20-yr-old Girl Arrested For Using A Pestle To Kill Her Co-wife Over A Piece Of Meat

 

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a housewife, identified as Maryam Ibrahim, for allegedly killing her co-wife, Hafsat Ibrahim, at Gar Village in Pali Ward area of the state.

 

 The 20-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday, November 22, following a report from her husband, Ibrahim Sambo, 40.

He reported at the Maina-Maji l Police Station that on the same date at about 1200hrs, his second wife, Maryam Ibrahim, armed with a pestle entered into his first wife room, Hafsat Ibrahim, 32, hurt her with the pestle on the head, as a result, the victim sustained serious degree of injury.

She was subsequently rushed to a Primary Health-care center in Gar village where she was certified dead by the Medical Doctor.

The command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, who confirmed this in a statement on Monday, November 28, said: “During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime and revealed that on Tuesday 22nd November 2022 at about 1100hrs the said Hafsat Ibrahim (deceased) send her son “Abdulaziz Ibrahim ‘m’ aged 5yrs” with a lump of fried meat known as (Tsire) and gave to the suspect “Maryam Ibrahim” after eating the meat, the suspect started feeling abnormal situation led to vomited the meat.

Besides, it was a family house, thereafter, the suspect called one Faiza Hamisu ‘f’ of the same address, and told her exactly what happened and the said Faiza told the suspect that probably it was an ulcer and give her ulcer medicine.

Subsequently, the suspect provocatively went to her kitchen, picked a pestle, and entered the first wife’s room while she was asleep and h#t her on the head led to her death.”

 

You’re A Disgrace – Nollywood Actress, Nneka Adams Blast Tiwa Savage Over New Song Lyrics

  

Popular Nollywood actress, Nneka Adams has taken a swipe at controversial Nigerian music star, Tiwa Savage, following the release of her latest song titled “Loaded”.

The song which featured rave-of-the-moment artiste, Asake, the 42-year-old talented singer revisited her infamous sex tape saga which went viral in October, 2021 and gave a verse that sparked several controversies on the internet.

She lyrically attacked bloggers who celebrated the sex scandal saying, she wasn’t ashamed of the leaked sex tape while describing the act in the video as little fun she wouldn’t allow to ruin her life.

“Awon blogger blogger t’on fe fi mi gba star. Sex tape o’le baye mi je (Nibo?) Igbadun kekere yen”,

(Those bloggers think they can use me to shine, sex tape can’t ruin my life, that little enjoyment), she sang in Yoruba language and proceeded to challenge anyone who has not had sex before to signify by raising their hands in the air.

“Who never f*ck, hands in the air.”

While many of Tiwa Savage fans applauded her for addressing the scandal, Adams in a post shared on her verified Instagram page on Tuesday noted it was needless bringing the issue back, especially at a moment when almost everyone has forgotten about the sex tape.

Reacting, the Canadian-based actress and movie producer wrote: ” I wonder why Tiwa came up with such a disgraceful song. It was so childish and unnecessary. It’s like adding salt to injury. She doesn’t need such a negative publicity that won’t add anything to her popularity. You don’t buy promotion. It comes naturally.”

Russia-Ukraine War Is Reasonable For Insecurity In Nigeria – President Buhari

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine as the main cause of insecurity in Nigeria and the Sahel region.

 

 Buhari disclosed this at the 16th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC).

In a statement signed by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the President called for more vigilance and tightening of security around borders, drawing attention to the increased number of arms, ammunition, and other weapons from the Russia and Ukraine war in the Lake Chad Basin.

“It must however be stated that despite the successes recorded by the gallant troops of the MNJTF and the various ongoing national operations in the region, terrorist threats still lurk in the region,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

“Regrettably, the situation in the Sahel and the raging war in Ukraine serve as major sources of weapons and fighters that bolster the ranks of the terrorists in the Lake Chad Region. A substantial proportion of the arms and ammunition procured to execute the war in Libya continues to find its way to the Lake Chad Region and other parts of the Sahel.

“Weapons being used for the war in Ukraine and Russia are equally beginning to filter to the region.

“This illegal movement of arms into the region has heightened the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which continues to threaten our collective peace and security in the region. There is, therefore, the urgent need for expedited collaborative actions by our border control agencies and other security services to stop the circulation of all illegal weapons in the region.”

The President said the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) deserved commendation for various operations that had brought measurable stability to the Lake Chad Basin.

“The threat of Boko Haram terrorism in the Lake Chad area no doubt brought to the fore, the imperative of enhanced collaboration among the defense forces of the region in the face of a common aggressor. I am pleased that through the Multinational Joint Task Force we responded to the challenge, proving beyond reasonable doubt that with the requisite commitment and determination, the region can solve its challenges in the best ways possible.

“The MNJTF has indeed become a model, breaking physical barriers, and affirming the workability of the common approach to conquer challenges in the area.

“Permit me, therefore, to pay tribute to the untiring efforts of the officers and men of the Multinational Joint Task Force and our various National Armed Forces who continue to make remarkable sacrifices in the fight against terrorism in the region.

“The efforts and memories of these gallant soldiers, some of whom have paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty for the survival and restoration of stability to the region, will never be forgotten,” he said.

 

SENATOR ABBA MORO CONSTITUTES CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

 

The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro, has constituted his campaign council for the 2023 senatorial election. The Campaign Council has Chief Ezekiel Adaji, the immediate past Member, House of Representatives, representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, as the Chairman while Dr Adakole Elijah heads the Campaign Management Team as the Director.

Below is the full list:

A. CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

1. Chief Ezekiel Adaji - Chairman

ADO

1. Ogbu Augustine

2. Sunday Aboh

3. Mathew Ikpoki

4. Uba Obande

5. Solomon Aboh

6. Nebon Eduma

7. Emeka Awuru

8. Jacob Okpeku

9. Moses Oriri

10. Agbo Okpokwu 

APA

1. Hon. David Olofu

2 Ameh Akoche

3. David Otache

4. David Adah

5. Elisha Amali

6.Jacob Akpode

7. Sunday Oteyi

8. Silas Idoga Idakwo

9. Prof. David Salifu

10.Dr Dennis Abutu

11. James Akpome

AGATU

1. Owakoyi Egharuwa

2. Hon. Abel Ode Sabo

3. Muhammad Sani   

4.  Fodio Oloche 

5. Aziah Ogba   

6. Ajam Blessing 

7. Haruna  Dahiru 

8. Sule Adanu

9. Sani Suleiman  

10. Iyugoche Iyugoche 

11. Suleiman Adoyi

OBI

1. Augustine Okpabi

2. Ogbole Edor

3. Oliver Obo

4. Rachel Imeje

5. Augustine Ikeke

6. Prof. John Ukoh

7. Augustine Ikeh

8. Charles Ochi

9. Linus Obo

OGBADIBO

1. Dr Godwin Oyiwona

2. Ben Ebije

3. Adole JP

4. Christopher Abah

5. Prince Gabriel Obekpa

6. Lawrence Okoh

7. James Uloko

8. Arc. Elijah Onoja

9. Hon. Moses Enenche

10. James Akor

11. Shaibu Ijika

12. Sunday Idoko

13. Gabriel Ameh

OHIMINI

1. Ijachi Ogwuche

2. Joy Audu

3. Jumaima Omale

4. Chief Onuh Ameh

5. Alhaji Sule Audu

6. Mohammed Adama

7. Emmanuel Ameh

8. Anebi Elaigwu

9. Abah Anyebe

10. James Inalegwu

OJU

1. Dr Adoga Onah

2. Ode Igbe

3. Dave Agwu

4. Andy Olima

5. Ikala Onah

6. Godwin Igwe

7. Egbiri Idaah

8. Ben Ogar

9. Engr. Okpe Onah

Okpokwu

1. Hon. Solomon Onah

2. Bar. Jacob Ogwuche

3. Hon. Godfrey Adah

4. Agnes Abah

5. Hon. Musa Oji 

6. Mercy Idoko

7. Hon. Onyema Agada

8. Hon Patience Akor

9. Engr. Innocent Otanwa

10. Hon. Nathaniel Onuh 

OTUKPO

1.Hon. Egli Johnson Ahubi

2. Chief George Alli

3. Hon. Aba Adaudu

4. Hon. Gabriel Olofu

5. Hon. Abeje Egwa

6. Bellon Inalegwu Okopi

7. Barr. Abah Ejembi

8. Hon. Ada Fredrick

9. Hon. Godwin Oche - (G12)

10. Hon. Mike Ogidi Ocheibi

11. Alex Ogo Ineke 

12. Alice Albert 

13. Okoh Achegbulu

14. Mike Onche Amodu

15. Chief Ene Edache

16. Patricia Ojo

A. All serving and former members of the National Assembly.

B. All Commissioners from Zone C.

C. All Special Advisers to the Governor from Zone C.

D. All PSAs to the Governor from Zone C.

E. All Liaison Officers to the Senator.

F. All serving members of the State House of Assembly from Zone C.

G. All local government council Chairmen from Zone C.

H. All local government PDP Chairmen from Zone C.

I. All Local Government PDP campaign Coordinators from Zone C.

CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT TEAM

1. DIRECTOR - Dr Adakole Elijah

2. Deputy Director - Hon. Matthew Owuru Ireh

3. Secretary - Hon. Yusuf Ogbole

4. Deputy Director (Youth) - Comr. Gideon Obande

5. Deputy Director (Women Affairs) - Hon. Charity Echor

6. Deputy Director (Inter Party Relations) - Hon. Musa Omale

7. Deputy Director (Security) - DSP Peter Okoh (Rtd)

8. Deputy Director, Publicity (Print & Electronics) - James Ibechi

9. Deputy Director, Publicity (New Media) - Emmanuel Eche-Ofun John

10. Deputy Director (Strategy) - Comr. Ogbale Ogah

11. Deputy Director (Special Duties) - Chief David Ekwo

12. Deputy Director (Welfare) - Hon. Onyebi Audu

13. Deputy Director (Transport) - Abel Aboje

14. Asst. Director (Youth) - Moses Ogbeyi Adejo

15. Asst. Director (Women) - Barr. Comfort Ocheme Apeh

16. Asst. Director (New Media) - Hon. Ene Yusuf

17. Asst. Director (Youth Mobilisation - Hon. Adah Alechenu

18. Coordinators (Women Mobilisation) - 

Alice Albert

Mercy Ogbenjuwa

19. Special Adviser to the Senatorial Candidate - Hon. Egli Johnson Ahubi

20. Deputy Director (Religious Matters) - Pastor David Ogbole

21. Asst. Director (Religious Matters) - Pastor John - Grace

The inauguration of the Campaign Council comes up on Friday, 2nd December, 2022.

Sterling Bank Sponsors Training For 1,000 youths

 

Sterling Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, has partnered with Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) to sponsor 1,000 fellows during this year’s training programme.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman said, at the launch of the programme in Lagos, that the bank is supporting NJFP because of its interest in the education sector as one of five sectors it is presently concentrating investments in under its HEARTs of Sterling programme. 

The other sectors are Health, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is a youth empowerment partnership initiative between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and was launched in 2021.

It was borne out of rising unemployment and the COVID-19 pandemic which adversely impacted the ability of young Nigerians to find work. 

The programme seeks to connect talented graduates with local job opportunities that apply their expertise while equipping them with world-class practical knowledge and relevant skills and it does not matter if an applicant does not have job experience.

NJFP targets a broad range of sectors, including the start-up economy, innovation, and creative industries, the digital and technology sector, the green economy sector, financial services, key public and international development institutions, research and development, agriculture, real estate, construction, transportation, and health services. In other words, there is a place for every organisation in this programme.

It will be recalled that as part of its commitment to the reduction of unemployment among youths in the country, Sterling Bank Plc had recently renewed its partnership with iCreate Africa to provide a payment system that allows qualified workers to purchase tools and pay in instalments.

Consequently, the bank has also introduced different packages so that skill-seekers can access soft loans to buy tools and it is encouraging skill-seekers not to let the opportunity to slip off their hands.

Also as part of this strategy, Sterling Bank had also expanded its Café One community to Abuja in partnership with iCreate.

//Ends.

Friday Atufe

COO, Strategic Effects Limited

Mobile: +2348034005024

Email: fridatu@yahoo. co.uk, fridatu@gmail.com

Father, 62, and son, 19, Arrested For Gang Raping, Impregnating His Biological Daughter

 

A 62-year-old man, Kehinde Adeleke and his 19-year-old son, Ayomide, have been arrested by police operatives from the Gender Section of the Lagos State, for alleged gang-rape of his biological daughter, who is equally a blood sister to Ayomide and she became pregnant in the process.

It was reported that the incident happened at Enelu Danisa Street, Ijeshatedo area of Lagos, where they reside. After the suspects were arrested, the condition of the victim became much complicated following the medical test conducted, which showed that she was pregnant and cannot ascertain who between her father and the brother who actually was responsible.

