Act swiftly to rescue all kidnapped school children - President Buhari charges security agencies







President Buhari has directed the military, police, and other security agencies in the country to ensure the safe and quick rescue of all kidnapped victims.
 
President Buhari gave the directive while reacting to the recent abduction of a large number of students in Kaduna and Niger states.
 
While noting the ongoing deployment of additional operatives to all troubled areas, the president urged security outfits to “act swiftly” to rescue all abducted schoolchildren in the affected states and ensure their safe return.
 
The president described the kidnapping as “cowardly and despicable, as well as an assault on affected families and the nation”. The President said the disturbing incidents of students’ kidnapping, mostly in northern states, was already threatening to undermine efforts in boosting school enrolments in states that were adjudged educationally backward.
 
He called on state governments to ensure compliance with the United Nations-supported safe schools’ program, which the present administration had adopted.
 
On Monday, July 5, suspected bandits kidnapped an unknown number of students from Bethel Baptist High School in Damishi, Chikun LGA of Kaduna state. 

T.B, Joshua’s wife leads candlelight procession for the late televangelist (photos)







Thousands of followers of the late T.B Joshua gathered for a night of tributes and candlelight procession in his honour on Monday night, July 5.
 
The candlelight procession held at the SCOAN Faith Resort in the Ikotun area of Lagos and was led by his widow, Evelyn Joshua.
 
The pastor, televangelist, philanthropist, leader and founder of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) died on June 5 at the age of 57.

 
Sharing photos from his candlelight procession, TB Joshua Ministries wrote on Facebook: "Glory be to Jesus Christ – our father in the Lord has gone home to be with his Creator! His memory and legacy will continue for generations to come, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!"
 

 
Below are more photos.
 

TB Joshua's widow, Evelyn, leading the procession.
 

MTN to boost stock market liquidity by N375bn

6 July 2021




File copy: MTN

Oil hits $77, daily petrol subsidy rises to N6.07bn

6 July 2021

Bethel School: Shehu Sani names two masterminds of kidnappings in Kaduna


 
on
 July 6, 2021




A former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has named the masterminds of a series of kidnappings going on in Kaduna State.


Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, said that the recent kidnappings of students, babies and women from different locations in the State were masterminded by Dogo Gide and Baleri.


He called for their immediate arrest.
DAILY POST reported earlier that suspected bandits, on Monday morning, stormed Bethel Secondary School, Maramara Chickun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and kidnapped scores of students.


There are also reports of the kidnap of babies from a hospital in the State and abduction of over 10 women. All these happened within a few hours.

“In Kaduna state within three days, the bandits kidnapped more students and babies and nurses from our hospitals.


“They raided the Bethel Church and also abducted 13 women going to a wedding. The arrest we need is that of Dogo Gide and Baleri, the masterminds of this terrorism,” he wrote.










Daily post

I’ll repeat again that Mr. President is the one creating insecurity in this country - Gov Ortom







Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, has restated his opinion that President Buhari is the one creating insecurity in the country.
 

In a chat with journalists recently, Governor Ortom claimed that if the President decides to take a stand today, insecurity in the country will be a thing of the past. He also accused the advisers in the Presidency of causing Buhari the problems he is facing.
 
In his words

Quote:''Right now, there is nothing in this country under this APC that we can say that they are getting it right. Is it security? How can Northern governors, Southern governors, National Economic Council, come out with a policy that will stop the killings that are going on in this country and the presidency will say that no, it will not accept that it must be open grazing?
Where are you going to do open grazing?


Is it in Vandeikya, or in Guma or Otukpo, or in Makurdi, or where without them encroaching on somebody’s farm? I think those who are advising Mr. President are the ones creating problems for him. And he needs to think twice.


The national economic council is a council made up of all the 36 state governors of this country. If they sit together and resolve, under the chairmanship of the Vice President, why should you reverse that? Why should he allow an appointed person who has not worn councilorship election in his life to come and reverse what 36 governors who are elected by the people have done? That is not right. So, I’ll repeat again that Mr. President is the one creating insecurity in this country. The day that he says let’s solve this insecurity problem. that problem will be solved.


That is the truth. Because like this one on open grazing that he is insisting, it will only succeed in bringing crisis and chaos and lawlessness because most of us, I won’t speak for other people but in Benue, there is no room for accepting open grazing. And no room to allow them to talk about reviewing land use act. Land use act is a constitutional matter and before it is reviewed, it will come to the states. And Benue, even without the review, is saying no.


We are not going to allow that review. Land still remains under the custody of the state governors on behalf of their people. Security that we were promised in 2015 is not there.


Talk about corruption, we have never seen worst corruption like what we are seeing today in this APC led government. Where is that Minister that the EFCC Chairman apprehended for buying property for 37 million dollars and remitting 20million dollars? Where did she get that kind of money if not from government? Look at what is happening in the petroleum industry? Stealing all over the place.


Look at members of the federal executive council who had known EFCC cases that amounted to billions. Today, because they are in the ruling party, their sins are forgiven. But if somebody steals a chicken you will go and jail that person.


Is that justice? That is not Justice. Where is the electricity that we were promised in 2015? Corruption all over the place. And they go after people without any form of corruption. In Benue, everyday, EFCC are on the neck of my servants. They are there all over the place. But they have not found anything and we have not done anything.


Why can’t they get those ministers who are hiding because if they remain in any other place, EFCC will apprehend them? I want to tell them that APC will not remain there forever. PDP was there before. But one day, it came that PDP was no more. And today, it’s APC. They will not remain there forever. And all these things they are doing, when the day of reckoning comes, all of them will be apprehended.

Nobody will escape justice. Yes, they can have their way, but one day, when God decides that this is the day, nobody will escape. Many days are for the thief but one day is for the owner.


Let this be known to APC government that what they are doing, going about to intimidate people to join them, I have refused to join APC. I remain in PDP and I remain with my people and continue to work with them and I will continue to ensure that the mistake that PDP made before are corrected so that together we can move this country forward.


Today, APC has failed this nation. All that they are doing is to intimidate and coerce people and try to blackmail some people to let it look as if they’re saints, they are not saints. They are all evil agenda. So, Please, let no one be deceived. There is no u-turn in what we are doing in Benue State. We can never do u-turn anyhow.''

Cambodian prime minister orders authorities to return pet lion seized to its owner (photos)







A pet lion that was confiscated by Cambodian authorities last month has been returned to his owner after a surprise intervention by the prime minister.

The 18-month-old male lion was illegally smuggled into the country by a Chinese man, Cambodian officials said.
 

 
The officials launched an inquiry in April after seeing TikTok videos of the lion at a villa in the capital, Phnom Penh.

The 70kg (11st) lion was seized on 27 June and moved to a rescue centre by authorities.
 


Since then the Lion's owner, Zhai Xinjiang has made social media appeals for the return of the lion.

On Sunday evening, July 4, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen responded to the owner's pleas in a Facebook post.


He said he had raised the issue with Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon and agreed to have the lion returned to his owner if the animal was kept in a "proper cage".


He also ordered authorities to reimburse any penalty paid by the owner.

Reports say the owner was fined $30,000 (£21,600) when the pet was seized from him.

The agriculture minister told news outlet VOA Khmer that the decision was "a sympathetic" one from the prime minister. 
 
In Cambodia it is illegal to keep lions as pets in the country. 

Back when the lion was seized, Wildlife Alliance, an animal rescue group that helped confiscate the lion, had said the conditions at the owner's home were "inappropriate for a wild animal".

Quote:
"In addition, the lion's canine teeth had been removed, along with its claws, which drastically reduces a lion's quality of life," the organisation said in a statement last month.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 


TUESDAY 6TH JULY.



BE PLEASED ABOUT TODAY


[And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain (1 Timothy 6:6 AMPC).


HSPC... http://healingstreams.tv/zone/UK2Z4
It’s so inspiring to know that as a child of God, you can win and have a glorious life, every day; a life that you can be happy about, every day. A key factor for enjoying your life is learning to enjoy the process of growth; learning to recognise and be satisfied with your present accomplishments as you aspire to greater heights.


Some people are never satisfied with their lives. They carry an air of sadness and discontent all the time. This attitude worsens their situation, so they never really know what it means to be truly joyful. True joy is in fulfilling your God-given purpose—being in God’s place, at God’s time, for God’s purpose in God’s way. Nothing could be more fulfilling than that.


Forget the missteps of yesterday. Don’t be bothered about tomorrow. Enjoy today. The regrets of yesterday and apprehensions about tomorrow are enemies of today’s happiness. If you aren’t satisfied about today, tomorrow’s dreams may never materialise.


