhari was a failure.<br />
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It was reported that three final year law students of ABU, Zaria were abducted. They were seized on the notorious Kaduna-Abuja Expressway Tuesday afternoon.<br />
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The Kaduna State Police Command, however, said, its operatives rescued three the students but added, however, that three other persons were still being held by the kidnappers.<br />
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In a video, she shared on social media on Thursday, Mrs. Yesufu said, “When we say Mohammadu Buhari is incompetent, clueless and inept we are not insulting him. We are just saying it as it is.<br />
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“As the President and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari has been incompetent, clueless, inept and a failure.<br />
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“The state of security today is heartbreaking. Did you hear of the ABU University students that were kidnapped? They should have been your children; they should have been you. Parents had to pay the ransom and they are back.<br />
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“I watched the video of one of the girls that were returned, she was crying. But do you know something? They (kidnappers) didn’t ask if the incompetent Muhammadu Buhari was her (one of the victims) president; they didn’t ask if she was APC, PDP, or whatever; they didn’t ask if she was from the north, south or other parts of the country. they didn’t ask whether she was a Christian or Muslim; or what tribe she was.<br />
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“They took her along other fellow students and other people. What about those who have not been able to pay the ransom? Is this how we are going to live our lives in the country? is this what we are going to continue to do? To look away and support this incompetence we have?<br />
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“No! It’s not doable. As long as one of us is not safe, all of us are not safe. the saddest thing is that this victim’s card is going from place to the other. it’s going around and the only god knows on whom it will fall.<br />
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“I’ll continue to repeat that yesterday’s victims were once survivals and today’s victims were yesterday’s survivals and tomorrow’s victims were today’s survivals. Let me tell you something, in Nigeria’s today, being a victim is no longer a matter of if its a matter of when.”<br />
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Faces behind deal that landed Nigeria in $9.6bn mess

11:07 Unknown 0

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the National Intelligence Agency and the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to launch a probe into the contract between the Federal Government and the Process and Industrial Developments Limited, signed in 2010.<br />
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The controversial contract has become the subject of a $9.6bn judgment debt imposed on Nigeria by a British court last week.<br />
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The president also directed that the contract itself should be probed with a view to identifying Nigerians involved in the signing of the deal in 2010 for possible prosecution.<br />
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The President’s decision to probe the firm and its activities was based on the fact that the Federal Government suspected foul play in the contract which was negotiated and signed under the past administration in 2010.  But who are the past and present Federal Government’s officials that represented Nigeria to sign the purported contract 2010 between the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the P&ID?<br />
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<b>Umar Yar’Adua</b><br />
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The late President Umar Yar’Adua was technically at the helm of affairs when the project must have been tabled before the Federal Government. However, he was on a sick bed in faraway Saudi Arabia on January 11, 2010 when the contract was signed.<br />
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Unfortunately, the soft-spoken President is no longer alive to say what he must have known about the contract that has the capacity to lead the country to steady haemorrhage.<br />
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<b>Goodluck Jonathan</b><br />
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President Goodluck Jonathan was Vice President at the time the contract was signed.<br />
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Although he was the most senior government official in the absence of his boss, he was treated as a ‘leper’ and an outsider by the ‘cabal’ that took charge of government business in the absence of Yar’Adua.<br />
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However, on the doctrine of necessity subscribed to by the National Assembly, Jonathan became the acting President on February 10, 2010 and went on to be sworn in as President on May 6, 2010 upon the demise of Yar’Adua.<br />
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Our correspondent learnt that questions were asked on the contract when Jonathan became president but they were not answered. Thus, the fire kept smouldering.<br />
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Before Jonathan quit office on May 29, 2015, P&ID and the Federal Government had agreed at a settlement fee of $850m but he decided to hand over the liability to the incoming government of President Muhammadu Buhari.<br />
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<b>Attorney General, Michael Aondoakaa</b><br />
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Michael Aondoakaa was appointed the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation on July 26, 2007. He was reputed to be one of the members of the ‘cabal’ that ruled Nigeria in the absence of Yar’Adua.<br />
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It was not yet clear what role he played in the P&ID contract saga. However, as the chief law officer of the country, he was expected to review major contracts before the country could sign such document.<br />
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He lost his seat in the cabinet on February 10, 2010 – the day that Jonathan assumed power as the acting President.<br />
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<b>Rilwan Lukman</b><br />
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Rilwan Lukman, an engineer, was a recurring decimal in the nation’s oil and gas industry. He was appointed Honorary Advisor to Umar Yar’Adua on energy and strategic matters in August 2007 and in December 2008, he was appointed the Minister of Petroleum Resources.<br />
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So, he was the Minister of Petroleum Resources at the time the ministry signed the contract with P&ID. However, he left the cabinet on March 17, 2010 when Jonathan dissolved the Federal Executive Council. He died on July 21, 2014.<br />
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<b>Liyel Imoke and Cross River State</b><br />
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Liyel Imoke was the governor of Cross River State between May 2007 and May 2015. Although the GSPA contract was a federal project, his administration might have played some outsider role in the project. As of the press time, it was not certain what role the state government under him played.<br />
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<b>Mansur Mukhtar</b><br />
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Dr Mansur Mukhtar, economist and experienced technocrat in both the public private sector, was Minister of Finance at the time the deal with the Process and Industrial Development Limited was signed.<br />
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The former Director-General of Debt Management Office was appointed the Finance minister by the late President Umar Yar’Adua on December 17, 2008.<br />
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As the Chief Finance Officer of the country, a major financial transaction should not scale through without passing through his table.<br />
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The Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated through which the government must have acquired 10 per cent equity in P&ID is also under the purview of the Ministry of Finance.<br />
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Mukhtar left the government in March 2010 when Jonathan dissolved the cabinet.<br />
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<b>Lamido Sanusi</b><br />
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Lamido Sanusi was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria at the time the Federal Government entered into the contract with P&ID on January 11, 2010.<br />
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It could not be determined what role he must have played when the contract was signed. However, it is usual for the chief banker of the nation to be aware of contracts that will commit the nation to foreign exchange transactions.<br />
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Sanusi, who became Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano, was appointed governor of CBN on June 3, 2009. He was suspended from the apex bank by President Jonathan on February 20, 2014 in controversial circumstances.<br />
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<b>Buhari and AGF Abubakar Malami’s role</b><br />
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President Buhari inherited the controversial contract when he assumed office on May 29, 2015. The controversy that surrounds it could have been settled by him with good negotiation.<br />
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However, he must have been too busy with preliminaries of taking over power to be bothered about settling a project that was not executed with $850m.<br />
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The President also failed to appoint a minister to take charge of legal affairs until November 2015.<br />
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An official of the Ministry of Justice had told a London court that the handover to a new government was responsible for the delay in implementing decisions reached with the P&ID.<br />
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Malami is the current Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. He has been in charge of the contract suit since he assumed office.<br />
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Although he assumed office when the arbitration had awarded the $9.6bn judgment to the P&ID, the company accuses him of ignoring an offer of $850m to settle the case out of arbitration.<br />
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Malami has promised that everyone that led the country to the alley would be punished.