A young woman is currently battling for her life at a hospital in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after an alleged brutal attack by her ex-lover with a machete. 
The victim named Onyekachi Chinomso and her attacker, Ifeanyi Chigozie, who is now on the run, dated for several years and even had a child together before the relationship went sour and both went their separate ways.

Unable to stomach the pain of the young lady leaving him, it was learnt that Chigozie had quietly nursed a revenge agenda for several months before striking.
On March 20, 2022, he craftily found his way to Chinomso's family house in Port Harcourt to hatch his evil plot after learning that she had presented another man to her people as the person she wanted to get married to.
Armed with a machete, Chigozie allegedly sneaked into the apartment of his victim without the knowledge of anyone around the place.
By the time he unleashed his 'venom' on the 20-year-old lady, she was left between life and death following several machete cuts to different parts of her body.
More than one month since that gruesome attack on her, Chinomso's chances of recovery remain slim.
Narrating events that led to the attack on his sister, Chinasa, brother of the victim told SaharaReporters that the entire incident was a plot carefully hatched together by Chigozie and others yet to be identified for a long time before March 20 when he delivered the killer blow.
According to him, more insights into the evil plot and the persons behind it will be revealed once the attacker was apprehended by law enforcement agents.
The matter was reported at Okporo Police State in the state capital but no arrest has been made yet.
He said, "My sister disclosed that it had been long she saw the guy, adding that she had nothing to do with him again.
"But she never knew that the guy had been tracing her until the incident happened and people started saying that the guy had been coming around to ask them about her and the guy she wants to marry.
"He pretended and lied to people that he gave my sister clothes to sew for him and that he had come to collect them.
"On the day the incident happened, she stepped out to buy groundnut to drink garri but when she came back and opened her door and went inside the room, Chigozie rained several machete cuts all over her body. Before she managed to call for help, the guy had escaped from the room.
"She lost a finger and sustained deep cuts all over her body. She has been in the hospital since that period while the attacker is nowhere to be found."
Speaking further, Chinasa disclosed that the familyhad spent a lot of money on ensuring that his sister received appropriate medical care.
According to him, shortage of funds had prevented doctors from performing necessary surgeries on the young lady and increase her chances of survival and full recovery.
He said, "Our family has spent a lot of money on her treatment so far.
"She requires some urgent surgeries to help her stand a good chance of speedy recovery.
"We are still looking for the money for the surgeries. 
"The guy who attacked her is from Akarkwo Amamba in the Uzuakoli area of Abia State. He has been on the run since the incident. We hope that he is arrested soon to face the consequences of his actions."
The spokesperson for the police in Rivers State, Grace Irenge-Koko, when contacted by SaharaReporters over the incident, said she had yet to be briefed, adding that she was awaiting a detailed report into the matter.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

A judge at the Bayelsa State High Court, Justice Nayai Aganaba, who was stoned out of court by thugs during a hearing on an intra-party matter involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) factions in the state, is retiring from service.

Speaking on Tuesday during a book launch and reception in honour of the retiring Justice Aganaba in Yenagoa, the state capital, Governor Douye Diri showered encomiums on the judge whom he described as incorruptible, Daily Trust reports.

Diri, who also condemned the last week’s disruption of proceedings in the Bayelsa State High Court 3 presided by Justice Aganaba, said the treatment meted out to the judge by the opposition party members was “most unfortunate.”

The governor’s spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement quoted Diri as cautioning politicians against desecrating the hallowed temple of justice and the judiciary, saying the courts remain the last hope of the common man.

He thanked God for sparing the life of the judge throughout his meritorious service to the state and nation, adding that the state was very proud of his achievements and would not hesitate to call on him whenever his services were needed.

He said, “We are all gathered to celebrate a man that has given his all to Bayelsa and Nigeria. I have known him before the creation of Bayelsa State as a man who loves his people and his state. He exhibits that at every given occasion. He is a true son of Bayelsa and Ijawland; a very fearless and incorruptible judge.

“I like to use this occasion to call on politicians to respect judges and the judiciary. Why do we have to put Bayelsa State negatively in the media by storming a court?

“I always advise that we eschew politics of bitterness. We must at all times stand with other organs of government, the judiciary in particular, and ensure that it continues to be the last hope of the common man.

“My brother, Justice Aganaba, you came, you saw and conquered. We hope this will not be your last service to the state. We are proud of you.”

Earlier, the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, said Justice Aganaba served without blemish and urged other justices to emulate him.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the book titled “Astute Judicial Judgements and Festschrift” in honour of Justice Aganaba.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The Lagos State Police Command has invited all the pupils of Chrisland Schools, Lagos, involved in the viral child pornographic video, for questioning.

