Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Anambara: Soludo Submits Vision 2070 Report To Gov. Willie Obiano

By
admin
-

Anambra State Governor-Elect, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, today, 10th March, 2022, presented the Vision 2070 Report to the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano.

Recall that on the 20th of November, 2019, Governor Obiano set up the committee, headed by the Governor-Elect, Soludo.

The report was presented during the Valedictory Session of Anambra State Executive Council Meeting, held at the International Convention Center, Awka.

Presenting the report, Professor Soludo who thanked the Governor and members of exco for serving Anambra State greatly, described the Convention Center as a peculiar and outstanding project, congratulating members of exco for their contribution as the results are evident which portrays alot about the destination of the state.

While stating that it is a continuing administration, Professor Soludo thanked the Governor for his overwhelming support during the election, saying that they need everybody’s support to succeed.

He said that the report is a complete document, though it is a work in progress because there are aspects that need to be added.

While stating that what makes the document outstanding is ownership because it is an Anambra plan rather than a government plan, having made extensive consultations, Professor Soludo thanked the members both constituted and co-opted, stressing that they all worked pro-bono.

He assured that the implementation will begin with the next administration.

Accepting and adopting the report, Governor Obiano pointed out that it took 30 months to be delivered as part of the delay was the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that he followed through the process

He said that the report is a stepping stone for successive administrations in the state , expressing happiness that his administration was able to achieve the report.

Governor Obiano who reassured that the transition will be seamless, Governor Obiano emphasized that they will ensure that the incoming administration will not experience any challenge.

The Deputy Governor-Elect, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim was also present at the presentation ceremony.

SuperTV CEO: Chidinma Ojukwu, Other Prisoners Participate In Beauty Pageant

By
admin
-

Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV CEO, Michael Ataga, and other inmates participated in a beauty pageant held in Kirikiri correctional facility.

Viral reports and photos online noted that the 21-year-old murder suspect emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant, which was held to mark the 2022 International Women’s Day.

Photos also showed other female inmates who contested in the pageant, all dressed in dinner gowns with sashes supposedly representing their prison wards.

The Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Prison Service confirmed to the PUNCH that several activities took place in commemoration of the IWD in the Female Custodial Facility of the prison.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Rotimi Oladokun, said, “The inmates at Female Custodial Facility commemorated International Women’s Day. There were a series of event: talkshows, talent show, music, comedy, and beauty pageant.”

Commenting on the emergence of Chidinma as Miss Cell, Oladokun said, “I can’t comment on a particular winner because there were many winners. Cell A may decide to sing, Cell B may decide to do beauty pageant, while Cell C may decide to present a play.

“Maybe her own cell decided to present a pageant show and she won as a representative there. But as I said, there are other winners.”

© PUNCH.

BRT: It’s Hard To Believe My Daughter Is Dead -Bamise’s Father

By
admin
-

The father of Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwola, the 22-year-old lady who was missing on February 26 in a Lagos Bus Rapid Transit and later found dead, Mr Joseph, said he had not been himself since the demise of his daughter.
Joseph said this at his residence in the Olorunishola area of Ipaja-Ayobo, Lagos State.

The father said that the deceased was the last of his 10 children.
84-year-old man, who is a pastor said, “It is hard to believe that my daughter is no more.”

The man clarified that he doesn’t believe in protest because protest would not bring back his daughter.

He said that the government of Lagos State under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had promised to pay his family a condolence visit that he was still expecting him.

“As a man of God, I pray for him and other leaders from my altar every day so I want him to help me get justice,” he said.

On whether his daughter’s body was mutilated, he said, “The government says it will perform an autopsy on the body of the deceased; we are still waiting for the result.”

Earlier, Mrs Comfort Ayanwola, the mother of the deceased, said that the verbal-note evidence her daughter sent to her friend before she was allegedly murdered should be enough evidence for the government to prosecute the driver.

“The evidence which had gone viral should be enough evidence for the prosecution of the suspect.

“The driver is now lying that kidnappers pointed a gun at him and dragged our daughter out of the BRT bus he was driving and was in transit then.

“Kidnappers pointed a gun at him, dragged his passenger out from the bus in transit and he did not go to the police station to report the matter, it is a lie.”

Copyright PUNCH.

US To Send $13bn In Humanitarian, Military Aid To Ukraine

By
admin
-

The United States will send $13.6 billion in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine after the US House approved a $1.5 trillion spending bill to keep the government’s doors open for the next six months.

The bill included more than $4 billion to assist Ukraine and others in Eastern Europe grappling with the millions of refugees fleeing the former Soviet republic after Russia invaded two weeks ago.

Nearly $7 billion would backfill the transfer of US military equipment to Ukraine and its allies, as well as cover the current and future deployment of American troops and equipment to defend NATO in the region.

US President Joe Biden said he would not send troops to Ukraine.
“We are becoming a witness to one of the worst humanitarian crises we have seen in generations, which is why this bill provides $13.6 billion in humanitarian assistance.

“The defence support and economic aid to help the Ukrainian people in their most desperate hour of need,’’ said House Appropriations Chairperson Rosa DeLauro, D-Connecticut.

The bill was divided into two parts; the defence portion was approved overwhelmingly by members of both parties, 361 to369.

The remaining pieces had less support from Republicans but were approved 260 to 171, with one present vote.
The 2,741-page government spending bill attempts to avert a shutdown as soon as Friday evening.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where leaders hope to approve it quickly, but they have a brief, stopgap spending bill on deck if needed to avert a shutdown.

(dpa/NAN)

Gbajabiamila Seeks Professionalism As New Senate, House Clerks Resume

By
admin
-

The new clerks of the Senate and the House of Representatives resumed their new positions on Tuesday, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, calling for professionalism.

The National Assembly Service Commission had, on Thursday, appointed new clerks for the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Chairman of the NASC, Ahmed Amshi, who made the announcement via a statement, noted that the commission approved the appointment and redeployment of some top management officers in the National Assembly bureaucracy.

The statement read in part, “Rising from its 549th meeting held on Wednesday, 2nd and Thursday, 3rd March, 2022, the commission announced the appointment of Barrister Chinedu F. Akubueze as the new Clerk of the Senate from his former position of Clerk, House of Representatives.

“Others are Barrister Yahaya H. Danzariya, Acting Clerk (House of Representatives); Mr, Fatai O. Jimoh, Acting Deputy Clerk, Legislative (House of Representatives); Kamoru Oguniana Esq, Acting Secretary, (Legal Services); and Engineer Bashir Aminu Yero, Acting Secretary (Directorate of Estate and Works).

“On the other hand, Barrister Henrietta Aimua-Ehikioya was redeployed as Secretary to the Directorate of Special Duties from Legal Services Directorate, while the former Secretary of Procurement, Estate and Works, Engr. Liman Baba Sanda, is now the Secretary of the newly created Directorate of Procurement and Supplies.”

Gbajabiamila stated, on Tuesday, that Akabueze’s was redeployed and not promoted.
The Speaker said, “I don’t want anybody to misread this. I don’t see it as promotion because the Clerk of the House and the Clerk of the Senate are at par. I don’t want the wrong message to be sent that when you leave here (House), you are being promoted.

There is no such thing. But, perhaps, our clerk’s skills are required in the Senate.
“So, congratulations, all the same. We are not…I am not happy to see him (Akabueze) leave.

We have worked very well with him. He is a perfect gentleman. And if I had my way, I would have kept him here. But the bureaucracy decided that they needed his services in the Senate.
“In his place, we have appointed as acting Clerk, Danzariya Yahaya Hamidu.

His appointment is in recognition of his hard work as well, and his administrative competence. He is an old hand; we all know him and we hope and believe that with the same professionalism that the Clerk, Chinedu Akabueze exhibited, we would see the same professionalism with Mr Danzariya.”

The NASC had retired the Clerk to the Senate, Ibrahim el-Ladan; and two permanent secretaries, Anthony Adebanjo and Michael Opara, over alleged forgery of documents and age falsification.

The commission had ordered el-Ladan and Adebanjo to proceed on retirement with immediate effect, while Okpara was asked to retire in six months.
The NASC had also gone ahead to appoint Mrs Isabella Ugochi Iloba as acting Clerk to the Senate, to take over from el-Ladan.

The Executive Chairman of the NASC, Ahmed Amshi, in a letter dated February 9, 2022, with Reference Number NASC/PF/69/184, titled ‘Retirement from Service,’ and addressed to el-Ladan, a copy of which our correspondent sighted on Tuesday, said, “The Commission at its 547th meeting held on Wednesday, 9th February, 2022, has approved your retirement from service with effect from 9th February, 2022.

“The commission wishes to acknowledge your immense contribution to the growth and development of the National Assembly Service.
“As you proceed on retirement, please hand over your office and other Government property in your possession to the Deputy Clerk, Senate (Legislative), Ilobah Isabella Ugochi.

“On behalf of the commission, I pray that Almighty God will continue to grant you good health and success in your future endeavours.”
However, el-Ladan carried on with official duties in the chamber unhindered to the shock of members of the Senate.
The PUNCH had reported on January 16, 2022, of how el-Ladan continued official duties at the plenary held the previous day to the shock and disbelief of members of the chamber.
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, allowed el-Ladan, who was relieved of his job by the National Assembly Service Commission last week, to sit at the table and continue the work of a clerk.

Copyright PUNCH.

BRT: Relatives Of The Lady Killed Protests Before State Assembly

By
admin
-

There was a protest over the killing of Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwola, who went missing after boarding a Bus Rapid Transit and was later found dead in Lagos State.

The 22-year-old was “killed” inside a Bus Rapid Transit vehicle on her way from the Lekki area of the State recently.

The protesters, who went to the Assembly with the immediate elder sister of the deceased, said it was painful that such an incident happened.
They also called for more efforts by the government to ensure the security of lives and property.

The protesters also demanded justice, expressing doubt over the safety of BRT vehicles.
Addressing the protesters, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday, promised that the legislative arm of the state Government must ensure justice in the case of the alleged murder of Bamise Ayanwole.

Obasa, who said he and his colleagues were very concerned about the incident, sympathised with the family and friends of the victim.

While urging Nigerians not to preempt the police which is investigating the case, he said the House would continue to follow up to ensure justice is served appropriately.

“The erroneous belief that it would be swept under the carpet is unnecessary. The driver has been arrested and is in custody.

“We are watching and must ensure justice is done on the case. The Governor has spoken about it and I just want to appeal that we work together to get justice.

“We will do everything to make sure that justice is served. Justice must be served. And everybody in Lagos must be protected,” he told the protesters.

Copyright PUNCH.

Second Niger Bridge Will Be Ready In 2022 – FG

By
admin
-

The Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has assured the people, especially Delta and Anambra states, that the second Niger bridge will be completed before the end of 2022.

Gambari stated this on Tuesday when he led the Minister of Power and Housing, Babajide Fashola, his counterpart in the Labour and Employment Ministry, Dr. Chris Ngige, and other top government officials, including from Delta and Anambra states, to walk through the 1.6km from the Onitsha to Asaba end.

While commending the contractor for the speedy pace of the work at the bridge, the Chief of Staff said that the quality of the project would last for decades.

He said, “Today, we have inspected the Owerri interchange which is about 87 per cent completed.
“When completed, it will reduce the pressure of the first Niger bridge. We are happy not only with the speed of the work, but also that the quality of the bridge will last for decades.

“The bridge links will be completed around April while the project will be delivered by the end of 2022.”
He said that the project cost was about N340 billion and would boost the economy when completed.

Also, speaking at the site, Fashola said that the transmission line will be relocated and power will be shutdown soon for two weeks because of obstruction, to enable the contractor complete the project.

He appeared to the Nigerians to bear with the power outage for the inconveniences within the two weeks

Copyright PUNCH.

