Based in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, the Media Awareness and Justice Initiative works with groups and social movements working together for social, economic, cultural and environmental justice by helping them use media and communication technologies to inform, organize, mobilize and further their struggles to create a better world.
2023 Elections: African Action Congress Party Declares Express Of Interest, Nomination Forms Free For All Aspirants
With the preparations for the 2023 general elections climbing the crucial stage, the African Action Congress (AAC) has declared free for all positions, the expression of interest and nomination forms for aspirants.
Femi Adeyeye, publicity secretary of the party disclosed this in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday.
Adeyeye said the decision was reached during the party’s National Working Committee meeting held on April 24.
“The African Action Congress seizes this medium to announce to members of the party and the general public its resolution reached at its meeting of April 24, 2022, one of which is to declare FREE FOR ALL POSITIONS, the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.
“With a maddening inflation rate of 18 percent, unemployment at 33.3 percent, youth unemployment at 53.4 percent, Underemployment at 51 percent, Dollar to Naira exchange rate at 599 Naira to 1 Dollar, hike in electricity and other tariffs, workers’ minimum wage of N30,000 which in reality is barely paid, it is near impossible to find brilliant, financially upright and competent change-seeking Nigerians who would pay exorbitant and illegal fees such as the APC’s and PDP’s, just so as to contest in an election.
“As the (Muhammadu) Buhari regime has priced education, quality healthcare and other social services from the reach of the poor, it is clearer now more than ever, that it has priced participatory democracy so far from the reach of genuine change-seeking but poor people.
“The downward review from the AAC NWC, to the point of declaring FREE for all POSITIONS came after a clinical assessment of the economic woes caused by the unfortunate Buhari regime. We understand that for inclusive democracy to be kept alive in our society, even the poorest among us must not be disenfranchised through the backdoor- the money politics the evil twin, APC and PDP are known for.
“For comprehensive details of the obligatory donations and form processing fees which would be paid at the state level, aspirants should reach out to admin@aacparty.org and the following phone numbers. +234 812 599 9992 +234 816 905 3108.”
AAC also inaugurated a 7-man committee to engage labour centres across the country and beyond, on the ideas and ideals of the party.
“It is also important to bring to the notice of the public that the Working Committee of the party has launched into action a committee of very experienced labour cadres with a term of reference to engage labour centres across the country and beyond, on the ideas and ideals of the party. The 7-person committee was inaugurated on 5th April, 2022 and has started work immediately,” the statement read.
“Also, as an ideological party, charged with the mandate to radically transform Africa, starting from Nigeria, the NWC also found it necessary that the party manifesto is reviewed so that the programs of the party are in perfect tune with the current realities of our people across Africa. It was to this effect that a technical committee was set up on 7th, February 2022 and it has set the ball rolling- to consult far and wide on the programs of the party and present its final draft in due time.
“We urge all Nigerians to seize this opportunity of modern politics fashioned by the AAC, join our party, engage our programs, contest with ideas, mobilize, bond with us as we kick out the behemoth of the APC and PDP and their allies come 2023. We can not continue like this!”
Categories: audio
EXCLUSIVE: Buhari Extends Tenure Of Nigeria Immigration Service Boss, Isah Jere, Despite Attaining Retirement Age
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the extension of the tenure of the Acting Controller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Isah Idris Jere.
The NIS boss, whose official retirement date was April 24, 2022 (last Sunday) having attained the age of 60 as stipulated by civil service rules, will now continue to preside over the affairs of the agency for one more year following the latest development.
Despite being fully aware of Jere's status as already being pencilled down for retirement last week, President Buhari, like in the past, ignored all laid down rules to unlawfully elongate his tenure, thereby denying other officers in the NIS a chance to move up the ladder.
In a letter dated April 22, 2022, and addressed to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, announced the approval of the extension of Jere's tenure with immediate effect.
The letter read, "I write in reference to your correspondence dated March 15, 2022 on the above subject matter and wish to inform you that Mr President has approved a one-year extension for the Ag. CGI, Alhaji Idris Isah Jere, with effect from April 24, 2022."
In a list dated December 6, 2021, containing names of 804 officers of the agency to be retired between January 1 and December 31, 2022, seen by SaharaReporters, Jere's name appears first.
Reacting to the development and responding to the commendation of President Buhari for the extension by Hussaini Coomasie, a former immigration officer and Vice Chairman of Advocacy for Good Governance and Social Justice, Tolu Babaleye, Secretary of Act for Positive Transformation Initiative, said the move is against civil service rules and capable of creating rancour within the agency.
Babaleye said, "Acting CGI Idris Isah Jere ought to have taken a bow out of office on April 24, 2022, but still going about with uniform and paraphernalia of office.