Recall that on Tuesday, all parties involved in the case were invited to appear at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.

Over the weekend, the alleged sex video of some students of the school surfaced online.

“It is an elaborate investigation,” a police source told The Nation.

“Our concern is not just the video. We are interested in knowing how the children learned the acts they displayed? We want to be sure they are not victims of sexual assault because if that is the case, the adults who exposed them to such must face the music.”

The mother of the female pupil involved had come online to seek the help of Nigerians as she alleged that her daughter was drugged by the male students and forced to engage in the sexual act.

She further alleged that the school conducted a pregnancy test on her daughter without her (the mother's) consent.

She also claimed the video of the rape incident had been shared multiple times on social media.

She said she was not aware of what happened in Dubai till another parent showed her the video of the incident.

However, in a statement released by Akin Fadeyi, a member of the Advisory board of the school, the school authorities denied claims that it conducted a pregnancy test on the girl.

According to the school, only a COVID-19 test was conducted on all the students who embarked on the trip to Dubai.

The school also said out of the 77 students who represented the school at the event, only six were involved in the misconduct. It said they were involved in a Truth or Dare game which led to the condemnable act.

Also, reacting to allegations of negligence on their part, the school said while in Dubai, it ensured the students were kept in separate rooms, seven floors apart. It said boys were on the 4th floor of the hotel while the girls were lodged on the 11th floor.

The school said none of the students on its watch was raped. It mentioned some centres where the COVID19 tests were carried out on the students and asked people to confirm their claims.

Meanwhile, the girl in the video has now been said to have an online page on Likee App, where she posts erotic videos with username, bhadgurl4k, and has over 24,000 likes.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Good leadership calls for flexibility and the ability to recognise which situations call for which style of command to achieve the best results. After all, getting things done is what leadership is all about. It is unfortunate and disheartening to see the current political gladiators becoming autocratic and intolerant to dissenting views.

 

Our beloved country —Nigeria, today, faces many challenges, crises and forces of division — such as poverty, violence, dishonesty, rampant corruption, nepotism, killings, kidnappings and human rights abuses — among many others — that undermine peace, security, development and social harmony among our people.

 

To confront these challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is sober reflection. We need to make that transition from just human beings to humans. Therefore, for a free people to govern themselves, they must be free to express themselves -- openly, publicly, and repeatedly; in speech, writing, negotiations, discussions and demonstrations where necessary. 

 

The principle of free speech should be protected by a democracy's constitution, preventing the legislative or executive branches of government from imposing censorship of democratic expressions. Freedom of speech and expression, especially about political and important public issues, is the lifeline of any democracy. 

 

Democratic governments do not control the content of people's expression of their perception of government, opinion on social issues and discontent. Thus democracies are usually filled with many voices expressing different or even contrary ideas and opinions. On the contrary, what seems to be rearing its head in our body politic seems to be deliberate autocratic action to scuttle free speech and punish those who dare to voice their discontent on our troubled state of affairs; suggesting a worrisome descent into autocracy.

 

For example, the Imam spoke, he was suspended, a Bishop preached the homily and earned insults for both himself and other clerics. The greatest problem of the current political gladiators is the intolerance to criticism, yet the protagonists tore the GEJ era into shreds with their negative criticism that could be argued to be devoid of sincerity. 

 

I wonder why this regime cannot sit down and tell itself the truth. It has failed to deliver on 99.99% of her electioneering promises. In less than 8 years, it has made Nigeria retrogress several decades into stagnation. I wonder if this country will ever recover, or more significantly, survive the impact of the policies of this ever self-justifying and pretentiously puritanical regime.

 

Rather than try to do something positive for posterity, the government, and wider leadership have continued going after courageous voices telling it what we all know on the streets, and which are seemingly not caught by their discriminatory radar. Yesterday they attacked the Abuja Imam. Today, they are taking Bishop Kukah to their destiny-destroying laundry, while Nigeria burns. Lord, mercifully deliver us from this contraption designed to make us live in perpetual regrets. Cry beloved country Nigeria; cry mother Africa.

 

Bishop Kukah reminds one of the indomitable spirit of the Archbishop of Cape Town, Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the late Bishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and veteran of South Africa's struggle against white minority rule. They do not only share the same body size but the same audacity to speak truth to power no matter how devilish they are.