Being satisfied about today doesn’t mean shelving your dreams for a greater tomorrow; it just underscores your hopefulness, preparation, anticipation and excitement for a more rewarding future. Hallelujah!



PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for being my joy and fulfilment. I delight in who I am, and all you’ve accomplished in, and through me in Christ Jesus. I live victoriously today, conscious and thankful that you perfect all that concerns me; thus, I continually maintain a joyful spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.



FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 6:25-26; Philippians 4:12-13

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 18:1-23 & Job 9-11

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 7:1-10 & Deuteronomy 34






#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 



I affirm that I have Joy; overflowing Joy in my life! I am a city on a hilltop; I am well-positioned by the Spirit of God! I am the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden. I am visible, and the Spirit of God is magnifying my voice around the nations of the world. 

Today, my spirit is activated to receive God’s guidance, and I am making tremendous progress in my life, and the work of the ministry is prospering in my hands.


The Lord is guiding me on the path of excellence, victory, and increased productivity. The anointing of the Holy Ghost is at work in every fibre of my being, is at work in my ministry, career, finances, academic, family, and in all that concerns me. Hallelujah! 


I am recording great and notable achievements, enjoying my days in success, progress, peace, joy, health, and unending prosperity. Hallelujah!


I am making progress, rising like an edifice higher and higher irrespective of daunting challenges, persecutions, hardship, and troubles around the nations of the world. 


When men are cast down by the challenges of life, my testimony will forever be that there’s a lifting up for me. I live in Christ, and function by the power of the Holy Spirit. Blessed be God. Hallelujah!




God bless you

Quote:Following the attack on the Bethel Baptist High School on Monday, the Kaduna State government has ordered the immediate closure of 13 schools located in areas identified as vulnerable to attacks by bandits.

The school located in Chikun Local Government Area of the state had an unspecified number of students abducted.

The directive which was issued by the Director-General of Quality Assurance Authority in the state Ministry of Education, Umma Ahmed, to proprietors of private schools, says the closure was with immediate effect.

The statement warned against failure to comply.

Ahmed listed the names of the affected schools to include, Faith Academy, along Kachia Road adjacent to Jakaranda; Deeper Life Academy, Maraban Rido; Ecwa Secondary school, Ungwar Maje and Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi.

Others are St. Peters Minor Seminary, Katari; Prelude Secondary School, Kujama; Ibiso Secondary school, Tashar Iche; Tulip International (Boys) School and Tulip International (Girls) School.

Also on the list are Goodnews Secondary School, St. Augustine, Kujama; Comprehensive Development Institution (CDI), Tudun Mare and Adventist College, Kujama.

“You are hereby advised to adhere to the contents of this letter as appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to schools that are found wanting for non-compliance, please,” it stated.

Temidayo Akinsuyi, Lagos

Quote:
Afenifere, pan- Yoruba socio-political organisation on Tuesday said it is in total support of the resolution of Southern governors on the zoning of the 2023 presidency.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the national leader of the organisation in a chat with DAILY INDEPENDENT, said Afenifere is in one hundred support of their resolution.

The 17 state governors of the south, under the aegis of the Southern Governors Forum, have unanimously asked that President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor should come from the southern part of the country, irrespective of the political party.
While there has been no formal announcement from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the zoning formula to adopt, there are feelers the two parties are trying to throw the ticket open to all aspirants from all parts of the country.

However, the Southern governors who gave their stand in a six-point communiqué issued after a meeting at Ikeja, the Lagos state capital on Monday, unanimously agreed that the next president must come from the South in the spirit of equity and fairness.

The communiqué which was read by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state says “The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region”.

According to Adebanjo “Afenifere is in one hundred per cent support of their resolution on 2023 presidency. They have behaved very well and I don’t expect anything less from them. They should stand firm against tyranny and they shouldn’t be afraid of anything at all. I congratulate them for a job well done”.

By Kayode Oyero

Quote:Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Monday, lambasted the Department of State Services over what he described as a “nocturnal coup” carried out on the Ibadan residence of Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho, last Thursday.

“There is no law in Nigeria that allows you to arrest somebody in the dead of the night when you are not planning a coup and you are not an armed robber,” Falana said on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme monitored by The PUNCH.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the DSS on Thursday morning around 1am invaded the residence of Igboho in a Gestapo style. Though Igboho had escaped the raid, his house and cars were riddled with bullets while bloodstains splattered over the floors of the house. The DSS also said it killed two of his associates in a gun duel. Thirteen of Igboho’s guards and close associates were later paraded in Abuja on Thursday evening.

The secret police had since declared Igboho wanted. The activist is being accused of stockpiling weapons to allegedly destabilise the country under the guise of agitation for Yoruba nation but he has since denied the allegation, saying he protects himself with charms and not weapons.

Speaking on the television programme, Falana described as late, the decision of the Southern governors in Lagos State on Monday that security agencies must notify them as the chief security officer of their states before they carry out any operation within their domain.

“It is a decision that is coming rather late. Governors are chief security officers of their states in line with the constitution. Each state has a security council and the governor is the chairman,” he said.

Continuing, the senior advocate said, “You can’t have a situation where nocturnal arrests are made in a state as if you are planning a coup. Take Ibadan for instance, the invasion of the home of Igboho happened in the night and for all-day, everybody was wondering who did and that seven people were killed. People were arrested and abducted at 2am, the governor of the state wasn’t aware. So, everybody was trying to find out, calling security agencies, only for the State Security Service to issue a very provocative statement after almost 12 hours to say, ‘We did it, we killed two people, we raided a house’. Somebody attempted to evade arrest and you killed two people? The governor of the state wasn’t aware?

“In these days of kidnappings, anybody can come to your house in the night and arrest you. And these are guys who don’t wear uniforms.”

“There is no provision, unless a crime is being committed in the night; you cannot go there and arrest. In this case, you are required by law to bring a search warrant. In this case, there was no search warrant, nobody took an inventory.

“Now, Sunday Adeyemo has said I didn’t have any gun in my house. Yet, the SSS paraded guns and other ammunition. All the controversies would have been unnecessary if the SSS had behaved like a modern, civilised agency.

“These are very dangerous legacies of military dictatorship in our country,” he stated.

Quote:UPDATED: Fire guts building in TB Joshua’s Synagogue church

There was a fire outbreak at the Synagogue Church of All Nations located in the Ikotun area of Lagos State on Monday night.

The PUNCH gathered that the fire, which gutted a store house in the church’s premises, started around 11 pm.

The fire incident happened on the night of the candle procession in honour of the late founder of the Church, Prophet Temitope Joshua popularly called T.B Joshua.

Members of the church, who had attended the night of tributes and candlelight procession in his honour, were seen scampering to safety during the fire incident.

It was learnt that firefighters arrived at the scene of the fire incident around 12:19 am on Tuesday.

An eyewitness said the fire had been put out before the arrival of the fire service.

“An electrical spark at the control room caused the fire. It happened after the candlelight procession,” he added.

See the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX27HxAU9BE

The church confirmed the fire incident in a press statement, saying there was no casualty.

The statement read, “In the late evening of Monday 5th July 2021, there was a minor electrical fire incident at a storehouse within The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations complex.

“The incident was quickly brought under control without any injuries.

“As part of the preparedness for the weeklong services celebrating the life and legacy of Prophet TB Joshua, The SCOAN has worked closely with relevant government agencies including the Lagos State Fire Services, whose members were on the ground at the time of the incident.

“We thank God for His continued protection. We assure the general public that there is no cause for alarm and the services celebrating the life and legacy of Prophet TB Joshua will continue as scheduled.”
https://www.facebook.com/103470916440360/posts/4395303570590385/?app=fbl

The pastor, televangelist, philanthropist, leader and founder of The Synagogue died on June 5 at the age of 57.

His widow, Evelyn Joshua, led the candlelight procession at the SCOAN Faith Resort in the Ikotun area of Lagos.

SCOAN had announced that TB Joshua would be laid to rest on Friday, July 9, at the church premises in Lagos.

The Lagos State Government had inspected facilities at the Synagogue Church of All Nations for COVID safety and prevention protocols compliance in preparation for the funeral of its late founder, Prophet Temitope Joshua.

The delegation from the Lagos State Government was led by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola.

Speaking after the inspection of the church facilities and meeting with the church officials, Abayomi said the inspection was in line with the third wave mitigation strategy of the Lagos State Government to prevent the importation and spread of new deadly strains of COVID into Lagos and Nigeria.

Abayomi added that the inspection and meeting with officials of SCOAN were to limit any possibilities of the introduction of foreign COVID variants among the congregation and by extension to the community.

While noting that there are some areas of infection prevention protocols that needed strengthening in the church, Abayomi assured that those areas would be strengthened before and during the funeral activities.