"We call on President Buhari and Minister of Interior to do justice by ensuring that a new officer is appointed to encourage carrier progression as extending the tenure of Jere will dampen the morale of the officers of the Service.
"By virtue of Section 3 and 4 of Immigration Act 2015, Jere is retired and no longer an immigration officer and he is not appointable otherwise all civil servants that have attained the age of 60 should have their tenure extended. An extension of the tenure of Jere as CGI will lay another bad precedent and will kill the morale of officers and men of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
"The officers working with NIS should be allowed to get to the pinnacle of their careers by allowing the young to grow instead of bringing officers from retirement to head the Nigeria Immigration Service. The agency needs a() fresh hand for innovative ideas."
This is not the first time that President Buhari will be breaching civil service rules to either extend the tenure of an official due for retirement or appoint a retiree to head a government agency, the latest merely adds to a long list in this category.
For instance, in 2018, Buhari ignored other officers on the line for elevation from the Southern part of Nigeria to bring Yusuf Bichi, a Muslim from Kano, from retirement to head the Department of State Services (DSS) after the controversial removal of Matthew Seiyefa, a former acting Director-General of the agency from Bayelsa State.
In February 2021, Buhari caused public outrage after extending the tenure of the then Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, for three months after the police boss’ retirement.
The President claimed that the move was to allow more time for the appointment of a worthy replacement.
On August 27, 2015, Buhari appointed Colonel Hameed Ali (retd) as Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, attracting criticisms from a wide section of the populace.
Ali, a former military officer and administrator of Kaduna State, had no prior career in the NSC, making his appointment a subject of controversy at the time.
However, despite the public outrage, President Buhari refused to replace him, keeping the 67-year-old in that position to date.
Categories: audio
Veteran Nigerian Singer, Mbanefo Insists On N50Million Compensation, Other Demands Over Alleged Unauthorised Use Of Her Song By Telecoms Company, Airtel
Veno Marioghae Mbanefo, a veteran Nigerian artiste has insisted that telecommunications company, Airtel Nigeria made use of her musical work without authorization.
Mbanefo, in a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Network Limited, Ikoyi, Lagos, had accused the telecoms company of using her song, ‘Nigeria Go Survive’ to promote its TV app and ‘The Voice Nigeria’, without her permission.
The letter signed by her lawyer, R. A. Igelige Esq and obtained by SaharaReporters, asked the telecoms company to “cease and desist forthwith from further infringing on the copyright of our Client to the aforementioned musical work”.
It also asked Airtel to “pay to our Client the sum of N50, 000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) for the unauthorised commercial and also derogatory use of her musical work”.
But in a letter signed by Joachim Okere and Adebayo Àjàyí, the head of legal services and lead, Litigation and Dispute Management respectively, Airtel Nigeria denied the claims which it described as 'false and defamatory'.
The telecoms company said it had not promoted its TV App with Mbanefo's musical work.
The company further demanded a letter of retraction/apology from Mbanefo within seven days from receipt of the letter or risk civil/criminal legal actions instituted against her.
However, the artiste has reacted to the company's claim by insisting on the copyright infringement suit and subsequent demand of N50 million compensation.
A letter by her lawyer, Rockson Igelige reads, “We are in receipt of your letter dated 22nd April, 2022 as regards the above subject matter.
“We refer to our letter dated 14th April, 2022 as well as your letter dated 22nd April, 2022.
“However, we have reached out to our Client, and she still stands by her demands over the copyright infringement of her musical work, ‘Nigeria Go Survive’ by your organisation, Airtel Network Limited for unsolicited telemarketing
“For avoidance of doubt, the letter of our Client’s demand was dispatched on 14th April 2022 through NIPOST speed post to your office. And her Press Release was on 20th April 2022.
“Our Client is a known figure in the entertainment industry in Nigeria. So, the public is entitled to know whether or not she is in any way involved in any activity advertised with her musical work, and whether or not the use of her musical work in any form or unsolicited telemarketing has her consent and approval.
“Our Client denies ever damaging or defaming the reputation of your company as alleged or at all.
“And Our Client stands by her demands on the copyright infringement of her musical work, ‘Nigeria Go Survive’ by your company, Airtel Network Limited for unsolicited telemarketing contrary to Nigeria Communication Commission`s directives.”
Categories: audio
14 People Are Killed In Northern Nigeria Every Day – Northern Broadcast Media Owners
File photo used to illustrate story.
An average of 14 persons are killed in northern Nigeria every day, the Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) has said.
The association also said no fewer than 8,372 people were killed in the north in 2021.
The acting chairman of the association, Abdullahi Yelwa, disclosed this in a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
File photo used to illustrate story.
He also said there were 10.5 million out-of-school children and 2.7 million internally displaced persons in Nigeria, Daily Trust reports.