 

A dependable source told me that the only reason why they didn't go after Bishop David Oyedepo is the fear of the backlash. Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina had previously lampooned (Daddy G.O) PST E A ADEBOYE, according to Adesina, "uncouth language which has become the stock-in-trade of some preachers in Nigeria today is no longer acceptable."

 

CRY BELOVED COUNTRY NIGERIA, CRY MOTHER AFRICA.

 

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI.

 

Opinion AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  Richard Odusanya Disable advertisements : 

When the internet made its debut, very few people understood how it worked. For that reason, most individuals had little control over the types of content they saw and even put out. It was safe to ascribe a fair extent of human behavioural blame to the internet. The story is different today: there is full awareness and much more control over content ownership and consumption. 

 

As a result of its intoxicating nature, there is a group of people who need to tread extra lightly in this head-spinning world - children.

 

The internet is not the only thing that has changed about the world, but it is one thing that has changed the world. Value and belief systems have evolved. These trends have, in turn, birthed a new parenting style for many. Situations that previously posed as a big deal barely hold water today; unregulated internet access and sleepovers with ‘cool’ friends are but a fraction of this new age's childhood benefits.

 

But what is sauce for the goose is not always sauce for the gander. These luxuries are presenting parents and children with the shorter end of the stick. 

 

The recent unfortunate sex tape involving children aged 10 to 13 has left me, and many others, disturbed. The mishap has begged the question of what these children have been exposed to. 

 

The scenario is all too familiar; parents are busy with work, and often too tired to engage with their children. Nobody has the time to explain why the earth is round. All that takes is a Google search with thousands of results happy to answer that. The child’s joy knows no bounds. There is no need to seek answers from parents who would give half-interesting acknowledgements when the internet will respond and even give extra suggestions. 

 

The question is: what else flirts with the child’s mind? 

 

It is no secret that children are curious cats. When their questions are unanswered, they will find answers elsewhere. While the internet provides a questionable source of knowledge, one begins to wonder just how much knowledge a child should be exposed to from there. There is often a lack of judgement and danger awareness that only comes with age and experience. Is a life-damaging exploit going to be the wake-up call for parents that they desperately need?

 

How can these children be protected? Having open conversations about the internet, stranger dangers and their online activities is a good start. When they understand that their naivety makes them prey to predators, they stand a better chance of being protected. Also, registering a Gmail account with the correct age and having it linked to the Google family link lets you protect them from adult content replete on the internet. 

 

Satellite TVs also offer parental locks to enable parents and guardians to control the kind of content their children access. 

 

It is easy to argue a child’s moral decadence does not only come from the internet. However, a huge portion of the blame falls on parents. Associations with friends, the environment, and other social factors are also elemental in this quicksand of questionable moral standards. But these friends also come from families. 

 

While parents cannot control who or what the child interacts with 24/7, they can influence it to some extent. A family is the smallest unit of society. It is from there that values get formed and shaped before interaction with the outside world. A school or a church can only do so much - the primary responsibility of raising and protecting a child needs to come from the home. 

 

Explaining how to think and act in a healthy way about what they see can raise an open-minded and balanced child. One parent cannot change the world, but collectively, every parent can.

 

Claire Mom is a Nigerian journalist notable for her advocacy for women's and children's rights.

Email:clairemom26@gmail.com

Twitter: speakclairely_

 

Opinion AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  Claire Mom Disable advertisements : 

Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels said that if you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. That is how most, especially politicians, the Church, influencers, NGOs and CSOs have been manipulating Nigerians to come to see a big lie as the truth. They control Nigerians with the words: “We have no other country but Nigeria!”

 

The truth is that countries come and countries go. The world map of countries we see today is not the same map our ancestors would have seen, say, 300 years ago. And, today’s world map will not be the same one that those who will exist 300 years from now will see. COUNTRIES COME, AND COUNTRIES GO. That is a historical fact.

 

What we see is that indigenous peoples of the South and Middle Belt are doing their all to rush out of Nigeria looking for education, jobs and “opportunities” abroad, while at the same time immigrant Fulani are rushing into Nigeria. We must ask the question, then whose country is Nigeria (Notice, we are not asking to whom do the ancestral lands belong)? Since every country is a political construction, we should know who created the political union called Nigeria, and for whose benefit was it created?

 

Nigeria is called a Federation (another lie) whereas in fact, a Federation is a union of Constitutions yet Nigeria has just ONE Constitution, and that is itself a Forgery called the 1999 Constitution. What that means is that IN REALITY there is actually no Union, and thus no real country called “Nigeria” – it is all a great make-believe situation. Those who are no longer going to tolerate the lies are insisting that their people will take charge of their ancestral lands, and with their inalienable right to Self-Determination either form a viable country on their own, or form a new country with compatible neighbouring Ethnic Nations. That is, they are seeking to correct the mistake (or mischief!) of the 1914 Amalgamation. The ONE obstacle in the pathway to Self-Determination is the INDIGENOUS POLITICIANS. 