BREAKING: Court Sacks Umahi, Deputy Over Defection To APC

By
admin
-

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, sacked Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, and his Deputy, Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress.

The judgement, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, held that the total number of 393,042 votes Umahi secured at the March 9, 2019 Ebonyi State governorship election belonged to the PDP, hence could not be legally transferred to the APC.

The court noted that both Umahi and Igwe’s defection to the APC, not only threw out the PDP, but also the votes that belonged to the party.

– PUNCH

Some Of The Unintended Consequences Sanctions On Russia By The US Led Western Alliance.

By
admin
-

By Chris Maduka

Check through out history, everytime the Whiteman tries to tell another Whiteman what to do or try to Lord over him as they’ve done to other races through out written history there’s bound to be crises that will redefine the world and alter it permanently.

Recall that it was the Roman Catholic church Pope attempt to dictate to King Henry Viii of England 🇬🇧 what to do, who to marry and whom not to Marry that led to the expulsion of the Catholic Ambassador to England (Papal Nuncio) as he severed ties with the Roman catholic church. King Henry Viii proceeded and married his mistress Ann Bolin and started his own Cburch – the church of England Anglican communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury being his own Pope.

The Europeans engaged in 30yr war partially for the same reasons. Today we have nation states smaller than Lagos Island or Mbaise a town in Imo state. We have Andora, Gibralter, even Netherlands are all small tiny independent nations based on the principles of being at liberty to choose how to live and not to be dictated to.

America went to war because their founding fathers resented England telling them what to do as they declared: give us freedom or give us death as they fought and broke away from England and took some radical steps to do nearly opposite of what was done in England in the New 🌎world.

What we are seeing today with the crises and events that led to the invasion of Ukraine 🇺🇦by Russia is the same repeat of the past of one Whiteman attempting to tell another whiteman what to do.
Russia don’t want Ukraine to join NATO alliance for obvious security concerns, but the US through NATO alliance want to tell the People of the former Soviet Union how they will exist with them the US being the big brother and having the upper hands. Something they, the US will never tolerate as they will go to any length and alter the course of history to stop such development.

I recall the former IMF chief attempt to comment on the former President George W. Bush tax cuts. Something IMF and other global financial institutions do with recklessness and arrogance to the weaker nations and emerging economies. This simple act so infuriated the Bush Administration officials , that David Malpas a member of Bush team took IMF to the cleaners in his full page publication on Wallstreet journal. They warned IMF to butt off, and they did.

So what we are beginning to see is another cycle of the US attempting to pull some strings to compel another Whiteman (Putin and the Russians) to do what they want them to do.

So this is perhaps the beginning of a Bi-polar world where members of the emerging non align movement mostly of the colonial outposts of Africa and the middleast will have the opportunity to make choices and engage in strategic alliances that is in their best interest. We are at the threshold of the post Unipolar world the United states and her allies ruled with certain level of impunity and hypocrisy that has left most parts of the world in ruins.

Hopefully the new rival payment vehicles that will rival Visa and Master card will birth a new outlook and followership just like the Anglican church emanated from the fall out between the Pope and the King of England and both churches are still existing side by side till this day, so will certain steps like the ones Russia and China are taking will become a reality and it is not a bad thing for us in the EM, emerging markets.

Obviously this will force the imperialist nations of Europe like France 🇫🇷 , Great Britain 🇬🇧 and some others that are heavily dependent on the exploitative and lopsided global financial system and old economic order to have a rethink or have some of these leaders look towards the EAST.

It is up to them to address some of the imbalances that have kept them rich and the countries of their former colonies desperately and perennially poor or they will go East towards Russia/China.

However, the developing economies and weaker nations must also brace up for a whole new wave of state assassinations and coup and counter coups may become acceptable means of changing governments that dare try to tilt towards the Russia🇷🇺/China alliance in the emerging global new world order.

Looking like cold war era Dejavu all over again. But the difference this time is the information age, the economic interdependency and the integration of the global financial system through globalization. Already the aircraft leasing companies in Europe have been instructed to recall the aircrafts leased to Russia, so many in number, that is now creating logistical nightmare and financial crises for the leasing company. This is just the indication of the emerging realities in the current era.

Let’s continue to watch the unintended consequences of the Ukrainian crises and proactively re-strategize how we can ride the wave and change our fortune and outlook. We must rethink everything instead of engage in the shallow emotional reaction based on heavily biased report of the Western media that often engage in the dangerous act of telling a single story.

The Church Took My Wife Anglican Priest Cries Out

By
admin
-

Rev Canon LumenCristi Eboh, a priest of the Anglican communion in Anambra State, has resigned as an ordained priest of the church.

Speaking at a press briefing in Awka, on Monday, March 7, the cleric accused some forces in the church of separating him from his wife, and quartered her at an undisclosed place.

He specifically accused his diocesan, Bishop Owen Nwokolo, of w!tch-hunt and land grabbing, and an attempt to arm-twist him into making him a member of the board of a ministry he founded privately.

Eboh who owns a charismatic congregation and prayer ministry known as God in Action Adoration Ministry cited har#ssment, instigation and conspiracy by the diocesan authorities of the Anglican Diocese as reasons for his resignation.

According to him, “As I speak, my wife is living differently in an apartment paid for by someone who knows that she is someone’s wife. I am only a priest permitted by my communion to enter the sacred institution of marriage.

As a married man, I had very private moments with my wife and we shared endearing words just like every young couple. With the cr#sh of my marriage, I have sought to reorder my life, but those fi#hting me have even sent young women here in an attempt to use prospects of marriage to malign my character and reputation.”

Eboh, a radio and televangelist, noted that his involvement in charismatic activities was at the centre of his confl!ct with the Bishop, who he accused of high handedness, inti#idation and conspiratorial mani#ulations, leading to his decision to resign.

He also accused the bishop of insisting that the registered trustees of the adoration ministry be altered to include the bishop and his wife, a condition he resisted on the basis that God did not reveal the bishop to him as a vessel in the ministry.

He alleged that his refusal to include the Bishop as trustee as demanded and to hand over landed property of the adoration ministry to him set him on a collision course with the bishop.

© MUN

Divine Rays British School Obosi, Anambra State, To Represent Nigeria In US

By
admin
-

Divine Rays British School, Obosi has added to the honour list of academic excellence in Anambra state.

The school founded by the Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, and Parish Priest of Blessed Iwene Tansi Catholic Church, Umudioka, both in Anambra State, Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube One Touch) has won the national Diamond Challenge competition put together by Diamond Challenge of the University of Delaware, Dover, United States of America. The competition named Horn Entrepreneurship was created in 2012 by University of Delaware to offer teens unique opportunity to learn entrepreneurship by putting their ideas into practice.

The competition challenges them to unleash their creative energy towards advancing the world technology.

The competition was won by DRBS trio of Master Elvis Ugochukwu, Miss Jennifer Onyejiego and Master Anthony Maduka. The brilliant three who conceived and created a Battery that stores and converts carbon dioxide (CO2) from automobiles, petroleum factories, incinerators, etc to electricity and reduces environmental pollution, beat all other competitors to take the first position and will represent Nigeria in the US.

The project which qualified them for the national final had numerous other competitors across the country. In the end, DRBS, Obosi, Anambra state won the competition and will represent Nigeria at the Global Submit in University of Delaware, Dover, USA.

Runners up at the national final were Mater Ambilis Secondary School, Umuoji (First runner up),Anambra state, Caleb British International School Lekki, Lagos, African Church Model School, Lagos, Vetland Senior Grammar School, Iju senior Grammar School, Lagos, among others.

DBRS has joined the league of champions who brought honour to Anambra State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Recall that DRBS established by the charismatic Fr. Obimma has won strings of academic excellence within its short period of existence. The winners will be leaving for the US any time soon.

In this picture, Father Ebube Muonso (2nd right) is adorned in the DRBS school uniform with the champions.

My Mother Destroyed My Life – Lady Raised By Single Mom Cries Out

By
admin
-

Lady Raised By Single Mother Heartbroken After Finding Out Truth Why Father Left Despite Mom’s Lies

“My mum destroyed my life. She left my dad 18 years ago while I was still 10years. She told me a lot of bad things about my dad. How wicked he is to her and to me. How he abandoned me. That she’s the one single handedly took care of me. That my daddy divorced her because of a side chick. I grew up hating my dad and I avoided my dad.

I’m the only child of my dad. My dad never remarried but my mum has cohabited with 4different men. She started arranging men for me from 14years and told me that since my dad isn’t sending us money, I need to sell my body, save up and train my self in school.

Ceetee, a lot happened to me. My fiancé broke up with me because he tried reconciling my dad and I but I refused. When we wanted to get married, I insisted that he must go to my mothers side and pay my things. He said he can never do that. Not when my dad is still alive. We broke up because of dad. I never give my dad an Opportunity to talk to me because of the hatred I had for him.

I just found out that my mum lied. I went to my dad and he told me the whole truth. My mum was dating my dads tenant and got pregnant. My dad gave the man quick notice to pack and my mum followed him. My dad showed me his statement of account.

He created that particular account for me and he has consistently sent 50,000 every month for my upkeep. My mum will use it and still claim my dad isn’t sending money. I’ve gone back to my dad but I’m still angry. Ceetee, what’s the best way to punish my mum.”

Curled from Facebook

Osun 2022: Akinbade, Adeleke Withdraw From Primary As PDP Elders Endorse Babayemi

By
admin
-

A governorship aspirant seeking Peoples Democratic Party ticket for Osun 2022 election, Fatai Akinbade, has formally withdrawn from the race.

Akinbade in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Monday said he was pulling out of the race in respect of the decision of the party elders who have named Prince Dotun Babayemi as the preferred aspirant of the party.

The statement further read, “To this effect, the former SSG has declared his support for Prince Dotun Babayemi who has been chosen by the party elders.88
“Accordingly, he appealed to party members across the state, especially his supporters, to rally round Prince Babayemi so that the party could triumph at the coming polls.”

Similarly, another aspirant, Dele Adeleke has withdrawn from the race. A statement he signed and released to journalists in Osogbo said his decision to quit the race was in line with the decision of PDP leaders who have decided to harmonize forces, “within the school of thought that I subscribed to so that we can jointly prosecute the primary election and win.

I respect this decision and believe in their capacity to lead us to victory.
“In the light of this, I have, having adequately briefed my coordinators and supporters, taken the very difficult decision to withdraw from the PDP Governorship race.

This is in total submission to the will of respected leaders of our party.”
Meanwhile, a statement issued on behalf of the PDP elders’ caucus, said the elders endorsed Prince Dotun Babayemi should be supported by all other aspirants in the race.

The statement signed by the factional chairman of the party, Mr. Wale Ojo, further read, “on behalf of osun state party executives, BOT members, apex party leaders and the entire members of our party in the state, after a painstaking deliberation of the elders of the party and in preparation for the state congress to elect the gubernatorial candidate of our party slated to hold on 8th march 2022, it was unanimously agreed that Prince Dotun Babayemi should fly the flag of the party in the impending state congress.
“This decision is with the full backing and concurrence of other aspirants in attendance, who are also eminently qualified to occupy the exalted position.”

© PUNCH.

How Abba Kyari Locked Me In Car Trunk From Lagos To Calabar –Activist

By
admin
-

Journalist and activist, Agba Jalingo, has narrated how suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, locked him up in a car trunk and drove him from Lagos State to Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The activist, in a statement on Monday, also hit operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over their failure to handcuff Kyari and other suspects in court on Monday.

Kyari and other co-defendants appeared before an Abuja court on Monday after the Federal Government, through the NDLEA, arraigned him and others on eight counts bordering on conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in cocaine, and other related offences.