The Police alleged that the man, Kehinde and the victim’s biological brother, Ayomide, conspired and engaged her in the act and it was concealed until she became pregnant. She then opened up and revealed what happened.

The matter was reported to the Police in the area and they were arrested and transferred to the Gender Section of the Police Command for further investigation over their conduct. After thorough interrogation, the Police found them culpable and subsequently charged them before the Ogba Magistrates Court for the alleged offence, which attracts several years of imprisonment or life imprisonment if found guilty before the Court.

However, when they were arraigned, the Court did not take their plea after the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, moved a motion asking the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for advice since the alleged offence was a capital offence.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Layinka, ordered their remand in custody at Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, without option of bail pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice while she directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP for advice. The matter was adjourned till 20th December, 2022, for mention for the report of DPP”s advice to be ready, which will determine if the matter will be transferred.

Aisha Buhari Allegedly Orders Police Inspector-General To Charge Nigerian Student To Court Over Twitter Post

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has been ordered to charge to court, a student of the Federal University, Dutse, Aminu Adamu Muhammed, who was arrested for tweeting that the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, was feeding fat on poor people’s money, SaharaReporters has gathered.

 

According to a top police officer, Aisha asked the police to stop maltreating Muhammed but insisted he must be charged before a court of jurisdiction.

“The student was taken before IGP Baba Usman today (Monday) at the Force Headquarters,” the source said.

“He will be charged to court; Aisha insisted she must be taken to the court to explain how she (Aisha) embezzled money. She has given an order to the IGP that the boy must be charged to court.”

We had earlier reported that Muhammed, a final-year student in the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, in June 2022 posted on Twitter that Mrs Buhari had suddenly added weight after taking part in plundering the nation’s meagre resources as the masses endured hardship under her husband’s regime.

The tweet, which was posted in Hausa reads: “Su mama anchi kudin talkawa ankoshi.”

The tweet, which was accompanied by a photograph of Mrs Buhari, loosely translates as “Mama has eaten poor people’s money and is now full”.

 

2023: Sanwo-Olu Campaign Floods Lagos With Customized Condoms

Lagos gubernatorial election campaign has taken a rather hilarious turn after latex condoms branded in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s picture surfaced on the streets and social media.

 

The condoms, which also carried the stamp of the Lagos State Aids Control Agency, was reportedly shared at the campaign event of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which held over the weekend.

Lagos State ranks top in fight against HIV/AIDs with recent increase in budgetary allocations towards several initiatives and campaigns but the distribution of condoms at a political campaign event is being adjudged in public opinion as a political gimmick rather than anti-AIDs awareness.

Twitter users have berated the state governor, Mr Sanwo-Olu, for branding the condoms with his picture describing it as a reflection of his desperation to win his reelection in 2023. Others trolled the condoms as fake and substandard highlighting general assessment of the APC-led administration at national and state levels.

“If you use a condom that APC is sharing, anything you see, take it like that,” a Twitter user wrote.

 

Nigerians Travelling To UK, US, Others For Education Are Responsible For Naira Fall – Emefiele

 

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele says the number of Nigerians seeking foreign education is to blame for the fall of the naira.

 

Emefiele said this at the 57th Annual Bankers Dinner, organised by the Chartered institute of Bankers Nigeria (CIBN), in Lagos.

The dinner had the theme, “Radical Responses to Abnormal Episodes: Time for Innovative decision-making” was appropriate and well timed.

According to Emefiele, there was tremendous increase in visa issuances to Nigerians by the United Kingdom in 2022 alone.

The apex bank governor noted that the number of student visas given to Nigerians by the United Kingdom spiked from a yearly average of about 8,000 visas in 2020 to almost 66,000 in 2022, implying an eight-fold increase amounting to $2.5 billion yearly in study-related forex outflow to the UK alone.
He stated that the move had immensely put pressure on Nigeria’s foreign reserves and the Naira.

According to him, due to this and the need to increase forex earnings, the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee started the RT200 scheme in February 2022.

He added that the steady increase in headline inflation from 15.60 per cent in January to 20.77 per cent in September was consistent with global trends.

“Food remains the major component of domestic consumer price basket. The annualised uptick in headline inflation mirrors the 6.21 percentage points upsurge in food inflation to 23.34 per cent in September.

“During this period, core inflation also resumed an upward movement from 13.87 per cent in January to 17.60 per cent.

“In addition to harsh global spill overs, exchange rate adjustments and imported inflation; inflation was also driven by local factors such as farmer herder clashes in parts of the food belt region,” he said.

 

Final Year Student Commit Suicide For Not Being Able To Afford N50K Despite Having A Very Wealthy Father

 

A final-year student of the Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Gombe State, identified as Nalkur Zwalnan Lar, ended it all on Wednesday night, November 24.

 

The Faculty of Education student who ended it all at Santuraki area of Kashere town initially took poison but after it didn’t give him a fast result, he climbed a tree and hurting himself.

According to reports, Lar left behind a note in which he thanked his elder brothers “for everything they have done for him and urged his mother, who he described as the best mother on earth to take it easy with herself.”

He mentioned the names of people he owed money and also revealed how they could recover their money. According to him, he doesn’t know the meaning of life as he can’t afford a smart phone of N50,000 even though his father has millions.

He also accused a lady who was his girlfriend of betrayal. He tendered apology to some persons simply identified as Favour and Comfort.

FUK’s Head of Information and Protocol, Suleyman Malami Ahmed, who confirmed the incident, said the university would make details of its investigation public after its been concluded.

 

Tinubu Asked Us Not To Vote For Any Igbo During APC Primaries – Babachir Lawal

 

Babachir Lawal, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has revealed the disdain his party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, has for the South-East, asserting that it would be difficult for the latter to get enough votes from the region in the 2023 election.

 

“During the convention, he (Tinubu) did not even allow us to go to the South-East. He said it is a waste of time and money. South-South is not his territory, so where is he going to get the vote,” Mr Lawal said on Thursday on a Channels television programme as he continued his rundown of Mr Tinubu.

Mr Lawal was a strong supporter of Mr Tinubu until the APC candidate ignored his advice against picking Kashim Shettima, a Muslim from Mr Lawal’s North-East zone as running mate. The former SGF and a group of northern Christian APC chieftains have since vowed not to support their party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

Mr Lawal’s latest slam on Mr Tinubu came barely a few hours after he declared support for Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party. It also coincided with Mr Tinubu’s visit to southeastern Ebonyi, in continuation of his presidential campaign rally.

The APC presidential candidate during his visit to Ebonyi on Thursday said he would protect the businesses of the Igbo people if supported and elected next year.