 

The role of indigenous politicians in maintaining the hated Nigeria that their people are fleeing abroad from, and where their people are being killed on a regular basis needs to be made ABUNDANTLY CLEAR. 

The illegitimate 1999 Constitution empowers armed Fulani to torture, maim, and slaughter unarmed and defenceless indigenous peoples. It is actually indigenous politicians who open the door to the homicidal madness of Fulani invaders by upholding and defending that known Forgery – the 1999 Constitution. If indigenous politicians did not make themselves available for this dirty work, the Fulani invaders and the Fulani Caliphate would have no powers of entry, so their conquest agenda revealed by Ahmadu Bello’s Declaration, would be impossible.

Furthermore, it is indigenous politicians who renew the life of that sham 1999 Constitution in their people’s ancestral land. That happens via elections when the declared winner swears an Oath of Office to uphold, defend, and govern by that Forgery. It is the task of indigenous politicians to push their people to Elections 2023 to renew the life of the disaster-bringing and death-bringing 1999 Constitution upon their people, for which they will get paid huge salaries and life-long pensions. The treasonous behaviour of indigenous politicians is compounded by the fact that they hide the truth that the 1999 Constitution has been Repudiated via the Constitutional Force Majeure declared by the non-violent people’s NINAS Movement making Nigeria a Disputed Project since 16th December 2020, obviously hoping to wind down the clock, to help make Elections 2023 inevitable. Or, to assist the Fulani-led Central Government to declare Martial Law as advised by Attorney General Malami (a Fulani) in a leaked memo (later denied), using the unchecked widespread insecurity as a manufactured reason.

 

This is a case of indigenous peoples versus their politicians. Indigenous politicians are using a Forgery to capture their people inside a false Union called Nigeria. A Union that is NOT the one negotiated before Independence. That original Union was terminated in 1966 by the military coups. The current Union of Nigeria is the Caliphate’s country that welcomes Fulani from all over Africa to make it their home, while at the same time driving indigenous peoples to flee abroad by making it a hopeless and unsafe place for the true Owners of the land.

 

Before 1914 there was no country called Nigeria. Since the future for them is the Caliphate Agenda of conquest and Fulanization, indigenous peoples can decide that they will no longer accept unitary Nigeria. Their own politicians are the Caliphate’s agents and collaborators in their ancestral lands, so it is their politicians they must address and stop. Elections 2023 is the battleground. The life of the 1999 Constitution must therefore not be renewed by having those elections. Instead, there should be a time-bound Transitional Government where there would be Self-Determination Regional Referendums for indigenous Ethnic Nations to decide whether they want to re-commit their ancestral lands to the Union of Nigeria, or whether they want fresh, new beginnings forming new Unions with compatible neighbouring Ethnic Nations.

 

For indigenous peoples to flee abroad when they have their own richly endowed ancestral lands is not an effective solution to the problem of treacherous politicians who uphold a hostile 1999 Constitution. Indigenous peoples have been believing the lie that: “We have no other country but Nigeria!” Unitary Nigeria is NOT their country, and rather than abandon their ancestral lands (making it easier for Fulani to grab them), indigenous peoples at home and abroad have the power to create proper new countries for themselves by stopping their politicians and the sham 1999 Constitution that follows those traitors.

 

 

Ndidi Uwechue is a British citizen with Igbo heritage from the Lower Niger Bloc. She is a retired Metropolitan (London) Police Officer, she is a signatory to the Constitutional Force Majeure, and she writes from Abuja.

Opinion AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  Ndidi Uwechue Disable advertisements : 

A trending video has showed policemen allegedly acting on the order of African Financial Technology Company, Kuda, assaulting a 24-year-old Point of Sale (PoS) operator, Olakunle AbdulGafar.

In the video seen by SaharaReporters, AbdulGafar was manhandled by police officers on Kuda’s premises, and at some point, he was on the floor with one of the operatives assaulting and dragging his trouser.

According to his brother, @Ayam_Jamotech, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member on Tuesday visited the digital bank branch in Yaba, Lagos following a lock placed on his account after transferring the sum of N577,000 from his Moniepoint account on April 13.

“So my brother went to ‪@kudabankhelp‬ office today at yaba to know the reason why his account was locked and yet not to be opened after dropping his proof to them that it’s a legit money and not fraud money at all. So funny how when he got there this morning. They sent their mopol.