While two of Kyari’s accomplices pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them, the embattled former head of the Intelligence Response Team said he was innocent.

He was thereafter denied bail by Justice Emeka Nwite who adjourned the matter till Monday and ordered that Kyari and the other defendants be remanded in NDLEA custody.

Commenting on the appearance of Kyari in court on Monday, Jalingo accused security agencies of giving preferential treatment to the cop.

Jalingo was in 2019 detained for 179 days at the Afokang Prison in Calabar following an allegation of treason by the Cross River State Governor, Benedict Ayade.
He was subsequently released on February 17, 2020, on bail.

The activist on Monday recalled his prison ordeal and revealed that Kyari and ACP Sunday Ubua (also in NDLEA’s net) drove him by road in a car trunk from Lagos to Calabar.

Jalingo said, “Abba Kyari and ACP Ubua were paid by the Cross River Government to arrest me from Lagos, drive me by road in the booth of a Toyota Highlander and hand over to Calabar. I will never forget and don’t ask me to.”

“I was charged. Every day I appeared in court, I arrived with my hands and handcuffs lifted in the air.
“Today, these men are in court, the same men who enjoyed parading their own suspects gleefully in the media, even against the law, they are now covering their faces.

Covering their faces from what exactly! The same cameras they flaunted in the faces of those they kept and refused to even take to court?” he asked.

The ‘super’ cop was last year enmeshed in a fraud case involving Ramon Abbas aka Hushpuppi and an American court had ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation to arrest him.

After about a year of footdragging, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, recently okayed the extradition of Kyari to the United States but many observers have pointed out that the extradition process has hit a brick wall with the NDLEA’s case.

© PUNCH.

BREAKING: APC Zoning Committee Submits Report To Niger Gov.

By
admin
-

The report of the zoning committee of the All Progressives Congress has been submitted to the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, on Monday.

This was during a meeting of the Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee of the APC presided over by Governor Bello at the National Secretariat of the party, in Abuja.

The report was submitted by the Chairman of the committee and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

Gboyega Akosile, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this on Twitter.

“Breaking: Kwara State Governor @RealAARahman has submitted the report of the @OfficialAPCNg Zoning Committee in line with the deadline set by the party ahead of its National Convention. The report was received on behalf of the party by Gov.

Abubakar Sanni Bello,” his tweet read.
Other members of the committee include the Governors of Lagos, Gombe, Imo, Kogi, Ogun and Borno.

© PUNCH.

Soludo’s Wife Advocates Gender Inclusiveness In Governance

By
admin
-

Wife of Anambra State Governor-elect, Mrs Nonye Soludo, on Monday, called for sustained awareness to end gender inequality and promote women’s inclusiveness in governance.

Soludo made the call in a statement in Awka, in commemoration of the 2022 International Women’s Day, marked every March 8.
The theme: ‘Gender Equality Today For A Sustainable Tomorrow’, is marked to celebrate women’s achievement, promote equality and awareness against bias.

According to her, a level-playing field amenable to egalitarianism should be prioritised, in order to foster amity and political balance.
“This year’s theme captures the inner voice of all women and girls around the world, who are constantly seeking an avenue to establish their potential.

“With issues such as climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction, which are some of the greatest global challenges of the 21 century, it is a strong reminder that the importance of women and girls to the world cannot be over emphasized.

“Without gender equality today, a sustainable future, and an equal future remains beyond reach,” she said.

© PUNCH.

We’ll Treat Nigerian Refugees’ Repatriation As Emergency – Osinbajo

By
admin
-

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Monday in Abuja has said the safe return of Nigerians displaced by the insurgency in the North-East from Cameroon, Niger and Chad will be treated as an emergency assignment.

He also said with the emergency of the task ahead, the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Returns and Resettlement of Displaced Persons has no time for bureaucracy.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this at the first meeting of the committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Committee was inaugurated by President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on February 2, 2022, with the Vice President as Chairman and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State as Vice Chairman.

According to a statement signed on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, the Vice President urged members to carry out the assignment with every sense of urgency, noting that the president wanted a committee with wide representation in order to be inclusive, and to be able to deliver, taking to account all the issues.

The statement is titled ‘Restoring displaced Nigerians in Northeast is an urgent assignment- Osinbajo.’

He directed the committee to deal “with this task as an emergency. We simply don’t have the time to get into too much bureaucracy so that we are able to deliver on all of the issues.”

He noted that while the committee will work with existing frameworks in the management of the issues, ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their communities must continue unhindered.

“We should immediately do whatever it takes to commence the process of repatriating our people back home. Already there are several initiatives.

“We need to deal with all of that working as quickly as possible to achieve the terms of reference and of course, ensure that all other initiatives continue to run in the way that they are designed to run,” he said.

The vice president then affirmed that governments at both Federal and State levels will work with other stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free repatriation exercise, noting that “there is no reason why we cannot return our citizens to their homes.”

The vice president then directed the secretariat to commence work on constituting three technical working groups on the work plan, repatriation exercise and rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram combatants.

The committee will meet later to assess progress.
The meeting presided over by the vice president had in attendance, Prof. Babagana Zulum; his counterpart from Gombe State, Muhammad Yahaya; the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Idi Gubana; and Chief of Staff to the President,

Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, members of the Federal Executive Council, among others.
Other members of the committee present at Monday’s meeting included the Ministers of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq; Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd) and National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.).

Others included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba; Director-General, State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi; Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency, Major General Samuel Adebayo; and the representative of the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar.

The representatives of the North-East Development Commission and the National Commission for Refugees, Migration & Internally Displaced Persons were also in attendance.

© PUNCH.

Your Performance Brought Spotlight To Nigeria, Africa,Buhari Greets Pete Edochie @75

By
admin
-

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has said veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa with his performance.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said this while greeting the actor on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari joins entertainers in the music and movie industry, particularly Nollywood, in celebrating with veteran actor, scriptwriter and movie producer, Pete Edochie, on his 75th birthday.

“President Buhari congratulates the renowned actor for the many pioneering and motivating roles in the entertainment industry, hitting the limelight in the 80s as Okonkwo in the screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, where his superlative performance brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa.

“The President notes that Edochie’s background of living and working extensively in various parts of the country and the world, after serving the government as staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, greatly shaped his global outlook and influenced his interpretation of roles as a thespian.

“Congratulating Edochie, the usually stereotyped actor as king and father in movies, President Buhari affirms that his role in the founding and growing of Nollywood as one of biggest entertainment industries in the world deserves commendation, especially in incubating younger professionals and nurturing talents like his son, Yul Edochie.”

The President prayed that the Almighty God will crown the award-winning actor, who has many international recognitions, with good health and strength to keep serving the nation.

© PUNCH.

Boomplay Partners With MTN Nigeria To Offer Affordable Subscription

By
admin
-

Boomplay Partners with MTN Nigeria to Offer Affordable Subscription, Data Bundles
Boomplay, the #1 music streaming service in Africa, has partnered with MTN Nigeria to launch the Boomplay x MTN Data bundle as part of its efforts to continue making music easily available to its users.

This partnership will offer MTN subscribers tailored data to stream unlimited music and access premium content on Boomplay at affordable rates.

Boomplay continues to drive the growth and advancement of music streaming across Africa and this partnership will further propel Boomplay’s vision and expectations.

The introduction of affordable bundles will spur the next wave of music-streaming growth across the continent.

Through this partnership, MTN subscribers will be offered daily, weekly and monthly subscriptions to gain premium access to Boomplay’s music streaming service on their mobile devices.

The available Boomplay music plans alongside their data allowance are the: One day access with data for 250MB at N99, Weekly access with data for 1.2GB at N449 and Monthly access with data for 2.5GB at N999.

MTN users will be able to purchase any of the bundles by texting the codes in the table below to 8012 via SMS, or purchasing with airtime payment in the Boomplay app.

Also speaking about the partnership, A’isha Umar Mumuni, the acting Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria said “Music is an integral part of youth entertainment, and we are glad to partner with Boomplay to bring accessible and affordable music entertainment to Nigerian youth.

In our pursuit to deliver superior value to our subscribers, we continue to collaborate with a mix of digital content partners and bundle services with data access, so nothing can come between our customers and the content they love.

The platform allows users to create playlists, watch/download music videos, and interact with other music lovers by following their profiles.

We hope this brings value to our audiences.”Boomplay Nigeria’s General Manager, Dele Kadiri, said “This partnership is an attestation of our commitment to making music streaming as affordable as possible.

High data costs are one of the barriers to the growth of music streaming and we are glad to be partnering with MTN to provide this special data bundle”.

With over 65 million Monthly Active Users, Boomplay continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing music streaming in the Nigerian market and across Africa by providing accessibility for all.

Troops Eliminate 17 Terrorists, Arrest Three In Borno

By
admin
-

The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated 17 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.

Damasak, the main town of the Mobbar LGA, is located near the confluence of the Yobe River and Komadugu Gana River, adjoining the border with Niger 34 km from Difa in Niger and 3km between Damasak and the border with Niger.

Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, North East Joint Task Force, Major Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, on Monday in Maiduguri.

The commander said that the unrelenting troops had arrested three other terrorists alive.
Musa said that the troops also recovered motorcycles and other assorted weapons from the encounter which took place on Sunday.

The commander said that the troops engaged a large number of the terrorists when they attacked a Forward Operational Base located along the Walada exit gate, in the town at about 0200hours.

He said that the insurgents met with serious resistance and superior firepower of the gallant troops who engaged them in a heavy gun battle that lasted for hours, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.

Musa explained that the troops, supported by the Air Component of OPHK mounted a hot pursuit and closed up with the terrorists.
While commending them for the great feat, Musa charged the troops to be more decisive and ensure the total annihilation of the insurgents.

(NAN)

A Lecturer Killed His Student For Asking Him A Question

By
admin
-

I was in class that fateful Friday afternoon teaching my students when she raised her hand to ask a question.

I permitted her and she asked a rather too simple question that I supposed she should know the answer.

Pix used for illustration

I had already covered that topic the previous week. “Will you sit down there! With your Ugly face! Olodo!” was the only answer I gave her.
The whole class bursted into laughter and she looked embarrassed.
I went on with my lesson but felt somewhat guilty over what I had said. I finished my class and left. On Sunday, I went to Church. The preacher was talking about the tongue and its power.
He spoke about how you could bring others down by what you say.

I remembered what happened on Friday and became guilty. I swore I was going to apologize to her on Monday when I got to the class.

On Monday afternoon, I went to the class but I didn’t see her. I asked after her from her course mates but they didn’t seem to know who I was talking about.

I then said I was looking for the person I insulted on Friday. “Oh, that’s Joy Sir! She is not in class today” they answered.
Who is her friend? I asked. “Aisha” they chorused. But Aisha was not in the class either.

Suddenly, a girl with Hijab walked in. “That’s Aisha Sir” my students informed me.
Where is your friend? I asked her. “Which one?” She replied without looking at my face. Joy! I said.

The reply shocked me! She is in the mortuary Sir. Mortuary????? Doing what there?? I asked “She died on Friday Sir” Aisha replied.

How come?????? I later found out that after my class on Friday, Joy was hit by a fast moving vehicle.
She was crossing the road absentmindedly probably because of what I said.
“Her burial is on Saturday and you are invited Sir” Aisha continued.

As I stood trying to overcome the shock, Aisha said within tears, “you killed my friend Sir”.
She was right! I should be the murderer!
Some girls in the class were already crying! I didn’t know what to say, whether to apologize to Joy’s friend or Joy’s ghost.
I submitted my resignation letter the next day.
Dear Lecturers and Teachers, please stop insulting your student.

They are in school to learn from you. If they already know, they won’t be in school!
Please mind what you say to other people. Are your words bringing life or death to the hearers?