The team inspected the auditorium, marquee tent, hostel accommodation for international guests and sanitary facilities.

Gunmen assassinate Enugu businessman in front of his 7-year-old son







Gunmen suspected to be assassins have killed the Chief Executive Officer of AutoEase services in Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke.
 
It was gathered that the deceased was shot dead by yet to be identified gunmen on Sunday night, July 4, while on his way to his house located at Brick Estate, by Ekweremadu Drive, Independence Layout Enugu.
 
He was said to have been killed in the presence of his 7-year-old son who he had gone to pick from a barbing salon.
 
According to report, the assailants hit his car from the back and when he came out to investigate, they ordered him to lie down on the floor, then shot him on the leg and stomach. 
 
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, said operatives attached to the Layout’s Police Division, immediately raced to the scene upon receipt of a distress call.
 
"On sighting the Operatives, the criminal elements fled, while their victim, later identified as Ifeanyi Okeke, whom they shot severally, was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he was confirmed dead by Doctors on duty," Ndukwe stated.

 
"The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, psc, has ordered the State CID to launch a full-scale investigation and manhunt of the criminal elements in view of bringing them to book." he added. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Singer Lizzo showcases her eye-popping assets in skimpy bikini (photos)






American singer and body-positivity advocate, Lizzo, took to Instagram to share these eye-popping photos of herself posing in a very skimpy bikini. 
 
See full photos below. 
 

 
 
 

I’m done with partisan politics. Those saying I want to form a political party should visit Yaba Left - Obasanjo







Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reacted to claims of having plans of forming a political party ahead of the 2023 general elections. 
 
In a statement issued by Kehinde Akinyemi, his special assistant on media affairs, the former President stressed that he is done with partisan politics.
 
He also said those who think he wants to float a new political party should visit Yaba Left (a psychiatric hospital in Lagos). 
 
It read; 
 

Quote:“In my part of the world, when you say goodnight in a place, you do not go back there and say good evening. The one who reported that may need to visit Yaba Left. And those who believe it can believe that their mothers are men. 


“I’m done with partisan politics but by my position in Nigeria and in Africa and without being immodest and indeed in the world my door must be opened and it is open to any individual or group of individuals who want to seek my opinion, view or advice on any issue or matter and I will respond to the best of my ability, without being part of that individual or group.


“If anything, Chief Obasanjo’s political party today is the party of Nigerians facing insecurity, unemployment, hunger, poverty, and various other challenging issues. It is the party of Nigeria that must be saved, kept wholesomely united in peace, security, equity, development and progress.


“Let those who want to use the back door to force Chief Obasanjo to return to partisan politics respect his choice to remain a non-partisan statesman. On his part, the former President will continue to perform his role as a statesman focused on providing counsel, support, or solutions wherever possible in Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world.”

By Abankula

Quote:Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have appointed a governor for parts of Borno, denting official claim that the terrorists are not in control of any Nigerian territory.

The terrorists, who have accepted the leadership of Abu Musa Al Barnawi, son of Mohammed Yusuf the Boko Haram founder, appointed the governor under a new leadership restructuring by an Interim Council.

The group appointed a separate leader for ISWAP.

The governor, according to a report by PR Nigeria, was identified as Abba-Kaka.

He is the governor of Tumbumma, with jurisdiction over Marte, Abadam, Kukawa, Magumeri and other areas of the Lake Chad region.

Abba-Kaka will work with Abubakar Dan-Buduma as the Operation Commander, Timbuktu Triangle.

Abba-Kaka’s government has the structure of a normal government as it will impose taxes on fishing activities and farming.

It also has its own judiciary.

Baba Isa who was appointed to oversee Taxation and Revenue on Fishing activities was posted to Kangar in Abadam to relieve Abu Abdallah.

Ibn Umar is now Chief Prosecutor, Abu Umama becomes Amir of Tudun Wulgo, while Muhammed Maina is the Commander of Sabon Tumbu, among others.

PRNigeria further gathered that the Interim Council introduced Mobile Courts and some policies to harmonise all insurgents activities and groups under the leadership of the ISIS.

It has also established two Caliphates at Lake Chad and Sambisa Forest to to sustain its war against countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the report, the Interim Council has lifted the ban imposed on fishing and farming activities in the Lake Chad area, three years after chasing people out of Marte, Abadam, Kukawa and Guzamala, over alleged spying for Nigerian troops.

It nevertheless, imposed new taxes and levies in the areas controlled by ISWAP-Boko Haram, to regulate trades and agricultural activities.

Henceforth, members of the terrorist sect will be collecting N5,000 monthly from traders and farmers, while the fishermen will pay N2,000 per bag of fish among other levies.

Several fishermen, farmers and merchants have returned to the Lake-Chad area to engage in socio-economic activities, under the arrangement of the new ISWAP-Boko Haram Leadership, PRNigeria reported.

Quote:Records confirm the abduction of several students at a secondary school in Kaduna State in northwestern Nigeria.

Reports say that gunmen attacked Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi in Chikun Local Government Area on Monday morning and abducted several students.

Reuters quoted the school's founder as saying that about 150 people had not been seen since the attack.

Authorities say they have rescued 26 hostages.

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, Reverend Joseph Hayab, who confirmed the news to BBC Hausa, said his son was among the students at the school but escaped.

While the number of students abducted is unknown, Reverend Hayab said on Friday we counted about "180 children who were part of the dormitory but this morning the number of people we received was not more than 24 to 27".

However, Rev. Hayab said the school was surrounded by security forces.

"They ... overpowered the school’s security guards and made their way into the students hostel where they abducted an unspecified number of students into the forest," he said.

But in a statement issued by the Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Muhammed Jalige said, “In the early hours of today, Monday 5th July 2021 at about 0143hrs the Command received a report that armed bandits in large number had gained access into Bethel Baptist Secondary School Kujuma in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

“They shot berserkly, overpowered the school’s security guards and made their way into the students’ hostel where they abducted an unspecified number of students into the forest.

“On the receipt of the unfortunate incident, a joint team of the Nigeria Police, Army and Navy Operatives were immediately mobilised to the area with a mission to rescue the abducted students unhurt.

“The Operatives gave the bandits a hot pursuit occasioned by a tactical application of weapons and succeeded in rescuing twenty-six (26) students including a female teacher safely.

“However, the rescue operation is still ongoing to ensure that all victims are safely returned. Officers involved in the said operation are charged to ensure no stone is left unturned with a view to successfully accomplish the rescue mission since resources will be availed to them without delay.

“The Command is therefore encouraging parents not to be deterred by the recent bandits’ activities in the state targeting schools and learning institutions as strategic measures will be emplaced to forestall further occurrence of such dastardly act of criminality against innocent children.

“The Command is saddened by the incident and call on all stakeholders on security to unite particularly at this very critical time to safeguard schools in order to guarantee a safe and secured learning environment and other meaningful businesses”.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed seven people over the weekend in Kaduna State.

On Saturday, Governor Nasir El-Rufai announced that he had removed his son from a public school because robbers were trying to kidnap him.

Actress Rosy Meurer and hubby, Olakunle Churchill, step out with their son, King Churchill Jnr (photos)







Actress Rosy Meurer and her partner, Olakunle Churchill. stepped out with their son, King Churchill Jnr, over the weekend.
 
The couple and their baby they welcomed in March 2021 visited the Elmina Slave Castle in Ghana. Rosy shared photos from their visit. See more below
 

 
 

An Edo State citizen, Mr. Paul Alaba Lawani took to his Facebook page to decry a poor-quality Federal Constituency project being done in his area, Igarra, Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, Edo State, IgbereTV reports.

In the video he shared, he showed the poor quality of roads and drainages being done.

The project is sponsored by the Dep. Majority Leader, House Of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Peter Akpatason.

See video below.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJUr7uy9Oh4

See his post @
https://www.facebook.com/paul.lawani.1/videos/549216553176057/?app=fbl

https://igberetvnews.com/1394729/edo-citizen-decries-poor-quality-federal-constituency-project-photos-video/

Two escort vehicles ram into tricycles, kill two, injure others in Ilorin


 
on
 July 5, 2021


Two persons were crushed to death while others were seriously injured in a multiple accident involving two escort vans and three commercial ‘Keke napep’ in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Monday.


The accident occurred around the Ministry of Agriculture roundabout at about 10am, when the two private escort vans, allegedly on top speed, ran into the three tricycles at the frontage of the ministry.


One of the escort vans sumersulted and hit the roundabout, while the second one, crushed the three tricycles, killing two persons on the spot
Our correspondent, who was at the scene, reports that the timely intervention of some citizens saved the life of one of the escort van drivers.
He was prevented from being lynched by an irate mob including, ‘Keke napep’ commercial transporters who had mobilised their members to the scene of the accident.