“Imagine a whole bank you trusted with your hard earned money working with EFCC and NG police just to drain your account cause you’re making big income.

‪@kudabank‬ everybody needs to boycott this rubbish bank now!! You need to say something ASAP!! I’m suing you.

“My lil brother transferred his own money N577,491 from his Moniepoint POS to his own Kuda account on Apr13 2021 but you guys choose to be unfortunate to lock up his account for someone that has sent a huge amount of over 10m at once without you guys locking it.

“So why the sudden lock for just an amount lesser than a 10M naira? You locked his total amount of 1.2 million naira without even feeling remorseful or thinking how this person would be thinking after locking his account. Please kindly open back his account cause the money is for his business and he need it to continue his daily activities.

“You can do whatever investigations but I’m gladly telling you that’s not a fraud money and we need you guys to open his account so he can continue with his business thank you,” he said.

It was learnt that the corps member was also detained by the police on Kuda’s directive.

The digital bank had in an email sent to the PoS operator and signed by one Daniel Ade-Ojo said that a probe was being carried out on his account to ascertain the source and purpose of the fund.

He wrote, “We tried reaching you on your mobile line but efforts have been futile. Please be informed that we are conducting a review with regards to the recent transactions made on your account to enable us better understand and profile your account appropriately. Please let us know the source and purpose of the inflow.”

Twitter please do the needful, this is after they have press a tear gas on his face. See how useless they rough handle by brother @kudabankhelp office in Yaba!! This is a friend him using his brother phone to record the incident. @Dehkunle @TifeStillDey @SavvyRinu @segalink 🙏 https://t.co/Tw2vqaVJGz pic.twitter.com/0ZR8vD1iqL

— 𝕁𝔸𝕄𝕆𝕋𝔼ℂℍ 😈🍀🇳🇬 (@I_Am_Jamotech) April 19, 2022

Meanwhile in a reaction, the bank said its workers were not involved in the incident, noting that it was carrying out its internal checks.

In a statement, Kuda said, “It has come to our attention that a couple of videos are being circulated online regarding the experience of one of our customers yesterday. The videos show the customer being forcefully escorted off our premises by members of the Nigeria Police Force. We wish to unequivocally say that Kuda Microfinance Bank Limited does not condone or support violence in any manner, particularly against its own customers.

“Having said the foregoing, as a financial institution licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, we have an obligation to comply with the mandates of all applicable government and law enforcement agencies supported by the appropriate documentation. While complying with such mandates, we liaise with the affected customers so that any pending matters between the customers and the agencies are resolved.

“It is also expected that such affected customers will cooperate fully with the law enforcement agencies involved in order to reach a resolution on each matter. It is truly unfortunate that the customer’s failure to cooperate with the law enforcement officers unfolded in the matter that it did, particularly with the customer being apprehended by the members of the NPF further to their investigation into alleged criminal activity on the customer’s account.

“We wish to reiterate that no staff of Kuda MFB was involved in the unfortunate incident that was captured in the video; we have however commenced our internal investigations into this matter and in due time we will liaise with the customer as well as the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that the matter is adequately addressed.”

Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday fixed N100 million as the cost for its 2023 presidential aspirants to obtain form.

The fee was approved at the ongoing National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in Abuja.

Those eyeing the governorship ticket will purchase the form at N50 million.

“State House Of Assembly Goes For 2 Million Naira. House Of Representatives Goes For 10 Million Naira. Senate Goes For 20 Million Naira. Governorship Goes For 50 Million Naira and Presidency Goes For 100 Million Naira,” the party said.

Meanwhile, APC NEC has transferred its powers to the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Senator Abdullahi Adamu for the next 90 days.

National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore said that Senate President, Ahmed Lawan moved the motion and was seconded by Governor Nasir El-rufai.

The NWC will now, henceforth take decisions that might require the intervention of the NEC meeting.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

File Photo

Some current and past governors have been accused of working at cross purposes to tear the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress apart.

The National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, made this known in his opening address at the 11th National Executive Committee meeting of the APC holding at the Transcorp Hotel in Abuja.

File Photo

The meeting is being attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and other critical stakeholders who are members of the NEC.

Adamu who declared that state governors are leaders of the party in their states, said the APC constitution does not have provision for dual leadership in the states.

He however conceded that former governors are leaders in their own rights, urging serving governors to accord them all the necessary respect.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The President, Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, has advised the Nigerian government to deduct N200billion from the N4trillion set aside for fuel subsidy.