NB: THIS STORY IS A MUST READ AND DOES NOT ONLY APPLY TO LECTURERS AND TEACHERS BUT ALL OF US THAT COME INTO CONTACT WITH HUMAN BEINGS: CUSTOMERS, STUDENTS, PARENTS, MATES, FRIENDS AND SO ON?

Let’s be very mindful of how we address one another

Thank you…

Copied!

Abba Kyari Pleads Not Guilty To Drug Trafficking

By
admin
-

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, on Monday, pleaded not guilty to a drug trafficking charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Kyari told Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, following his arraignment, alongside six others, on allegations bordering on drug trafficking.

While Kyari pleaded not guilty to counts one, two, three, four and eight levelled against him, the other four police officers, who are defendants in the trial, also pleaded not guilty to counts one, two, three and four filed against them.

But Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, who are sixth and seventh defendants respectively, pleaded guilty to counts five, six and seven preferred against them.

Although their names were also mentioned in counts three and four where allegations bordering on conspiracy were levelled against Kyari and others, they were not asked to take a plea on these two counts.

The four members of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022 include ACP Sunday J. Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu.

Umeibe and Ezenwanne are the two alleged drug traffickers that were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

Shortly after taking their plea, the NDLEA lawyer, Joseph Sunday, Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, prayed the court for a trial date for the 1st to 5th defendants.

Sunday also urged the court to grant a leave to review the charges against Umeibe and Ezenwanne who pleaded guilty to the charges against them.
“We hope to file our prove of evidence latest tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said.

Kanu Agabi, SAN, who led a delegation of Senior Advocates of Nigeria that appeared for Kyari and Ubia, however, informed that a bail application had been filed in respect of his clients.

The NDLEA’s lawyer, Joseph Sunday, who confirmed being served with the bail application, said a counter affidavit had been filed in its opposition.

The NDLEA, in the charge it filed through a team of lawyers, accused Kyari and the four other police officers of conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55kg.

It equally alleged that Kyari and his men, who are currently in its custody, also unlawfully tampered with 21.25kg worth of cocaine.

Umeibe and Ezenwanne were accused of conspiring with others at large to import 21.35kg of cocaine into the country.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, had, on Wednesday, filed an application for the commencement of the extradition process of Kyari in the FHC.

The Federal Government, through the Office of the AGF, had filed the application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022, under the Extradition Act as part of the Nigerian government’s approval of the request by the U. S. for Kyari’s extradition.

Kyari is to stand trial for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft.

He was accused of conspiring with a United Arab Emirates-based Nigerian, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, to commit the crime, and Kyari had denied the allegations.

A grand jury, on April 29, 2021, had filed an indictment against Kyari with the approval of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and the court issued a warrant of arrest for him.

However, the extradition proceeding is yet to be heard by the FHC as of the time of filing the report.
Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court had, on February 22, given the NDLEA the go-ahead to detain Kyari and six others in custody for another 14 days to conclude its investigation.

His application for bail was, on February 28, turned down by a sister court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, on the grounds that a court of coordinate justification had already granted an order for his further detention.

But Ekwo, who said that he was inclined to hear Kyari’s fundamental enforcement rights suit with the urgency it deserves after the expiration of the 14-day court order, fixed March 15 to hear Kyari’s application.

Earlier, Kyari, through his lawyer, on February 21, approached the court with an ex-parte motion and originating summons seeking bail and asking the court to enforce his fundamental human rights which he alleged had been breached by the unlawful arrest and detention.

He said that the allegations preferred against him were trump-up and baseless.

Kyari, in the main suit, urged the court to make an order directing the NDLEA to pay him N500 million for infringing on his rights.

He also asked the court to direct the agency to tender a public apology in national dailies.

The suspended DCP had also challenged the order made on February 22 by Justice Abubakar, empowering the NDLEA to detain him for more days.

In an application filed by his counsel before Abubakar, Kyari prayed the court to set aside the order for his detention, arguing that the order was issued without him being accorded a fair hearing.

Abubakar had fixed tomorrow (Tuesday) for hearing Kyari’s application.

© PUNCH.

Archbishop AJV Obinna Retires As Bishop Lucius Ugorji Takes Over

By
admin
-

His Holiness Pope Francis has approved the voluntary retirement of His Grace AJV Obinna as Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and appoints His.

Lordship Bishop Lucius Ugorji, Bishop of Umuahia Diocese as Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and the head of Owerri Metropolitan.

The Papal Nuncio broke the news at the ongoing FIRST 2022 CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA ( CBCN) PLENARY at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.

The details of other ecclesiastical postings will be made known as the full content of His Holiness letter is known.

Here’s congratulating His Grace Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and praying our Mother Mary to pray and intercede for him as he assumes duty in the coming days at the seat of the Archdiocese at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Iwerne Imo State

2023: PDP Is still Consulting and Will Do What Is Right At The Fullness Of Time- Ikpeazu

By
admin
-

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu says that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the State is currently engaged in serious consultations on the Governorship ticket of the party and assured that the party will do what is right for the people of the State.

The Governor made this known today while receiving a PDP Governorship aspirant in the State, Professor Gregory Ibe at his Country Home, Umuobiakwa, Obingwa LGA.

Governor Ikpeazu used the opportunity to restate that every segment and zone of the State has capable individuals who have what it takes to successfully run the affairs of the State, also dismissed insinuations by some fifth columnists that aspirants from Abia North have been disqualified from the race.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality and calibre of persons who have so far indicated interest in the race to become the next Governor of the State and reminded politicians that even with the number of qualified persons, only one person could be Governor at a particular time.

He appealed to the elites in the party to exercise patience with the party as it seeks the best way to move forward on the issue. The party, according to the Governor, is currently deepening consultations on the best way forward which will ensure that victory is achieved and without any zone in the State feeling marginalized in the scheme of things.

The Governor challenged all aspirants to be bold enough to line up behind whoever will eventually get the nod of the party and support the party to win the general elections.

He welcomed Professor Ibe who is the Proprietor of Gregory University, Uturu and described him as a distinguished son of Abia and his personal friend. He wished him well and urged him to dredge up enough courage for the race and even a greater courage to accept whatever decision that will come in the fullness of time.

According to the Governor, “Power comes from God and it is so important that God cannot leave it in the hands of any one man. While I may have my own thoughts and opinion on the issue, I am confident that what will happen eventually will be what God sanctions and it will be for the good of our state “.

Earlier, Governor Ikpeazu and his guest, Professor Ibe held a meeting in camera.

Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
4th March, 2022.

Why Sowore’s lawyer Was Arrested By police –Billionaire Ned Nwoko

By
admin
-

A former member, House of Representatives, Prince Ned Nwoko, has denied involvement in the arrest of Abubakar Marshal, a lawyer to Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
The billionaire, in a statement by his lawyer, Bryan Ukaegbu, noted that Marshal was not also arrested by the police in Abuja for filing a matter against him in court.
Earlier, Sowore had claimed that Marshal’s arrest on Friday in Abuja was facilitated by Nwoko.
But the former lawmaker’s lawyer said Marshall stood as surety for Sowore after he was granted an administrative bail with a promise to produce him on February 25 but failed to do so.

The PUNCH had reported that Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was arrested on February 24, following a petition of criminal defamation, injurious falsehood publication of news known to be false, against him.
His arrest followed a petition by Nwoko, through his lawyers, Trifold Law & Partners, against Sahara Reporters Foundation.
The statement read, “To start from the beginning, Mr Omoyele Sowore was invited by the office of the Inspector General of Police to answer to a Petition written by the Solicitors to Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko, the law firm of TRIFOLD LAW AND PARTNERS.
“The petition bordered on criminal acts of defamation of character, injurious falsehood, criminal intimidation, cyberstalking, etc. against Hon Prince Dr. Ned Munir Nwoko and targeted at rubbing his name in the mud, tarnishing his reputation contrary to extant provisions of the Penal Code and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“As mentioned above and customarily, Mr Sowore was invited by the Nigerian Police Force to give a statement on the claims made in the petition but he refused to honour the invitation. This led to his arrest wherein he still refused to give any statement.
“Apart from his refusal to give a statement regarding the claims against him, under the law, he was to remain in custody until he is either charged to Court or he fulfils the Police Bail conditions.
“Consequently, his lawyer, one Marshal Abubakar chose to stand as surety for bail for Mr Sowore and he, the lawyer assured the Police to produce Mr Sowore on the next date slated for continuation of the investigation. Now on the said date, neither Mr Sowore nor his lawyer, Abubakar were in attendance at the Police Station. They had been at large since then and it became clear that the lawyer was interfering with the investigations of the Police.
“Consequently, it then became very necessary to arrest the lawyer in order to get him to produce his client”.
“With these in full perspective, I put across these posers to-wit: Was the lawyer to Mr Omoyele Sowore right when he stood as a surety on bail for his client? Was the lawyer justified to help his Client escape the Police investigation to become a fugitive or absconder from a lawful arrest?
“The Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners is against Lawyers aiding their clients to disobey the law or duly constituted authorities e.g the Nigeria Police Force (See Rule 3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers that is instructive to the following fact and I quote:
“In his representation of his client, a lawyer shall not —– (a) give service or advice to the client which he knows or ought reasonably to know is capable of causing disloyalty to, or breach of, the law, or bringing disrespect to the holder of a judicial office, or involving corruption of holders of any public.”
Copyright PUNCH.

Insecurity may Scare Voters In 2023, CAN Warns

By
admin
-

The Christian Association of Nigeria has expressed fears that the security challenges currently facing the country, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, remained the biggest threat to the 2023 general election.

The association’s President, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, according to a statement on Wednesday by his Special Assistant (Media and Communication), Adebayo Oladeji, raised the fears on Tuesday evening during in an interactive session with the European Union delegation led by the EU Chief Election Observer, Maria Arena.Insecurity may scare voters in 2023, CAN warns
The delegation wanted to know the position of CAN on the preparation of all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and political parties ahead of the elections.

Ayokunle, who also doubles as the Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter Religious Council, explained that the security situation in Nigeria might not allow the general election to be credible, free and fair if the voters are not allowed to go out to exercise their inalienable rights because of fear of being harmed or kidnapped or killed.

“We call on the Federal Government and the security agencies to wake up to the security challenges in the country where terrorists, bandits and kidnappers are operating with impunity and nowhere is safe and secure again.
“If the trend continues, many voters may not participate and the outcome of the election may not be credible,” the CAN President said.

He observed that the government appears to be struggling to nip the ugly situation in the bud, as its present effort was far from being enough.
“We have been struggling with this situation now for the past 13 years, yet, we are still where we are,” Ayokunle lamented.

While calling on INEC to be apolitical in carrying out its assignment, he asked members of the commission who are card-carrying members of the ruling party to step down or be flushed out in order to avoid compromised election results.

The CAN President told INEC to borrow a leaf from its counterpart in Gambia where their recently conducted elections were far better than Nigeria’s elections.
He said all election observers, including all Africa Conference of Churches’ delegation that he led there adjudged the election to be credible.

“Gambia’s election was more credible, free and fair. It was also free from security harassment and there was a level playing field for all the parties involved.
“We are supposed to be doing better because we have more resources and more capacity than Gambia”, Ayokunle said.

He said CAN had no candidate for the office of the President, but however reiterated the position of the association on the need to have a Christian President as the successor of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), “who is a Muslim and would have spent eight years in office by the time he is handing over to the next President.”

Ayokunle added, “Although Nigeria is practising democracy but because of our peculiarities which include multicultural, multi-tribal, and multi-religious nature, ours should be a ‘home grown democracy’ where every divide should be given a sense of belonging.

“Even if the constitution is silent on the six geopolitical zones rotational representation, the political parties should be wise enough to make use of it in sharing the leadership positions.