Abdullahi explained that the association invited all aspirants seeking political office across all the political parties to come up with clear policy prescriptions to tackle the challenges facing the nation.
“Here in the North, we’re daily confronted by a unique set of existential challenges. The scourge of banditry, terrorism, Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs), drug abuse, rural poverty, out-of-school children, youth unemployment, begging and the threat of hunger, have become epidemic and have defied solutions.
“These are the issues that should therefore be at the centre of political discourse. The attention of any political leader seeking the votes of the northern electorates should therefore be focused on these issues. For the purpose of clarity, let’s review some depressing statistics:
“A data consulting firm had revealed that no fewer than 8,372 people lost their lives to security challenges in 2021. Today, an average of 14 people are killed every day.
“Between 2018 and 2020, an average of 21.4 percent of the Nigerian population experienced hunger. The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), revealed that 14.4 Percent of Nigerians engage in drug abuse, higher than the global average of 11 percent.”
Categories: audio
Nigerian Polytechnic To Suspend Students With Car, Tattoo, Coloured Hair, Dreadlocks, Intimate Hugging, Others
The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State says any student who brings a car into the school will henceforth be suspended for one semester while the vehicle will also be impounded.
In an internal memo signed by the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Students’ Affairs, Mrs O.F. Ajayi, the school management also released sanctions for a wide range of fashion choices common amongst its students.
The school vowed to suspend students caught with coloured hair; tattered jeans; tattoos; nose, mouth, eye (extra) ring; intimate/open embrace (hugging) and ‘crazy’ hairstyles for men; earrings for men, cowries for women; among others, one semester or two semesters, depending on the offence.
It also banned pregnant students and nursing mothers from hostels and bringing babies to classrooms and hostels.
The polytechnic joins other Nigerian higher institutions such as Bayero University Kano (BUK), University of Ilorin, University of Lagos, Lagos State University and others that have in the past released dress codes for male and female students.
Categories: audio
Nigerian Government To Spend N6Billion On Training Kano Youths To Repair Smartphones, Gain Other Skills
Sadiya Umar Farouk
The Nigerian government has said it will spend N5.9 billion to train youths in Kano on how to repair smartphones, among other skill acquisition opportunities.
The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, described it as part of a comprehensive campaign to provide job opportunities and eradicate poverty, NAN reports.
Sadiya Umar Farouk
The minister stated this during the N-Skill Training trainees’ graduation on smartphone repairs on Wednesday in Kano.
Umar-Farouq said the government would provide the graduates with tools to set up their businesses, listing such items as soldering irons, digital multimeters, precision screwdrivers, repair toolkits and magnifying lamps.
Farouq said the programme demonstrated President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts at addressing youth unemployment.
She explained that the programme demonstrated the commitment to collectively address youth unemployment in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to reduce poverty in Nigeria.
Represented by Special Assistant to the President on Social Investment, Nasir Mahmoud, she explained that the programme accommodated many skills-based enterprises.
She noted that the graduate and non-graduate components of the N-Power programme had been expanded to provide job opportunities for 16,629 unemployed youths in Kano under the Batch C.
The minister added that this followed the successfully exiting of 18,042 youths under Batches A and B.
“The federal government is investing over N5.9 billion for the training, tooling and/or payment of monthly stipends on the Batch C beneficiaries. This is a tremendous direct injection of resources at the grassroots and in the hands of youths,” she disclosed.
She also mentioned that smartphone repairs were used to pilot the programme under the N-Power non-graduate component targeted at “lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.”
Categories: audio
Nigeria’s Youth Service Programme, NYSC Confirms Death Of Missing Female Corps Member, Vows To Find Killers
The management of the National Youth Service Corps has reacted to the death of a female corps member, identified as Stephanie Se-Ember Terungwa.
Terungwa was reportedly kidnapped alongside her one-year-old baby in the Lokogoma area of Abuja some weeks ago and had been declared missing.
However, the baby was later found but the mother was still missing, according to her uncle, Richard Lorliam.
She was also found later but was already dead, a Facebook post by one of her friends had confirmed.
Terungwa is a graduate of Microbiology from the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State.
Reacting to her death, the NYSC said security agencies had confirmed the dead body to be that of Terungwa, adding that investigations were ongoing to unravel the identities of the killers.
A statement by Eddy Megwa, the corps' Director of Press and Public Relations reads, “The attention of NYSC Management has been drawn to the pictures making the rounds in the social media of a missing Corps Member deployed to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“The corpse was found wearing the NYSC khaki trouser with the face defaced beyond recognition. On account of this, Management reported the discovery to relevant security agencies to help identify the body.
“It was later confirmed that the remains were that of a missing Corps Member, Stephanie Se-Ember Terungwa, with State Code Number FC/21B/5807.