Osodeke, in an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday morning, said the government had addressed the issue of fuel subsidy with a budget of N4trillion while it ignored the addressing issues of its university education.

The ASUU President advised that if the government took only N200billion from the N4trillion budget to address the challenges of its members; it would still have a whopping N3.8trillion.

He further called on the Nigerian government to prioritise education to fuel subsidy, adding that the Nigerian academic could provide all the solutions needed to boost the country.

He argued that it took Nigerian universities only three months to locally produce University Transparent and Accountability Solution (UTAS) which performed at 97.3 percent to replace the foreign Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

He said while huge resources were paid for IPPIS, such funds would have served the Nigerian universities and challenged the government to always task the Nigerian universities for solutions to identified challenges.

Osodeke said, “It is always very funny, that the government who cannot raise N200billion to revamp all Nigeria universities annually, to world standards. The same government can raise N4trillion for fuel subsidies. Fuel subsidy and Nigerian education; which is more important to any country that wants to move forward?

“You can raise a budget to make N4trillion for subsidies a year, but you cannot raise N200billion to fund your education where you don’t have the infrastructure. You can spend N228billion to feed children in primary or secondary schools. But you cannot raise this fund for your university; it is an issue of priority. That is the problem.

“If you remove N200billion from N4trillion, to fund your universities, you still have N3.8trillion for fuel subsidy.”

Education News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

The Ondo State Government has suspended a civil servant for reportedly spreading fake news about the death of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

The Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, who did not disclose the Identity of the civil servant, said that “the disciplinary measure was based on the death rumour being peddled about the governor.”

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

According to Adeyemo, the civil servant in question has been suspended and his name forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for appropriate punishment.

He said the officer shared the fake news on his Facebook account, adding that such behaviour would not be condoned in government.

“Incidentally, I called Mr Governor a day before the rumour and we spoke and chatted. So, when I heard the fake news I was disturbed and asked; who is this fellow carrying this terrible rumour I knew Mr Governor was alive and with vigour. So, I never believed it,” he said.

SaharaReporters had reported how Akeredolu traveled to Germany for medical treatment days after the March 26 All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention in Abuja.

Days after the report, a blog rumoured that he had died in a German hospital.

Meanwhile, speaking on arrival in the state, the governor, confirmed he was in Germany for his “deserved rest.”

He however described the rumour of his death as wicked and politically motivated.

“On the 1st, I took up my deserved rest in Germany, this is what I have done in the last a week and the half until I heard about this, the best way you can describe it is a wicked rumor that I’m not alive. They said I was bed ridden, that I was on life support but my support is Christ,” the governor had said.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos State, which is under renovation, has been renamed as Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre, upon completion, the Nigerian government has said.

This was made known by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Tuesday in Madrid, Spain, while signing an agreement on Nigeria’s hosting of first Global Conference on Cultural Tourism and Creative Industry.

The bilateral agreement was signed between Nigeria and the United Nation World Tourism Organisation at the organisation’s headquarters.

The minister, who put the cost of the renovation at $100million, said the global conference, which would be held from November 14 to 17, would be the first event to be staged at the newly refurbished edifice.

“Nigeria will be hosting the event at the National Theatre in Lagos, which is currently being renovated at a cost of $100m under a partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee/Central Bank of Nigeria.

“It’s the first of such renovation of the iconic edifice in over four decades. In addition to the renovation, new hubs are being constructed, within the premises of the National theatre, for fashion, Information, technology, film and music.

“With that, the National Theatre is now known as the Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre. In addition, the Lagos surface rail system, to serve the National Theatre, will be commissioned ahead of the global conference,” he said. 

 

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

File photo used to illustrate story.

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that six persons were killed in an explosion in Taraba State.

The police also confirmed that several others were receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state.

File photo used to illustrate story.

SaharaReporters had on Tuesday reported that at least three persons were killed and many others injured, as an explosion rocked cattle market in Taraba State.

It was gathered that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off at the Iware cattle market, some 35 kilometres from Jalingo, the capital city.

Giving an update on the incident, spokesperson for the police in the State, DSP Usman Abdullahi said, “Six persons including a lady were killed in the explosion at a beer parlour and not cattle market. Of the six dead bodies, one could not be identified; we suspect that it could be the remains of one of the attackers.

“About now the police bomb squad and officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have been dispatched to the town (Iware), to unravel the crime.”

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from Nigeria would most likely pay more this year because of the deteriorating value of the naira.

According to Daily Trust, there is anxiety among stakeholders and intending pilgrims over the 2022 hajj as about 150,000 pilgrims may compete for about 45,000 slots, being the expected seat allocation by the Saudi Arabian authorities for Nigeria.