“We have warned all political parties against fielding either Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian presidential candidates. Since President Muhammadu Buhari is a Muslim from the North, in the interest of equity, fairness, social justice and cohesion, the next President should be a Christian from the South.

© PUNCH

Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu, Oyetola, Others Eulogise Adeboye At 80

By
admin
-

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello; and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, were among prominent Nigerians, who on Wednesday paid tributes to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who clocked 80.


  1. They eulogised the cleric in separate statements made available to The PUNCH.

Osinbajo described Adeboye’s life as a unique lesson for all and sundry as his humility, integrity and exemplary behaviour remained steadfast despite his huge achievements.

The Vice-President said this in a tribute he personally signed on behalf of himself and his wife titled, ‘A tribute to Daddy G. O. at 80’.

He wrote, “Dolapo and I are honoured to write this tribute to Daddy on his 80th birthday.
“Very few leaders will ever have the geographical and spiritual reach of influence that Pastor E. A. Adeboye has.

He is neither the Pope, nor the leader of the free world, but he heads a denomination that, since his assumption of office as its General Overseer, has established churches in over 198 countries and territories of the world.
“He was, as early as 2008, listed by Newsweek, as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Earlier in 1998, the Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lekki, Lagos, was reported to be one of the largest Christian gatherings ever, and every year, the RCCG conventions and congresses have live crowds breaking that record. Through the years, miracles of every kind have been commonplace in his ministry.
“But the moral of the story is not in these achievements, but in how his behaviour has remained unaffected by them.”

Osinbajo quoted the cleric’s wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, fondly called Mummy G. O., to have said, “See how God uses your father as a smokescreen to do the miracles He wants to do.”

He said the realisation that “apart from Him, you can do nothing” and that “no one can receive anything that is not given to him by God” probably explained why a man so spiritually and intellectually gifted, so revered, so respected by the high and low alike, would still be so genuinely humble, so self-effacing and so unfailingly respectful, even of his subordinates.

Osinbajo added, “His (Adeboye’s) impeccable integrity; his measured speech and action at all times; his life of many challenges; many wars; his courage; his unshaken faith; his deep love for God, through phenomenal achievements and numbing personal tragedy, are all together the most persuasive evangelical message to all, even those of other faiths, of the grace and mercy of God in the life of the saved.
“For us, we are extremely proud that this man of extraordinary faith, courage and humility is one we can call our daddy.

“Daddy, happy 80th birthday! As your days, so shall your strength, wisdom and favour with God in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Sanwo-Olu, Obasa greet Adeboye.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the RCCG leader on the occasion of his birthday.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, commended the cleric for his devoted service in God’s vineyard.

He said, “Sir, you have been a blessing, not just to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, but also to us in Lagos State – your unceasing prayers for us and your wise counsel over the years have contributed in no small measure to the phenomenal progress our state has continued to witness.

“Because of your work, and of the name and legacy of the RCCG, the gospel has touched the very ends of the earth, in line with the great commission. In addition, your devoted service in God’s vineyard has helped put Nigeria in the global spotlight as a land of spiritual exploits and greatness.

“As you celebrate your 80th birthday, it is our prayer that the Almighty God will grant you more grace and strength to continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, minister to the poor and the broken, and proclaim liberty to the captives.”
Similarly, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, also commended Adeboye’s contribution to national peace.

Obasa said this in his congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele.
He stated, “As you clock 80, I want to say it is only God that could have blessed you with such an age and agility.

Many people would hardly believe that you are already 80. Your physical strength remains.
“I have never seen you read the Bible or any other material with difficulty, your gait confirms your strength. This proves God’s words that He would bless those He would bless.

“Your contributions to the efforts at having a peaceful Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. We follow your teachings; we hear your appraisal and words of encouragement.”

RCCG leader, most active octogenarian I know, says Oyetola
Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, described Adeboye as the most active octogenarian he knew.

Oyetola, in a congratulatory message to the RCCG leader, which he personally signed and shared through his Facebook page, said being an indigene of Osun State, Adeboye had the aura of a genuine Omoluabi.

The governor, who commended Adeboye for always identifying with the state, also acknowledged his constant support, noting that the cleric remained a blessing to the world.

The statement read in part, “Baba Enoch Adeboye, you are probably the most active 80-year-old I know, who wears the look of a man in his early 60s.  Your look is no doubt a function of God’s grace in your life. You are indeed a great sage and brilliant luminary at 80.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Osun, I join your family, friends and members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God worldwide to congratulate you, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on this occasion of your 80th birthday anniversary.

“As an upstanding and illustrious son of the State of the Virtuous, your aura is that of a genuine Omoluabi (responsible man). Over the decades, you have consistently remained energetic and untiring in your propagation and pursuit of a better society. You are a leader of immense spiritual depth and insight. You live and lead an extraordinary life.

“Baba Adeboye, you are a blessing to our world and we thank you for your selfless service to humanity. As a government, we appreciate you for always identifying with the state and we acknowledge your constant support.”

Yahaya Bello celebrates RCCG leader
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, extended felicitations to Adeboye on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, described the clergyman as a bridge-builder and a blessing to this generation.
The statement read in part, “Daddy G.O., as many of us fondly call him, has not only contributed to lives through his ministry work, but his empowerment of people and nurturing them into nation builders. I’m always wowed by the simplicity and sense of humility of this man of influence.

His good works are testimonies of his divine calling, impacting greatly on humanity, education, health and infrastructural development. It is no doubt that Pastor Adeboye is a blessing to Nigeria and the entire globe.

“I salute his dedication to his calling and service to God, and it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health and strength, and many more years of impact.
“I join people across different parts of the world to celebrate an icon, teacher and religious leader on the attainment of 80.”

Bello also prayed that God would spare Adeboye’s life to witness more and continually reward him for the immense contributions to lives across the globe.

Adeboye plans to celebrate 90th birthday for a month – Odesola
An Assistant General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Johnson Odesola, has said Adeboye is looking forward to celebrating his 90th birthday for one month.

Speakin g to our correspondent on Wednesday at the Redemption Camp, Ogun State, Odesola, who said he had been with the G. O. for 48 years, explained that Adeboye had decided not to celebrate any birthday until he is 90.

He said, “Baba had told us that he would not celebrate his 80th, but by the time he gets to 90, he would celebrate for a month. Daddy G. O. is very hard to describe because I have been with him for 48 years; every aspect of his life is a compendium.

“Talk about his humility and love; talk about his directives and advice; he is a man who can see into tomorrow.”
Odesola extolled Adeboye’s gift of being able to see into the future, adding that he was a purposeful leader.

He stated, “When I started working around him, I was thinking this man is unassuming, because if he wants to get results, he will say it in a gentle way.

So, I felt the demand was too much, but that day as I was thinking, he suddenly said, ‘Some of you are thinking I am hard on you, a time is coming when you will go far from me and I want you to replicate what you see’.

“It came to pass after 15 years; I had to go as a missionary and I spent close to 10 years; I was in Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Angola, Zimbabwe, Congo DRC and the likes; he (Adeboye) is a man who can look into the future and tell you this is it.

“When we moved to the campground, incidentally, I was part of the people who moved in with him and he said this place would become an abode of millions of people and today it is so. G.O. is very hard to describe because he is not only a preacher, he is an apostle and an evangelist; not only that, he is a prophet; I don’t know how he is able to blend this huge number of people because parishes of the RCCG in Nigeria alone are close to 50,000.

“We pray that God will continue to keep him, enlarge him. His wife is a bundle of energy; her hospitality is an addition to his ministry. As you can see, it is a low-key birthday, and we believe by the time he gets to 90, we will be able to celebrate.”

While giving reasons why Adeboye deferred his celebration until when he would be 90, Odesola said, “The reason is that there are still many grounds to cover, and when you are still working and you haven’t got to where you are going, you don’t stop and start celebrating.”

© PUNCH

Ogun Contractor Kills Girlfriend, Writes Wife, Commits Suicide

By
admin
-

A contractor, Hakeem Oladimeji, has allegedly committed suicide after killing his yet-to-be-identified girlfriend in the Bariga area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that Oladimeji, who lived in Ogun State, was with his girlfriend in a rented apartment around Bariga when an argument ensued between them.

The argument was said to have degenerated into a fight and in the process, Oladimeji reached for a stick and hit her in the head.
It was learnt that the lady slump and died on the spot.

In a bid to escape being arrested, Oladimeji reportedly carried her lifeless body, dumped it inside his Toyota Sienna and drove to his residence in Ogun State.
Our correspondents gathered that he later drove to a location close to the NASFAT Islamic Centre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Traders, customers and passersby in the area were said to have discovered the decomposing bodies of Oladimeji and his girlfriend inside the vehicle.

During a visit to the area on Wednesday, a mechanic, Sunday Aghali, said the stench from the vehicle made people discover the corpses, adding that the vehicle had been towed to the Ibafo Police Station.

Aghali said, “Although I was not around when the incident happened, when I returned, people in the area told me that two naked decomposing bodies were found in a Sienna vehicle parked opposite my shop. I was told that it was like they passed out while having sex in the vehicle.”

One of the security guards at the NASFAT Islamic Centre, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the circumstances surrounding the death of the lovers.

While some people said Oladimeji and his girlfriend died while sexually pleasuring each other in the vehicle, other persons said a police investigation would reveal the true circumstances surrounding the victims’ death.

PUNCH Metro visited the Ibafo Police Station where the decomposing remains of the lovers were sighted in the vehicle parked on the premises of the station.
A black nylon bag was used to wrap the remains as efforts were on to convey the corpses to a mortuary.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the incident, however, revealed that Oladimeji was responsible for his girlfriend’s death.
He added that he confessed to the crime in a suicide note he sent to his wife.

The PPRO said, “The man’s name is Hakeem Oladimeji; he and his girlfriend were the ones found dead in a Sienna vehicle parked at the entrance of the NASFAT campground. Oladimeji lived in Ogun State, but rented an apartment for his girlfriend in Lagos State.

“A fight broke out between them without anyone knowing the cause of the fight and he hit her head with a stick and she slumped. Immediately, he deposited her corpse in his car, drove straight to his house, but those who saw him carrying the corpse into his car reported the case at the Ilaje Police Station at Bariga.

“When he got home, he dropped a suicide note for his wife, which stated that he had killed someone and he’s going to commit suicide and she shouldn’t bother looking for him.

“He drove his dead girlfriend straight to the Ibafo area of Ogun State, parked his car close to the entrance of the NASFAT Islamic Centre, brought out an insecticide, wound up the glasses, drank it and died.”
© PUNCH

Ebonyi Woman, Three Children Burnt To Death After Threat

By
admin
-

A woman, Mrs Chigozie Onuobu, and her three children have been burnt to death after fire gutted their thatched house in Aguabata Echara in the Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victims were sleeping on Tuesday night when tragedy struck.

A cousin to Onuobu, Samuel Okoro, in a telephone chat with journalists on Wednesday, said he suspected foul play.
He said, “I don’t think it was not deliberate.

There was no trace of bush burning around the building. Moreover, they had a separate kitchen where they cooked. The woman was my cousin. Actually, the man married two wives, but the first wife is not living with them in the same compound.

“I was told that when some people called the husband of the deceased on the development, he nearly fainted. When we asked of him, neighbours said they didn’t know his whereabouts. Maybe they felt we wanted to beat the man or express our anger.”

Another source said there was a land dispute between the victims’ family and another family, who threatened to wipe them out.

The resident noted that it was not long after they received the threat that the incident happened
He disclosed that two persons had been arrested in connection to the incident.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Loveth Odah, said she was in a meeting.

She, however, promised to reach the Divisional Police Officer, Ikwo, to get situation reports in the area.
Odah had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

© PUNCH

Atiku Woos PDP Reps To Support His Presidential Ambition

By
admin
-

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday in Abuja declared that he had the mental and physical energy to serve the Peoples Democratic Party and Nigerians as the President.