Security forces from the state police command arrived at the scene at 11.21a.m, shooting teargas to disperse the angry crowd, who had blocked the free flow of traffic between Zango-Kulende and Maraba road.
Blood stains were found on the damaged tricycles crushed by the escort vans.


The spokesman of the state police command, Mr Okasanmi Ajayi, when contacted on phone at 11a.m, said he was on the way to the scene.


However, at 11.50a.m, police at the scene were still battling to restore peace and order.

Yoruba Nation rally protesters were dispossessed of their charms by Lagos police officers during the rally held on 3rd June 2021. See video below


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2efhgi4c7Q0

US court orders MFM general overseer, Pastor Daniel Olukoya to pay $7,320 to Sowore







Pastor Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has been ordered by a United States district court in Maryland to pay $7,320 within 30 days to Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters.
 
Olukoya had filed a lawsuit against Sowore in 2018 after a 2017 report of his church members in Maryland accusing him of importing religious books without paying customs duties.

 
The 49-paragraph lawsuit he filed bordered on defamation, defamation per se and false light. However after Olukoya failed to provide documents on UK Charity Commission’s investigation of his church, Sowore filed a motion to compel him.
 
Though Olukoya insisted that he has responded to the discovery requests and that the motion to compel him was therefore moot, Justice Theodore D. Chuang who ruled on the case said his response to the motion to compel contained a serious misrepresentation. 
 
Chuang said;
 

Quote:"Unfortunately, Olukoya’s response to the motion to compel contained a serious misrepresentation; he had not produced any documents relating to proceedings before the U.K. Charity Commission related to Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International. 


“The conclusion is that; for the reasons set forth above, the defendants’ motion for sanctions will be granted in part and denied in part. 

“The court will enter the following sanctions against the defendants: Olukoya is prohibited from (1) making any use of any documents related to the U.K. Charity Commission that he produced to the defendants after January 2, 2021; and from (2) challenging the admissibility of these documents on any basis other than Fed. R. Evid. 401 and 403.


“Olukoya will also be required to pay the defendants’ reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in connection with his discovery failures, which total $7,320.00, within 30 days of the date of this order. Payment should be made directly to the defendants’ attorneys. These sanctions are entered against Olukoya pursuant to Rules 37© and 26(g).”

State of the Nation: Southern Governors meet in Lagos







Governors of the Southern states in the country are currently in a meeting in Lagos state to discuss issues concerning the state of the nation.
 
The meeting which is being hosted by Lagos Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu, has in attendance Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Gboyega Oyetola (Osun); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers). Others are Duoye Diri (Bayelsa); Emeka Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom).

 
Deputy Governors Philip Shaibu (Edo), Ude Chukwu (Abia), Placid Njoku (Imo) and Kelechi Igwe (Ebonyi) represented their state governors.
 
Governors Willie Obiano (Anambra) and Ben Ayade (Cross River) are yet to arrive at the meeting.
 
The last time the governors met in May was when they took the unanimous decision to ban open grazing in the region. 

Here is the moment Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and singer Burna Boy danced to a Nigerian song at his party.

Grammy Award winner Burna Boy hosted a party to celebrate his 30th birthday.

France Star Paul Pogba was one of the guests at the surprise party in Miami.

Pogba arrived at the party with a signed France shirt with his no. 6 and he handed it over to Burna Boy.

At the party, Pogba and Burna Boy both danced to the trending Nigerian tune named Focus.

Video;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9HRaT1xsAc

Quote:Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate, says Nnamdi Kanu was kidnapped by the Federal Government.

Kanu was on Sunday extradited to Nigeria to face trial after he jumped bail and fled the country in 2017.

Speaking with BBC Pidgin on Monday, the literary icon said there would be an uproar in the country if the truth of how Kanu was arrested becomes known.

“It’s not for me to tell the president to prepare itself because it’s going to be a huge squawk when the truth about how Kanu was arrested comes out. People are alleging this or that. That is one phase whether Nigeria has acted outside international law,” Soyinka said.

“The second issue, however, has to do with Kanu’s conduct outside the nation. There’s been a level of hate rhetoric which has been unfortunate, from Kanu. Hate rhetoric is an issue that can only be judged by the laws of any nation.

“Was it right ‘to have been kidnapped?’ You can say intercepted as much as you want but I think Kanu was kidnapped. That is wrong internationally and morally.

Commenting on the reactions that have trailed the swiftness with which the federal government arrested Kanu, the Nobel laureate said the federal government has not shown the same eagerness in going after bandits and insurgents.

“The Government can not wash itself clean on what seems to be a kind of comparative energy in pursuing the destabilised forces in the nation,” he said.

“If we take ourselves back, once when I threw a challenge to Buhari, what I expect from a true leader is to issue an order, give a deadline that any illegal occupant of any villages, farms is given 48hours to quit after which the mighty forces of the nation will be unleashed on them. It was ignored.

“Years later, he came to say ‘we will respond to these people in the language they understand’. This is what I expected him to have said years ago, at the beginning of the insurgency.

“Their leadership–the Miyetti Allah — should have been arrested years ago, long before IPOB was declared a terrorist organisation.”

He said rather, the Miyetti Allah group has continued to act unchecked while the federal government has refused to “mount the same energy against them”.

“So people are right to say there has been an unequal and irregular approach to security and enforcement in this nation,” he added.

He advised the federal government to stop the blame game and take action.

Quote:Soldiers Foil Attack On Oyedepo’s School In Kaduna

Soldiers in the early hours of Monday thwarted an attack on Faith Academy, a secondary school owned by Living Faith Church Worldwide, founded by Bishop David Oyedpo.

The school is not far from a boarding school where many students were abducted in Chikun local government area of Kaduna State.

Daily Trust gathered that gunmen had launched coordinated attacks on both Bethel secondary school and Faith Academy in the early hours of Monday.

While they abducted students at Bethel School, the attack on Faith Academy was foiled.

A security agent confirmed to our correspondent that the gunmen broke into the premises of Faith Academy through the back fence around 1am but were repelled by soldiers, with assistance from the school security team.

A parent, whose son attends the school, told our correspondent that the school management had last week instructed all students to go home, except SS3 students who were preparing for final year exams.

She said adequate provision has been made to move the SS3 students to Barnawa in Kaduna south local government area where they are expected to continue with their studies.

She commended security agents for their timely intervention, saying her son and others who were in the hostel during the attack are safe and have been evacuated from the school premises.

When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Command through the Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, said he could not confirm it but security agents were busy thwarting attacks by bandits throughout the night.

Police rescue nine abducted travellers after gun duel with kidnappers in Edo









Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued nine travellers who were kidnapped at Igieduma village along the Benin-Auchi Road on Sunday morning, July 4. 

 

Spokesperson of the command, Kotongs Bello, who disclosed this in a statement said their men swung into action upon receiving the distress call about the incident and engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the rescue of the victims.



 

"Today 4/7/2021 at about 0735hrs,  operatives of Edo State police command, acting on credible information from members of the public that a 14 Seater Toyota Hiace bus white in colour with Reg. No. XA 525 KRF driven by one Karimu Momoh ‘m’ age 40yrs belonging to a private company heading from Auchi to Benin was intercepted by a group of hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers at Igieduma Village along Benin-Auchi  Road," the statement read.

 



"On receipt of the information, the  DPO Ehor Division, CSP BENAFA BENJAMIN immediately swung into action, mobilized his team of  Police operatives from Ehor Division of Edo State police command and vigilante group for immediate bush combing. They moved into lgieduma forest reserve. 

 

"The suspected kidnappers on sighting the Police and other team members opened fire.  The superior firepower from the team of police operatives made the suspected kidnappers abandon the victims and escaped with bullet wounds into the thick forest.



 

"Meanwhile, nine kidnapped victims,  (3) males, six (6) females were rescued unhurt. Bush combing still ongoing for possible arrest of the hoodlums/suspected kidnappers." he added. 

 

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, CP Philip Aliyu Ogbadu, is calling on the general public and especially communities around Benin-Auchi road to continue to support the Police in its fight against criminality in the state.

 

The CP urther stated that the Command will not relent in its effort in combating crime and criminality in Edo State.




 

The President is not God. I have the right to oppose his ethnic bias - Dele Momodu tackles a commenter







Media personality, Dele Momodu has reacted to allegation of supporting anyone who is against the present administration and anyone who mocks the President. 
 
The exchange ensued after the media personality shared an old video of wanted secessionist leader, Sunday Igboho dancing with the caption "Happiness is FREE... OOSA."
 

 
When accused of being in support of anyone who is against the present administration and who mocks the President, Dele Momodu countered the claim by saying that the President is not God.
 