“I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo. I encouraged a lot of Igbo businesses and investments in Lagos and will even do more if I become president.

“If elected, there will be no discrimination. Igbo interests will be respected and protected. I will also encourage policies to aid commerce and support South-East states to reach their full potential,” Mr Tinubu said.

Positing further on the programme, Mr Lawal said the APC presidential candidate refused to listen to advice despite warning on his choice of running mate.

The former SGF added the “APC is not on the ballot”, reiterating that Mr Tinubu’s choice of a joint Muslim ticket would cost him the election, and the northern Christians will not support the such decision.

According to him, it would also be difficult for the APC presidential candidate to garner enough votes in the northern states considering that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate is from the zone.

“I told my friend (Tinubu) before the ticket came up…(sic). I said if you’re going for a Muslim/Muslim ticket, the consequence is that every Christian all over Nigeria, would feel slighted. Not only in the country but every Christian all over the world would feel slighted and their religion insulted.

“So, my thinking is that Bola (Tinubu) would not get 25 per cent votes in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Yobe, and Borno. In all the Hausa-Fulani states, he goes nowhere,” he added.

 

NDLEA Boss, Marwa Blast Adekunle Gold, Burna Boy, Others For Glorifying Drug Abuse

Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has slammed Nigerian artistes who glorify the abuse of drugs and substances in their songs.

Marwa lamented how the drug-promoting lyrics from songs have become a buzzword among youths, noting how the young population, on the strength of these songs, have come to see drug abuse as a ‘grand idea of leisure’.

The NDLEA boss who was represented by Dr. Segun Oke said this during the 2nd edition of the Vanguard Mental Health Summit held in Lagos on Thursday with the theme being: ‘Mental Health in a Distressed Economy’.

According to Marwa, drug abuse is a ‘serious’ problem in the country, revealing that 10.6 million Nigerians abuse cannabis.

He stated that the agency has continued to put measures in place to curb the abuse of drug and substances in the country.

“The “high syndrome” is so entrenched among young people it has become a sort of self-prescription therapy for dealing with some of life’s issues. For some, it is the grand idea of leisure. It is a buzzword in their everyday life and a motif in popular music. Offhand, I can give you three quick examples of hit songs that glorify the abuse of psychoactive substances in the name of “getting high”.

” ‘I just want to be high’, ‘I need Igbo and Shayo’, ‘Sometimes food no dey give man joy, but Canadian loud, the feeling is different.’ These street anthems motivate young people to abuse alcohol, cannabis and other illicit substances. It is now commonplace for young people to organise cannabis parties.

Marwa lauded Vanguard Newspapers for putting together the summit, emphasizing how silence, passivity and complacency have contributed to the rise in the level of drug abuse in the country.

Our silence, passivity and complacency in the past is what led us to where we are today. That is why every effort to now salvage the situation, including this summit, is welcome and laudable and most importantly, must be decisive and sustained.

Popular Gospel Singer, Sammie Okposo Reportedly Dies At 51

Nuella's News  reports that gospel singer and ‘Welu Welu’ crooner, Sammie Okposo is dead.

This online platform understands that according to a report making the rounds, the music producer slumped on Friday morning and died. He was aged 51.

Okposo made headlines early in the year after he publicly apologized to his wife, Ozioma for cheating on her with another lady in the United States.

In the apology which was shared on his Instagram page, the singer lamented over the incident which he noted happened in 2021.

The singer further stated that the development has seen him step aside from ministerial work until “full restoration.”

 

Ogun State Health Sector Introduce New Vaccines Against Diarrhea

 

The Ogun State Government through the State Primary Health Care Development Board (OGPHDB), in collaboration with development partners in the health sector, has introduced Rotavirus Vaccine into the national routine immunisation schedule for children of ages 6, 10, and 14 weeks of birth, to protect them against diarrhea and to curb the spread of the disease.

 Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker made this known during the flag-off of the vaccination at Sabo Agura Health Centre in Sagamu Local Government Area, saying the present administration remained committed to reducing child mortality through immunisation.

Dr. Coker, in a statement made available by the Press Officer Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board (OGSPHCDB), Mrs. Yemisi Fashola, stated that Rotavirus is a contagious infection that causes diarrhea disease in infants and young children, adding that it leads to severe watery stool, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain, as well as sudden death if and when it is not promptly attended to.

The Commissioner said the virus was responsible for about 215,000 deaths globally and approximately 50,000 deaths annually among children under five years in Nigeria, affirming that ‘’ the vaccination would serve as a preventive measure against the harmful diseases’’.

 She reiterated that the State government would continue to partner with the Federal Government in the provision of vaccines at no cost, advising parents and caregivers to always visit health facilities for routine immunisation.

They Want To Kill Me For Asking PDP National Chairman, Ayu To Resign – Wike Lament

 

Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has alleged threat to his life over his call that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, should prevail on the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu to resign.

 

Wike alleged that they threatened him for insisting that Ayu should resign as the National Chairman of PDP.

He disclosed this at the commissioning of the Akpabu-Itu-Umudiogha road in the Emohua Local Government Area of the state yesterday.

Wike explained that he is not agitating that Atiku should relinquish his ticket.

According to Wike: “When I see some people running around and talking rubbish, they forget history easily. Today, we are not saying the presidential candidate should relinquish his ticket. We are not being selfish.

“We are only saying since you are now the presidential candidate, let our people take chairmanship and they say they will kill me. Is it possible?”

He said some people he described as rent-seekers from the state were running around Atiku, hoping that they would become ministers.

“When you see some rent seekers from here going around saying they will give me minister of finance, they will give me governor of Central Bank, you haven’t killed an animal and you are saying women, don’t eat it. Kill the animal first to know whether women will eat or not.

“I don’t want that kind of promise. Give my people this one we are talking now. Give us the chairman so that things can move freely. They come and tell you stories,” he said.

Wike and the G-5 group have been aggrieved with the party’s leadership of the zoning arrangement.

The Wike-led group said a particular zone can’t produce PDP presidential candidate and National Chairman.

The governor has been agitating for the office of the National Chairman to be zoned to the Southern part of the country.

 

I Won’t Leave APC Even Though I’m Supporting Atiku – Ex-SGF Babachir Declares

 

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who is also an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Babachir Lawal, has declared that the northern Christian caucus of his party would support opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general election.

 “PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) discussed with us and they agreed to do what we want if we support them and we agreed to support them,” Mr Lawal said in an interview.