He also said his passion for the country was the driving force for seeking the PDP’s ticket for the office of President.
Atiku stated this during a meeting with the party’s House of Representatives Minority Caucus in Abuja, where he sought their support.

Describing the legislature as the most sensitive organ of Nigeria’s democracy, he said although the PDP was in the minority in the 9th National Assembly, this would not be the case in the next dispensation.

He stated, “When we get into power, I want to work in harmony with the National Assembly and protect constitutional independence and freedom. Most of the changes we want to bring require constitutional adjustment and that cannot happen without cooperating with the National Assembly.

“I want to ensure a smooth and careful legislative process. I will give my best and work with politicians and great resourceful people in our party; I have the mental and physical energy to serve our party to the fullest.

“Above all, it is my passion for the progress of this country that drives my quest for the Presidency of this country.”

Reeling out his resume, the 2019 presidential candidate said he had experience at the highest and lowest levels.

He argued that as the Vice-President, he ensured many progressive and national transformations and constitutional law.
As a businessman, Atiku stated that he had solved grassroots problems and provided jobs for thousands of people.

He stated, “I am designing a policy document that will guide effectively in the implementation of our solution. The policy document is now undergoing review. I want to work with you, to collect your feedback and input.

“You will be the one that will transition our party from being the minority party to the majority party. The PDP will be the majority party in the next National Assembly and we will deliver progress and development for the people.

“I recognise your immense influence on our great party and my respect for you is beyond measure. That is why I chose you to be among the first set of people that I will be meeting to personally declare my intention to contest for the President of Nigeria in 2023.

“Therefore, I humbly present myself to you and seek your support to win our party’s presidential ticket. The PDP is in a better position to offer Nigerians that desirable and competent leadership.

That is what I want to offer; I want to offer solutions to our problems, but we have to do it together.”
He added that the victory of the PDP depended on the candidates it produced at primary elections at all levels.

“That is why we must choose those that can easily win at the secondary election,” he urged.

In his remarks, the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, said the PDP needed unity to oust the governing All Progressives Congress in 2023.

He stated, “We do not doubt that you have the mental and physical capacity needed to drive the PDP to win the election.

“But what we have always said is that we are not happy with the way we are not trying to unite ourselves. What is important is that we must unite ourselves to take over from the APC-led government.”

As he said in February when approached by the former Senate President, Pius Anyim, the Minority Leader stressed the need for all presidential aspirants to avoid attacking each other because it would not help them.

©️ PUNCH

Ebubeagu Has Met Our Expectation In Ebonyi – Ohanaeze

By
admin
-

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended the Ebonyi State chapter of the South-East Security Network, Ebubeagu, for securing the lives and property of residents of the state.

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof George Obiozor, who stated this in Abakaliki, said Ebonyi State was the only state that had stopped the observance of the Monday sit-at-home in the entire South-East region.

He observed that this was consequent upon the commitment and vigilance of Ebubeagu operatives in the state.

Obiozor spoke on Tuesday during the ground-breaking of the Computer Village Estate by the state government in collaboration with the Association of Computer Technology Merchants of Nigeria.
He commended Governor David Umahi for showing uncommon capacity in the areas of security and infrastructure in the state.

Obiozor, who was represented by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, lauded Ebubeagu, saying the outfit was a true representation of the South-East Security Network that Ohanaeze demanded for the region.

He urged residents of Ebonyi State to continue to support the governor to do more in securing the state for businesses to thrive.
Obiozor stated, “Ohanaeze is happy that you are driving Ebubeagu in Ebonyi State; we are very happy about it. When we say Ebubeagu, we mean it. People say security is a collective responsibility, but they fail to understand that there is what we call collective consciousness before collective responsibility.

“By collective consciousness it means he has domesticated security;in fact, every community in Ebonyi has someone in Ebubeagu. That is domestication of security and that is what Umahi has done in Ebonyi.  I tell you one thing, in every federalism, there should be four or more levels of security apparatuses maintaining security.

“So, there is no way one level of security apparatus can measure up to the task and responsibility assigned to them. It is important that people should realise the need to have another security architecture to complement existing ones. So, your Excellency, we are happy with Ebubeagu in Ebonyi.”

Umahi, in his remarks, said his administration would continue to attract useful investments into the state.
He said the Computer Village Estate, when completed, would be of immense economic and technological benefits to people of the state.

The governor said Ebubeagu had done well in supporting the police and other security agencies to secure the state, stressing that the outfit would never be disbanded as it was legally and constitutionally constituted.

©️ PUNCH

Ash Wednesday: Hon ThankGod Ezeani Urges Christians To Be Peaceful,Loving And Brothers Keeper

By
admin
-

The Senatorial hopeful, cheerful giver, and PDP Chieftain from Orlu zone, Hon. ThankGod Ezeani PhD. (Ogbaturuenyi 1), has urged Christians in Orlu Zone and beyond to be prayerful, peaceful and loving throughout the lent season, as Catholics and other orthodox churches all over the world mark the Ash Wednesday.

Ogbaturuenyi, who is the Founder of Dr. ThankGod Ezeani Center For Leadership and Entrepreneurship, made the call in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ash Wednesday kick starts the lent season; the 40-day prayer and fasting season.

The lent season also operates on a tripod that encourages Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving.

Ogbaturuenyi said Christians in Orlu Zone should use the lent period to imitate Christ by showing undiluted love and kindness to those in need.

He also urged Christians to remain peaceful in all their dealings and at all times.

“It is fitting for Christians in Orlu Zone and indeed all over the world to imitate Christ during this 40-days prayer.

“As learnt, Jesus used this period to show his supernatural love for mankind, and so we are oblige to do same to one another devoid of religious differences.

“Jesus during his fasting period showed how peaceful he is, and that was why even in the face of serious challenges, he remained peaceful.

“As much as Christians are facing series of challenges today, I still want to urge us to be peaceful and kind to our fellow Christians and Muslims alike.

“We must eschew violence and embrace peace, for most of these challenges are man made, and certainly, God will bring succour soon, he prayed

The political icon further admonished Christians to reach out to to the needy in the society, so as to make them have a feel of the dignity of life.

Ogbaturuenyi also called on Christians to use the lent season and pray for Orlu zone, adding that only through fervent prayers will eternal and permanent peace return back in the zone.

Hon. ThankGod Ezeani Meets Industrial Clusters In Orlu Zone

By
admin
-

 

A frontline senatorial hopeful in Orlu zone and renowned industrialist, Hon. ThankGod Ezeani PhD. (Ogbaturuenyi 1) has called for synergy between government developmental agencies and entrepreneurs in Orlu Zone to work in tandem in industrializing the largest senatorial zone in Imo state.

He made the call when some group of entrepreneurs in Orlu zone paid him a courtesy call in his country home last week Thursday.

The group led by Dr Chucks Ohaleme said that they visited Dr ThankGod Ezeani to inform him of their readiness to work with him to ensure that he wins Orlu senatorial election if PDP can grant him the party ticket as he is the best material among those jostling to represent Orlu zone in the Senate come 2023.

The group leader posited that they would go extra mile to mobilize traders, articians and transport workers to ensure that Hon ThankGod Ezeani PhD. becomes the next senator of Orlu zone having created wealth through industrial activities and employing many youths who are busy earning living than idling away or becoming pawns in the hands of bad elements.

They urged Imo PDP to produce Hon. ThankGod Ezeani PhD. (Ogbaturuenyi 1) as the party’s senatorial candidate in 2023 so as to have easy victory as he is an industrialist, academician, experienced parlimenteran, and a politician with a large heart who will use his wealth of experience and rich contacts to bring economic development and financial success to Orlu zonal youths through lawmaking and quality representation.

Hon. ThankGod Ezeani PhD. while reacting said that he was glad to receive the group who believe in excellency and quality representation. He said that as a former lawmaker, an industrialist and by the special grace of God if he is elected as the senator of Imo West he will partner with development banks like banks of Industry, Agriculture and other related agencies to ensure that his hardworking constituents access credit facilities that will help to build their businesses and grow industries that will generate wealth to the people and curb unemployment.

He asked the group to support PDP at all levels especially, they should support the aspiration of Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha/Ironna to come back to Imo governorship seat to continue the good work they started before the unfortunate supreme court ruling.

Hon. ThankGod Ezeani PhD (Ogbaturuenyi 1) promised to give quality representation to people of Orlu zone if given opportunity as he is battle-ready to ensure that PDP wins at all levels in the coming elections.

CBN e-valuation: Clearing Agents Insist On Strike Despite Customs Intervention

By
admin
-

EFFORTS by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, to get striking clearing agents back to work seem to have failed as the meeting between the two parties has ended in a deadlock.

The freight forwarders operating at both the Tin-Can Island as well as the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited commands of the Customs had last week begun an indefinite strike following the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum given to the Federal Government to review the electronic valuation system for imported vehicles and cargoes.

The government through the Central Bank of Nigeria had recently introduced e-valuation and e-invoicing policy for imported goods, using what is called Vehicle Identification Number for the valuation system.

At the stakeholders meeting organised by the NCS with the clearing agents in attendance in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, the striking agents vowed not to restore their services until their demands are met by the government.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Controller General of Customs, Hammed Ali, who was represented at the event by the Assistant Controller General of Customs in charge of Zone A, Modupe Aremu, explained that Customs was going to modify the complaints of the clearing agents to arrive at a conclusive arrangement for the VIN initiative.

She said, “We are going to modify their complaints going forward. The modification will take care of the complaints of the clearing agents as regards VIN”
She also said that the meeting was more of a family meeting with the clearing agent.
“We talked and rubbed minds on a solution to this ongoing strike at the ports. The agents have actually been trained ahead of the implementation of the VIN valuation.

That was why we were not expecting this kind of response from them when we began the VIN implementation”
Meanwhile reacting to the development, the Deputy National Secretary of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Segun Musa, insisted the strike would remain until their demands were met.

He said, “What is on the ground is that we are waiting for the Customs. They have given us a time frame till Friday. So, on Friday we will be in a better position to say if the strike continues or not but as of today the status quo remains. So we are still waiting for Customs till Friday but for now, the strike action is still on”
“They (Customs) will go back and adjust their system to meet with our demands. We are not expecting anything less than that from the Customs.

If our expectations are not met, we are not going to back down on the strike.”

© PUNCH.

Court frees final-year student detained for four years over defilement

By
admin
-

An Ikeja High Court in Lagos State has discharged and acquitted a man, Anisere Sulaimon, of the charges of defilement and sexual assault after he spent four years in detention.

Sulaimon was a final-year student of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education at the time of his arrest in 2018. He was also a part-time Arabic teacher.

He had denied the allegation of defiling a four-year-old child at the Mahadu Ridwanullah Arabic and Islamic School, Opeki, Abesan Estate, Ipaja.

The trial commenced on November 8, 2021.
His counsel, Mr Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem, filed a no-case submission on February 14, 2022, which the court upheld.
Justice R. A. Oshodi agreed with his counsel that apart from Sulaimon denying the charges, the prosecution’s lone witness, Mercy Oluranti, also testified that it was a relation of the victim that had carnal knowledge of her.

Oluranti told the High Court that one Kehinde, an uncle to the child, confessed to defiling her.
The judge said, “The prosecution has not made a sufficient case to warrant the defendant being directed to put up a defence to count 1. I uphold the no-case submission in relation to this count and, therefore, accordingly discharge and acquit the defendant on this count.
“Count 2 relates to the same victim, but this time, the penetration of her private parts in a sexual manner by the defendant.”

The court observed that the witness did not witness the alleged offence, adding that like count one, “the evidence of PWI does not raise a prima facie case and there is no ground for proceeding with defence.