“Investigations are, however, currently ongoing to unravel the identity(ies) of the perpetrators of the dastardly act in order to bring them to justice.”
Categories: audio
Nigerian Soldier Working With ISWAP Terrorists Kills Self After Arrest
A Nigerian soldier who was arrested for collaborating with ISWAP terrorists has killed himself while being escorted to the barracks.
The soldier who belonged to one of the battalions of the Nigerian Army in the North-East was discovered by military intelligence operatives for his involvements in recent attacks on brothels and beer parlours, PRNigeria reports.
SaharaReporters on Monday reported an attack on Gashu’a town, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, which occurred on Sunday.
An explosion rocked the town, which is about 188 km north of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital and home town of Nigeria’s Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.
The incident was said to have occurred at a beer parlour in the Abasha area of the town.
The attack came barely five days after terrorists killed about ten persons in a beer parlour in Geidam.
"He was involved in recent attacks in Geidam and Gashua communities in Yobe State.
"He was apprehended while attempting to escape after he learnt that his movements and activities with terrorists had been discovered by the intelligence service.
"After being handcuffed, he skillfully snatched a gun from one of the escorts and killed himself.
"Meanwhile, (an) investigation is ongoing to nab other suspects within the service," a source told PRNigeria.
Categories: audio
One Killed, Over 20 Houses Razed As Hausa, Fulani Communities Clash In Bauchi
One person has been killed and over 20 houses have been burnt in a clash between a Fulani community and a Hausa community in Bauchi State.
The crisis between Gudum Hausawa and Gudum Fulani communities escalated on Wednesday after the burial of two people who were killed last weekend during an attack by hoodlums on a wedding send-forth, Channels TV reports.
Worried about the situation, the state governor, Bala Mohammed, imposed a 24-hour curfew to prevent the crisis from getting out of control.
Accompanied by the state police commissioner, Umar Sanda, the governor visited the communities and gave an insight into the efforts of the state authorities since the clashes began.
“I have come here to commiserate with my brothers and sisters over the ugly incident that happened within the last one week,” said Mohammed said. “Last three days, two peace-loving and unsuspecting Christian youths were killed by suspected hoodlums who don’t want us to live in peace.
“After that incident, all the suspects were arrested, the commissioner has attested to this and we are in the process of prosecuting them. Of course, during this burial, we had a reprisal. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
The governor promised that justice would be served and those who lost properties to the incident would be compensated.
“Those who came and unleashed this havoc, burning houses and one man died, were not members of this community; they came from somewhere,” he stated. “We are looking around and we will make sure we give you cover.
“I have directed the commissioner of police to make sure that there is a police station on the fringes and inside the community. The community is a diverse community, a community of Muslims and Christians, and a community of the Fulani, Sayawa, Hausa, Jarawa, and other tribes.
“This is the reflection of the heterogeneity of Bauchi. This is a reflection of the diversity of Nigeria. We have to live in peace. Bauchi has made a name that we are peaceful. I will make sure I give you the required leadership. It is my duty to make sure I come here to ensure peace in this place.”
Gudum Hausawa, Gudum Sayawa, and Gudum Fulani are ethnoreligious communities that share boundaries but have a history of clashes for many years.
Categories: audio
Fire Guts Part Of Synagogue Church, Affects Late Pastor TB Joshua’s Tomb In Lagos
There was a fire incident at the Synagogue Church of All Nations in the Ikotun area of Lagos on Wednesday.
PUNCH Metro reports that the fire, which started around 6.30 pm, destroyed the tomb shelter of the late founder of the church Prophet Temitope Joshua.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was not clear if anyone died in the fire incident.
He said, “The affected property is on Ajisebiri Street, Agodo. The house started burning around 6.30 pm and as I speak with you, fire service officials are trying to put out the fire.
“The compound of the house is big, so nobody can see what they are doing inside. Also, officials putting out the fire didn’t allow anybody inside.”
The Acting Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, who also confirmed the incident, said the fire had been put out.
He said, “The incident happened at a building belonging to the late pastor. The late pastor usually went there to relax and meditate. Federal fire service officials moved in to put out the fire.”
The Head, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Margaret Adeseye, said the fire affected the shelter covering the late pastor’s tomb.
She said, “It is confirmed that a section around the tomb of the late pastor TB Joshua caught fire. A shelter was built to cover the tomb because it is an open place, so, it was the shelter that caught fire. But we were able to curtail it and it did not spread beyond where it started from. We have yet to identify the cause of the fire.”
Categories: audio
Intelligence Gathering Has Failed In Nigeria’s Capital City, Abuja – Buhari’s Minister Laments Kidnapping Cases, Others
The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has lamented security failure in Abuja and the failure to prevent bandit attacks in its satellite towns.
Abuja is Nigeria’s capital city and the seat of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.