Adamawa-born Lawal, an acclaimed pastor, fell out with the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the latter’s decision to field a Muslim running mate Kashim Shettima, a religiously unbalanced ticket that has provoked many Christian faithful, especially in the northern part of the country.

Mr Lawal and other northern Christian chieftains in the APC, such as the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, described the move as “satanic” and a plot to perpetually subjugate Christians in the North.

Mr Lawal claimed in an interview with BBC that he, with others party members supported the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu to win the party primary, not knowing he had a hidden agenda to run with a Muslim mate as his vice.

“I am not for Bola Tinubu now. I am not for a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he quipped.

“It is Bola who did not want to go with us, he chose where he wants to go, and we told him that we will not vote for him if he did a Muslim-Muslim ticket.”

Mr Lawal vowed that the APC will lose the presidential polls to the PDP because the party choose to run on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, and the northern Christians will not support that.

The APC chieftain said he and other aggrieved party members are ready to support the opposition party, PDP because it is running a Muslim-Christain ticket, and ready to listen to ease their pain.

He further narrated the religious marginalisation against the Christian community in the northern part of Nigeria.

“You see the problem of the northerners, if you say you are a Christian, it is difficult for us to get a job.

“You see, of the 27 universities in the north, there are only two Christian VCs and of 27 polytechnics there are only two Christian rectors, that’s federal, but not to talk of state-owned.”

Asking if he consulted the APC presidential candidate about his reason, the party stalwart said, “No, he is the one to look for us now, I will not look for him. We have a place to go and a place to stay. But he didn’t look for us.

“If he sees that he will win the election, let’s see how he will win the election.”

Mr Lawal, however, maintained that he will remain in the APC even if he is insulted unless his principal, Muhammadu Buhari dumps the party.

 

Even Without Your Support I Will Still Win 2023 Presidential Election – Atiku Tells Wike

 

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has stated that his chances of winning next year’s presidential election would not be affected by the lack of support from Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his fellow “rebel” governors.

Atiku stated this through his Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) spokesman, Daniel Bwala.

The aggri PDP governors, popularly known as G5 Governors, led by Wike in alliance with some chieftains of the party, had recently announced the formation of Integrity Group.

The official formation of the group within the party was made known to journalists by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State before the group’s closed-door meeting in Lagos.

The G5 Governors and other aggrieved members of the party had insisted that the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, must resign for the sake of fairness.

Ayu and the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, are from the Northern region. Meanwhile, according to the aggrieved governors, the agreement was that Ayu would resign if a northerner emerged as the presidential candidate of the party, for a southerner to replace him.

Ayu has however refused to resign from office.

The G5 Governors comprise Governor Wike, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Governor Makinde and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.

Addressing journalists on Sunday before their strategic meeting in Lagos, Governor Makinde said the Integrity Group remained the face behind the struggle within the PDP.

However Bwala has downplayed the move, saying the party is poised to win next year’s presidential election.

“Our party is poised to win the election. Wike’s non-participation would affect a little bit of the margin. So, if we are supposed to win with nine million votes or eight million votes, that may reduce to six million votes or something like that,” he said on Channels Television on Wednesday.

“But this victory is destined by God and I can tell you that there can be conspiracy and collaboration or anything. We know the Electoral Amendment Act and what it brings. We saw it in Osun where some members of our party even worked against the party in that state.

“But what happened? The ‘Dancing Senator’ (Ademola Adeleke) danced his way to victory because the people spoke and their voices were held. This is how we are going to be looking at this election because the bigger picture is what we are looking at. Have you not seen the multi-dimensional poverty index?”

Bwala also claimed that the Rivers State Governor “chased” the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Governor Dave Umahi, and others out of the PDP.

He, however, maintained that the Atiku was committed to uniting Nigeria despite the crisis in the party.

 

I’m Not Supporting Tinubu, He Won’t Win 2023 Presidential election – APC Chieftain, Babachir Lawal

Former Secretary to the Nigerian Government and chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Babachir Lawal, has said that APC will not win the presidential election in 2023 as a result of the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

 

Babachir in an interview with BBC, said he and others supported the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, to win the primary election, but they later realised he had been hiding his decision to pick a Muslim running mate from them.

Babachir said he was no longer supporting Tinubu and APC would lose the presidential election.

He said, “I am not for Bola Tinubu now. I am not for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“It is Bola who did not want to go with us, he chose where he wants to go, and we told him that we will not vote for him if he did a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) discussed with us and they agreed to do what we want if we support them and we agreed to support them.”

PDP is fielding a Muslim-Christian ticket, with Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate while Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State is his running mate.

Babachir added that the Labour Party tried so much to convince him and other aggrieved members to work for the party.

He added, “You see the problem of the northerners, if you say you are a Christian, it is difficult for us to get a job. You see, of the 27 universities in the north, there are only two Christian VCs and of 27 polytechnics; there are only two Christian rectors, that’s federal, but not to talk of state-owned.”

Babachir complained that the “discrimination” shown to Christians in the North was too much for them, “and you still went ahead to do Muslim-Muslim ticket; that is double blows on us.”

When he was asked whether they tried to reach Tinubu to discuss the issue, he said, “No, he is the one to look for us now, I will not look for him. We have a place to go and a place to stay. But he didn’t look for us.

“If he sees that he will win the election, let see how he will win the election.”

He maintained that he was still in the APC but he and his people would not support Tinubu.

Regarding the fact that he might be accused of anti-party conduct, Babachir said he was bothered even if he would be insulted.

 

You Humiliated Jonathan In 2015, Now Wants His Support – Wike Slams Atiku

 

The ‘cold war’ between Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar is still on

 Mr Wike has recalled how the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar humiliated former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Wike said when Atiku left the PDP, Jonathan, the sitting President, who was the candidate of the party, went to Dorchester Hotel in London and begged Atiku to return to the party to support him.

“But Atiku gave Jonathan a condition that he must relinquish the ticket of the party,” he said wondering why people forget history easily.

Recall that Atiku few days ago went to visit Jonathan to seek help to resolve crisis in the party.

It’s no longer news that Wike is all out for payback after Atiku dumped him for Okowa as his running mate for 2023 presidential election.

Wike however came second at the PDP presidential primaries.

 

Breaking: photos: President Buhari Unveils New Naira Notes

President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled the new currency notes on Wednesday morning before the federal executive council (FEC) meeting at the state house, Abuja.

Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (BN), was in attendance during the unveiling ceremony.

Details later…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Away From Entertainers – Lawmaker Warns NDLEA

 

The lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, has urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been warned by the lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Francis not to take the drug war to the entertainment industry.