I hold that the no-case submission succeeds. The defendant, Anisere Sulaiman, is accordingly discharged and acquitted.”
On June 5, 2018, Sulaimon was brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on the allegation of defilement and sexual assault and remanded at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre.

The Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, ordered that he be kept behind bars pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Ezekiel Ayorinde, alleged that Sulaimon committed the offence in 2017 at his mosque and the case was adjourned until July 9, 2018.

Following the DPP’s report, the case was moved to the High Court and Sulaimon was arraigned on October 9, 2019, before Justice Sybil Nwaka.

He pleaded not guilty to an amended two-count charge.
But the case was transferred to another court when Justice Nwaka was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

Sulaimon was then re-arraigned before Justice R. A. Oshodi on July 27, 2021.
He was again accused of defilement and sexual assault by penetration and both offences were contained in an amended charge dated October 8, 2019.

© PUNCH.

MTN Becomes First African Company To Invest In Metaverse

By
admin
-

MTN has become the first African company to enter the metaverse by purchasing land in Africarare.

MTN made this known in a statement on its website titled, ‘MTN Group becomes the first African company to enter the metaverse with land ownership on Africarare’.

“This investment demonstrates MTN’s commitment to supporting African innovation as it is the first company on the continent to support an initiative of this kind. Through its presence in the metaverse, MTN intends to increase its customer attractiveness through a series of experiences merged with consumer passion points, like gaming and music.

“Africarare which made its debut in South Africa in October 2021, is the first African Virtual Reality metaverse featuring digital land. This purchase will see MTN owning 144 plots of virtual land with an overall area of 12x12m,” part of the statement read.

MTN’s Group Executive for Marketing, Bernice Samuels, said, “This is an exciting moment for us as we lead businesses on the continent to enter the metaverse marketplace.

This is exactly what our Ambition 2025 strategy is premised on – leveraging trends that amplify consumer’s digital experiences and engagement.

“We have always been at the forefront of technological and digital changes and we remain alive to the exciting opportunities the metaverse presents for us and our customers’’.

© PUNCH.

Ukraine: 18 Latest Development After Peace Talk

By
admin
-

Russia-Ukraine war: 18 latest developments after peace talks
On Monday, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border for the first talks since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops to invade Ukraine last Thursday.

After the talks, both countries agreed to consult and meet again on a yet-to-be-announced date.
However, the Ukrainian presidency had demanded an immediate Russian ceasefire and troop withdrawal ahead of the talks.
Here are the 18 latest developments in Russia’s war in Ukraine after Monday’s peace talks:
– Kyiv braces –
Satellite images show a vast military column amassing just north of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, where residents are braced for a Russian assault.
The Russian army tells them they can “freely leave” on one highway going south as it hints of attacks on civilian areas.
– Kharkiv assault –
Russian forces shell Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv, killing at least 11 civilians in residential areas, its mayor says.
AFP reports that a school was destroyed, Russian armoured vehicles burnt and corpses of Russian soldiers after earlier fighting were seen.

– Russians reach Kherson –
Russian forces reach the southern city of Kherson near Moscow-controlled Crimea, setting up checkpoints on its outskirts, its mayor says. Moscow claimed to have besieged the city two days ago.
– ‘352 civilians killed’ –
Kyiv says 352 civilians have been killed, including 14 children, since the invasion began last Thursday.

– Half a million refugees –
Nearly 520,000 people have fled Ukraine in the last five days, the UN’s refugee agency says, with tens of thousands more displaced inside the country.
– War crimes –
International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan says he is investigating the “situation in Ukraine”, saying there is a “reasonable basis” to believe “war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed” since 2014.
– Turkey blocks warships –
Turkey blocks warships from the Bosphorus and Dardanelles strait, limiting the movement of Russian and other naval assets by invoking a 1936 treaty.
– Talks to continue –
Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia end a first round of talks with no breakthrough. Both sides agree to conduct a second round “soon”.
– Putin’s demands –
In a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian leader Vladimir Putin demands the “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine and that the West recognise his annexation of Crimea.

– Nuclear fear –
The head of the UN atomic energy watchdog, the IAEA, expresses “grave concern” that invading Russian troops are operating close to Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear power station in Ukraine.

– Social media curb –
Twitter and Facebook move to curb the online presence of Russian state-linked news outlets.
– Russia kicked out of World Cup –
Russia is expelled from the 2022 World Cup and its teams suspended from all international football competitions “until further notice”, FIFA and UEFA say.
– Ban Russia from sport: IOC
The International Olympic Committee urges sports federations to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes in protest at the invasion.
– Russians expelled –
The United States moves to expel 12 members of Russia’s UN mission from America for being “intelligence operatives”.
– More sanctions –
The US and Canada ban all transactions with Russia’s central bank in an unprecedented sanction.

The EU adds more Putin allies to its sanctions blacklist, including Kremlin mouthpiece Dmitry Peskov and oligarchs Igor Sechin, Alisher Usmanov, Petr Aven and Mikhail Fridman.

– Ruble crashes –
Putin orders emergency capital controls and forces exporters to buy rubles to prop up the currency, which plunges by a fifth, reaching record lows.

Finland to join NATO? –Lawmakers in traditionally non-aligned Finland — which has a long border with Russia — are to debate NATO membership. It comes after Helsinki took a “historic” decision to supply weapons to Ukraine.
– No Hollywood films –Disney and Sony Pictures stop the release of their films in Russian cinemas because of its invasion of Ukraine.

© PUNCH.

President Buhari Celebrates Adeboye At 80

By
admin
-

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Tuesday joined members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the Christian community, particularly clergymen in Nigeria and abroad, in celebrating with Pastor Enoch Adeboye on the occasion of his 80th birthday, March 2, 2022.

Buhari’s celebratory message is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled ‘President Buhari rejoices with Pastor E.A. Adeboye on 80th birthday.’

According to Adesina, “President Buhari felicitates with the wife, Pastor Foluke Adeboye, family members, friends, and relations as the General Overseer turns an octogenarian, with clear evidence of walking the path of a righteous man by dedicating his life to the service of God, and humanity.

“The President recalls his private and public meetings with the renowned preacher and teacher of the Bible over many years, most remarkably the visit when he was recuperating in London, 2017, appreciating Pastor Adeboye’s warmth and friendliness, which he also extends to leaders and others from all walks of life.”

On the cleric’s 80th birthday, Buhari said he believes Adeboye’s contributions to the betterment of Nigeria and other countries stand out clearly as testimonies of his divine calling, impacting greatly on education, health, and infrastructural development, which include many urban and rural roads.

The President saluted the focus of the RCCG leader on works of the Kingdom and peace for the nation, praying that his path will be like a shining light, with grace for good health and strength.

© PUNCH.

11 People Die In Kano Auto Crash

By
admin
-

No fewer than 12 persons have been burnt to death in an auto crash that occurred at Tsamawa Town, Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State.

This is contained in a press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Kano.

“We received a distress call from one Isah Mai-Fetur at about 3:00p.m that a commercial Hiace bus and another J5-bus had collided and instantly burst into flames.

“Upon receiving the information, we quickly sent our rescue team to the scene at about 3:12 p.m. to rescue the victims,’’ the statement said.

He said that the 11 persons in the Hiace bus were coming from Zaria road to Kano, while one person in the J5-bus was also going to Kano from Zaria.

Abdullahi said that all the 12 persons were burnt beyond recognition, just as he attributed the accident to overspeeding.
He also advised motorists to always drive carefully to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
(NAN)

Putin Nuclear Threat Distraction From Ukraine Events —UK PM

By
admin
-

President Vladimir Putin’s decision to put Russia’s nuclear weapons on high alert is a distraction from what is really happening in Ukraine, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sunday.

“This is an innocent people who are facing a totally unprovoked act of aggression against them, and what’s actually happening is that they are fighting back, perhaps with more effect, with more resistance, than the Kremlin had bargained for,” he said.

When asked about Putin’s decision to put nuclear forces on alert, he said: “That’s a distraction from the reality of what’s going on in Ukraine.”

Johnson also shed doubt on Putin’s sincerity to meet Ukraine for talks, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to “try” talks.
“There’s nothing I’ve seen so far in his behaviour that leads me to think that he could possibly be sincere,” the UK prime minister said, referring to Putin.

He called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a “continuing disaster”, but said Moscow would not succeed.
“I’ve got absolutely no doubt in my mind that, in the end… I think Putin will fail.
“He will not succeed in crushing Ukraine and we in the UK will do everything in our power to ensure that outcome,” he added.

Britain has joined Western nations in slapping sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine on Thursday.
On Sunday, the government announced £40 million ($54 million, 48 million euros) in fresh aid for Ukraine to “help aid agencies respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation”, Johnson’s office said in a statement.

The aid would create “a lifeline for Ukrainians with access to basic necessities and medical supplies such as medicines, syringes, dressings and wound care packs”, it said.
“UK government humanitarian experts have also deployed to the region to support those fleeing the violence in Ukraine,” it added.
AFP

Russia-Ukraine War: Nigerians Deserve Equal Right To Enter Poland —Presidency

By
admin
-

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fourth day, the Presidency Sunday in Abuja kicked against the denial of Nigerians and other Africans’ safe passage into neighbouring Poland and other safe territories, saying “all who flee conflict have an equal right to safe passage under UN Convention and the colour of their passport or their skin should make no difference.”
This is as it declared support for all diplomatic efforts required to restore peace and avoid a looming humanitarian crisis.

The Presidency’s position was made known in a statement signed late Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled, ‘Statement on Nigerian and citizens of other African countries in Ukraine’.
The Presidency said, “All who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under UN Convention and the colour of their passport or their skin should make no difference.

“While efforts to begin talks between Russia and Ukraine are underway, paramount on our minds is the safety and human rights of some four thousand Nigerian citizens and many others from friendly African nations today stranded in Ukraine.
“There is a long history dating back to decades of Nigerians and other Africans studying in Ukraine, particularly medicine. The majority of Nigerian citizens in the country today are university-enrolled students.”

Citing video evidence, first-hand reports, and those in contact with their wards and Nigerian consular officials, the Presidency noted that there had been unfortunate reports of Ukrainian police and security personnel refusing to allow Nigerians to board buses and trains heading towards the Ukraine-Poland border.

It said, “In one video widely circulating on social media, a Nigerian mother with her young baby was filmed being physically forced to give up her seat to another person.
“There are also separate reports of Polish officials simply refusing Nigerian citizens’ entry into Poland from Ukraine.

One group of Nigerian students, having been repeatedly refused entry into Poland, have concluded they have no choice but to travel again across Ukraine and attempt to exit the country via the border with Hungary.

“We understand the pain and fear that is confronting all people who find themselves in this terrifying place. We also appreciate that those in official positions in security and border management will, in most cases, be experiencing impossible expectations in a situation they never expected.
“But, for that reason, it is paramount that everyone is treated with dignity and without favour.”
The Presidency expressed confidence in those educated in Kyiv, Kharkiv, other cities and centres of learning who have returned to Nigeria to perform great service for our nation and our people saying, “Without the generosity of spirit of the Ukrainian people that would never have been possible.
“We pray for those directly affected by this conflict.
“Nigeria, with our 200 million people, supports all and every diplomatic effort to bring this war to an end.”

© PUNCH.

Just In: Court Dismisses Suit Against Gov. Umahi Over Defection, For Lack Of Merit

By
admin
-

The State High Court sitting in Abakaliki has dismissed the suit challenging the defection of Governor Umahi of Ebonyi State from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

Delivering his judgment, the Presiding Judge, His Lordship, Hon Justice Henry Njoku, stated that the plaintiff came by originating summons seeking the Court to hold that the defendant, Governor of Ebonyi State, having defected to APC from the Party through which he was elected ought to vacate the office of the Governor upon defection and that the plaintiff having come second in the 2019 election be sworn in instead.