There was no hajj in 2020 and 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged the world with several countries locking down to contain the spread of the virus.

Therefore, some of the thousands of intending pilgrims who paid for the spiritual journey in 2020 and 2021 said they hope to perform the hajj exercise this year in addition to those hoping to pay also.

Respite came the way of many Muslims, especially intending pilgrims around the world when the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced about 10 days ago that one million pilgrims would perform the 2022 Hajj, out of which 85 per cent would be alocated to external pilgrims while the remaining percentage would be for Saudi residents.

The one million is 50 per cent less than the usual figure of two million pilgrims that performed the exercise pre-COVID – 19.

Pre-COVID, Nigeria used to get 95,000 slots for both states and the private hajj operators.

But with the reduction in the number by Saudi authorities, stakeholders say the slots would be 50 per cent or less than the usual 95,000 slots implying that Nigeria might get between 45,000 or 50,000 slots for both states and the private tour operators.

It would be recalled that about 65,000 performed the exercise in 2019 comprising 45,450 for states and 20,000 for the private tour operators.

With the 65,000 benchmark, stakeholders envisage a backlog of 130,000 intending pilgrims or more to jostle for the slots being expected from Saudi Arabia.

It was also learnt that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is planning towards 50,000 or less as most countries are doing because of the reduced slots from Saudi.

Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam, which every Muslim with the financial wherewithal is required to perform at least once in his lifetime.

Findings revealed that many intending pilgrims have been contacting both the state pilgrims’ welfare boards and the tour operators over the 2022 hajj without getting concrete information on the modalities.

The hajj fare in 2019 was around N1.5million, which is the current price of Umrah (lesser Hajj). At that time, the official exchange rate was N306 to a dollar but now the official rate is N416 and N580/N585 in the black market.

Also, it was learnt that many Umrah pilgrims paid as much as N500,000 for visas when it used to be N250,000.

Also, the cost of air ticket is going to be high considering that many airlines have recently hiked the fare in the domestic markets due to the high cost of aviation fuel known as Jet A1 and the general increase in operational cost.

The cost of airfare alone in 2019 was $1,650 for the southern part of Nigeria; $1,600 for the North and $1,550 for Maiduguri. But this year, it could be between $2,500 (N1.04m) to $3,000 (N1.2m).

Also, while the N270,000 was exchanged to get a BTA of $850, about N353,600 would be required this time around to get the same $850 at the official exchange rate of 416/$.

Islam News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

File photo used to illustrate story.

Gunmen suspected to be cult members have abducted a cleric and president of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle Dr. John Okoriko.

The pastor was said to have been abducted at his home in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area around 5pm on Tuesday.

File photo used to illustrate story.

Residents of the community said the kidnappers stormed Okoriko’s residence and whisked him away in the presence of his family members.

“The heavily armed men whisked him away after they scaled the fence and shot sporadically before dragging him into the nearby bush,” one of them said.

It was learnt that the whereabouts of the abducted priest is unknown, as kidnappers have yet to establish contacts with the family or with the church.

 

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The photograph of the two Nigerian Air Force pilots killed when a military aircraft crashed in Kaduna State has been released.

The two pilots, Flight Lieutenants Abubaka Alkali and Karatu who recently graduated from the Nigeria Defence Academy were among military officers who returned from Pakistan in April 2021, following a six-month training in the South-East Asian country.

SaharaReporters had reported how the training aircraft with the two pilots on board crashed on Tuesday evening.

The aircraft, believed to be a Super Mushak, reportedly crashed within the NAF base while on a training mission.

According to one Amina Yahaya, one of the late pilots was planning to marry her friend in October.

“One of them is Flt Lt Karatu; he was my friend's fiancé; they were going to get married in October. I was going to be a bridesmaid at the wedding,” she posted on Twitter.

“I haven't been able to speak to my friend and I am not anywhere close to even comfort her. It's a different kind of pain.”

It was learnt that the other pilot, Alkali once received an award as the best international cadet from the Royal Air Force in Britain. See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Nigerian Air Force Training Aircraft Crashes In Kaduna, Officers Feared Killed 0 Comments 1 Week Ago

The latest development comes a few months after a NAF aircraft crashed in Kaduna.

The incident, which occurred in May 2021, involved a Beechcraft 350, and the aircraft crashed around the Kaduna international airport.

Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff, and 10 other military officers, who were on board when the plane crashed, were killed.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

File Photo: Gunmen

Gunmen on Tuesday night ambushed the convoy of the newly elected member representing Jos North-Bassa Federal Constituency, Musa Agah, killing two persons.