He added that though he accords the President respect, he also has the right to oppose his ethnic bias. 
 
See the exchange below.......
 

Gunmen kidnap babies and health workers from Tuberculosis and Leprosy Hospital in Kaduna







Bandits on Sunday morning attacked the staff quarters of National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre in Zaria, Kaduna State, and abducted some people, including babies, nursing mothers, and staff members.
 
Five staff members of the hospital, including female nurses, were abducted. The principal security guard on duty was also among the people abducted. 
 
The bandits arrived in a large number at about 12:30am on July 4 and engaged officers from a nearby police station in a gun battle.

 
Bullet holes were visible on the fence of the police division and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre.

 
"Those kidnapped were our staff living at the staff quarters, some were abducted alongside their children. So, about ten people were taken away so far," a source told DailyTrust.
 
Confirming the incident, Public Relations Officer of the Medical and Health Union of the Center, Maryam Abdulrazaq, said she compiled six names of those abducted. She said the latest incident made it the third time their staff would be abducted.
 
"So far, I have six names of the people abducted but I will try to get the remaining four names by Monday God willing. The principal Security guard on duty, two nurses, Joy Yakubu and Odor and her baby, Lab Technician, Christiana, Kasim from Auditorium office were among those kidnapped," she said.
 
The bandits were said to have blocked the bridge linking the village with Zaria town, to prevent any reinforcement by the police.

 
The Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, confirmed the incident, saying efforts are on to rescue the victims.
 
 
 

"What a country" - Femi Fani Kayode reacts after Bandits abducted babies from a hospital in Kaduna








The recent activities of bandits in Kaduna state is becoming more disturbing.
 
It was gathered that bandits in large numbers stormed the residential quarters of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre in Zaria, Kaduna State on Sunday and abducted babies, nurses and security guards.
 
The report also said the bandits engaged officers from a nearby police station in a fierce gun battle before they escaped with their victims. 

 
Reacting in shock over the news, former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode wrote on Twitter:  "Babies abducted from a hospital by terrorists in Kaduna? What a country!" Femi Fani Kayode screamed.

Bandits abduct at least 17 boarding school students from Bethel Baptist Secondary School in Kaduna







Many students have been abducted from Bethel Secondary School, Maramara Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
 
The students were abducted at about 2am this morning, July 5, by armed men who stormed the school, shooting sporadically.
 
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying 17 students have been rescued.
 

 
At the moment, there is no information on how many students are still in the custody of the bandits.
 
Joseph Hayab, Kaduna state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), told TheCable that his son, who is also a student in the school, was among those who narrowly escaped being abducted.
 
He said many of the students are missing, explaining that it is not possible to determine the number of those abducted until those who ran into hiding are back.
 
He, however, said many of the students are believed to have been abducted.
 
"We cannot give the exact figure of those abducted for now, until those who ran to hide for safety are back and a census of the students is taken, but we know they took a lot of students," Hayab said.

 
He added: "I am just speechless, I don’t know what to say. My son was among the students who narrowly escaped.

 
"I am part of this unfortunate incident because it is my church. This is a very, very sad situation for us.
 
"I was informed that bandits invaded the school around 2am.
 
"They have just started the NECO exam and see what we are going through."
 
This is the second abduction in the state within the last 24 hours.
 
Early on Sunday morning, July 4, bandits invaded the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy in Zaria, Kaduna, and abducted babies and staff members (read here).
 

Quote:As his 60th birthday approaches, veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) has disclosed how he has broken the specter of death in his family since he turned 59 years old, IgbereTV reports.

In an exclusive interview with Nigerian journalist Chide Jideonwu, the actor has revealed that he had broken the specter of death ever since he turned 59 years old even as he anticipates 60 years in a few days.

He disclosed that his parents never lived up to 60 years old as they were both diabetic and hypertensive.

In his words;

“None of my parents lived to be 60, so life for me is just about to get started.”

“There’s been a specter of death around my life, that’s what I’ve been dealing with last year till this year. When I turned 59, it was a big deal for me, a big deal for me! My mom died at 59, my father died at 57/58.”

“So, it was like, can I break it? When people see me and I go on a weight loss, people think that… you know, it’s health. Both my parents were diabetic and hypertensive, I don’t want to be that. I don’t want to be diabetic and hypertensive, I want to be healthier. At least give myself a fighting chance to change that whole cycle. Yes, I’m a Christian now, so I’ve broken that yoke but I have to also help myself.”

“Becoming 60 for me is even a bigger deal, so when July comes and I become 60. You know how the Bible says old things have passed away, I will truly become a new man because that is when I’ll make a bucket list. So all these things that you think I’ve achieved or done, for me it’s nothing, like zero.”

“So I’m going to now sit down when I’m 60 and do a bucket list … and then we’ll start.” This was such a heartfelt moment. Eish. It’s such an honor to do this show”

See video below.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtaqEaefiqA

Quote:A footballer holding a boy hostage was shot dead by police who found a dead body in his flat.

Odichukumma Kelvin Igweani, 24, is suspected to have killed a neighbour who rushed to save a toddler he could hear screaming for his life.

Richard Woodcock, 38, was lying on the floor lifeless when officers stormed a first-floor flat in Milton Keynes, Bucks, last Saturday on June 26.

After initial attempts to stun the 24-year-old footballer with a taser as he continued to pose a threat to his hostage toddler, police shot him four times.

Armed cops then stormed the apartment after neighbours reported a “horrible commotion” inside.

Officers found Igweani holding the seriously injured two-year-old boy captive in the bedroom.

Igweani, known as Kelvin, was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Woodcock died of head injuries.

Mr Woodcock’s devastated wife and family paid an emotional tribute to him.

In a statement, his family said: “We have always been so proud of Richard and everything that he has achieved in life.

"We are devastated that Richard has been taken from us in such circumstances but we are also so immensely proud of the sacrifice that he has made to try and save a little boy’s life.

“His actions on Saturday morning were the type of man he was and that is how we would like him remembered.

“A lot of people loved Richard, probably more than he ever realised, and he will be a huge loss to all of his friends, family and work colleagues.”

His wife, who has not been named, said: “Richard, it has been a blessing to share my life with you, my dearest friend, my biggest love, my soul mate. My kind, generous, funny, clever, cheeky husband.

“Thank you for loving me and being the best father to our children. I’ll love you and cherish our time together forever.”

The toddler remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

Quote:Hoodlums chop off man’s penis in Imo.

July 4, 2021 in City Beats, News Update
By Chris Njoku, Owerri

Hoodlums have chopped off the manhood of Matador from Orsu Iheti Ukwa in Imo State.

The man was seen tied in a viral video horizontally to a stick and subjected to inhuman treatment by the suspected hoodlums.

The hoodlums were heard accusing him of being a saboteur responsible for military bombardment of Orlu during an encounter with the Easterner Security Network (ESN), the security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

It was learnt the man, in his late 50s, was picked by masked men in a dramatic operation along Okigwe roundabout, Owerri on Saturday.

Matador, said to be former Special Assistant to a House of Representatives member, was tied to a stick covered in a pool of his blood after his manhood was severed.

A background voice in the video accused him of allegedly leading military operation that led to the death of many people in Orlu.

Imo Commissioner of Police Abutu Yaro confirmed the Command “is aware of the iniquitous and obscene video that has gone viral on social media where, a man was seen tied horizontally to a stick undergoing inhuman act by some suspected hoodlums.”

In a statement by Imo Police spokesman CSP Michael Abattam, Yaro said the Command has commenced investigation into the viral video to unravel the truth behind it.

https://thenationonlineng.net/hoodlums-chop-off-mans-penis-in-imo/

The gruesome video and pictures are too horrible for me to post here, but you can probably find them if you search for them.

Woman In Tears As Ebonyi Commissioner Pours Her Food Away For Selling On Street

HAPPENING NOW! Woman in Tears as Ebonyi Commissioner, Barrister Onyekachi Nwebonyi Pours Her Food Away for Selling on the Streets.

The woman said this is her only source of feeding her children.

#IgbereTV

Watch video here


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BP0zgHW0BY


https://igberetvnews.com/1394722/ebonyi-commissioner-throws-away-vendors-food-woman-cries-help/

Quote:Sacrilege in Nasarawa as twin sisters get pregnant for their mother’s lover

*They lured me to sleep with them, says errant lover
*First twin sister: I couldn’t resist his swag
*Second twin sister: First time was amazing, I demanded another round
*I can’t be alive to see this shame — Distraught mother

It all sounds like a scene in Nollywood movie, but it is as real as daylight. Twin sisters had a baby each two months apart for a man their mother was dating and planned to marry after losing her husband in one of the incidents of the farmers/herders crisis that has rocked Nasarawa and other neighbouring states in recent times.