Though the plaintiff did not come through relevant rules of Court to institute their originating summons, the Court still went ahead in the interest of substantive justice to hear the matter of the propriety of the defection of Governor Umahi from PDP to APC

The plaintiff sought to determine whether Governor Umahi having defected to APC can still continue to be Governor, having regards to the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act as relied upon by the plaintiff and that having come second in the Governorship election ought to be sworn in.

The defendant in his argument canvassed that the plaintiff was relying on the pre-election/election qualification issues, arguing that there is no provision in the constitution that provides for defection as one of the grounds for the vacation or removal of a person as Governor or as Deputy Governor. He alluded to judicial authorities of Appellant Courts that have settled the matter.

Considering the submissions of both parties, the Court held that having regard to section 188 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the defendant (Governor Umahi) has not offended any provision of the Constitution or the Electoral Act in his defection to APC.

The Court further held that having regard to section 308 of the Constitution, it is even wrong to institute criminal or civil proceedings against the office of the Governor.

The Court therefore dismissed in its entirety, the suit filed by the plaintiff for lacking in merit and awarded Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000.00) as damages against the plaintiff

World Bank, IMF, EU Sanctions Will Prevent Coups In Africa – Osinbajo

By
admin
-

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has emphasized the need for greater international collaboration in deterring an unconstitutional change of government in Africa.

He said stricter sanctions from World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and European Union on erring countries would help in promoting democratic governance on the continent against the backdrop of recent coups de’tat in West Africa.

Osinbajo added that regional bodies on the continent aside African Union and others in the global community must also support actions already taken by ECOWAS leaders to prevent coups in Africa.

Osinbajo spoke during a bilateral meeting with Tanzanian Vice President, Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, ahead of his speech at the formal opening of the 2022 Judicial Year of the African Court for Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania.

This was contained in a statement by Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, titled, Nigeria, Tanzania United on Need for Global Push Against Unconstitutional Change of Govts in West Africa, Just Energy Transition’, on Sunday.

According to Osinbajo, we in ECOWAS have experienced in just under a year, 4 coups de’tats including attempts and it is disturbing because we felt we had put those things behind us, and now they seem to be coming back.

“It is something that we think has to do with more cooperation. AU has been very forthcoming (in condemnation) in saying that we cannot tolerate unconstitutional seizures of power.

But sanctioning these coupists without any proper “teeth” has not been particularly effective.
“There might be a need for us to reach out to some of the regional bodies, development financial institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, and the EU. The EU has been quite responsive but we think that we can do a lot more just in terms of cooperation, so there is an effective deterrent if everyone agrees that undemocratic change of government is unacceptable,” the vice president said.

On Climate Change and the attendant goal of net-zero emissions, Prof. Osinbajo observed that “the major challenge is that the wealthier countries are abandoning fossil fuels and gas and some of them are already defunding gas projects.”
“We in Africa will run into trouble because gas projects are important even for the transition.

It is important for us to come together to oppose any situation where the wealthier countries insist that on account of going towards net-zero emissions in 2050, we should then abandon gas which is one of the major sources of energy for industry and clean cooking.

We think that the wealthier countries are asking us to do what they didn’t do – use renewable energy for industry.”

On his part, Vice President Mpango commended West African leaders for their efforts to halt the menace of coups de’tat in the Sub-region and also agreed that Africa can achieve more working in unison, noting that Climate Change is an example of one area leaders on the continent need to work together to address.
“The apparent wish by developed countries to abandon fossil fuel is worrisome because we are still struggling to provide the basics. Our forests are disappearing because our people are still forced to use firewood for cooking, if we abandon gas energy, where do we go to?”

The Tanzanian vice president thanked Osinbajo for accepting the invitation of the African Court to be the Guest Speaker at the formal opening of the Court’s 2022 Judicial Year holding tomorrow.
Both leaders also agreed that the relationship between their countries has been notable over the years adding however that there is room for much more improvement.

© PUNCH.

Kaigama Tells Buhari To Act Fast On ASUU Strike And Fuel Price

By
admin
-

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), should listen to the cries of Nigerians and intensify action to resolve the problem of lingering fuel scarcity and the one-month warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

This was the challenge thrown to the President the by Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Most Revd. Ignatius Kaigama on Sunday during the dedication ceremony of Holy Cross Parish, Gwarinpa in Abuja.
According to him, Nigerian leaders must not ignore the voice of reason.

Kaigama said, “Our nation would achieve greater progress when we truly listen to one another in mutual respect. Government leaders must listen to their citizens, politicians must listen to the people they represent.

“This is the path to enduring peace, greater solidarity and harmony in our society and the best way to resolve problems such as the lingering fuel scarcity in the nation and the ASUU one-month warning strike to press home her demands from the Government.”

He regretted the hypocrisy of some leaders in the country, stating that many who occupied big positions of responsibility lacked the disposition to make such offices function properly.

While referencing the Biblical text of Luke 6:39-45, Kaigama said, “Jesus speaks in the gospel about leaders who should see clearly and have the wisdom to lead others, since a blind man cannot lead a blind man.

“Leaders with the responsibility of governance must remove the log in their eyes so that they can better help others to remove theirs. This means that leaders must look first at themselves and correct their faults before they can see clearly to identify and correct the errors in other people.

“What we find in our society today is sadly the reality of ‘blind guides’. There are some leaders who occupy big positions of responsibility today but lack the disposition to make such offices function properly.

“Some fight and even kill to occupy such offices, but are only guided by their quest for material possessions and could be regarded as “blind guides”. Leaders are challenged to expunge hypocrisy and deception, to bear good fruits.”

The Catholic Archbishop said that following the Russia-Ukraine fiasco, Pope Francis has directed that Christians should make fervent prayers for peace to reign in the world on March 2, 2022.

“The worsening Russia-Ukraine war situation is a failure in human compassion and the consequence of failure to listen to the voice of reason. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has called for prayers and fasting on March 2, Ash Wednesday”, Kaigama emphasized.

© PUNCH.

Russia Invation: England Won’t Play World Cup And Other Matches Against Russia

By
admin
-

England will not play Russia in World Cup and other football matches at any level “for the foreseeable future”, the FA has confirmed.

The decision has been made “out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership”, the FA said in a statement.

Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic have all refused to play their World Cup play-offs with Russia in opposition to invasion of Ukraine.

Details later…

BREAKING: Abramovich Hands Chelsea’s Control To Charity Trust

By
admin
-

Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich is handing over the “stewardship and care” of the Premier League club to the trustees of its charitable foundation, a statement from the European champions said on Saturday.“During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities,” the club statement said.
“I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.”
The move comes with Russia under intense scrutiny following the invasion of Ukraine.AFP

Sane Seals Bayern Win As Bundesliga Shows Solidarity With Ukraine

By
admin
-

Leroy Sane grabbed a late winner as Bayern Munich won 1-0 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday to open a nine-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, while Germany’s top-flight clubs showed solidarity in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sane came off the bench to score Bayern’s late winner in a game overshadowed by outside events with Frankfurt’s stadium lit in the Ukrainian national colours of blue and yellow.

Electronic signs at the ground read “Stop it, Putin!” in a message to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
There was a minute’s silence, as there were at other grounds around Germany, before kick-off.

The Bayern team wore black armbands for the victims of the conflict while Munich captain Robert Lewandowski wore a yellow and blue armband.

Frankfurt had beaten Bayern in their last tow meetings and this was a hard-fought scrap until Sane intervened.

Just four minutes after Sane came on, Joshua Kimmich’s deft pass through the defence put Bayern’s winger into space to roll his shot past Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.

It was heart-breaking for the hosts who went close with chances by Frankfurt striker Filip Kostic.
At the other end, Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp kept his side in the game with a string of saves and was poleaxed in the first half when a Kingsley Coman shot smashed into his face.

Borussia Dortmund can trim Bayern’s lead on Sunday away to Augsburg.
Earlier, Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi finally scored his first goal for Union Berlin in a 3-1 home win over Mainz.

Haraguchi ended his 22-match wait to score when the attacking midfielder cracked in his first goal since joining from second-tier Hanover 96 before the season.
Sheraldo Becker scored Union’s superb second with a long-range chip from outside the box.

Mainz were reduced to ten men when midfielder Dominik Kohr was sent off for a second booking.
Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi tapped in his tenth league goal this season as Union shredded the defence before Dutch striker Delano Burgzorg scored Mainz’s late consolation.

Lucas Alario fired in off the crossbar before Moussa Diaby scored with two crisp finishes as Bayer Leverkusen consolidated third with a 3-0 home win over Arminia Bielefeld.

Italy midfielder Vincenzo Grifo converted an early penalty before forwards Kevin Schade and Lucas Hoeler tapped in late goals in Freiburg’s 3-0 home win over Hertha Berlin.

It was a miserable Bundesliga debut for Marcel Lotka, Hertha’s fourth-choice goalkeeper with Alexander Schwolow out with Covid and his deputies sidelined by injury.

After last Sunday’s 6-0 drubbing by Dortmund, Moenchengladbach earned a point as substitute Breel Embolo scored a late equaliser in their 2-2 draw at Wolfsburg.

The hosts played the last 20 minutes with ten men after Maxence Lacroix was sent off for bringing down Marcus Thuram, who Embolo replaced before heading in the equaliser.

Gladbach defender Matthias Ginter hit the net with a header in stoppage time, but the VAR ruled the goal out.
Bottom side Greuther Fuerth are unbeaten in their last six home games as they held Cologne to a 1-1 draw thanks to an equaliser by Sebastian Griesbeck for the hosts.
AFP

Ukraine: Buhari, Other African Leaders Asked To Sanction Russia

By
admin
-

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked Nigeria’s President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and other African leaders to sanction Russia.

SERAP also asked the African leaders to call for the protection of Nigerians and other Africans in Ukraine.

The organisation made the request in a tweet on Saturday.

“We urge President Buhari to provide the leadership by immediately calling for extra-ordinary sessions of the African Union and ECOWAS to discuss sanctions against Russia over the invasion of #Ukraine, and to call for protection of Africans caught up in the conflict,” the tweet read.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked widespread reaction worldwide.
However, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexei Shebarshin, had assured the Federal Government that Nigerians won’t be harmed during the raging conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who met with the envoy behind closed doors, quoted Shebarshin as saying that Nigeria is a friendly nation to Russia.

Onyeama had said, “He (Shebarshin) said they (Russia) consider Nigeria a friendly country.
“The Russian envoy also said that they would do nothing to harm Nigerians and assured me that their action is targeted at military installations and that they are not about to start attacking civilian areas and so forth.”
On Saturday, Moscow further ordered its troops to advance in Ukraine “from all directions” as the Ukrainian capital Kyiv imposed a blanket curfew after fighting in the city that saw Russian troops pushed back.

Ukrainian officials reported 198 civilian deaths in total, including three children, as explosions reverberated in Kyiv, forcing residents to flee to safety underground.

Moscow said it fired cruise missiles at military targets and would “develop the offensive from all directions” after accusing Ukraine of having “rejected” talks.
But, on day three of Russia’s invasion, defiant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed his country would never give in to the Kremlin, while Washington said the invading force had a “lack of momentum”.

Ukraine’s army said it held back an assault on the capital – but was fighting Russian “sabotage groups” which had infiltrated the city.

Copyright PUNCH.

1...141516...44Page 15 of 44
At GISTHUB24 MEDIA LTD. Professionalism is delivered with all sense of belonging.

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

2026 GISTHUB24 MEDIA LTD. All Rights Reserved.

Gisthub24

News, Entertainment, Sports,

Skip to content ↓