 

Fadahunsi said that entertainment was the only viable sector in Nigeria that had been a source of inspiration to the youth which had kept them busy amidst the depressing economy.

While lamenting that the youth were not willing to do anything productive, Fadahunsi said the government must continue to let them drive the economy through what they had chosen.

The senator said, “The elite must encourage the youth to return to farms so they can start somewhere. Many youths already mismanaged the COVID-19 stimulus package shared because they thought it was free money. We don’t want our youths to embrace banditry and kidnappings because it is not a ‘booming’ business for those in it.

“The only area that youths are doing well is in the entertainment industry. That’s why I’m pleading with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency not to go to their side. Nollywood and the entertainment industry generally is the largest recruiter of labour at the moment. If the NDLEA puts fire to the industry, the youth will revolt and it will be too dangerous for our country. Many people will run away because we have millions of youths in the entertainment industry.”

He also noted that many children from poor homes could not gainfully secure employment because jobs were often circulated among the elite.

“Some of them are even joining cultism and thuggery. I wanted to remove many of the youths from the road but unfortunately, they had no certificates. That is how bad the situation is sometimes,” he added.

He pleaded with banks to give loans to youths who were interested in investing in agriculture as it would also help curb the level and rate of banditry and other forms of crimes.

 

Road To 2023 Election: 23 Persons Slump Pro-Tinubu Rally In Kano

At least 23 persons were reported to have slumped among the crowd that generated gridlock during the Permanent Voter Cards’ walk show organised in Kano State by the North-West Tinubu/Shettima campaign support group on Sunday.

The one-million-man march, which took place in Kano on Sunday, started from the Emir’s palace in the ancient city and reached its climax at the Government House cenotaph roundabout where Governor Abdullahi Ganduje received the support group.

The march saw many performances by power bike riders, horse riders, musicians, men and women cladded in different attires depicting the political party.

First aid workers and security officers were busy ensuring the safety of those present and managing the traffic which brought most parts of the city to a standstill.

Addressing newsmen at the event, the Director of the Group, Bappa Babba-Danagundi, expressed excitement over the successful conduct of the rally, describing Tinubu’s candidacy as a done deal in Kano.

“I thank the Almighty God for the successful conduct of this event which shows how people have accepted and responded to our mobilisation activities for the success of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming 2023 general election.

“It is clear that the Tinubu presidency in Kano is a done deal,” he declared.

Breaking: CBN Will Not Wait Till December 15th, New N1,000, N500 And N200 Notes To Be Unveiled Tomorrow – Emefiele

 

Accounting to the governor of Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, President Muhammadu Buhari will unveil new N1,000, N500 and N200 notes tomorrow Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

Mr Emefiele on Tuesday said this during the apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee monthly meeting in Abuja.

Emefiele said that the CBN will not shift its deadline for all old notes to be returned to commercial banks in exchange for newly designed ones.

Recall that Emefiele had on October 26, 2022 announced that the apex bank will issue redesigned N200, N500, and N1,000 notes, effective December 15, 2022, while the new and existing currencies will remain legal tender and circulate together until January 31, 2023.

However, he made a surprise announcement on Tuesday, saying the CBN will not wait till December 15 anymore as the President will unveil the new notes on Wednesday.

Terrorists Organise Naming Ceremony For Child Of Kidnapped Schoolgirl In Nigeria

Terrorists have organised a feast for the child of a 16-year-old abducted female student of the Federal Government College (FGC), Birnin Yauri, in Kebbi State.

 

 The kidnapped student gave birth to the child in their custody.

The young mother is among 11 remaining female students yet to be released after gunmen abducted over 100 students among others on June 17, 2021.

Eight teachers of the school were also kidnapped and a policeman was killed in the boarding school.

A few days after the abduction, security operatives succeeded in rescuing some of the students, while others escaped from the gunmen in the process of taking them away. The bandits also released the teachers and 30 of the students.

It was earlier reported that the student delivered a baby boy in the hideout of the terrorists a few weeks ago.

A local source who confirmed the news of the child’s christening disclosed that two other students in the terrorists’ den also gave birth to a baby girl and boy.

“There are about four other female students who are pregnant at the moment. One of them is due to give birth any moment from now,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the parents of the abducted female students who spoke to PRNigeria on the phone called on the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Leo Irabor to intervene and ensure their children regain freedom.

“In the name of God Almighty, we call for that special committee constituted by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, to take charge and resolve it as quickly as possible as it did with Kaduna train passengers.

“We learn about how the remaining abducted passengers were released after six months in captivity through the efforts by the Irabor Committee and the endorsement of NSA Monguno.

“It is unfortunate that our daughters have spent more than one year in captivity and married off by force and becoming young mothers at tender ages… Oh my God. Haba!” the distraught parent told said amid tears.

Another parent pointed out that the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee (CDSAC) could facilitate the rescue of the female students in captivity.

The parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recalled how CDSAC on October 5 secured the release and took custody of all the 23 remaining Abuja-Kaduna passengers held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists following an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022.

Immediately after the release of the passengers, the secretary of the CDSAC Prof. Usman Yusuf said: “The nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Nigerian military under the leadership of the CDS, who conceived and guided the operation from start to finish. All sister security agencies and the Federal Ministry of Transportation contributed immensely to this operation.

“The unwavering support of President Muhammadu Buhari is what made it all possible. Members of this committee are grateful for the rare honour and privilege to be part of this humanitarian operation. May God Almighty heal our wounds and bring peace to our land.”

 

Nigerian Community Contributes N20Million ‘Peace Deal Fee’ For Notorious Terrorist, Bello Turji

 

Residents of Gidan Goga town in the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State are reportedly contributing the sum of N20 million to give to the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji as a form of a “peace deal fee” to free their town from him.

 Bello Turji Kachalla, popularly known as Turji, is a notorious Nigerian terrorist and bandit leader who has been operating in northern Nigerian states including Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger.

The 28-year-old terrorist leader allegedly led a bandit gang attack from January 4 to 6, 2022, where over 200 people including women and children were massacred by bandits in Zamfara State.

“People in the community are raising N20 million to give to Bello Turji to strike a form of peace deal with him so that there won’t be attacks here again,” a resident told SaharaReporters.

“The community hopes this will end attacks,” another resident confirmed the situation.

However, in August this year, the Zamfara State Government announced that Turji had embraced its peace initiative and promised to tackle rival terrorist groups in the region.

The Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Hassan Nasiha, who disclosed Turji’s alleged acceptance of the state’s peace initiative during a conference on security in Gusau, the state capital, organised by the Students Union of Medina University, commended the terrorist leader for deciding to shun banditry.

Nasiha said that Turji’s action was bringing about relative peace in Birnin Magaji, Shinkafi and Zurmi local government areas of the state, saying that Turji was launching an offensive against other terrorists in the areas to “ensure peace and stability return to the state.”

“Turji is now killing unrepentant bandits who unleashed terror on innocent citizens in Shinkafi, Zurmi and Birnin Magaji local government areas,” the Deputy Governor had said.

 

Woman Slaps French President Emmanuel Macron in Viral Video

French president Emmanuel Macron was slapped by a woman in a viral video.

 In the viral video seen on Twitter on Monday, the woman slapped Mr Macron before she was overpowered by the president’s guard.

Dressed in a white shirt and a pair of black trousers with a nose mask, Mr Macron was shielded from more assault from his assailant by security guards.

In two years, Mr Macron has been subjected to assault twice in the public in an humiliating manner by enraged citizens.

In June 2021, an enraged man had slapped Mr Macron in the public, eliciting global uproar. The man was tried and later sentenced for assaulting the French president.

 

Popular South African Music Producer, DJ Sumbody Shot Dead

 

The hitmaker was shot dead in the early hours of Sunday, November 20,  in Johannesburg.

Local news platforms reported that DJ Sumbody and his entourage were travelling on Woodmead Road when unidentified shooters accosted their vehicle and sprayed it with a hail of bullets.

The entertainer and one of his bodyguards d!ed instantly after being caught in the hail of bullets.

A third person believed to be one of DJ Sumbody’s bodyguards is in critical condition after miraculously surviving the barrage of bullets.

Prior to the attack, DJ Sumbody was due to perform at the All White Veuve Clicquot Picnic on Sunday.

The motive of the murderous attack on DJ Sumbody and his entourage is yet to be established.

Confirming the attack, the Police in Gauteng said they are searching for suspects and investigating circumstances that led to a shooting in Woodmead.

I’ll Govern Lagos With Fear Of God If Elected In 2023 – Jandor Vows

 

The governorship candidate of the Lagos PDP, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), has assured the state’s residents of his determination to run a government with the fear of God.

 Mr Adediran, who spoke when he took his campaign to the Epe division on Sunday, said his ambition was to liberate the state’s people and deliver them from oppression.

“I am assuring you that our government will be run with the fear of God,” Mr Adediran said in an interactive session with the League of Imams and Alfas in the Ikosi Ejinrin area of Epe Local Government.

He promised that his government would change the face of governance in the state if elected in 2023.

“I will run people-oriented government and provide quality education for our children,” said Mr Adediran, the lead visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement.

Mr Adediran, while addressing PDP supporters and members at the party’s secretariat in Agbowa-Ikosi, said governorship candidates must be familiar with the states they wanted to govern.

He said he decided to tour the 245 wards in the state to know the challenges in all the areas.

Promising to prioritise the welfare of the people if elected, the governorship candidate pledged to invest in education, infrastructure, security, and youth development.

Also urging residents not to sell their votes to moneybags who would come to buy their conscience, Mr Adediran pleaded with the electorate to vote for PDP candidates at the national and state elections.

He added that he would ensure contractors employed 30 per cent of the youths in each area to empower them.

 

Breaking: Ekiti Assembly Speaker Aribisogan Impeached, Replaced With Adelugba

 

Ekiti state Assembly Speaker, Gboyega Aribisogan, has been impeached and suspended indefinitely by members of the Assembly.

Olubunmi Adelugba has now been elected as the new speaker.

Seventeen out of the 25 members impeached the Speaker and elected a new one.

The Assembly Complex had been sealed as members were embroiled in a controversy following the death of the former speaker, Funminiyi Afuye.

66-year-old Afuye died at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital on October 19 after suffering cardiac arrest.

A month after his demise, the parliament held an election and Aribisogan, who is the representative of Ikole 1 Constituency in the Assembly and a two-term lawmaker, emerged.

Aribisogan, on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, had accused the immediate past governor of the, Kayode Fayemi, of working with members of the state legislature to impeach him.

“The majority of member of Assembly voted for me but few of them who felt perhaps I did not follow the directive of the former governor, Dr Fayemi, thought that they would make the state ungovernable for even the administration,” Aribisogan said last night.

“I didn’t have any quarrel with him (Fayemi). I sent a message to him even last night asking, ‘What is happening? Am I no longer one of your loyalists? Why did you not congratulate me?’

“Up till now that I’m speaking with you, he has not done anything. Otherwise, he has been going around calling our members to go and impeach me tomorrow. That is the truth.”

We Need $8.92million World Bank Loan To Buy Furniture Stationery Others, Nigeria’s Ministry Of Finance Says,

 

The Home Finance Department of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has requested about $8.93million from the World Bank to procure 21 items, which included office stationery, office furniture, office supplies, office equipment, and vehicles.

 The requests were made under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) project, which was initiated in 2018.

The SFTAS project was designed to strengthen transparency and accountability at the sub-national level, and will end this year.

A total of $1.5billion was committed to the project in two batches of $750m (December 2018 and December 2020) by the World Bank.

Although the money is a grant to state governments, it is a loan to the Federal Government.

A copy of the procurement plan for the project covering a period from February 2019 to August 2020 was recently obtained by PUNCH.

The procurement plan is in line with the World Bank’s Procurement Guidelines which establish the arrangements to be made for procuring the goods and works (including related services) required for a project.

According to the procurement plan for the SFTAS project for the period disclosed by the World Bank, the Home Finance Department requested an estimated $25,713 to acquire office stationery and supplies.

There was another $33,000 request for office equipment and supplies for the SFTAS Programme Coordinating Unit.

For the furniture items, the department requested $64,190 for furnishing and equipping SFTAS Public Service Institute space; $17,000 for additional office furniture and partitioning of the STFAS office, as well as $17,250 for additional office equipment and furniture for the Debt Management Office.

The department also requested $25,000 for the procurement of video conferencing equipment for the SFTAS PCU and MiFi modems for the DMO.

However, the biggest request was for the provision of spatial data to states, which was estimated at $8m.

There was also a $291,804 request for the procurement of project vehicles for the PCU and independent verification agent.

Out of the 21 items proposed, three were cancelled, one was successfully completed, and another was under implementation. Also, four were pending implementation, and the rest were only signed as of the time the document was released in October 2022.

 

Breaking: More Trouble For Atiku As Wike, Seyi Makinde, Ortom, Others Announce New PDP Faction

The presidential flag barrier of The People’s Democrats Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar presidential touch is about to be deemed by some angry party members.