Thoroughly embarrassed by the ugly spectacle, the distraught mother of the twin sisters, Mrs Alice Ukange, is threatening to take her own life, saying that she cannot be alive to see “the shame” meted out to her by Philomina and Patricia.

Both Philomina, who was delivered of a baby girl in January, and Patricia, who was delivered of a baby boy in March, insist that they were impregnated by Mr Augustine Angwe, who had been dating their mother, Alice, since she lost her husband, Francis Ukange, after 14 years in marriage.

The couple were said to have been blessed with the twin sisters about four years after they got married. And with the death of Ukange, Alice resorted to combining farming with petty trading in order to make ends meet.

With life becoming extremely hard for Alice and her daughters, they relocated to Assakyo, a suburb community in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, where she started buying raw food items from local farmers and selling same to make some money.

With this, she was able to send her twins to a public school in Assakyo and the family appeared to have found their feet until a wolf in sheep clothing found its way into their fold.

The poor mother had met Mr. Angwe, an indigene of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Benue state, in 2017 while the latter was in Nasarawa State to transact his business, which was buying raw food items from the local farmers and taking them to the Southeast to sell at higher prices.

In the course of doing the same business, Angwe and Alice met in a local market in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and they struck a relationship which within three months blossomed to the point that Alice relocated from Assakyo to stay with Augustine in Lafia where he had paid for an apartment.

In no time, Angwe, who had lost his wife and two kids in a fatal accident on Katsina Ala Road in Benue State and was yet to remarry, became a part of the family, rendering finance assistance to Alice’s female twins to meet their basic needs; a development that soon drew the twins very close to him.

Later, Angwe and Alice began a joint business, buying yams from local farmers in Nasarawa State and transporting them for sales at higher price in Lagos and Port Harcourt. The business flourished with Alice always on the road while Angwe took care of the home front and made arrangements for new stocks.

Meanwhile, one of the twin sisters, Philomina, had completed her secondary school and secured admission into the College of Education Akwanga to do a Pre-NCE programme while Patricia remained in Lafia for a diploma programme at the Nasarawa State Polytechnic.

Now a father figure to the twin sisters, Angwe allegedly started enticing them with luxury items and seized the chance to sleep with them at different locations until he got both of them pregnant.

Lamenting her condition in an interview with our correspondent, Alice said: “The man (Angwe) encouraged me and gave me some money to run this yam business, going from Nasarawa to Port Harcourt and Lagos. So I was always away and he took them as his own children. Little did I think that he could lure them to sleep with him.”

Alice believes that Angwe might have used a charm on her daughters to get them to sleep with him, saying: “How he was able to start sleeping with them so easily is what I don’t know. At 22 years, my twins are no longer kids. They are fully aware that the man is dating me.”

“It is unthinkable and unbelievable. He was visiting Philomina in Akwanga and using the opportunity to sleep with her in a hotel. He enticed her with luxury items and bought her a big phone. Back in Lafia, he was also sleeping with Patricia using the same tricks.

“I was always away on business trips while he stayed behind, looking for local yams to buy. When I noticed that they were both pregnant, they refused to tell me who was responsible for them.

“Before the untimely death of their father, he had warned them never to do an abortion, saying that any of them who tried to abort a pregnancy would die. The essence of it was to scare them so they would not destroy themselves early.

“So when the idea of aborting the unwanted pregnancy was mooted, the thought of their late father’s words came and we all became afraid. They also refused to disclose the person that was responsible. So out of anger, I left them alone.

“Incidentally, Mr Augustine (Angwe) too was asking me to leave them alone, saying that they would make their confessions at their own time. But one month, two months, three months and four months passed without them identifying the person. That was how they carried the pregnancies for nine months and were delivered of babies.” Shocking revelation

Alice recalled that two months the second of the twin sisters was delivered of her own baby, Angwe woke her up one night and broke to her the news that he was actually responsible for their pregnancies and that the new born babies belonged to him.

“I broke down in tears and cried for a whole week. I asked him what I had done to deserve this wicked act. It is a shame that my own fiancé is the father of my twins’ babies. How would I explain this shameful development to people?

“My husband was killed with members of his entire family when herdsmen invaded their village and cleared everybody in the village. We had travelled to Lafia for some medication and were the only surviving people in the family.

“I met Augustine as a gentle, nice and humble man. He treated me like my late husband. He cared so much about my twins. But he ended up ruining our lives. How can you be sleeping with me and my twin children at the same time?”

Our correspondent had got hint of the development early last month (June), but getting the parties involved in the matter to speak was a herculean task until he met Alice in Awe Market where she had gone to buy yams and she obliged to speak about it.

She said: “My name is Alice Ukange. I am a widow. I lost my husband here in Awe during the herdsmen/farmers crisis some years back. I met one Augustine Angwe in the course of my business. One thing led to another and we started dating ourselves.

“He appeared to be gentle, humble and kind. I was carried away and I allowed my twins to be close to him. He took time and planted evil in my house by impregnating them. “They have now given birth. I allowed it because their father warned them not to do abortion and that they would die if they did.

“Augustine has finished me. He slept with me, slept with my twins and impregnated them, and they have given birth for him.

“I am confused and have informed one of my late husband’s relatives and he too is speechless.

“Going to the police would not solve the problem as the damage has been done already. There is nothing the police can do, more so that Augustine is ever ready to take care of them. But the big question remains how a man would marry twin sisters.”

In a chat with or correspondent in Lafia, Angwe admitted impregnating the twin sisters, saying that he would have aborted the pregnancies but they insisted on keeping them. He also said the girls in question were the ones who lured him into sleeping with them.

He said: “I didn’t know that they would get pregnant. But when they did, I wanted them aborted but they refused, saying that their father warned them against it.

“My brother, these girls were actually the ones who lured me into sleeping with them. They enjoyed it the first time we had it. From what started like a joke, it became a regular thing.

“I know I have deeply hurt the mother but it has happen and there is nothing anybody can do. That is the work of the devil and I wholeheartedly accepted responsibility so as not to ruin their lives. They can pick up the pieces of their lives and move on after nursing the babies.

“To avoid the shame, I moved them to Makurdi. I will take care of the little babies. And if their mothers want to go to school after the babies might have walked, they can continue and I will support them. If they don’t want to stay with me, I will take my children while they continue with their lives.

“I have been begging the mother since I disclosed this information to her that I am responsible for it and I will take care of it, but she is still angry. I know that what I did was wrong. It is a taboo, but it is late to correct it.”

Our correspondent also travelled from Lafia to Makurdi to meet one of the twin sisters, Philomina, who was seeing nursing her new born baby.

Philomina said she was in a dilemma, adding that she wished that all that had happened to her never did. She added that both she and her twin sister, Patricia, were in agony.

She said: “I can’t really explain how I found myself here. I didn’t know that the man was sleeping with my twin sister too. I know that he was dating my mother, but how he got to impregnate me, I don’t know.

“I think I have made one of the biggest mistakes ever. How did I get here? Augustine (Angwe) is my mum’s lover and I know it quite well. But every time he came visiting me in Akwanga, I just had this feeling. He is very attractive and there is a unique swag about him.

“I started messing with him in Akwanga. There was a time he came to Akwanga in the evening and decided to see me. My mum had travelled to Port Harcourt on a business trip. He called me to meet him in a beer palour and he was there alone drinking beer.

“We began to talk and I eased my way over to him. He was resistant at first, but that just made me more excited. I low key seduced him and our affair began. Every time my mum travelled, he would come over and have sex with me.

“I knew him when he started dating my mother and we were intimate right afterwards. So when I missed my period, it took me some time to disclose to him that he was responsible for it. I didn’t also know how to break the news to my mum

“Well, the worst has happened. My late father warned me not to do abortion and my child deserves to have a father. She will walk and I will return to school to pick up my life. That is all I have to say.

“As for getting married to him, she said it is not possible. I will further my education.”

Our correspondent also visited Gboko where Patricia was also nursing her new born baby boy.

She said: “The first day I had sex with Augustine, my mother went to Obi Market. It was in the morning. My mum left us at home. She forgot some money and returned to pick it.

“She almost caught us but I lied about it when she asked what we were doing. She suspected something, but the trust she has in Augustine convinced her.

“The thing is she got a glimpse of me while I was fixing my clothes up and asked why I got undressed in the morning hours.

“I told her I was trying out the new outfit I had just bought. In the whole of that time, Augustine was in the bathroom cooling off. She didn’t question me any further. She picked up her money and left.