The minister spoke at the 6th security meeting with area council chairmen, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the territory on Wednesday.
According to her, security agencies should be proactive instead of reactive.
Austine Elemue, the Special Assistant on Media to the FCT Minister of State, in a statement quoted the minister as calling on traditional rulers to come up with new strategies to tackle insecurity in Abuja.
Residents of Abuja, particularly those on the outskirts of the city, have been experiencing cases of kidnapping among other security challenges.
The statement reads in part: “In view of recent reports from area councils like Gwagwalada, Kwali and Bwari, there is every reason for us to come back, re-strategise and ask what is happening, where we are failing and where we need to strengthen. We need to do an analysis of where our strength lies and where we need to fortify.
“In our expanded FCT security meetings, we have all adequate committees in place, and we have sub-committees that are overseeing the affairs of security and intelligence gathering in the federal capital.
“Despite all these, we are still having reports of people invading communities and our peace, especially in the satellite towns where the terrains are difficult.
“Therefore, the royal fathers who are the custodians of the people should come up with new strategies that will put an end to this menace.”
Politics News AddThis : Original Author : Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements :
Categories: audio
Why Goodluck Jonathan Can't Contest For Nigerian President Again – Lawyer, Falana
Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, says former President Goodluck Jonathan cannot seek re-election into the office of the President, according to the constitution.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on June 4, 2018, signed a constitutional amendment that stops a Vice President who completes the term of a President from contesting for the office of the President more than one more time.
The law also stops a deputy governor who completes the term of a governor from seeking a second term in office as a governor.
A President’s term can be cut short by reasons of death, resignation, or death to pave the way for the Vice President to complete the term of the departed President.
Following the death of then-President Umaru Yar’Adua on May 5, 2010, Jonathan as the then Vice President, took a new oath of office to complete Yar’Adua’s term as President.
He was also sworn in for another term on May 29, 2011, after he won the presidential poll of that year.
Falana in a statement on Wednesday night said Jonathan is affected by the constitution amendment.
“It has been confirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan has decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) with a view to contesting the 2023 presidential election.
“However, the former President is disqualified from contesting the said election by virtue of 137 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended which provides as follows: A person who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as President shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”
Indeed, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fourth Alteration, No 16) Act, 2017 says: "The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (in this Act referred to as “the Principal Act”) is altered as set out in this Act. Section 137 of the Principal Act is altered, by inserting, after subsection (2), a new subsection “(3)”.
“(3)” A person who was sworn in as President to complete the term for which another person was elected as President shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”
Restriction of the Tenure of the President and Governor Fourth Alteration Act No 16Act (1) by Sahara Reporters on Scribd
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Jonathan’s posters had last week flooded the national secretariat of the APC.
Some youth groups also stormed his office in the Maitama area of Abuja, calling on him to join the presidential race.
The protesters lamented that since he left office, hunger, insecurity, and unemployment, among others had become the order of the day.
The supporters said that both men and women have turned to beggars because of the unfavourable policies of the present administration.
In his response, the former President said he could not say if he would declare or not but advised “his supporters to watch out”.
Categories: audio
Nigeria’s Secret Police, DSS Boss Should Resign Or Be Sacked Over Incompetence, Failure To Prevent Terrorist Attacks – Lawyer, Olajengbesi
DSS DG, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has lambasted the Director-General of Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, describing him as incompetent.
Olajengbesi described Bichi as the Director-General of secret police who cannot prevent terrorist attacks.
DSS DG, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
The lawyer said Bichi and the secret police failed to prevent recent attacks by terrorists on a Kaduna -bound train and the Kaduna airport, both in March 2022.
He, therefore, called for the resignation of Bichi or his sacking for failing in his duties.
The secret police had on Tuesday said some criminal elements were plotting to “return the country to the pre-2015 era” by attacking churches, mosques and relaxation centres.
Olajengbesi while reacting to the intelligence report, said, “A DSS DG who cannot uncover and stop the burglary of the home of the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, last year is incompetent.
“A DSS DG who cannot uncover the terrorist attacks in Kaduna State and prevent the unprintable horrors on trains, airports and others is incompetent.
“A DSS DG who fails to provide intelligence and alerts on the operations of kidnappers and bandits is a gross failure.
“A DSS DG who attacks self-determination agitators, kill them, and incarcerates them while Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, is left to roam around and hobnob freely with murderous bandits without ever arresting or questioning him is a blatant failure.
“A DSS DG who persecuted former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obadiah Mailafia, until his death, just because of his outspokenness and exposure of the moneybags of terrorists is a blatant failure.
“A DSS DG under whom scores of atrocious human rights violations and abuses were committed should be ashamed and stop grandstanding.
“The DSS DG should resign immediately or be sacked forthwith. He has failed Nigerians and should leave and apologise to the whole nation.”
Categories: audio
N150Billion Loan: Nigerian Deputy Senate President, Omo-Agege Accuses Delta Governor, Okowa Of Corruption, Reckless Borrowing
The deputy senate president and senator representing Delta Central in the National Assembly, Ovie Omo-Agege, has accused Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration of corruption.
This followed the governor's request to the state House of Assembly to borrow N150 billion barely one year before the end of his administration.
The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the request made by Okowa to borrow N150 billion in favour of the state government.
Okowa had in his letter to the Speaker of the House, Sheriff Oborevwori, explained that the requested credit facility which has Zenith Bank PLC as the “lead arranger, would be principally to settle the arrears of unpaid certificates earned by contractors with respect to the completion of some critical ongoing legacy projects awarded by past and present administrations in the state, as well to take care of outstanding pension commitments to the state and local government areas, pensions in the contributory pension scheme, amounting to N20 billion and N10 billion respectively”.
But Omo-Agege on Wednesday reacted to the loan request in a statement titled "The N150 Billion So-called Loan Looks Too Corrupt To Be Ignored", signed by Aruviere Martin Egharhevwa, Executive Assistant to the deputy senate president, and obtained by SaharaReporters.
"This huge loan, so-called, is not tied to any specific major strategic developmental project thoughtfully conceived and executed in the best interest of Deltans," the statement reads.
Also according to the deputy senate president, "Given Delta’s distinct comparative financial advantage compared to many states of the Federation on account of its huge monthly oil derivation funds, Deltans deserve to know the compelling justification to hastily borrow a whopping N150 billion under the pretext of paying for contracts that the Okowa administration regularly claims it duly awarded, with funding guarantees. Strikingly, the so-called projects are all unknown to the public.
"Why is the Okowa regime borrowing hastily against anticipated ‘Petroleum Subsidy Payment’/‘refund’ with indeterminate crystalisation time? Are they not wetting the ground for the next administration to contend with huge debts unnecessarily?
“Knowing that the repayment funds may not even crystalise till maybe 2027/2028, why is the regime doing this? As suggested by some commentators, is the N150 billion a 2023 ‘election war chest’? If true, we can only advise a rethink because it will fail with serious consequences. As reported, after about 7 years of neglecting the all-important duty of diligently settling pension commitments to our senior citizens, the Okowa regime now suddenly wishes to pay them from this so-called loan.
"Because these citizens are entitled to their pensions, they deserve to and must be paid their pensions, anyhow. However, the regime’s choice to pay them from an unusual source and close to the 2023 general elections is not lost on discerning minds, including our seniors.
“Whatever the intentions are, they will be clinically shut down at the right time. We also believe such borrowing must be responsible, and not recklessly propelled by corruption and primitive private interests. It should not be all about sinking many generations into intractable debts in the hope of achieving impossible electoral postulations.
"Without question, the N150 billion loan approved by the House of Assembly is an escalation of a very corrupt pattern of reckless borrowing by the Okowa administration to fund mystery projects or what Deltans now generally refer to as ‘audio’ or invisible projects.
“We strongly advise and warn them to think twice about this so-called loan. It looks too corrupt in appearance and character to be ignored. It will create too many problems for them. A word is enough for the wise.”
However, the state finance commissioner, Fidelis Tilije and his Information counterpart, Charles Aniagwu, on Wednesday said the fund would be used to pay for the completion of some critical ongoing projects awarded by past and present administrations as well as outstanding pension commitments to state and local government pensioners in the state.
Tilije said, "The funds totalling N270.6 billion ought to have been received a long time ago but because the federal government could not pay the whole money in bulk, it became reasonable and logical that the oil-producing states enter into an agreement for some part of it to be paid within 3 years and the other part within 5 years.
“Having reduced the debt profile of the state from N151 billion to N72 billion, it is important that we have so many other contracts that we have awarded within the period of time.
"Because it is a closeout of a particular tenure it became very important that we ensure those legacy projects including the new State Secretariat building are completely paid for before we leave office.
“The intention of governor Ifeanyi Okowa was to ensure that on transition day, the debt profile of the state would be almost insignificant. So, we thought it wise that rather than allow inflationary variables to dry down the proceeds of this recovery, it was important for us to discount some of them."
Aniagwu said contrary to speculations on social media, the bridging finance is not for any political reason but simply to address special needs in the state.
He said the funds would be paid to the state in tranches on a quarterly basis.
Categories: audio
Prince Andrew Stripped Of Freedom Of City Title Over Sexual Assault Case
Prince Andrew has been stripped of the Freedom of the City of York after councillors unanimously voted to remove his title in the wake of his settled sexual abuse case.
Councillors in York gathered this evening to debate revoking the prince's Freedom of the City honour, awarded to him in 1987. After discussing the motion for around half an hour, it passed unanimously.
The prince was branded 'an utter disgrace' during the extraordinary meeting and his continued clinging to the title Duke of York was described as a 'stain' on the city, Daily Mail reports.
Although symbolic, the new humiliation places Andrew under renewed pressure to quit as Duke of York, with civic leaders calling on the Queen, Palace or government to step in and strip him of the title if he refuses 'to do the right thing' and resign.
The council also noted objections from the public calling for the prince to be banned from attending horse racing events in the city. Another said he should be referred to as 'Andrew Windsor' in the future.
Andrew had been warned in advance that he would be losing the freedom of the city, an honour bestowed on him on February 23, 1987, as a wedding gift to Sarah Ferguson. He is the first person ever to have the Freedom of the City removed, councillors were told. There were two formal abstentions - from the Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor-elect.
Lib Dem Darryl Smalley, City of York Council's executive member for culture, leisure & communities proposed the motion.
He said tonight: 'The Honorary Freedom of York is the highest honour we, as a city, can bestow on those who represent the very best of York. The honour is held by many notable and accomplished people who carry it with pride and responsibly.
'Having been stripped of his military roles and royal patronages by the Queen, we believe that it is right to remove all links that Prince Andrew still has with our great city.
'I was pleased to see councillors of all parties support this motion and make it clear that it is no longer appropriate for Prince Andrew to represent York and its residents.
'The removal of this honorary title sends the right message that we as a city stand with victims of abuse. The next logical step is now for Prince Andrew to do the right thing and relinquish his Duke of York title.
'If he fails to do so, the Government and Buckingham Palace must step in to remove his title to finally end Prince Andrew's connection to York.'
It follows a slew of authorities, institutions, schools and even golf clubs, which have all sought to distance themselves from the disgraced duke since he settled his civil case with Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking victim Virginia Roberts.
In the wake of the case, which was settled in February, the 62-year-old was also stripped of his military roles and royal patronages and was told he would no longer be known as 'His Royal Highness'.
Both Buckingham Palace and a spokesperson for the Duke of York declined to comment.
Categories: audio
Police Invite Nigerian Pastor Who Asked Members To Pay N310,000 To Make Heaven
The Ekiti State police command has invited Nuah Abraham, a pastor, who reportedly asked congregants to “part with N310,000 for them to prepare for the end of the world” for interrogation.
According to NAN, Abraham, a pastor with the Christ High Commission Ministry, had asked members to relocate to a camp in Araromi-Ugbesi in Omuo-Oke-Ekiti.
The state police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, said the pastor had relocated from Kaduna where his church is known as Royal Christ Assembly.
According to him, the invitation is to allow the preacher to explain himself.
One of Abraham’s church members was said to have confirmed that the pastor first relocated to Ekiti in 2021 from his former base in Kaduna State.
“He later returned to Kaduna State in April to ask each member of his church to pay him N310,000 before they are allowed to follow him to Araromi-Ugbesi in Omuo-Oke-Ekiti in Ekiti East,’’ the member said.
The source added that the pastor preached that it was where “the gate of heaven will open for all of them to fly to heaven”.
Categories: audio
Ukraine War: Putin Threatens Nuclear Strikes If US, UK, Other Western Countries Intervene
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President, Vladimir Putin has warned the West that he will use nuclear weapons if any other country intervenes in his war in Ukraine.
Speaking to politicians in St Petersburg, the Russian president said that "if anyone sets out to intervene in the current events from the outside and creates unacceptable threats for us that are strategic in nature, they should know that our response... will be lightning-fast".
Russian President Vladimir Putin
UK Telegraph
Putin said that the military would not hesitate to use the most modern weaponry, in an escalating war of words days after Russia warned of a “real” threat of World War Three, The Telegraph reports. Four days after the February invasion, Putin put Russia's nuclear deterrence forces on high alert.
"We have all the tools for this, that no one else can boast of having. We won't boast about it: we'll use them if needed. And I want everyone to know that," Putin said, in a veiled reference to Moscow's nuclear arsenal.
"We have already taken all the decisions on this."
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has warned the country has "extremely difficult weeks" ahead, saying there will be major "destruction" in a developing Russian offensive in the east.
"Some extremely difficult weeks lie ahead," Reznikov said in a statement on Facebook.
"Russia has already gathered forces for a large-scale offensive in eastern Ukraine," he added, saying Moscow "will try to inflict as much pain as possible" and warned of "destruction and painful casualties".
Categories: audio
BREAKING: Thief Steals N43 Million From Headquarters Of Nigeria’s Ruling Party, APC
There was confusion at the National Secretariat of the ruling All Progr
It was learnt that the party resorted to the use of canopies due to the ongoing renovation/refurbishment works being carried out in the Secretariat main building.
It was gathered that the sum of $75,000 had gone missing amid the crowded struggle at the main entrance to the party premises.
Party sources, however, disclosed that the missing money was in no way connected to the monies from the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms as aspirants are expected to make deposits in the designated account numbers before picking up their forms at Buhari House.
“It’s actually $75,000. You know there was a struggle at the gate when aspirants and supporters were trying to get in.
“When the parcel of money dropped, it went missing in a flash. By the time security operatives were alerted, the thief had vanished with the envelope,” the party source said.
Earlier, the Secretariat had been a beehive of activities as aspirants trooped in to obtain forms for various electoral offices.
On the outside of Buhari House were hundreds of supporters lined up to cheer their respective aspirants as they made their way into the premises.
Wednesday’s sale of forms had made it clear that the party premises may not accommodate the nearly two-week exercise.
Therefore, talks are underway to relocate to a different venue altogether.
It was learnt that officials of the party were heard deliberating to move the exercise to International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The APC last Wednesday pegged its presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at N100 million.
The party’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed this shortly after the 11th National Executive Meeting in Abuja last week.
The nomination form would go for N70 million while expression of interest forms would go for N30 million.
Morka said the nomination and expression of interest forms for those seeking the party’s ticket to contest the governorship election in their respective states will cost N50 million.
The other ratified prices for other elective positions include N20 million for senatorial aspirants, N10 million for aspirants seeking to be members of the House of Representatives and N2 million for State Houses of Assembly aspirants.
Categories: audio
Zamfara Government Deposes Two Emirs, One District Head Accused Of Working With Bandits
Governor Bello Matawalle
The Zamfara State Government has officially deposed three traditional leaders earlier suspended over alleged involvement in banditry activities in the state.
The two emirs and a district head were deposed over allegations of aiding the activities of bandits terrorising communities in the state.
Governor Bello Matawalle
The affected traditional rulers are Emir of Zurmi, Abubakar Atiku; Emir of Dansadau, Hussaini Umar and Sulaiman Ibrahim, who used to be the District Head of Birnin Tsaba.
Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the information commissioner disclosed this while addressing journalists after the state executive council meeting in Gusau on Wednesday.
According to him, the decision was based on the reports of the committees set up by the government to look into the issue.
He said, “The council has approved the deposition of Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and that of Dansadau, Alhaji Hussaini Umar.
“The council also approved the immediate removal of the District Head of Birnin-Tsaba, Alhaji Sulaiman Ibrahim.”
“We took the decision after careful examination of the reports submitted by the two committees to the State government,” the government added.
The state government had suspended the traditional leaders 10 months ago after they were accused of working with bandits.
Subsequently, the government had set up a six-member committee to investigate the allegations against the traditional rulers and the committee had recently come up with its report.
“The council upheld the recommendation of a six-man white paper committee set up by the government to review the report of two separate committees earlier set up to investigate the involvement of the three traditional rulers in the activities of banditry in the state,” a statement by Governor Bello Matawalle’s media aide, Zailani Bappa, also said.
“The three impeached royal fathers were earlier suspended by the state government following wide allegations of serious involvement in the act of banditry in the state.
“The findings of the committees also revealed abuse of the Land Act in their domain and the government ordered the reversal to status quo involving the lands illegally allocated.”
Categories: audio
Female National Youth Corps Member Kidnapped With Baby In Abuja Reportedly Found Dead
A member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, identified as Stephanie Se-Ember Terungwa, kidnapped in Abuja, has reportedly been found dead.
Stephanie is a graduate of Micro Biology from the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State.
Her disappearance was made known by one Richard Lorliam who claimed the missing corps member was his niece.
According to a post on Lorliam's Facebook page, Terungwa was last seen on Thursday in the Lokogoma area of Abuja.
Lorliam said she was abducted with her one-year-old son while returning from the Community Development Service exercise.
He, however, said the baby was later found but the mother was still missing.
He wrote in several Facebook posts, “My niece is missing ...anyone with information should come forward. Last known location… Lokogoma Abuja."
In another post, he said, “Abducted with her 1yr old son after attending NYSC CDs exercise. The baby was later found but she still remains missing. Pls share till she is found.”
Meanwhile, a friend of the young woman, Rachael Iveren Ingbian has taken to her Facebook page to announce that Terungwa was found but was already dead.
She wrote, “She was found but not alive....
IT IS WELL
Adoo
Na wa o."
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1035707730664425&id=100026756238007
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1035245237377341&id=100026756238007
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=520026833126015&id=100053561082426
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=520009689794396&id=100053561082426&sfnsn=scwspmo
Efforts made by SaharaReporters to reach Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, for confirmation, proved abortive as calls to her telephone lines did not connect and text messages sent were not replied to.
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