 Amidst the crisis in the party, a new faction called Integrity Group was officially formed on Sunday as the crisis in the party takes a new turn.

The group is composed of aggrieved party stalwarts and five governors (G5) of the party who are up in arms against the national leadership since the fall out of the presidential primary election in May, where former vice president Atiku Abubakar emerged as presidential candidate.

The G5, led by Rivers governor Nyesom Wike, who came second at the party’s primary, have been clamouring for the resignation of the PDP National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, shortly after the party’s presidential ticket was won by a northerner, Atiku Abubakar.

Other governors in the group are Samuel Ortom of Benue, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.

The governors and some aggrieved party leaders are currently having a strategic meeting in Lagos, which may not be unconnected to the agitation for the removal of Mr Ayu.

Addressing reporters before going into a closed-door meeting, Mr Makinde said the Integrity Group remained the face behind the struggle within the PDP.

Mr Makinde said: “We are here this morning to hold a meeting of the Integrity Group within our party, the PDP. We have been of the G5- that is, the five PDP governors. The G5 is all about the Integrity Group.

“You can see us, five serving governors, as the face of this struggle. Both the leaders and elders of the party that you see here are the people behind those faces.

“We are in the South-West to review the situation within our party, to review where we are and to also look at what is going to happen in the coming elections,” he said.

Mr Makinde noted that at the end of the deliberations, the group would fully brief the media on their stand on all the burning issues within the main opposition party.

“On behalf of our leaders and elders in the south west, I want to welcome members of the Integrity Group and wish us well,” he said.

Other PDP leaders at the meeting are former governors, Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo State), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Donald Duke (Cross River), Jonah Jang (Plateau) and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Bode George.

Also present are former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke; Deputy National Chairman South of the PDP, Taofeek Arapaja; Senator Nasif Suleiman, Nnena Ukeje, Cross River governorship candidate, Senator Sandy Onor and Senator Mao Ohabunwa.

The party leaders have repeatedly maintained that Mr Ayu must resign for the sake of fairness and justice so as to bring peace to the party.

The aggrieved group maintained the need for the South to produce the party’s national chairman after Mr Abubakar because the party’s presidential flag-bearer for the 2023 general election is from the North.

 

I Don’t Read Social Media Anymore, They Abuse The Hell Out Of Me And Increase My Blood Pressure – Tinubu Lament

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the upcoming 2023 presidential election, Bola Tinubu, says he no longer monitors trending events on social media due to the abusive and hostile reception that he gets from Nigerians.

 

In a video seen by Peoples Gazette, which purportedly shows Mr Tinubu addressing a group of people, the APC candidate said he had to discontinue after experiencing high blood pressure by following events on social media as they relate to him.

“I don’t need social media anymore. They abused the hell out of me. If I read it, I will have high blood pressure and I get angry so I don’t read it. If I want to hear anything, my children or any of my workers will inform me about what people are saying,” he said.

Mr Tinubu said he now relies on his children and workers to stay updated on trending issues.

The former Lagos governor has come under heavy criticism from different sections of the public, especially on social media, in the wake of his presidential campaign bid.

Enmeshed in several scandals, Mr Tinubu has been accused of falsifying his age; his academic qualifications and work history have also come under scrutiny.

Since his time as governor of Lagos, Mr Tinubu has faced backlash for his involvement in drug trafficking during his time in early 1990s Chicago, United States.

Mr Tinubu’s encounter with American authorities over allegations of narcotics trafficking and money laundering led to his forfeiture of the proceeds of the crime to the U.S. government.

Though he’s since maintained his innocence and denied any allegations of wrongdoing, recently released fresh documents by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has renewed intense public ridicule against Mr Tinubu’s character.

 

U.S. Repatriates Another $20.6 million Abacha Loot To Nigeria

 

The Department of Justice announced today that it has transferred over $20.6 million to the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria) in accordance with an Aug. 23 agreement between the governments to repatriate assets the United States forfeited that were traceable to the kleptocracy of former Nigerian Dictator General Sani Abacha and his co-conspirators.

 

This repatriation brings the total amount forfeited and returned by the United States in this case to approximately $332.4 million.

In 2014, a judgment was entered in the District of Columbia ordering the forfeiture of approximately $500 million located in accounts around the world, as the result of a civil forfeiture complaint for more than $625 million traceable to money laundering involving the proceeds of General Abacha’s corruption. In 2020, the department repatriated over $311.7 million of the forfeited assets that had been located in the Bailiwick of Jersey. Last year, the U.K. government enforced the U.S. judgment against the additional over $20.6 million.

The forfeited assets represent corrupt monies laundered during and after the military regime of General Abacha, who became Head of State of Nigeria through a military coup on Nov. 17, 1993, and held that position until his death on June 8, 1998. The complaint filed in this case alleges that General Abacha, his son Mohammed Sani Abacha, their associate Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and others embezzled, misappropriated, and extorted billions of dollars from the government of Nigeria and others, then laundered their criminal proceeds through U.S. financial institutions and transactions in the United States. The United Kingdom’s cooperation in the investigation, restraint, and enforcement of the U.S. judgement, along with the valuable contributions of Nigeria and other law enforcement partners around the world, including the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, as well as those of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, have been instrumental to the recovery of these funds.

Under the agreement signed in August, the United States agreed to transfer 100% of the net forfeited assets to Nigeria to support three critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria that were previously authorized by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian legislature. The $20,637,622.27 marks a slight reduction from the $23 million announced in August due primarily to exchange rate fluctuations between British pounds sterling and U.S. dollars. The funds governed by this agreement will help finance the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the Abuja-Kano road – investments that will benefit the citizens of each of these important regions in Nigeria.

The agreement includes key measures to ensure transparency and accountability, including administration of the funds and projects by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), financial review by an independent auditor, and monitoring by an independent civil society organization with expertise in engineering and other areas. The agreement also precludes the expenditure of funds to benefit alleged perpetrators of the corruption or to pay contingency fees for lawyers. The agreement reflects the sound principles for ensuring transparency and accountability adopted at the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) in December 2017 in Washington, D.C., which the United States and United Kingdom hosted with support from the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative of the World Bank and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The department appreciates the extensive assistance provided by the governments of the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Jersey, and France in this investigation.

This case was brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section working in partnership with the FBI. Through the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement agencies seek to safeguard the U.S. financial system from criminal money laundering and to recover the proceeds of foreign official corruption. Where appropriate and possible, the department endeavors to use recovered corruption proceeds to benefit the people harmed by acts of corruption and abuse of public trust.