The National Secretary of Irigwe Development Association, Danjuma Dickson Auta, disclosed this in a statement.

File Photo: Gunmen middleeastpress

Auta said the lawmaker alongside his wife and children as well as his personal assistant and driver were ambushed along twin hill in Miango chiefdom of Bassa local government area of Plateau State.

Although they all escaped unhurt the car was battered with gunshot bullets as the driver against all odds bravely manoeuvred the vehicle amidst the sporadic shooting by the attackers.

The statement added that the PDP ward party chairman and women leader who were on a motorcycle and ahead of the lawmaker’s vehicle ran into the ambush and were killed by the attackers.

Agah was recently sworn-in as member representing Jos North-Bassa Federal Constituency following his victory at February 26 bye-election.

Security agencies were yet to react to the incident which occurred near the spot where some people were killed recently during a festival ceremony in the chiefdom.

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has grilled a son of former Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, over a suspicious purchase of property worth N130million.

Sources at the commission with firsthand information on the matter told Premium Times that the 24-year-old Amir Al-Makura paid N96million cash “in foreign currency equivalent” as part-payment for the property.

“In furtherance to our Real Estate investigation, we invited Amir Tanko Almakura the son of Senator Al-Makura. The suspect is a 24-year-old and he bought a house in Bilaad Realty Ltd worth N130,000,000 and he has paid the sum of N96,000,000 cash in Foreign currency equivalent,” the source said.

The source said Amir reported to the commission “but has failed to explain the source of the money or give genuine explanation on how the property was acquired.”

The source said the suspect was still in detention because he had yet to meet the bail conditions granted him.

“He has been detained pending meeting bail conditions,” the source said.

Amir’s detention comes about nine months after the EFCC arrested his father, Al-Makura, a serving senator, and his wife, Mairo, in July last year.

Sources said their arrest related to an alleged breach of trust and misappropriation of funds allegedly perpetrated during the former governor’s eight-year administration as Nasarawa State governor.

Al-Makura served as governor of Nasarawa State between 2011 and 2019 before he was elected into the National Assembly as Senator representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned the presidential pardon granted to Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, former governors of Plateau and Taraba states respectively.

The Council of State last Thursday granted a state pardon to Dariye and Nyame who were jailed for corruption.

The former governors, along with 157 others, will be released from prison after the Council of State approved a proposal by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to grant them a state pardon.

Dariye and Nyame were imprisoned for stealing public funds to the tune of N1.16billion and N1.6billion respectively.

Nyame and Dariye were governors of their respective states from 1999 to 2007.

This move has attracted the outrage of several Nigerian citizens and civil societies.

Reacting, Bayo Oladeji, CAN’s spokesperson, in an interview with Premium Times, accused President Muhammadu Buhari of promoting the same corruption he had condemned while seeking power.

“This is a president who came to power on the mantra of fighting corruption now seemingly promoting corruption. Now, not a few Nigerians believe that corruption is still walking on its four legs in the corridors of power at all levels of government.

“These two former governors were sentenced and their sentences were confirmed by the apex court. If they could be freed or granted state pardon, the impression being created is that the two of them were released because of the coming general elections.”

Oladeji added that the two anti-graft agencies, who were involved in the trial, could be discouraged from fighting corruption dutifully due to the president’s use of his power of prerogative of mercy.

He suggested that Buhari’s action could have the impact of emboldening corrupt public officials.

“The government should bear in mind that the trials of these two former governors cost the state a lot of money. They were sentenced for stealing public money. And the same public money was used to prosecute them.

“The question now is: Of what importance were their trials? How can we now convince incumbent governors and ministers not to steal public funds since a precedent has been set?” he added.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Aisha Buhari

Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based Aisha Buhari, has silently made her return to Nigeria.

The first lady stepped out Tuesday night to host wives of service chiefs and other top government functionaries to a Ramadan breaking of the fast at the State House, Abuja.

Aisha Buhari

She called on Muslim faithful to use the Ramadan period to intensify prayers for lasting peace and security in Nigeria.

Aisha said God had provided Nigerians with another opportunity to re-dedicate themselves in fasting and prayers to ensure peace and development of the country.

The first lady also urged Nigerians to extend good virtues of sharing, love, support, forgiveness and sacrifice for the betterment of mankind and Nigeria.

The dignitaries who attended the event included wives of ministers and other Nigerian women.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the women expressed their appreciation to the first lady for her commitment to the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.

 

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements :