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News reaching our desk Gisthub24.com has it that a section of Federal Secretariat Abuja is on fire, the cause of the inferno is not yet known as of the time of this report.
We also learnt the men of the fire service are on ground trying out out the inferno, we shall update as the news unfolds.
The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 55-year-old woman, Mrs. Chinyere Ohanyere, popularly known as Madam Chichi, for allegedly buying a set of twins for an undisclosed fee.
It was gathered that Ohanyere was arrested at an Estate in Owerri, alongside her relative, Adaeze Ohanyere, who had been arrested before in a child trafficking case.
Ohanyere allegedly pretended to have given birth to the twins on September 3, at Irete in Owerri West LGA of Imo State.
According to a source who spoke with Vanguard, “The operatives of the command got a tip-off, stormed her house and arrested them. She claimed she gave birth to the twins on September 3 at Irete.
But when she was subjected to medical examination, it was discovered that she wasn’t delivered of the twins. She bought the kids, a boy and a girl.”
The children had been taken to an orphanage for proper care while the police are on the trail of the kids’ seller, the source added.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland Her Excellency Amb Ijeoma Ariamanwa Obiezu during a courtesy call to the President of Ireland; His Excellency, Michael .D. Higgins at the Presidential Residence “Áras an Uachtaráin presented letters on the readiness of NIGERIA in strengthening and advancing the existing cordial relations between the two countries especially in the areas of trade and investment.
She also emphasized on the need for more focus to be on bilateral corporation rather than multilateral approach for an enhanced relations. consequently, she requested that formal agreement be entered into between Nigerian and Ireland on MOUs where both countries will have mutual interest.
While responding, the Ireland president commended President Mohammadu Buhari for delving into the global best practices of giving women opportunity to showcase their God endowed potentials.
He went down the memory lane of post early independence relations between Ireland and Nigerian and pledged his support to the success of Amb Ijeoma assignment in Ireland.
Highlights of the visit was a dinner at the residence of the Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland in commemoration of the epoch making event, with the presence of the
Dean of Diplomatic corps; Arch Bishop Jude Okoro, the African Dean of the Diplomatic corps; the Moroccan Ambassador, the South African Ambassador , the Kenyan Ambassador , the chief of Protocol, Department of foreign Affairs and some officials of the Protocol division, the NIDO/ Nigeran community, friends and well wishers.
The German government through the German Federal Criminal Police Agency (BKA) yesterday donated 10 brand new Toyota Hiace buses to five Nigerian federal law enforcement agencies.
The BKA is a German federal law enforcement agency responsible for fighting insurgency internationally, organised drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime and crimes, including kidnapping and sea piracy.
The presentation, which was held at Germaine Auto Center, Lekki, Lagos, saw the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Dr. Bernd von Muenchow-Pohl, handing over the 10 vehicles to the security agencies.
Enforcement agencies who benefited include Department of State Services, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Nigerian Police Force.
Director of DSS in Lagos, Mr Egbunu J. Yusuf; EFCC Deputy Zonal Commander, Emeka OOkonj; Lagos Zonal Head, NAPTIP, Ganiyu Aganran; DCGN, NDLEA, Adeyemi Adeofe; and DCP for NPF Tunji Disu, were present and received the buses on behalf their agencies.
The BKA is said to have long standing collaborations with Nigerian law enforcement agencies, which is not limited to operative measures, but also covers trainings, technical support and supply of equipment.
Punch
Some gunmen have allegedly abducted four members of a family on Akure- Ado-Ekiti Expressway at Iju in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
It was gathered that the victims comprised a man and his three children, who were said to be travelling from Ado Ekiti to Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Sunday.
The incident happened hours after a lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Mr Mayowa Adinlewa, was abducted at a bad portion of the same road.
A source said the latest victims, whose identities had yet-to-be-ascertained as of the time of filing this report, were kidnapped when their vehicle slowed down due to the bad road.
The source said, “When their vehicle got to the bad portion, it slowed down. Suddenly, the gunmen came out of the bush and shot sporadically into the air. Three of the vehicle occupants managed to escape from the scene, while the four victims were marched into the bush by the hoodlums.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, however, denied the incident.
She said, “I have called the DPO of Iju and she said nothing of such happened and no report of such was made at the police station.”
In a related development, an expatriate worker with a construction firm, Lubriks Construction Company, who was kidnapped three weeks ago in Rivers State, has regained his freedom.
The expatriate was supervising the construction of the Trans-Kalabari Road which traverses three local government areas of the state when he was abducted while returning to Port Harcourt.
The Chairman of the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Roland Sekibo, disclosed this after a security meeting with his counterparts from Degema, Emohua and Asari-Toru LGAs of the state.
Recall that a security operative attached to the expatriate was killed during the attack.
Sekibo stressed the need for council chairmen to work together, saying such a synergy led to the release of the expatriate. ,,
Copyright PUNCH.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Tony Olofu, has charged police personnel in the state to confront hoodlums who have been terrorising the state.
Olufo stated this on Monday while leading a team of policemen to patrol areas that were attacked the previous day by gunmen where two persons were reportedly killed and property destroyed.
Recall that a week ago, nine persons, including Dr Chike Akunyili, the widower of the late Minister of Information, Prof Dora Akunyili, were killed by gunmen at Nkpor, in the Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
On Sunday, two persons were killed in Nnewi, while public and private facilities were set ablaze, including the Nnewi house of Joe Igbokwe, the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources to the Lagos State Governor.
The CP visited the residences of Chiefs Joe Igbokwe and Chu Okongwu, which were set on fire by hoodlums on Sunday.
A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu said Olofu also visited the office of the Department of State Services, which was a attacked on the same day.
The PPRO said, “While condemning the recurring developments of public disturbance and attacks on government facilities and private residences in the state, the CP charged the police personnel to be firm, resolute in resisting and taking the battle to the door-step of the perpetrators of the dastardly acts to bring them to book.”
Anambra killings: Army launches ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’
The 302 Artillery Regiment General Support, has launched ‘Exercise Golden Dawn,’ to put end to gunmen attacks and provide security in Anambra State.
The exercise, according to the Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Col. Abdulkarim Usman, will help to combat insecurity in the state and foster inter agency cooperation.
Usman said the exercise would include routine training in various South-East states.
Usman said, “The military will use the opportunity in conjunction with other security agencies to curb the existing security threats in Anambra State.
“The threats range from secessionist agitations, by the Movement for the Actualizsation of Sovereign State of Biafra to the Indigenous People of Biafra, and Eastern Security Network.
“Others are banditry, kidnapping, cult activities, land disputes clashes, communal clashes, chieftaincy issues, assassinations and youths restiveness. To curb these countless security challenges, a robust posture is what the unit has always maintained.
“Remarkable improvements have been recorded, particularly in the refurbishment of armoured fighting vehicles, procurement of new platforms, upgrading of training facilities and construction of new accommodation for officers and soldiers among others.”
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Civil rights groups on Monday berated politicians and the elites as 10 Nigerian politicians were implicated in the Pandora Papers for tax evasion.
They were among hundreds of individuals from other countries indicted by the papers for hiding their wealth and assets in offshore locations to evade taxes.
Civil rights organisations including Trans
ition Monitoring Group and the Centre for Public Accountability, in separate interviews with The PUNCH, said report showed deep rooted corruption in Nigeria.
The Pandora Papers is an investigation based on one of the biggest-ever leaks of financial documents which exposed a hidden world of shielded wealth belonging to hundreds of politicians and billionaires.
Published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists on Sunday, the papers listed 336 politicians, including nationals of eight African countries.
The project saw 600 journalists from 150 news organisations around the world poring through a trove of 11.9 million confidential files, contextualising information, tracking down sources and analysing public records and other documents.
One of those named is a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, according to Premium Times which participated in the investigations.
Obi, a former Vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 election was said to have used a Monaco-based foreign company, Acces International to incorporate an offshore entity in one of the world’s most notorious tax havens noted for providing conduits for wealthy and privileged corrupt political elites to hide stolen cash to avoid the attention of tax authorities.
According to Premium Times, he allegedly paid Acces International to provide nominee directors for his company, Gabriella Investments Limited.
Gabriella Investment Limited was born on November 17, 2010, with registration number 1615538 while two figureheads – Antony Janse Van Vuuren and Lance Lawson — were appointed its first directors while ultimate control resided with Obi.
Efforts were made to get a response from the former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi without success.
Calls to his mobile telephone number were neither picked nor returned.
A response to a text message sent to him with respect to his response to findings listed against him in the Pandora papers was still being expected as of 10:09pm
When contacted earlier by Premium Times, Obi stated, “I don’t declare what is owned with others.
If my family owns something I won’t declare it. I didn’t declare anything I jointly owed with anyone.”
The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren did not respond when asked if the commission would initiate investigations into the allegations against Obi and other Nigerians mentioned in the Pandora Papers.
He did not respond to calls and to a text message seeking his comment on the development.
According to an interactive map of the leaked documents, five Côte d’Ivoire politicians were helped by foreign agents to stash money suspected to be looted away from public view.
Ghana has three politicians listed in the documents, which has been described as “An offshore data tsunami.”
Chad, Kenya and Congo Brazzaville have two politicians each listed in the infamous documents that had reportedly sent shivers down the spines of public figures globally; while Gabon has three politicians listed.
Angola has nine politicians listed in the document, while Zimbabwe and South Africa have two each; Mozambique has one.
But the Executive Director of the Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson, said the Pandora Papers revelations only confirmed what many Nigerians already knew as far as the culture of transparency among the political class was concerned.
He stated, “Even though the revelations transcend the shores of Nigeria, particularly on how corruption has become a global phenomenal, we should be concerned that people whom our citizens regard as otherwise transparent and credible, do also lack the needed integrity to manage public institutions and resources.”
Also, the Chairman of Transition Monitoring Group, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, government fight against corruption was leaving a huge deficit and gaps by refusing to tackle political corruption.
He stated, “It looks like the government places more emphasis on political loyalty and political cover-up than the fight against corruption. This explains the silence on blocking leakages and taking strong measures to sanction official corruption in Nigeria.”
Copyright PUNCH.
Adetayo and Solomon Odeniyi
FOUR months after the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, took over the case of a suspected Taraba kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Bala (aka Wadume), and his co-defendants, and dropped charges against his accomplices in the military, authorities of the Nigerian Army have yet to court-martial them, The PUNCH reports.
The then Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had originally filed 16 counts bordering on terrorism, murder, kidnapping and illegal arms running against Wadume and the others.
They were accused of conspiring to commit felony, to wit: acts of terrorism by attacking and kidnapping one Usman Garba, aka Mayo, at his filling station in Takun, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013.
Some soldiers led by Captain Tijjani Balarabe were also named in the charges but Malami, on taking over the case from the police on June 3, removed the soldiers’ names from the charges.
The minister later explained that he withdrew charges against the soldiers to allow the Nigeria Army to court-martial them and conclude its internal process.
Months after charges against the soldiers were dropped, no news has been heard about their court-martial as indicated by Malami.
When contacted on the telephone on Monday to know the current status of the case against the soldiers, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, pleaded for more time to get the fact about the case and to get back to one of our correspondents.
Meanwhile, the trial of Wadume and his co-defendants has yet to continue almost four months after the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria called of its nationwide strike.
Wadume’s trial was one of the cases that suffered when courts were shut nationwide from April 6 when the judiciary workers began their action that lasted more than two months.
The union finally suspended the action on June 16.
Many weeks after the courts were re-opened, Wadume’s trial has yet to continue.
The PUNCH reports that terrorism charges were preferred against him and his co-defendants at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The last time the case came up was on March 9, 2021.
At that time, the trial judge, Binta Nyako, adjourned the matter till May 18 for defendants to open their defence or file no-case submission.
The strike action was still in force as of the adjourned date (May 18), making it impossible for the court to sit.
The Federal Government arraigned Wadume and his co-defendants on June 8, 2020 on amended 13 counts of terrorism, kidnapping and other related offences.
His co-defendants are Aliyu Dadje (a police Inspector), Auwalu Bala (aka Omo Razor), Uba Bala (aka Uba Delu), Bashir Waziri (aka Baba Runs), Zubairu Abdullahi (aka Basho) and Rayyanu Abdul.
At the resumed hearing of the case on March 9, the prosecution led by Shuiabu Labaran had called its sixth and final witness, Ben Anthony, a police investigator.
Anthony had told the court that he was part of a team that recovered four AK-47 rifles from Wadume’s brother, Uba Bala, in Ibi, Taraba State.
Copyright PUNCH.
The global economy lost billions of dollars as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram went down at about 4.42pm on Monday.
According to NetBlocks, which tracks internet outages and their impact, the outage had already cost the global economy about $160m per hour.
Facebook stock had gone down by about 5.5 per cent.
The Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, also lost nearly $7bn since the outage began.
Facebook and its affiliates have 2.9 billion monthly active users. The shutdown is reminiscent of 2019, when Facebook shut down in its biggest outage till date (a 24-hour shut down).
For hours when navigating to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp websites, a server error appeared, which indicated there was an issue with Facebook’s servers.
According to TechCrunch, users were also unable to send messages or load new content on the mobile apps for these platforms. Even Oculus, Facebook’s virtual reality platform, and Workplace, its business communication tool, were down.
It seems as though the outage was caused by a domain name server failing, the naming structure that forms the web’s infrastructure.
According to Independent, Facebook’s DNS problems were only a symptom.
It said, the system could not have broken down spontaneously, and it was likely that something had happened to the underlying infrastructure – a stray settings change, a physical outage at a server, or something else entirely – that has stopped it from working.
A Twitter user had tweeted that facebook.com was now up for sale. Twitter’s Chief Executive Officer, Jack Dorsey, had tweeted asking for the price of the domain.
Copyright PUNCH.
Men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers while trying to collect ransom money on a seven-year-old boy.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this on Monday.
Oyeyemi said the suspects, Muhammed Abubakar, 42, and Clinton Niche, 18, were apprehended on Sunday following a report lodged at Agbara Area command.
The PPRO said the report was lodged by one Stephen Ajibili who reported that his seven-year-old son, Daniel Ajibili, was abducted by unknown persons while he was sent on an errand by his mother at about 11:20 am.
He added that the father lamented further that the abductors had called him and demanded the sum of N1m if he wants his son to be released.
The PPRO said, “Consequent upon the report, the acting Area Commander Agbara, CSP Kayode Shedrack, quickly mobilised his detectives to embark on a technical and intelligence-based investigation to unravel those behind the dastardly act.
“The efforts of the detectives paid off when the suspects who had directed the victim’s parents to drop the ransom money somewhere were ambushed and apprehended by the police detectives.
“The suspects subsequently led the policemen to a bush where the innocent young boy was tied to a three by his abductors.
He continued, “On interrogation, the suspects informed the police that they are three in number, but the remaining member of their gang was the person watching over their victim while they came out to collect the ransom. Having discovered that his two accomplices have been arrested, he took to flight immediately.”
The PPRO however said the Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Abiodun Alamutu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the anti-kidnapping section of the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for discreet investigation.
According to PPRO, Alamutu also directed that the fleeing member of the gang be hunted for and brought to justice within the shortest possible period.
©Punch
Ethiopian Prime Minister
Ahmed was sworn in Monday for a new five-year term as his government faces a host of challenges including a months-long conflict in the northern region of Tigray.
Abiy, who won a landslide election victory in June, took the oath of office administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi, following similar oaths by the speaker and deputy speaker of the parliament’s lower house.
“I, Abiy Ahmed Ali, today in the House of People’s Representatives, accept the appointment as prime minister, as I pledge to undertake responsibly and with faith to the constitution the responsibility placed upon me by the people,” he said while being sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) is one of the foreign dignitaries attending the occasion.
(AFP)
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has urged faith-based organisations to encourage their members to actively engage in politics.
This was made known in a statement on Sunday titled “Hamzat, Shekarau advocate FBOs collaboration on good governance.”
According to the statement, Hamzat made the call to religious groups during a workshop organised by the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Faith Society on Sunday.
During the workshop, Hamzat stated that religion should not stop anyone from engaging in politics, rather such members can serve as “good role models to others and allow their principles and conviction to guide and drive what they do in government.”
The statement quoted Hamzat as saying, “If they stay away, they have no moral justification to complain about governance. Nigeria should prioritise competence in every facet of our national life because merit is very important.
“As a people, we should not ignore merit and lower our standards. Neither should our system encourage indolence and relegate hard work”.
Hamzat also called on religious bodies to “go beyond esoteric teachings in their preaching and embrace more realistic content designed to promote decency and better behaviour.”
He stated that religious people should develop a better mindset towards seeking solutions concerning the challenges in the country.
The Deputy Governor also emphasised on the need for citizens to unite in order to develop solutions to national problems, rather than fight the government.
“He said Nigerians should stop gratifying violence and wrongdoings, imploring FBOs to use their platforms to engage in rebuilding the moral fabric of our nation,” the statement read.
By Barr Fabian onwughalu former chairman ohaneze on his Facebook page.
As I concluded my case at high court 3 Nnewi Anambra state today(yesterday) I drove to the new spare parts market to buy engine oil for my generator thereafter I quickly proceeded to my country home to meet one of my errand boys,Mr anayo who have been waiting at the gate since 4pm to see me for some allowance.
After the traffic junction I decided to increase my speed to 80kph lo and behold a black Toyota Rav 4 suddenly appeared behind trailing me when I noticed the car though old despite the model no number plate I became very curious and suspicious my first line of thought was that they could be either armed robbers who trailed me from access bank ATM where I withdrew 20K out of which I had used 6k and 2k to buy PMS and engine oil respectively or some exuberant youth on alcoholic and drug spree.
whichever was the case I decided to speed up far away from them I trusted my turbo charger ride called”Terrorists kid” new model 2018 in a twinkle of an eye I had crusied to 100kph
but the vehicle kept following up with a gap of less than 5yards,I thought of driving into otolo police station but quickly remembered that they had relocated to CPS due to the fear of unknown GU end. as I was contemplating on what to do the worst happened as I slowed down to avoid the potholes at orizu petrol station there car over took me in gestapo style in a James bond movie and blocked both my car and oncoming range Rover sports 2020 model.
Now”.then said my last prayer and asked God to have mercy on me and accept my soul in paradise.one came to me and barked “Oga judge what are you doing to bring Nnamdi Kanu out??I told him I just came back from Abuja where I joined his defense team free of charge he told me to continue God bless me…🥺
But is this the right way???
Whitemoney has been declared the winner of the Season 6 of the Big Brother Naija reality television show with the theme, ‘Shine Ya Eye,’ leaving Liquorose as the first runner up.
At the grand finale on Sunday, housemates evicted were Emmanuel, Angel, Cross, and Pere, with Whitemoney and Liquorose as the top two housemates battling for the N90m grand prize.
Born Hazel Onou, the 29-year-old contestant is one of the fans’ favourites. Fondly known as Whitemoney, the reality TV show star was born on July 6, 1992 and hails from Enugu State where he spent his early days before moving to Lagos.
During the show, Whitemoney had mentioned in several instances that he had it rough growing up. At a point, he had to sell food with his mother at a young age.
The TV star had also mentioned that part of his hustle included commercial photography and fixing generators, among others.
Leveraging the BBNaija platform, Whitemoney, who is an entrepreneur, had seized the opportunity to ‘sell his market.’ hence viewers of the show see him as a ‘typical Igbo man’ and an astute businessman.
On the show, Whitemoney also won some money.
He recently won N1m during the Johnnie Walker contest; and, during the BuyPower contest, he and Liquorose won N500,000 each.
Laycon, others congratulate Whitemoney
Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to their social media networks to congratulate Whitemoney.
In a series of tweets, iconic Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo, revealed that her faith in Whitemoney never wavered. “It is not a surprise Whitemoney won… Everyone knew he was the one from the beginning. Happy for Whitemoney, Well deserved,” she tweeted.
The winner of the season fourth edition of the reality television show, Mercy Eke, via her Twitter account, wrote, “Congratulations to Whitemoney and all Shine Ya Eyes housemates. You are all winners and the world awaits your light.
Go and do exploit.”
Also, the winner of the season five edition of the show, Laycon, also congratulated Whitemoney via his Twitter page, saying, “Congratulations Whitemoney. Good luck to all the housemates, the world awaits your great exploits, go and conquer.”
Another Big Brother Naija alumni, Tacha, raised her glass to congratulate Whitemoney saying, “Congratulations Whitemoney, this is beyond N90m.
Hope this recognition shapes your narrative and propagate anything you hope to do in future! Good luck.”
Copyright PUNCH.
The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists for allegedly torturing and humiliating a TikToker identified as ‘Queen Perri,’ following a viral video she made on social media.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Philip Ogbadu, disclosed this while addressing journalists after the state’s monthly security meeting at the Government House in Benin City.
He said two of the boys involved in the torture of the lady had been arrested and in police custody, adding that the command had intensified search for other culprits.
Contrary to the news making the rounds on social media alleging that the girl had died, Ogbadu said that she was alive and receiving treatment at a health facility in the state.
He said, “It was alleged that the girl was killed, but she is alive. Due to the social stigma that may be attached, we will not reveal her whereabouts now.
However, you will see the boys later.”
Affirming the commitment of security agencies in the state to the security of lives and property of citizens, the CP stated, “We have already drawn an operation for the ember months. Soon, you will see an improvement in our operations. The military too will be launching an operation from Monday on Ehor Road. It is going to be safer during the ember months.”
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A 16-year-old girl, Mercy (pseudonym), has recounted how her father forcefully had sex with her for about two years, saying that she has lost count of times he committed the act.
The randy father, Adebayo Aderinoye, was apprehended on Wednesday by policemen from the Agbado division, Ogun State.
Aderinoye, 52, was reportedly arrested following a petition to a human rights group based in Lagos by his wife.
City Round learnt that the couple and their five children reside in a one-room apartment in the Matogun area of Ogun State.
Mercy told our correspondent that she initially resisted her father’s attempt to have sex with her but he cajoled him into believing that he was teaching him the right thing.
She said, “My father started ‘sleeping’ (having sex) with me when I was 14-year-old. I resisted him but he told me he was teaching me in the right way. He said if he didn’t teach me, the boys outside would teach me. He did it whenever we were the only ones at home.
“I didn’t tell my mum because I thought she would not believe me. He had slept with me many times. I can’t count the number of times he had sex with me. He did it regularly.”
Mercy’s mother said she caught her husband in the act about three months ago but he apologised and promised to turn a new leaf.
She said she decided to relocate from their residence with Mary and other children when she caught her husband in the act again.
She stated, “I reported the incident to a human rights group in Ikotun (Lagos) and they gave me a letter to report at a police station close to our community and I went to Agbado Police Station.
I caught my husband having sex with my daughter about three months ago.
“I warned him to desist from it. It was when he wanted to have sex with her again that I reported him to the human rights group. I planned to relocate the children and wanted him to write an undertaking but they referred me to the police.”
Aderinoye, who runs a laundry outfit, admitted to have defiled his daughter but claimed it occurred once when he was drunk, adding that the devil pushed him into the act.
He said, “I am surprised she said I had sex with her many times but I have no excuse. I only had sex with her once. It was the devil’s handiwork. I was drunk that day because I didn’t have the means to pay my children’s school fees.
“The second time I wanted to have sex with her, her mum caught me. She fought with me and I begged her that it would not happen again.
She exposed me because of a minor understanding. If I had known it would turn out this way, we would have settled the matter.”
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement on Friday, said the Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, had ordered that the suspect should be transferred to the family support unit at Ota area command for further investigation and prosecution.
He said, “A 52-year-old man, Adebayo Akinrinoye, was on September 23, 2021 arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for unlawfully having carnal knowledge of his 16-year-old daughter. The suspect was arrested following a report via a petition brought to the Agbado Divisional Headquarters.
“In the petition, the victim alleged that her father had been sexually abusing her since when she was 14-year-old, and since then, the suspect had been regularly abusing her sexually.
She stated further that all her efforts to stop her father from this ignoble act fell on deaf ears.
“Upon the report, the DPO Agbado division, CSP Kehinde Kuranga, quickly detailed his detectives to the scene where the suspect was promptly arrested. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime but pleaded for forgiveness from his daughter.”
The latest incident came to the limelight barely two weeks after a 45-year-old man, Olaoluwa Jimoh, was arrested by the police at Ode Remo Divisional Headquarters in Ogun State for allegedly impregnating his 19-year-old daughter.
Jimoh was nabbed after the daughter reported to the police that her father raped her sometime in June 2021. She stated that afterwards, Jimoh forcefully had sex with her several times and threatened to kill her if she told anybody about the act.
Also, on September 21, a 52-year-old man, Jimoh Mutaliu, was apprehended in the Adatan area of the state for reportedly impregnating his 16-year-old niece and procuring abortions for her twice.
The father of the victim, who is a sibling of the suspect, had observed that her daughter was pregnant and reported the crime to the police after his daughter told him Mutaliu was responsible for the pregnancy.
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Despite celebrating 61 years of freedom from British colonialists, Nigeria’s unity remains under threat on a large scale due to insecurity and economic problems, Atiku Kawai Media Group said on Friday.
The organisation being championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, however, urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country.
The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Abdurrahman Suleiman, said this on Friday in a statement, titled, “Nigeria @ 61: Today, we celebrate Nigeria.”
The pro-Atiku organisation challenged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to do everything possible to address the problems facing the nation.
The group said, “Over the years, we were acclaimed as the giant of Africa through excellence in virtually all aspects of life, a height our past heroes and we all laboured for.
The prevailing predicaments in our contemporary society posed serious threats to national integration, growth and development, a situation we all never wished for.
“We call on the government to ameliorate worsening socio-economic conditions bedevilling the Nigerian polity and cement our sovereignty with sustainable development.”
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Veteran singer, Bright Chimezie, who was born on October 1, 1960, the same day Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom has said that at 61, he is still very energetic.
He told Saturday Beats, “I feel good that I turned 61 yesterday. Thankfully, I am strong, energetic and my career is still blossoming. I am very grateful for my family.
I have a song that says that in life, there are sweet days and also ‘unsweet’ days. I can’t detail the past 60 years of my life but I can say I am strong, bubbly and I have a peaceful life. I still dance and bounce when performing and the secret is that I have never done anything else outside Zigima Sound, which is my signature.
I also try to fine-tune my brand consistently. The energetic vibe that people see on stage is natural.
“I tell some of the young singers coming up that they need to learn some ‘leg work’ moves from me. Most of them have copied me but I forgive them because they are my children. I need to tutor them about the art of ‘zigimatic leg work’ which comes naturally to me. Most of the trendy dance steps that young artistes do now have been in existence a long time ago. For example, King Sunny Ade was and is still a fantastic dancer.
I am also a fantastic dancer. The advent of technology has made people think that young artistes created those dance steps but we did and we should be duly respected for that.”
Chimezie also revealed how he had been able to manage his home as an entertainer. He said, “It has been God all the way. Without being immodest, discipline has also played a major role.
I was mature enough before I decided to get married. Women need a lot of attention, so I give my wife a lot of that. My late father was a cleric and I saw the way he treated my mother, so I copied a lot from him. If my father could keep his home, why can’t I do that? I married my wife when she was young and I have watched her grow.
If a doctor can have a successful home, why can’t a singer have that too?
“I respect womanhood a lot but that does not mean I should want to have my way with all of them. Women respect disciplined men. The world does not revolve around sex. One can have a lot of female admirers without pulling down one’s zip. A marriage that looks good outwardly is a product of hard work.”
Copyright PUNCH
Veteran gospel singer, Bola Are, has said that she is feels privileged to be born on October 1, some years before Nigeria’s independence.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “When I knew that I was born on October 1, I was overwhelmed and happy even though by the year 1960, I was in primary school. I remember that I saw the late Obafemi Awolowo with the Nigerian flag. I and my classmates, our teacher and headmaster all lined up on the road waving in high spirits. I have never forgotten the euphoria of that day, and I still have the picture. We were given free uniforms and shoes on that day. We ate a lot of chicken and good food in celebration of our Independence.
“As a child, I was very excited that it fell on my birthday. I’m sure God knew why he brought me to the world on October 1. That explains why I am always concerned about everything about the nation. It is really one of my most beautiful memories about the nation.
I pray God gives us a day like that again to celebrate as a nation.”
Are also stated that she wished God could use her to bring back the good old days in the country and bring succour to its citizens. She said, “I wish the nation would experience the kind of joy we had when we gained independence. Those days, there were no killings, kidnappings, cultism and other vices. In those days, we didn’t use to close our doors and we were not scared of anything. I wish God could use me to bring back the good old days. I wish that all forms of insecurity and bloodshed would end. Above all, I wish that God would give us good leaders like the late Obafemi Awolowo. We want leaders that would be worthy of emulation. The Bible says that when a nation has good leaders, people would be happy and live a good life. But, if the reverse is the case, no one would be able to sleep with their eyes closed. It is so sad that if one travels to any part of the country, one wouldn’t know if one would return. I earnestly pray for divine intervention. People are really hungry and there’s no voice for the poor anymore.”
On her plans for retirement, she said, “I have always been a ‘mission girl’ because my birth was announced three years before I was born. I have been singing from a tender age and I hope to sing till I’m 120 years old, then I will go and rest in the Lord. I will sing in heaven too. By the grace of God, I have lived a fantastic life. I have enjoyed a life of integrity, free of scandals and I’m still enjoying it. In gospel music, nobody retires. One’s voice never dies. It only dies when one is meddling into things that are not of God.”
© PUNCH
English Championship leaders West Bromwich Albion’s unbeaten start to the second-tier season ended with a 1-0 loss away to Stoke on Friday.
Nick Powell scored the only goal of the game with 11 minutes remaining after a defensive mistake by Conor Townsend as Stoke moved up into third place, just a point off West Brom and second-placed Bournemouth.
Only the top two teams at the end of the regular season are guaranteed promotion to the Premier League.
“It was a great performance,” said Stoke manager Michael O’Neill. “We knew it would be tough and the key was to try and not get dragged into a war.
“We came under pressure but when we got our build-up play right, we created some good chances.”
“Hopefully we will gain more belief from this win — that is what this league is about.”
Albion boss Valerien Ismael had no complaints about the result.
“I think that tonight it was not good enough to pretend to get more,” he said. “We saw a lot of mistakes from our side and I think it is always a sign of tiredness.
“Stoke were the better team tonight and they deserved to win.”
Jacob Brown squandered a chance to put Stoke ahead when he hit the post after nine minutes.
And Stoke went even closer when Darnell Furlong’s own goal was disallowed for a foul five minutes before half-time.
Mario Vrancic hit the crossbar with a 25-yard free-kick and substitute Sam Surridge saw a 71st-minute penalty saved before the breakthrough finally came for Stoke.
Surridge had his spot-kick saved by Sam Johnstone after he had been fouled by the keeper in a race for a loose ball.
But Powell finally opened the scoring when he lobbed the ball over the advancing Johnstone from Tommy Smith’s pass.
(AFP
Gunmen have attacked the residence of Joe Igbokwe, the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Details later…
The home villa of APC Chieftain in Lagos Joe has been burnt, report reaching gisthub24 has it that the cctv footage captured some young who came in an SUV vehicle set the mansion ablaze. No group has claimed responsibility at the moment.
It will be recalled that the Nnewi born but lagos politician has been in lime light in recent times.
Details loading….
By Collins Opurozor
One major challenge that confronts democracy in Nigeria today is how to make votes count. In many instances, votes are not even counted. For Nigerians, elections are concluded, in the language of Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, as hollow rituals, bandwagons, direct captures and simulated landslides. The mandates which most politicians claim are effectively dubious, and there is no psychological satisfaction in voting, because the people know that it is either that their votes will not be counted or that their votes will not count.
Since popular consent still defines representative democracy, Nigeria has had it so rough grappling with democratization especially through credible elections. It has been a long, crooked and troubled path.
In discussing the shortcomings of Nigeria’s electoral system, there tends to be some emphasis on the weakness of electoral laws, or the lack of proper election monitoring for mandate protection, or voter apathy, or the decisive role of money in politics particularly in view of increasing poverty, or political interferences in the duties of the regulatory umpire, very scant attention has been paid to the character traits of the key actors within the election management body.
It was the ability of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu to succeed in the midwifery of the freest, fairest and most credible election in the history of Nigeria despite Nigerian factors that has stood him out as enigmatic. Nigeria’s electoral history is now divided between pre-Nwosu and post-Nwosu eras, given that before him there was none like him, and even after him there has been none like him.
That Nigeria marks her Democracy Day on June 12 every year should be a celebration of Prof. Nwosu’s integrity and incorruptibility, which also indicates his place in the annals of the country’s elections, for without him there could not have been June 12. In the words of President Buhari, “June 12th, 1993 was the day when Nigerians in millions expressed their democratic will in what was undisputedly the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections since our Independence.” It was the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) headed by Prof. Nwosu that gave Nigerians that election which was presumably won by Chief MKO Abiola but annulled by the military junta.
Born on October 2, 1941 to Chief Nwosu Nwafor, the Eze V of Ajalli and Grace Uzoaku Nwafor, both of Ajalli community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Prof. Nwosu attended Government Primary School, Ajalli, St. Michael’s School, Enugu and Presbyterian School, Abakaliki and graduated in 1955. Between 1956 and 1963, he attended a combination of vocational and missionary schools which espoused self-help and promoted students based on performance.
In 1966, he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science with First Class Honors, obtained a Masters Degree in Political Science in 1976 from the University of California, Berkeley, California, USA, and a Doctorate Degree in Political Science from the same University. At University of Nigeria, Nsukka he became Professor of Political Science where his scholarly contributions have remained timeless.
Between 1989 and 1993, Prof. Nwosu served as the Chairman of National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), and conducted elections which transparency, credibility and fairness have continued to reverberate in Nigeria till date.
Today, October 2, this embodiment of refined values and moral excellence has clocked eighty years. The celebration of his birth and accomplishments should cause us to reflect aloud on how well we have sustained his vision for a great and democratic Nigeria in which the right to elect leaders is considered sacred and inviolable. How well have we fought to insist that votes in Nigeria will not just be counted, but votes will also count? How well have we toiled to commit ourselves to democratic consolidation and credible elections uninhibited by challenges, tribulations and trials? How well have we exuded the Nwosu spirit in all facets of our national life?
The Federal Government should therefore lead the charge of deepening democracy in Nigeria by immortalizing Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. One way this could be done is by establishing a Center for Democratic Studies in each Federal University in Nigeria in his honour, so as to set, renew and reinvigorate the discourse on better elections and healthier democracy in Nigeria.
Happy birthday, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.
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By Collins Opurozor
There is a debate in the social sciences on the validity of Nigeria’s claim to independence. This is because the country’s political life is still tied to the apron strings of her former colonizers. If independence confers on a nation the right to political choices, then, as some believe, independence in Nigeria is more potential than actual. More so, Nigeria’s economy remains largely, if not entirely, dependent on those of the developed nations. And for many, therefore, the idea of an independent Nigeria is more apparent than real.
At the level of the individual within Nigeria, the concept of independence has no meaning, given that more and more people are captives to poverty and want, the most ancient oppressors of mankind. And, further, the reality that Nigerians are ruled by people whose mandates are questionable and effectively dubious brings home the tragedy of internal colonization.
Nothing also could be more tragic than when a state of over six million people like Imo, through some judicial contrivances, is ruled by Hope Uzodinma, a man they never voted for and they never chose.
The accident in Imo, which Uzodinma represents, is a total reversal to the values that animated and inspired all independence movements in Nigeria or even Africa. It makes mockery of any claim that Nigerians have the power to choose their leaders. It is reminiscent of the infamous colonial order, when Buckingham Palace, not Nigerians, decided which colonial master was to be sent to Nigeria. When the right to choose leaders has been denied a people, it is simply colonialism by other means!
Further, the whole logic of federalism is about independent and coordinate relations between and among power centers. In the Nigerian union, Imo is a semi-autonomous unit, and for Abuja to undermine the collective aspirations of Imo people by imposing Uzodinma on them, what has been murdered too, aside independence, is federalism.
And that this anomie was foisted on a very republican people like the Igbo, with a rich history of rejecting domination as was seen in the Ekumeku uprisings of Anioma people, the Aba Women Riot, the Aro resistances and the ordeals of King Jaja of Opobo, the result will be the same. It is therefore not surprising that Imo people have failed to accept Uzodinma as governor. And time will change nothing about this.
Independence will continue to mean nothing to Imo people unless and until the promises contained in it are realized. First is liberation from poverty, squalor and want. Second is expansion of the political space and giving back Imo people the right to choose their leaders. For now, Imo people are not independent and they have nothing to celebrate.
Imo ga-adi nma ozo!
…armed policemen disperse protesters
Protesters in the early hours of Friday stormed the Dantata Bridge on the popular Airport Road in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.).
The protest coincided with the nation’s 61st Independence Anniversary.
The protesters, wielding large banners, made bonfires on the highway.
As of the time of filing this report, however, heavily armed policemen have dispersed the protesters.
The protesters had just converged at the venue to begin their demonstration when men of the Nigeria Police Force stormed the area.
The security personnel fired teargas canister and gave the protesters a hot chase.
However, it cannot be assertained, if anyone had be arrested as of the time of filling this report.
Details later…
©Punch
Protesters in the early hours of Friday stormed the Dantata Bridge on the popular Airport Road in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.).
The protest coincided with the nation’s 61st Independence Anniversary.
The protesters, wielding large banners, made bonfires on the highway.
As of the time of filing this report, however, heavily armed policemen have disperse the protesters.
The protesters had just converged at the venue to begin their demonstration when men of the Nigerian Police stormed the area.
They fired tear gas canisters and gave them a hot chase.
However, it cannot be ascertained if anyone had been arrested as of the time of filing this report.
Citizens of Nigeria.
It is with full gratitude to God that today, we celebrate Nigeria’s sixty first Independence Anniversary.
2. For 1st of October 1960 to happen, all hands were on deck. East, West, North all came together to celebrate freedom. Today should not only serve as a reminder of the day the British handed over the reins of power to Nigerians, but also unified Nigerians from all ethnic groups, religions and regions.
3. Today, despite the challenges we face, most Nigerians still maintain the spirit of 1st October. That positive outlook and determination to make Nigeria a peaceful and prosperous nation. It is due to this collective attitude that Nigeria doggedly continues to remain a united and indivisible nation.
4. Fellow Nigerians, the past eighteen months have been some of the most difficult periods in the history of Nigeria. Since the civil war, I doubt whether we have seen a period of more heightened challenges than what we have witnessed in this period.
5. Our original priorities for 2020 were to continue stabilising our economy following the deep recession while restoring peace in areas confronted with security challenges. But the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on all nations meant we needed to shift gears and re-strategise.
6. Nigerians came together as one to fight against COVID-19. It is this attitude and by the special grace of God, we continue to survive the pandemic as a nation and indeed, provide leadership and example at regional and international levels.
7. The doomsday scenario predicted for our country never came. Even as the Delta variant continues to spread, we have built the capacity we need to respond now and into the future.
8. I will therefore appeal to Nigerians not to take COVID lightly, adhere to public health and social measures, put your mask on and get vaccinated. We can control this pandemic, but it requires effort on everybody’s part. The investments we made in response to COVID-19 will also serve our country to tackle any future disease outbreaks or pandemics.
9. Despite the global inequity in access to vaccines, the Government of Nigeria has continued to explore all available options to ensure Nigerians have free access to safe and effective vaccines.
10. Some five million vaccine doses have been administered to Nigerians through efforts led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and we will continue to explore options for purchase or acquisition of vaccines such as through COVAX and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust.
11. I will take this opportunity to remind the global community that the current state of access to COVID-19 vaccines is unacceptable. We cannot afford a situation where a handful of countries keep the global vaccine supply to themselves at the expense of other nations.
12. We must act now to accelerate equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. This is the message I conveyed to the international community in New York last week.
13. As we push to source vaccines for our immediate needs, we shall invest more to support our pharmaceutical and research agencies to come up with ideas for locally developed vaccines. Should another pandemic arise in the future, Our question is simple; will Nigeria be ready?
14. Accordingly, I have directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Health, Education and Science and Technology to work with Nigerian and International pharmaceutical companies and research organisations to enhance Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical capacity.
15. Already, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is raising a $200 million fund for this initiative that will complement the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing N85 billion Healthcare Sector Research and Development Intervention Scheme to support local researchers in the development of vaccines and drugs to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases, including COVID-19.
Fellow Nigerians, this is just the beginning.
16. Similarly, on our approach to food security, I am proud to announce Nigeria has commenced its journey to pharmaceutical independence.
17. This journey, which will take years to achieve but will ultimately result in Nigerian based companies developing the Active Pharmaceutical substances and competence needed for us to make our own drugs and vaccines.
Fellow Nigerians,
18. As our economy continues to open after the COVID-19 related lockdowns, we have also seen the resurgence of insecurity in certain parts of the country.
19. In the last four months, the gallant men and women of the Military and Security Agencies have made tremendous progress in addressing these new security challenges. We are taking the fight to our enemies from all angles and we are winning.
20. Earlier this year, I launched the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, the Deep Blue Project, which is designed to secure Nigerian waters up to the Gulf of Guinea. I am happy to inform Nigerians that we have taken delivery of key assets for this project and very soon, its impact will be felt.
21. In the North East region alone, over eight thousand Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered.
22. To support our surge approach to fighting banditry, the Nigerian Armed Forces have recruited over 17,000 personnel across all ranks. Furthermore, I have also approved for the Nigerian Police Force to recruit 10,000 police officers annually over the next six years.
23. I am also pleased to note that most of the Air Force platforms we acquired over the past three years have started to arrive in Nigeria. These will positively impact our security operations in all parts of the country.
24. In line with section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the security and welfare of Nigerians continue to be the prime focus on which programmes and projects of our government revolves.
25. Therefore, as a Government, we are ready to arrest and prosecute all persons inciting violence through words or action. Our resolve for a peaceful, united and one Nigeria remains resolute and unwavering.
26. That said, our hope is not to fight for peace. We can always settle our grievances peacefully without spilling any blood.
27. I will therefore take this opportunity, on this special day that symbolises the unity and oneness of our great nation, to ask all Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue, whatever your grievances.
28. The seeds of violence are planted in people’s heads through words. Reckless utterances of a few have led to losses of many innocent lives and destruction of properties.
29. Such unfiltered and unsubstantiated lies and hate speeches by a few evil persons must be stopped. Our media houses and commentators must move away from just reporting irresponsible remarks to investigating the truth behind all statements and presenting the facts to readers.
30. We must all come out and speak against the lies being peddled. At this point, I would want to sincerely appreciate the large number of our Traditional, Religious and Community leaders as well as other well-meaning Nigerians who, in their various fora are openly spreading the message of peaceful co-existence and conflict settlement through dialogue in their respective communities.
31. Nigeria is for all of us. Its unity is not negotiable. And its ultimate success can only be achieved if we all come together with a common goal of having peace and prosperity for our nation.
32. We shall continue to work on dialogue based solutions to address legitimate grievances. But we remain ready to take decisive actions against secessionist agitators and their sponsors who threaten our national security.
33. The recent arrests of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Adeyemo, and the ongoing investigations being conducted have revealed certain high-profile financiers behind these individuals. We are vigorously pursuing these financiers including one identified as a serving member of the national assembly.
Fellow Nigerians,
34. This is a clear example of how people abandon their national leadership positions for their selfish gains. Instead of preaching unity, they are funding and misleading our youth to conduct criminal acts that sometimes lead to unfortunate and unnecessary loss of lives and property.
35. As the so-called leaders run abroad to hide, our innocent youths are misled and left in the streets to fight for their senseless and destructive causes.
36. Government will continue, with greater level of peoples’ participation and in collaboration with our international partners, to improve the security architecture, reduce enabling environment for criminality to thrive and eliminate opportunities for terrorism financing.
37. Fellow Nigerians, our unrelenting effort at resolving an almost two-decade stalling on the management of our Petroleum resources and ensuring equitable consideration to our host communities has resulted in the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
38. This Act not only overhauls the Institutional, regulatory and fiscal framework of the Petroleum Industry but also reduces the previous opacity associated with this sector.
39. This is the first step to the reforms as the process is a continuous one. Already, to further improve the governance framework, I have sought for an amendment of sections 11(2)(b) and 34(2)(b). We will also continue to review and amend as appropriate.
40. At this juncture, it is very appropriate that I salute the leadership and members of the Ninth Assembly for their patriotism, dedication to duty, candour and most importantly the dispatch with which they have enacted legacy legislations for this nation. I do not take such level of cooperation for granted and hope it continues for the overall efficiency of the Federal machinery.
41. Nigeria’s Roadmap on Local Refining is on track with the Commissioning of a Modular refinery in Imo State.
42. A second is scheduled for commissioning by the end of this year in Edo State and the third one in Bayelsa State by 2022.
43. In addition to the modular projects, we also have the two mega refinery projects coming up in Lagos and Akwa Ibom States.
44. As these refineries are commissioned, more employment opportunities are created and there would be increased petroleum products available for local consumption which will significantly reduce our reliance on importation.
45. In further demonstrating our plan to reduce our dependence on oil and tapping from our enormous gas resources, this administration remains committed to the “Decade of Gas” Initiative, which is aimed at bringing to focus the utilization of our huge gas resources.
46. Already, we are supporting and promoting various gas-based projects including NLNG Train 7 and the mega urea and ammonia projects in the South-South region.
47. As we continue to optimise and enhance our oil and gas sector, I am also proud and delighted to state that our economic diversification strategy remains on course with the persistent increase in Non-Oil Sector contribution to GDP.
48. We recovered from economic recession in quarter four of 2020 with a GDP growth rate of 0.11%, and grew by 0.51% and 5.01% in real terms in the first and second quarters of 2021.
49. The Agricultural sector remains key to our economic diversification efforts as the sector has been a consistent driver of the non-oil sector contributing 22.35% and 23.78% to the overall GDP in the first and second quarter of 2021.
50. We have seen significant private sector investments in almost all areas of the agricultural value chain. And these have continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
51. Unfortunately, as our food production capacity has increased, food prices have been going up due to artificial shortages created by middlemen who have been buying and hoarding these essential commodities for profiteering.
52. To address this, I am hereby directing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to rehabilitate the National Food Reserve Agency and also work with security agencies, the Nigerian Commodity Exchange, and the National Assembly to find a lasting solution to these disruptive and unpatriotic hoarding activities.
53. To further enhance food production, we have completed several new dams and are in the process of rehabilitating several River Basin Development Authorities to enhance ground water supply for rainfed agriculture as well as surface water for irrigation agriculture.
54. The water projects we completed between 2015 to 2020 have improved Nigerian’s access to potable water to 71% between 2015 and 2020. This means 12.5 million additional Nigerians now have direct access to potable water.
Fellow Nigerians,
55. This Government remains concerned by the significant transportation infrastructure deficit we have. Addressing the challenges our commuters and lorry drivers face on the motorways is still a high priority to us.
56. To complement our budgetary allocations, the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund and the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, we recently established a N15trillion Infrastructural Corporation of Nigeria Limited (INFRACO), which is expected to begin operation by the fourth quarter of this year.
57. INFRACO will also focus on leveraging resources on a public-private sector basis for infrastructural development in Nigeria.
58. We hope through these innovative programs, the additional cost burden on individuals and businesses because of inefficient logistics operations will be reduced and ultimately, eliminated.
59. We currently have over 13,000 kilometres of roads and bridges under construction all over the country of which a fair percentage have been completed.
60. As we fix our roads, we also continue to extend and upgrade Nigeria’s railway network with the notable opening of the Warri- Itakpe standard gauge rail line.
61. To increase capacity, we have introduced more locomotives, coaches and wagons including the establishment of a Wagon Assembly in Kajola, Ogun State.
62. The sea ports however still remain problematic. The effect of our various interventions to reduce the gridlocks and inefficiencies have been slower than expected.
63. However, the implementation of the Electronic Call-Up System as well as the conversion of the Lillypond Container Terminal to a Vehicle Transit Area will further enhance the ease of cargo evacuation.
64. Our prioritisation of developing Nigeria’s Digital Economy has positively impacted the contribution of the ICT sector to our GDP.
65. We hope our present efforts to ensure all Nigerians use a National Identification Number as well as our planned roll-out of the fifth generation (5G) network technology will ensure we stay in line with the global innovation curve as a Nation.
66. As we embrace the digital economy in Nigeria, we are fully aware of the prospects and the perils. Our policies have been developed to enable Nigerians to take advantage of the prospects and avoid the perils of digital technologies.
67. Social media is a very useful platform that has enabled millions of Nigerians to connect with loved ones, promote their businesses, socialise, and access news and other information.
68. However, recent events have shown that the platform is not just an innocuous platform for information dissemination.
69. Rather some users have misused the platform to organise, coordinate, and execute criminal activities, propagate fake news, and promote ethnic and religious sentiments.
70. To address these negative trends, the Federal Government of Nigeria suspended the operations of Twitter in Nigeria on June 5, 2021 to allow the Government put measures in place to address these challenges.
71. Following the suspension of Twitter operations, Twitter Inc. reached out to the Federal Government of Nigeria to resolve the impasse. Subsequently, I constituted a Presidential Committee to engage Twitter to explore the possibility of resolving the issue.
72. The Committee, along with its Technical Team, has engaged with Twitter and have addressed a number of key issues. These are:
a. National Security and Cohesion;
b. Registration, Physical presence and Representation;
c. Fair Taxation;
d. Dispute Resolution; and
e. Local Content.
73. Following the extensive engagements, the issues are being addressed and I have directed that the suspension be lifted but only if the conditions are met to allow our citizens continue the use of the platform for business and positive engagements.
74. As a country, we are committed to ensuring that digital companies use their platform to enhance the lives of our citizens, respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, cultural values and promote online safety.
75. Nigeria’s progressive diplomacy continues to manifest through growing numbers of highly placed Nigerians in positions of regional and global influences. Very recently, Nigeria won election for the position of Commissioner for the expanded Political, Peace and Security Affairs of the African Union.
76. Our persistent calls for a reorganized and reformed ECOWAS, to make the organization citizens-sensitive, paid off with the acceptance by the Authority of Heads of State and Governments of ECOWAS to commence the agreed reforms in the organization ahead of the next elections of the organization’s principal officers in December this year.
77. At the African Development Bank, World Trade Organization and indeed, the United Nations, footprints of Nigeria’s Diplomacy are clearly evident.
78. We remain confident that our goal of lifting 100million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years is achievable.
79. Considering the positive impact of our Social Investment Programs, I recently approved an increase in the number of N-Power program beneficiaries from 500,000 to 1,000,000.
80. Out of this, 510,000 have started the programme while the competitive selection process for onboarding the outstanding 490,000 beneficiaries is in progress.
81. The National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme is currently being implemented in 35 States of the Federation and the FCT. Over 103,000 women have been engaged and empowered as cooks under the programme, while about 10 million pupils are being fed across public primary schools in the country.
82. To grant increased access to credit to the most poor and vulnerable, I have directed an increase in the disbursement of Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme loans to an additional one million beneficiaries laying more emphasis on the smallholding farmers through the farmers Moni program.
Fellow Nigerians,
83. For far too long we have neglected the centrality of the civil service as the engine of governance and this has manifested in ineffective service delivery.
84. There is widespread discontent and disillusion about the efficiency and probity of our civil service.
85. It is for this reason that we are refocusing the Nigerian Civil Service to provide World class service to run our country.
86. The youths of this great country remain propellants for our today and provide guarantees that we would have a secure tomorrow.
87. It is for this reason that I remain focused on expanding opportunities for their participation in politics and governance.
88. Recent appointments of young people into positions of authority and their track record so far, gives me confidence that we need to bring more of them into governance and this I promise to do.
89. More specifically, to encourage Girl-Child Education, female scholarship schemes, life skills and digital literacy skills to boost girl’s enrolment, retention and completion of schooling, are all initiatives put in place to ensure gender balance in appropriately positioning our youths for positions of leadership.
90. The commitment of this Administration to the well-being of people living with disabilities remains unwavering.
91. Government recognises their contributions to development and I have, in this regard, directed that all relevant Government Agencies pay special attention to the peculiarities of different abilities in the implementation of policies and programmes.
92. Rape and Gender Based Violence remains a sore point in our Nation as in many countries worldwide and this was worsened during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
93. We are currently engaging Heads of Courts to establish Specialised Courts for the speedy and seamless trial of Rape/Gender-Based offences especially to ensure that justice is done for child victims of sexual violence.
94. On the other hand, work has advanced in the reformation, reintegration and reunification of Minors involved in one crime or the other.
95. The reformation in our Correctional Services has manifested in an increase in modernised custodial centres and a transformation from strictly punitive to attitudinal changes so that criminals do not relapse into their previous lifestyle.
96. As we begin to celebrate our sixty one years as a Nation, we need to be conscious that Nigeria does not start and end with the Federal Government. This country is a great collective where Government at all arms and levels as well as the private sector, and more importantly individuals, have a role to play.
97. In particular, security is a bottom to top undertaking. Joining hands and hearts together would enable us to secure ourselves and our country.
98. I fully understand the anxiety of many Nigerians on the inability of this country to go beyond a never-ending potential for becoming a great nation to an actually great one.
99. A lot has been achieved in the last six years on many fronts: in infrastructure, social care, governance, Nigeria’s image and influence in Africa and the international community.
100. But critics misdiagnose incremental progress as stagnation. Since coming to power, this Administration has tackled our problems head-on in spite of the meagre resources. No government since 1999 has done what we have done in six years to put Nigeria back on track.
101. We shall continue to serve the country: listen to all and protect our democracy and country.
Thank you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Friday, said he had directed a conditional lifting of the ban placed on the operations of the micro blogging sire, Twitter, in Nigeria in June.
Buhari disclosed this in his nationwide broadcast to Nigerians to mark the nation’s 61st independence.
He described the social media as a very useful platform but regretted that some users have misused the platform to organise, coordinate, and execute criminal activities, propagate fake news, and promote ethnic and religious sentiments.
The President said, “Social media is a very useful platform that has enabled millions of Nigerians to connect with loved ones, promote their businesses, socialise, and access news and other information.
“However, recent events have shown that the platform is not just an innocuous platform for information dissemination.
“Rather some users have misused the platform to organise, coordinate, and execute criminal activities, propagate fake news, and promote ethnic and religious sentiments.
“To address these negative trends, the Federal Government of Nigeria suspended the operations of Twitter in Nigeria on June 5, 2021 to allow the Government put measures in place to address these challenges.
“Following the suspension of Twitter operations, Twitter Inc.
reached out to the Federal Government of Nigeria to resolve the impasse. Subsequently, I constituted a Presidential Committee to engage Twitter to explore the possibility of resolving the issue.
“The Committee, along with its Technical Team, has engaged with Twitter and have addressed a number of key issues. These are National Security and Cohesion; Registration, Physical presence and Representation; Fair Taxation; Dispute Resolution; and Local Content.
“Following the extensive engagements, the issues are being addressed and I have directed that the suspension be lifted but only if the conditions are met to allow our citizens continue the use of the platform for business and positive engagements.
“As a country, we are committed to ensuring that digital companies use their platform to enhance the lives of our citizens, respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, cultural values and promote online safety.”
Punch
The National Industrial Court in Port Harcourt has ordered the Rivers State Government to reinstate the 217 sacked workers of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the state.
The presiding judge, Justice Polycarp Hamman, gave the order while ruling on the matter.
Justice Hamman said the state government did not follow due process in the sacking of the affected staff.
Recall that Amannah Peace and three others representing sacked workers from the Polytechnic formerly known as Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, had dragged the Rivers State Government to court for unlawfully sacking them.
The claimants, who were employed in April 2015 during the administration of Rotimi Amaechi as academic and non-academic staff of the institution, claimed that they concluded their biometrics and had resumed work when they were informed that the entire exercise was cancelled by the Rivers State Government led by Governor Nyesom Wike.
But Justice Hamman, who ordered that the 217 workers be reinstated, also mandated the authorities to pay all their outstanding salaries.
Speaking to newsmen outside the courtroom, one of the lawyers for the sacked staff, Courage Nsirimovu, said it was clear that the Rivers State Government erred in its decision.
Nsirimovu advised the Rivers State Government not to appeal the judgement.
“Every party had the right to appeal. The moment court has said they should be reinstated, the status quo is that right now, they are employees of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic. Any person that harasses them will have to face the court for contempt proceedings,” he said.
Ahead of the October 16 state congress of the All Progressives Congress, a member of the Cross River State chapter of the party, Mfam Asu, has approached the State High Court to challenge the party’s alleged constitutional breaches.
He asked the court to determine whether or not the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/ National Convention Planning Committee, the Cross River State APC Caretaker Committee chairman, Sen. Mathew Mbu Jr. as well as Governor Ben Ayade and others listed as 1st to 8 defendants, have the powers to go ahead with the exercise.
It was learnt that the matter was filed in the vacation court in Calabar but was returned to the state Chief Judge Justice Akon Ikpeme, by the Vacation Judge for reassignment.
The issues for determination and resolution include, “Whether there is power in the 1st and 2nd Defendants to proceed to conduct the 31st day of July Ward Congresses and/or any Congress and National Convention by virtue of sections 183 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended);
“Whether any of the defendants can deny the plaintiff their right to contest and/or take part in the 1st Defendants 2021 ward Congresses, Local Government Congresses and State Congress in Cross River State:”
Punch
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Nigeria marks another independence anniversary today. A few days ago, I was addressing a gathering where I said I wouldn’t know what people meant each time they said the amalgamation that happened in 1914 was a mistake. The 1914-mistake view is part of our usual short-cut approach to national issues. We don’t wait patiently to improve on things, rather we throw at them solutions that aren’t carefully thought through. When this fails as it should, we blame the fact that the phenomenon happened in the first place. I think we should be talking about the mistake of 1966, the year we stopped improving on this potentially great nation bequeathed to us in 1914.
We had challenges in the First Republic. Rather than work them out, we applauded the disruption of democracy by the military in 1966. Yet, it’s in a democracy political imperfections are discussed and improved upon. Every nation must improve itself, something the US and the UK have taken centuries to do. The journey is different for each nation. But one thing is certain, sacrifice is required in the form of political dialogue, political reforms, as well as period of consolidation. Political dialogue to improve our nation which began in the 1950s was terminated in 1966.
So, what we should have negotiated and consolidated through regular elections and reforms if 1966 didn’t happen are what we now have in those southern governors’ declarations, as well as the court actions.
Having disagreements and resolving them are normal in nation-building processes. The last time we talked about our political situation for nation-building purposes was in the late 1950s. What’s happening in 2021 is fallout of what the military years didn’t allow us to perfect, politically.
Use of military decrees was a short-cut, sweeping contentious issues under the carpet. They must resurface. In a federation, issues of how we live together that aren’t resolved at a national political conference, through political bargaining, can only be peacefully resolved in law courts.
Over the years, there were too many issues we swept under the carpet, rather than confront and debate to arrive at a resolution.
I attribute it to our short-cut approach. Like other issues that are germane to our sense of belonging and fairness, justice and equity, some are already canvassing a short-cut route regarding the Value Added Tax phenomenon. Some say we should be our brother’s keeper over who collects and uses VAT. It sounds perfectly moral, except that VAT is a legal issue. Who collects or utilises proceeds of VAT speaks to fairness, justice, and equity. If VAT collection by the Federal Government must be rationalised on the basis of morality, then it’s also moral that who collects and utilises it is decided based on agreement among those concerned.
This was never discussed between the component units and the Federal Government. It was imposed.
In any case, I believe the negotiated arrangement of the 1950s is one solution: Let states collect what they feel is theirs, and remit a percentage to the Federal Government to take care of our federation. Even regarding this, some talk about the central government becoming weak.
To me, this reasoning is more a matter of state of mind than reality, just as it is the case with a statement someone made recently that Nigeria’s presidents are the most powerful in the world. Yet, when any political scientist checks this claim against the known indices of power, our president is not even 10 per cent as powerful as the US president. The latter has an army, economic strength, military facility, diplomatic reach, that can project his power in any part of the world in a manner Nigerian presidents never can. Promoting fiscal federalism cannot weaken the centre if states remit percentages of funds they collect to the Federal Government based on its needs.
Also, the FG cannot be weakened if we appropriately leave national issues such as defence, external relations etc. to it, while states concentrate on social, educational, and economic issues. Reducing the burdens that the FG currently bears cannot automatically mean weakening the centre. If we feel this will be the case, let there be empirical study of the phenomenon by political scientists, lawyers and financial experts. That’s how to establish an assumption, rather than these armchair theories that we throw around.
In order to have peace and progress, issues in a federal arrangement must be agreed upon by participants.
If contentious issues aren’t discussed and resolved in some form, what we do is that we hide from a problem and we’ll meet it another day. As already noted, collection of VAT by either state or the FG basically speaks to law. Where there can be a political angle to it is how we’ve refused to discuss issues surrounding its collection and utilisation. We’ve refused to discuss and decide how we live together, who gets what, when, and how, which is what politics is all about. If we don’t openly and transparently discuss and agree on these things, escaping ongoing court actions and those vituperation up and down the Niger River will be a mirage.
Equally, the matter of VAT is related to other issues about our federalism which we grapple with. We have many of them that pit our people against one another because we’ve not been allowed to discuss them. We’ve not been allowed to negotiate on how to handle crucial matters that are fundamental to our fiscal federalism since the 1950s. Even what was negotiated at the political conferences of that era was nullified in 1966.
Since then, military decrees shaped how we now live together and traces remain in the constitution. At the time VAT was introduced, I had wondered if the Federal Government should be the one to collect it. Negotiators at the political conferences of the 1950s would never have agreed to such arrangement.
Now, I’ve regularly submitted on this page that the states have enormous power even under the current constitution but they don’t make use of half of it. So, in the event that state governments exercise one more power they have under the Concurrent List to collect VAT, I applaud it.
It’s because this speaks to the challenge of how the negotiated powers of the 1950s which the military handed over to the Federal Government in 1966 have become impossible to take back. In the past, I had stated that if this situation wouldn’t be reversed through political dialogue, then legal means would have to be adopted. That states go to courts over VAT is therefore one way to take back some of the powers the military handed over to the FG by decree.
Note that the VAT court action won’t be the last. A Fulani association has threatened to go to court over the ban placed on open grazing. The pattern will strengthen our legal processes, improve our federation, even as we debate the issues. More than that, in the past, only the party in the opposition looked the FG in the face and dared to do what they actually had powers to do under the Concurrent List. Now, states in the same ruling party and in the opposition challenge the FG in court. It’s good for our political development.
Moreover, we’re moving from just shouting at one another over contentious national issues, to going before Their Lordships to argue our case. It’s another good addition to the nation’s development; I mean the legal aspect of it. The fact is that both the political and legal means of resolving disputes, so vital in a federation, stagnated between 1966 and 1999. In fact, it stopped on October 1, 1960, the last real political conferences being in the 1950s. What we couldn’t do in the years military decrees (short-cuts) were used like a magic wand to decide who gets what, when, how, is what we’re doing now, We’ve retured to activism regarding resolution of how we want to live together, as well as the restoration of true federalism. The British amalgamated us for, as some argue, administrative convenience; but have we consistently sat down to discuss and improve on what was handed over to us? Since national political dialogue isn’t encouraged in improving our federation, the legal route we’ve now adopted is the peaceful alternative. It ensures we continue from where we stopped in 1966.
PUNCH.
Unknown Gunmen Attack Chris Azubogu In Anambra, Driver Shot Dead
A yet-to-be identified gunmen have brutally attacked Anambra Federal House of Reps Member, Hon Chris Azubogu’s Convoy at Nnobi.
The unknown gunmen also killed one of his drivers.
Details later.
Two persons suspected to be homosexuals escaped a mob attack after they were allegedly caught having intercourse in a public toilet at the Mile Three Park, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
One of them, said to be in his early 40s and identified simply as Stephen, was reported to be sleeping with a young man in the toilet when they were caught.
The incident stirred anger among workers at the park, who reportedly wanted to descend on them.
The commotion was said to have attracted policemen from the Nkpolu divisional headquarters, who rescued the suspects.
The attendant of the public toilet, Mr Vitalis Andrew, recalled that Stephen and his alleged partner paid him money to use two different toilet rooms, but another customer, who was using one of the toilets, heard loud moaning and suspected something was fishy.
Andrew noted that the customer climbed the wall separating the two toilet rooms and saw Stephen having intercourse with his partner.
He said the two men after realising that they had been caught took to their heels.
The attendant said, “This morning, one guy paid me to use the toilet, unknown to me that the person who stood by him was his sexual partner. The man entered, followed by his partner, and some minutes afterward, we started to hear loud moaning.
“When we peeped, we saw both of them making out.
But before we could raise the alarm, they had run away. So, I went to where his (Stephen’s) car was parked and I could not find him. So, I called my Oga and he instructed me to find him and hold on. We have handed the man over to the police.”
The Manager of the public toilet, Mr Chamberline Dappa, said he called the police who came and rescued the suspect from the mob.
Dappa explained that he went with the police to the station and made a statement on what transpired in his facility.
He said, “This morning, I was coming from the house when my second called me that they caught somebody sleeping with his fellow man inside the public toilet, so I asked them to hold on until I come.
“Before I arrived at the place, the second person had run away. As I came in, I saw a crowd; all of them were eager to beat the man and I asked them not to. When I saw the situation and noticed that the crowd wanted to overpower me, I called the police.
“The police arrested him and we went to the station, where I made a statement. They asked me to present the eyewitness that saw them.
“I went to the man’s shop, but he was not there, so I reported back to the police to tell them that at 11am, I would provide the witness.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, adding that both suspects were in custody.
“I have interviewed them this afternoon and the suspects are with us. We are still investigating.
“We have yet to get in touch with the complainant, but we have witnesses who caught them in the act and have made useful statements to us,” Omoni stated.
A Lagos resident, Nofiu Odusanya, alias Atere, has allegedly broken the leg of a community leader, Mutairu Olayiwola, in Isale Oja, in the Agege area of Lagos State for meddling in a fight.
It was gathered that Odusanya, on Sunday, September 19, had a disagreement with Mutairu’s daughter, Islamiya, which degenerated into a fight.
PUNCH Metro learnt that when the community leader attempted to broker peace between the parties, Odusanya ran out and grabbed a grinding stone.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspect smashed the stone on Mutairu’s leg.
He said, “Nofiu (Odusanya), had an issue with the daughter of the Asoju of Isale Oja. I don’t know what caused their disagreement or what was between them, but when her father heard that she was fighting with the guy, he came out, with a towel tied to his waist, to separate them.
“When Nofiu saw that Mutairu wanted to separate them, he ran to pick a grinding stone and used it to break his leg. Mutairu was rushed to Igbobi (Orthopaedic Hospital), from where he was transferred to another hospital in the area. A Plaster of Paris was later placed on his leg.”
Our correspondent learnt that the matter was reported at the Isokoko Police Station and Odusanya was arrested.
A source alleged that the suspect’s family was making efforts to make him evade justice.
He said, “We learnt that they are trying to get the boy out of the police station; we want the boy to face the consequence because if he’s out, he will be emboldened to continue with this kind of action and will feel he is above the law.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said he would find out and get back to our correspondent.
He had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
Punch
Old Story
A 20-year-old man, Ibrahim also known as ‘Ibro’, has been arrested by the Niger Child Rights Protection Agency for alleged sexual harassment of two minors in the state.
The agency’s Director-General, Mrs Mariam Kolo, on Friday in Minna said the suspect was arrested in Randan Ruwa Bosso, in Bosso Local government area where the incident occurred following a tip off by neighbours
The suspect lured two brothers between the ages nine and 13 to his room under the pretext of wanting them to assist him with house chores.
Malama Sailha Mohammed, the mother of the two boys, contacted the agency after she received distress call from her eldest son.
She said the children were living with her ex-husband, Malam Kasim Adamu and his new wife in Minna, after they were divorced.
Mohammed said: “I got a call from the senior boy who is 13 years who said he informed neighbours that the suspect called him to assist him wash his clothes.
“After washing and ironing the clothes, the suspect undressed himself and asked the boy to suck his manhood threatening him with a knife.
“He released semen and asked the boy to swallow it after which blood starting coming out of his manhood.
“He also asked the boy to suck the blood.
“My son summoned courage and called me on on phone and narrated the incident to me.
“I had to travel from Abuja to Minna because the youngest boy who is 9 started complaining of stomach pain.”
Confirming the incident, Kolo said the case had been reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for investigation.
She said that the victims had been treated after undergoing medical examinations.
Kolo described the incident as `ungodly and disgusting,’ adding that the children were not properly given parental care.
She appealed to parents to always look out for their children and wards and watch out for the the people they mingle with.
(NAN
Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr in grieving her late father, Dr Chike Akunyili said that her father’s death signified that the nation is in pain.
In a tribute on her social media page, she said, “Ubuntu – ‘I am because we are’. If this holds true, then the man who pulled the trigger twice is because we are — his anger, the injustice of his action, and his violence are because it is mirrored in the world around him. If ‘I am because we are’, then my father’s pain gasping for breath in his last moments is because we as a nation are in pain.”
She concluded her tribute by saying, “We can choose a different path… this current one leads to more senseless death and pain for one too many.”
Credit: Facebook | Chidiogo Akunyili
Amazon has reached an agreement with two employees who accused the e-commerce giant of dismissing them in retaliation for their activism, both parties said Wednesday.
Maren Costa and Emily Cunningham, who led an advocacy group of Amazon employees campaigning for better environmental and labor practices at the company, were fired last spring.
Federal labor authorities later concluded that the dismissals of the two Amazon designers were indeed retaliatory.
On Wednesday, the women said in joint statement on Twitter that in line with the agreement, Amazon will be required to pay them lost wages and “post a notice to all of its
tech and warehouse workers nationwide that Amazon can’t fire workers for organizing and exercising their rights.”
“This is a win for protecting workers rights, and shows that we were right to stand up for each other, for justice, and for our world,” Costa and Cunningham said.
Amazon, the second largest private employer in the United States, said in a statement: “We have reached a mutual agreement that resolves the legal issues in this case and welcome the resolution of this matter.”
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union said that assisting Costa and Cunningham in their legal case “has been an honor and responsibility.”
“We felt that the workers had a strong case from the beginning and we want to encourage all workers to speak out in a collective and constructive way to improve their workplaces if they so choose,” Faye Guenther, President of UFCW’s branch in Washington state, said in a statement.
(AFP)
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr Tony Olofu, has vowed that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will deal with the killers of Dr Chike Akunyili.
Dr Akunyili, who was killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, was the husband of the late Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof Dora Akunyili, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
The police commissioner, who spoke while confirming Akunyili’s death, sued for calm and stressed that the perpetrators would be unmasked and “decisively dealt with“.
A statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday in Awka said that Olofu visited the scene where Akunyili was killed in Nkpor and two other locations where violent crimes were perpetrated.
Ikenga quoted Olofu as saying that with the way they operated, the gunmen seemed to have lost every iota of human conscience and sensibility in them.
The statement said that at about 5 p.m. around the Nkpor Roundabout and without any provocation, some gunmen attacked and shot a police inspector attached to a Very Important Personality.
“At Afor Nkpor Junction, three unidentified bodies were recovered, a burnt Toyota Hilux and a vandalised Toyota Hummer bus were also seen at the crime scene.
“The lifeless bodies were taken to the hospital and regrettably one of the bodies was identified as one Dr Chike Akunyili”, Ikenga said in the statement.
He said the bandits also beheaded a yet-to-be-identified man and thereafter fled the scene of the crime.
The police commissioner expressed regrets at the unfortunate loss of lives and valuables due to those senseless acts.
Punch
Obumneme, a son of the murdered Dr. Chike Akunyili has described how his father was killed by the yet-to-be-identified persons.
The medical doctor and widower of a late Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili, was killed on Monday evening when he was returning from a commemorative lecture in honour of his late wife, Dora.
The Police Command in Anambra State, where the incident happened, has vowed to unravel the brains behind the murder.
Speaking with the BBC Igbo, Obumneme said that his dad was shot in the face by gunmen who opened fire on his vehicle at Nkpor, Anambra State.
“His driver and a Police officer assigned to him also died in the shooting. A cousin survived and is being treated in hospital,” Obumneme added.
They were driving back from the town of Nsukka in Enugu state after attending a lecture hosted by the University of Nigeria to pay tribute to the late NAFDAC DG, Dora.
Punch
The Police Command in Niger has confirmed the killing of three people by gunmen who attacked the palace of the Emir of Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Kuryas, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna on Wednesday.
Kuryas said that the incident occurred at about 5.30 p.m.on Tuesday and that over 100 attackers who came with dangerous weapons were able to gain entry into the emir’s palace and the divisional Police headquarters in the area.
He said a policeman and two civilians were killed by the bandits during the incident.
Similarly, he said, some gunmen also attacked Kachiwe village in Sarkin Pawa headquarters of Munya Local Government Area of the state.
He said the bandits sneaked in from their hideout in Kaduna State to execute the heinous act.
”I don’t have the actual number of people killed during the attack,”he said.
The commissioner, however, said that the command was not resting on its oars in an effort to rid the state of crime and criminality and appealed to residents of the state to provide timely information to security agencies.
He said investigation into the matter had commenced to enable them to track down the perpetrators of the criminal act.
According to him,a team of policemen have been despatched to the area to safeguard lives and property of people of Sarkin Pawa.
(NAN)
Barcelona suffered more European humiliation on Wednesday after a 3-0 defeat by Benfica left them in serious danger of failing to make it out of their Champions League group.
A hammering in Lisbon, which saw Darwin Nunez score twice, including a second-half penalty, also delivered another heavy blow to Ronald Koeman’s hopes of staying on as Barca coach.
Nunez’s double and a smart finish from Rafa Silva consigned Koeman’s team to a second consecutive 3-0 loss in Group E, after they were thrashed by the same scoreline at the hands of Bayern Munich earlier this month.
Koeman’s tactics will again come under scrutiny, with Gerard Pique substituted after just 33 minutes, seemingly to avoid picking up another yellow card, only for Eric Garcia to be sent off late on for a second booking.
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona’s most creative player for the first half an hour, was also shifted into central defence to replace the departing Pique.
It is the first time since 2000 that Barcelona have lost back-to-back group games in the Champions League, which was also the last time the club failed to make the tournament’s knock-out stage.
They have a mountain to climb now to avoid the same fate, sitting bottom of the table, with Benfica four points ahead in second and a crunch game at home to Dynamo Kiev to come next month.
Whether Koeman is still in charge for that game remains to be seen given his future is not even secure for this weekend, when Barcelona play at Spanish champions Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
The club might view the upcoming international break as the more logical time to make a change but despite Koeman’s pleas for support, and perspective, his team have now won only one of their last five games and it appears a matter of when, not if.
– Dire financial problems –
Earlier on Wednesday, La Liga had laid bare Barcelona’s dire financial problems by slashing their spending limit for this season to 97 million euros ($112.48 million), the seventh highest in La Liga. But even in adversity there is a base-line level of performance and Koeman is currently not managing to reach it.
Benfica were dynamite on the break all night but they needed only 135 seconds to take the lead as Nunez ran at Garcia from the left and was allowed to dart inside and strike the ball inside the near post.
Barcelona had chances to equalise as Pedri arrowed a brilliant through-ball for Frenkie de Jong, who squared for his teammate Luuk de Jong, but he was denied by a brilliant block six yards out.
Frenkie de Jong laid another chance on a plate for his namesake but again the opportunity went begging, with the midfielder’s attacking contributions suddenly cut short in the 33rd minute, when Pique went off.
Benfica looked the more likely to score again in the second half as Marc-Andre ter Stegen rushed out but failed to get to the ball first. Nunez rounded the goalkeeper but
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curled against the outside of the post from 40 yards.
Koeman brought on the 19-year-old Nico Gonzalez, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati in the 67th minute but in the 68th, Benfica made it two. Joao Mario played a neat one-two with Roman Yaremchuk, who hit Ter Stegen only for Silva to sweep in the rebound.
A Sergino Dest handball was picked up by VAR, allowing Nunez to make it three from the spot, before Garcia completed a humbling night for Barcelona by being sent off with three minutes left.
The Department of State Services has denied killing Dr. Chike Akunyili, widower of the late Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Dora Akunyili.
In a statement titled, ‘DSS Denies Allegation of Killing Dr. Chike Akunyili,’ which was signed by the agency’s spokesman, Dr Peter Afunaya, the DSS said it would track down those behind the murder.
The statement reads in part, “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to an allegation that its operatives killed Dr. Chike Akunyili.
“Also, the service was alerted to a social media video claiming that the ‘Nigerian DSS’ murdered security escorts at Nkpor, Anambra State on 28 September, 2021.
“The service hereby denies these allegations and wishes to clearly state that they are spurious and illogical. There was no basis for the DSS to kill the medical doctor or fellow law enforcement agents.”
The agency said it cherishes life and believes in the rule of law.
It asked the public to be wary of the false narratives by those desirous of using the DSS to cover up their heinous acts.
“The operations of these hostile elements are already well known in the public space and to the discerning.
“Moreover, their desperate effort to divert attention or deploy reverse psychology to deceive unsuspecting members of the public has become a stock in trade that has defined their patterns and trends. It is a matter of time before the law will catch up with them,” it said.
Cristiano Ronaldo marked his record-breaking 178th Champions League appearance with a 95th-minute winner as Manchester United snatched a 2-1 victory over Villarreal at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had barely threatened until he fired past Geronimo Rulli at the back post to ease the mounting pressure on United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with virtually the last kick of the game.
United were staring down the barrel of another embarrassing group stage exit from the Champions League after deservedly falling behind early in the second half to Paco Alcacer’s smart finish.
Alex Telles’ stunning strike quickly levelled, but a sixth draw from open play in as many meetings between the sides was on the cards until Ronaldo’s late intervention.
Despite the result, there was little in the performance to quell the growing questions as to whether Solskjaer is the man to get the best out of a squad of supremely talented individuals that are yet to click as a collective.
Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage-time penalty that ended up in the Stretford End condemned United to a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, but Solskjaer showed his backing for the Portuguese midfielder by handing him the captain’s armband in the absence of Harry Maguire.
Luke Shaw was also missing due to injury, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka was suspended after being sent off in the 2-1 defeat to Young Boys on matchday one.
A makeshift United defence looked as such in the first half as Villarreal wasted a host of chances to inflict more misery on the Red Devils after beating them in May to win the Europa League.
Arnaut Danjuma toyed with stand-in United right-back Diogo Dalot, but the Dutch winger firstly fired straight at David de Gea and was then denied by a brilliant finger-tip stop by the Spanish goalkeeper.
De Gea was the fall guy in the Europa League final as he was the only player of the 22 on both sides to fail to score in a marathon penalty shootout.
– United fall behind –
However, he has started the season in supreme form and was needed to save his side once more midway through the first half to turn Alcacer’s header over.
Alcacer then fired wide with just De Gea to beat after an error from Raphael Varane and botched a two-on-one counter-attack with a poor pass to Yeremi Pino.
United did not heed their first-half warnings as eight minutes into the second period another promising break from Danjuma finally got the finish it deserved as Alcacer prodded through the legs of De Gea at the near post.
Telles was at fault for the opening goal as he played Danjuma onside.
But the Brazilian quickly made amends in spectacular fashion as he volleyed home Fernandes’ free-kick from outside the area.
Solskjaer had named an extremely offensive line-up with Ronaldo flanked by Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood, and Paul Pogba alongside Fernandes in midfield.
But it was another night to forget Sancho since his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in July.
The England winger was easily kept in check by Juan Foyth before being replaced 15 minutes from time by Edinson Cavani.
The Uruguayan had a golden chance to instantly make himself the hero, but somehow headed wide with the goal gaping from Greenwood’s perfect cross.
De Gea saved United once more five minutes from time in a goalmouth scramble to deny Moi Gomez and Boulaye Dia.
And Villarreal’s profligacy in front of goal came back to haunt them as the all-time top goalscorer in Champions League history showed them how to finish.
Jesse Lingard turned a loose ball Ronaldo’s way deep into stoppage time and his effort had too much power for Rulli.
(AFP)
Federico Chiesa proved to be a big game player once again with the only goal in Juventus‘ 1-0 Champions League win over Chelsea which could kick-start their faltering season.
Sat 10th in Serie A after a succession of unconvincing performances domestically, Juve top Group H with a perfect six points thanks to a superbly taken winner seconds after half-time from Chiesa, one of Italy’s stars at Euro 2020.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side took down the European champions, despite missing starting forwards Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata, with a disciplined performance that sucked the life out of the Blues and restricted them to very little in front of goal.
Chelsea dominated the ball in the early stages but it was the home side who had the first real chances of the game, both of which came after pouncing on sloppy passes in midfield.
Adrien Rabiot was barracked by the home crowd in the 16th minute when after sprinting away on a break with almost the entire Chelsea team still upfield, he elected to play a pass to Federico Bernardeschi which was completely mishit and rolled to Edouard Mendy.
Four minutes later it was Chiesa’s turn to show the Blues a clean pair of heels after pinching the ball, only for his low shot from a tight angle to drift just wide.
Juve’s gameplan of sitting in and stopping Chelsea from getting a passing rhythm going worked but they initially lacked a focal point and too often let off the hook a Chelsea team missing the dynamism of N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount.
However they got the goal they deserved immediately after the break through Chiesa, who has had an uncertain start to the season but confidently met Bernardeschi’s through ball to lash home the opener at the near post.
Chelsea responded by again pressing Juve back into their box but again struggled to break through the hosts’ well-drilled backline.
It was Juve who were wondering how Bernardeschi didn’t double their lead in the 64th minute when he tripped over his own feet with the goal at his mercy.
And they were breathing a big sigh of relief with six minutes left when after a prolonged spell of Chelsea dominance Romelu Lukaku thumped wide after being nicely set up by Mateo Kovacic.
The home crowd roared at the misfortunes of Lukaku, former striker at their fiercest rivals Inter Milan, and right after Kai Havertz headed over the bar let out another shout of joy at the final whistle.
(AFP)
Nollywood actor Francis Duru announced the demise of his father, ten months after his mother’s death.
The actor took to his Instagram page on Wednesday to share the last picture he took with his father, breaking the news of his loss.
In an emotional tribute, Duru eulogised his father while recalling that his mother ‘just left’.
His caption read, “My last pix with you..dad..memories of yesterday..0 defined my essence…built my being…took the tough and the rough to put me on the turf…of life..
I salute you dad…as you took your last bow and transited to glory…you broke my heart this morning when you refused to wake..mum just left..you too ..hmm…so heavy…so painful…thank you..thank you…thank you dad for all..thank you..Will miss you…” (sic)
In November last year, the actor broke the news of his mother’s demise via Instagram three days before her burial.
The burial ceremony, which was held at Duru’s hometown in Mbano, Imo State, was attended by his colleagues and other celebrities.
Duru’s mother died at the age of 76. However, the actor did not disclose his father’s age while announcing the latter’s demise.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the security tip concerning kidnapping in a handbook issued to members and staff of the National Youth Service Corps and the official denial of the advice by management of the corps as “problematic.”
Gbajabiamila stated that the NYSC lied about its consequent denial of the advice if the Scheme indeed inserted the worrisome sections in its official pamphlet to corpers.
The NYSC, on Page 56 of the handbook titled ‘Security Awareness and Education Handbook For Corps Members and Staff,’ had advised corps members travelling on “high-risk” roads to alert their “family members, friends and colleagues to have someone on hand to pay off the ransom that could be demanded” in case they are kidnapped.
It listed such roads as “Abuja-Kaduna, Abuja-Lokoja-Okene, or Aba-Port Harcourt” roads.
At the plenary on Tuesday, the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, moved a motion on the matter, titled, ‘Need to Investigate the Alleged Insertion of the Advice for Payment of Ransom into the National Youth Service Corps Pamphlets Containing Security Tips.’
Elumelu noted that the security challenges in the country affect corps members, as some of them, on their way to respective places of posting, have fallen victim to kidnap-for-ransom, while some have lost their lives to insurgents and other mishaps.
He said, “The House is concerned that in the last few days, reports have surfaced with picture evidence of an embarrassing provision under Section 65(e) of the NYSC Security Tips pamphlet, advising corps members to tell their families to make ransoms available in case they are kidnapped on the road.
“Then House is also concerned that the inclusion of the said section shows a complete collapse in the architectural system of the country’s security forces and a major worry for friends and family as to why their children should be allowed to participate in this compulsory exercise.
“The House is further concerned that the provision shows a lack of concern for the safety of corps members, as against the provisions of Section 19 of the Public Officers Protection Act which places the welfare and security of Corp members on the Federal Government;
“The House is disturbed that the insertion of such a clause by the NYSC in its security tips manual portrays the inability of the government to provide security on the highways as well as surrender by the government to kidnappers and bandits.”
Elumelu, therefore, prayed the House to mandate the Committee on Youth Development to “investigate the insertion of item 65(e) in the NYSC Security Awareness and Education Handbook to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to provide safety of corps members across the country.”
Gbajabiamila, however, noted that the NYSC had denied that such advice was in its handbook.
“I am aware that they tried to deny it but I have before me the pamphlet – the public document – which I got from the NYSC certified and Section 65(e) is very clear and unambiguous. And this is the pamphlet that they have been using everywhere,” Elumelu said and went further to read out the part.
Responding, the Speaker said, “If that is from NYSC, it is definitely problematic…if it is. But where an institution has come out publicly, not privately, and officially denied something, we must also take cognisance of the fact – which is a problem in this country – about documents, even the Constitution – unfortunately, you find fake (copies of the) Constitution being sold on the streets – and something needs to be done about that.
“I find it difficult that if they (NYSC) truly put that in there – and I am not holding a brief for them; maybe they did; if they truly have that in their official pamphlet and they still come out and deny it; that is not a denial, that is a lie. There is a difference; that is actually a lie if they actually did that.”
Gbajabiamila, however, ruled that the House verifies the authenticity of the handbook. “If it is authentic, then, there is a problem,” he stated.
The motion was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is currently presiding over the Federal Executive Council meeting, even as the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has not made a public appearance since his aides announced his departure from New York, where he had attended the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, The PUNCH has learnt.
Buhari, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, “returned” on September 26, 2021, but no photographs of the President arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, were posted on social media by his media handlers, as has been the norm.
Rather, his last public photographs were posted by social media aide, Buhari Sallau, via his Facebook page on Saturday, September 25, announcing the President’s departure “for Abuja.”
There has been no statement from the Presidency regarding the retired General’s return to the country, except for a report by the government-owned News Agency of Nigeria titled, ‘UNGA-76: Buhari returns with special assignment from World body.’
However, a source in the Presidency confided that Mr. President had been in isolation, in line with COVID-19 protocols, since he returned from the 76th UNGA.
Meanwhile, his aides have continued to post congratulatory messages and birthday wishes on the President’s behalf; as well as the activities of members of his cabinet, including those of the Federal Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; and vice-president Osinbajo, among others.
©Punch