“It was amazing. I see why my mum loves Augustine so much. So when she left, I decided we should have a second round, because I enjoyed it, and we continued at every little opportunity.

“When I missed my period, I was actually afraid to tell my mum that Augustine was responsible. I had thought about abortion to just mask everything, but remembering the warning our late father gave us about abortion, I decided to leave it.

“I have brought shame to my mother and the entire family. May God forgive all my sins. I never knew it would get to this level. I was doing it blindly and it has consumed me.”

On her future plans, she said she would hand the baby over to Angwe at the appropriate and move on with her life.

“I can’t marry him. I will nurture his son for him and walk away.”

Mr Clement Agbe, a relation to the late husband of Alice, said that what had happened in the family was strange to the culture of Tiv people.

“It is a taboo. But let’s see what the future holds for the new born babies. It is unthinkable.”

The Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Mr. Rahman Nansel, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the matter had not been reported to the command.

50 killed in Philippine military plane crash (Photos)








Fifty people have been confirmed dead after a Philippine Air Force plane crashed in the southern Philippines on Sunday. It's one of the country’s worst military air disasters in 30 years.
 
The C-130 military plane was reportedly carrying 96 military personnel and crew from Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao to Sulu province when it missed the runway on the island of Jolo and crashed at the nearby Patikul village at 11.30 am local time on Sunday, according to Philippine Armed Forces chief Cirilito Sobejana and media reports.

The joint task force at Sulu said in a statement: “Minutes after the crash, troops and civilian volunteers rushed to the site for search and rescue. Per eyewitnesses, several soldiers were seen jumping out of the aircraft before it hit the ground sparing them from the explosion caused by the crash.”
 
Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched into the crash. Reports of personnel jumping out of the plane will also be investigated, the statement said.

Major General Edgard Arevalo, a spokesperson for the military, told the media that 47 army personnel have died, while 49 survived the crash. He said those injured are being treated in hospitals.
 
Maj Gen Arevalo told the media that all personnel on the place were new graduates who had just completed their military training. He also said that three civilians were killed on the ground and four were injured.

“We have people on the ground to make sure the integrity of the pieces of the evidence that we will retrieve, most particularly the flight data recorder,” he added. “Aside from eyewitness accounts, we are also looking for recordings, radio conversation recordings between the pilot and the control tower.”
 
Maj Gen. Arevalo said the military had secured the crash site and was trying to ensure that the militants on the island didn’t disrupt the search efforts.

 
Reuters reported that this military plane air disaster was the country’s worst. In 1993, a C-130 had crashed in which 30 people had lost their lives.
 

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 


MONDAY 5TH JULY.



VESTED WITH ALL POWER


And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven (Revelation 12:7-8).


The Bible tells us that after the Rapture, there’ll be a war in heaven. Satan and his demons will fight to retain their place in the heavenlies but Michael and his angels will prevail over them, and Satan will be cast out into the earth, meaning that he’ll have no place anymore in the heavenlies.


Someone might be wondering, “Does that mean Satan currently has a place in the heavenlies?” The Bible says he does: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).


Ephesians 2:2 also says, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” Oftentimes, when there’s chaos, anarchy and turmoil in a society, many don’t realize that the devil is behind such things.


From his place in the atmospheric realms, Satan runs families, cities, kingdoms, and nations, determining a lot of things that happen in them. He’s only restrained—his efforts, operations and manoeuvres are only thwarted by the prayers of the saints of God. When we pray, God’s mercy is released and angels are dispatched upon our request and according to His will.


This is why you can’t afford to sit idly by or be complacent while the devil runs rampage in your family, business, city, or nation. You need to learn how to pray and pray the right way. You need to learn how to use the Name of Jesus and stand against the demonic powers that lure men into destruction and foment trouble in the nations of the world and around you.


We’ve been vested with all power and authority in heaven and in the earth to subdue, dominate and decimate satanic powers, their activities, and take charge of our world. We have the power to frustrate the devil and keep him under our feet. We’re not helpless at all. You have the authority to determine what happens in your life, in the lives of your loved ones, in your nation, and around the world by using the Name of Jesus.



PRAYER

I speak in the authority of Jesus, and declare that God’s will, plans and purposes for the Church, and the nations of the world are established; His righteousness rules in men’s hearts and in the nations, because all souls and every nation belong to Jesus Christ! God’s Kingdom is established in the earth, and in the hearts of men, as it is in heaven, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.



FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 2:9-11; Matthew 28:18-20

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 17:16-34 & Job 6-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 6:39-49 & Deuteronomy 33







#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 


I affirm that the Lord has perfected that which concerns me! I am strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. I am born of the Word; as Jesus is, so am I in this world. Life is not a mystery unto me because the Holy Spirit teaches me all things. 


The truths of God are unveiled to my spirit, and by them, I dwell continually in the realms of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.



My life is regulated by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus; therefore, there’s no death, defeat or failure in my path. My life is upward and forward only. Hallelujah! 


I can never be disadvantaged in life; for I am well positioned in life. I am in Christ; I am seated with Him in the place of authority, over and above all principality, power, and the rulers of the darkness of this world! I am an heir of God; the seed of Abraham, with complete access to an incorruptible inheritance.


I am blessed beyond measure, and everything that is consistent with the good life: increase, progress, success, fruitfulness, productivity and a life of glory are my birthright. Hallelujah! 


I refuse to be moved by inflation, economic downturns, and meltdowns because I live in a different plane of life! Blessed be God. Hallelujah!



God bless you

Sunday Igboho writes FG, demands N500m compensation for damage to his house and cars







Embattled Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, has estimated the losses incurred during the raid of his Ibadan apartment by DSS agents last Thursday, July 1 at N500 million.
 
Igboho said this in a letter written to the Federal government through his counsel Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN). The activist in his letter sought a public apology for what he called a violation of his fundamental rights during the invasion of his house and the institution of a probe of the action of the security officials that conducted the raid.
 
Alliyu alleged that those arrested in Igboho’s house were allegedly being tortured to incriminate him and state that guns and ammunition were recovered from his house.
 

Quote:“Sunday Igboho knew that he would be arrested one day hence retaining our services. He could not be that daft to keep incriminating articles in his house!
“Our client’s house is a 5 bedroom duplex with 5 chalets of 2 and 3 bedrooms. These were totally damaged with operatives allegedly arguing on whether to burn down the edifice as done to his former palatial house. The lady officer allegedly put her foot down against arson.”

 

eno Omokri Blasts Governor El-Rufai For Withdrawing His Son From Nigerian Public School (Photo)

Former Presidential Aide, Reno Omokri has blasted the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai for withdrawing his son from Nigerian public school, IgbereTV reports.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai said that he withdrew his seven-year-old son, Abubakar Al-Sadiq El-Rufai, from Kaduna Capital school, after bandits attempted to kidnap him twice.

Taking to Instagram, Reno Omokri wrote;

Quote:"So, Nasir @NElRufai can withdraw his son from school because bandits and killer herdsmen want to kill him, yet he condemns Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu for wanting to withdraw from Nigeria when the same bandits and killer herdsmen kill their people. Is this not hypocrisy?

Seeing as El-Rufai said he withdrew his son from a public school because bandits and kidnappers were targeting him, it is time we question his sanity. Does he have Multiple Personality Disorder? Was he not the same man defending bandits on BBC News Pidgin saying they are just doing “business” and are not a threat to one Nigeria? So let him leave his son in that school since they are only doing their business.

Yoruba say oni iranu!

#Tableshaker"

Police parade Yoruba Nation protesters arrested in Lagos







The Lagos state police command has paraded the protesters arrested at the Yoruba Nation rally held at Ojota on Saturday, July 3.
 
The protesters were arrested for going against the police directive not to stage any rally at the Ojota roundabout. The protesters had stormed the roundabout to stage a protest to demand the creation of Yoruba nation.
 

 

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 


SUNDAY 4TH JULY.



THE LAMB OF GOD


I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain… (Revelation 5:6).


When we get to heaven, we won’t find the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit sitting on different thrones; we’ll only find One seated in the fullness of God on the throne, whose Name is Jesus. He’s the lamb at the centre of the throne (Revelation 7:17). He’s the outward expression of the Godhead. Colossians 2:9 says, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” However, looking at our opening verse, one could ask: if Jesus is seated on the throne, who then is the Lamb that stood in the midst of the throne?


In studying the Book of Revelation, you have to understand that prophetic visions and revelations are often given and communicated with symbolisms. This was no different with John the writer of this book. The Lamb here was symbolic.


John didn’t say he saw a man, but a Lamb, which typifies Jesus Christ. This was symbolic of the Father’s relationship with Jesus; it was characteristic of Jesus’ attitude and humility. We learn more about His humility in Philippians 2:6-9

: “Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained…He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! 


Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name” (AMPC).
Remember the words of the Prophet Isaiah, which also highlights His humility and obedience: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).


Jesus is the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) for the sins of all men. John the Baptist called Him the Lamb of God in John 1:29, and Peter in his epistle says the same in 1 Peter 1:19. Now, God has enthroned us with Him in the heavenly realms. We’re seated with Him (Ephesians 2:6), and through us, He demonstrates the exceeding riches of His grace, glory and power. Blessed be His Name forever!


PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you, for the Lord Jesus paid the ultimate price for sin, which man had incurred without a means of settlement. Now, through the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, sacrificed for us, I’ve been set at liberty to live the triumphant and victorious life in Christ, enthroned with Him in the heavenly realms, and seated with Him in a place of power, authority and dominion. Hallelujah!



FURTHER STUDY

John 1:29; John 1:36

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 17:1-15 & Job 3-5


2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 6:31-38 & Deuteronomy 32







#TALKINGSESSION 



Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the impact of Your divine life in my spirit, soul, and body. This divine life surges through my being, destroying and repelling sickness, disease, infirmity, death, poverty, and everything inconsistent with the provisions of the Gospel of Christ. I am invincible, indestructible, and impregnable.


Thank You for the outworking of Your grace in my life, which causes me to grow and manifest the beauty, character, and blessings of Your Spirit. I recognize Your superabundant grace on my life, resulting in favours, promotions, increase, advantage, and innumerable blessings. 


I live by the power of the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That power revives and vitalizes my physical body and produces life in me.


I am a life-giver, having been born after Christ, who is the life-giving Spirit. Hallelujah! I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against me in judgment,
I condemn! 


I have God’s mighty protection over my life, family, and loved ones. I live in Christ, far above the evil and darkness in the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen





God bless you

Yoruba Nation: Sowore reacts as stray bullet kills 14-year-old girl


 
on
 July 3, 2021


Nigerian human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has reacted to the killing of a 14-year-old by a stray bullet at Yoruba Nation rally in Lagos.


The rally held in the Ojota area of Lagos state on Saturday with protesters defying security operatives’ presence and orders.


The teenage girl, who is a yoghurt hawker, was said to have been shot dead by stray bullets from security operatives as they tried to disperse Yoruba agitators.


Reacting, Sowore said the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, must be held liable for the death of the girl.


On his Twitter page, he wrote: “Lagos state Commissioner of @PoliceNG Hakeem Odumosu must be held personally liable for the death of this innocent child!”


Sowore, while throwing his weight behind the protest, urged those protesting at the Yoruba Nation rally not to give up but stand their ground.


“Oduduwa Rally is in progress! No one should be afraid of Muhammadu Buhari and his security agents! Stand your ground, Enough is enough!

“We must break the back of Buhari’s tyranny,” Sowore tweeted.

Quote:Men of the Nigerian Police have arrested a Yoruba nation agitator at Ojota, Lagos 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Lcji9TeEvA

Quote:Street Trader Killed As Police Shoot Live Bullets At Yoruba Nation Agitators In Lagos.

Quote:Yoruba nation protesters on Saturday stormed the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos where the rally was scheduled to commence.

A live video by BBC pidgin showed a large crowd gathered at the venue chanting different songs.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that armed security operatives on Saturday morning took over the venue ahead of the rally slated for 10am today.

However, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu while addressing newsmen at the protest ground a few minutes ago, said Nigerians have the right to peaceful protests.

According to him, the security operatives were deployed to the area to ensure that the protest was not hijacked by hoodlums.

Big brother Naija 2019 winner, Mercy Eke, has launched her charity organization, The Mercy Eke Foundation, and she is set to give out N5million to a few business owners.

Mercy made this announcement with a video on her Instagram page where she talked about her first project.

Quote:The Mercy Eke Foundation is finally here���

I have always wanted to give back, and I’m glad I can finally make this dream of mine a reality.

The Mercy Eke Foundation is a charity organization and we would be helping different group of people from time to time.

From struggling business owners, to sick people who can’t afford their bills, to single mothers, to widows, to students who are struggling with their fees in school, to kids on the streets, and more.

For our first project tagged #MEFWithBusinessOwners, we would be giving out N5million, to help a few business owners who are struggling or have brilliant business ideas but have no money to start up.

To be a benefactor, all you have to do is upload a creative 1 minute video on your Instagram, telling and showing us what you do or what you want to do. Post with the hashtag #MEFWithBusinessOwners and tag @mercyekefoundation

Our team will make a selection for the final pick.

I wish you all good luck...

Quote:Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairmanship race and chances of the aspirants at the convention.

Seven are in the race for now. More may still join. Few may also withdraw along the line. But, the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention itself has remained elusive.

Although the unelected National Caretaker Committee, led by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, has unfolded plans for ward, local government and state congresses, the fate of the national congress is hanging in the balance.

What actually is delaying the convention?

Reminiscent of how Military President Ibrahim Babangida was postponing the handover date, tinkering with the transition programme and changing the goal post amid the game,the tenure of the Buni Committee had been extended thrice. The latest extention of the tenure of the interim committee is worrisome as it is indefinite. This has fuelled speculations about an inexplicable hidden agenda.

The chairmanship aspirants, nevertheless, rely on hope, the elixir of life. The seven are from the North. This may give a vague idea of imminent rotation or zoning, both of the chairmanship and the presidency.

Former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Almakura has not publicly declared his intention. But, party sources said the chieftain of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) is a strong contender. A source said:”The president is always a fan of his old allies.” It could not be ascertained whether he will also emerge as the candidate of the APC Governors’ Forum.

Fifty eight year old Senator Sani Musa, who hails from Paikoro in Niger State, has embarked on extensive consultation and mobilisation. A loyal party man, Musa has been described as a man of integrity. He is a one-time governorship contender in Niger State, a delegate to the National Convention, and a member of the APC Presidential Election Campaign Committee for 2019.

The senator had canvassed the revolution of the electoral system through the use of the card reader and Permanent Voter’s Card. Many have described him as a bridge builder who possess high inter-personal skills.

In the Senate, he had served on some committees, including Appropriation, Petroleum Resources, Foreign and Local Debts and Water Resources. In the APC, he had served as member of NEC, Contact and Strategic Committee, and Constitution Review Panel.

In 2015, he was arrested, but refused to divulge any confidential information on the card reader. The Business Administration graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was the President of Zodiac, served as Special Adviser on Investment and Infrastructure in Niger State; director of Niger State Development Company Limited, Chairman, Task Force on Environmental Management and Managing Director, First Pacific Nigeria Limited. He also obtained a Certificate in Conflict Analysis from the United States Institute of Peace. Musa is held in esteem in the senate as an organised, dedicated, passionate and hardworking politician. He is said to be goal oriented, focussed and patriotic.

Former Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Adamu is a party elder endowed with experience. He is a no-nonsense politician. He knows his onions. After serving as governor for eight years, he was elected senator. In 2007, he was a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Another aspirant is the eminent politician from Gombe State, former Governor Danjuma Goje, former Minister of State for Steel Development and now, senator. He is also a former PDP chieftain; bold and fearless.

Former Borno State Governor Modu Sheriff served as a senator before becoming governor in 2003. He served for two terms. He defected from the APC to PDP, where he was briefly the national chairman. There were allegations that he wanted to use the position as a stepping stone to the realisation of his presidential ambition. When he was shoved aside as chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi became the PDP caretaker chairman. Some months ago, Sheriff retraced his steps to the APC.

Mohammed Mustapha hails from Gambari District in the Ilorin East local government area of Kwara State. He is 48 years old.

He has distinguished himself in business, politics and humanitarian services. He founded the Saliu Mustapha Foundation to serve as a platform for human empowerment and community development.

Mustapha is a former deputy national chairman of CPC. He played a role in the merger of the CPC with other tendencies that gave birth to the APC. He was a signatory to the merger agreement on behalf of the CPC in the coalition. Before he became the deputy chairman of the CPC, he had served as an Ex-Officio and a foundation NEC member of the party.

He was the National Publicity Secretary of the Progressive Liberation Party (PLP) between 2001 and 2002 under the leadership of Dr. Ezekiel Ezeogwu. In 2003, Mustapha and other like-minds formed the Progressive Action Congress (PAC). He was the National Publicity Secretary of the party. He was a member of The Buhari Organisation (TBO) and the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO).

APC is in a dilemma. Consensus building appears difficult. There are internal contradictions. There are divisions. Can these pave the way for a peaceful convention?

#EndSARS: Court strikes out suit against Sam Adeyemi, Davido, Falz, BurnaBoy, Aisha Yesufu and others







Justice Bello Jawu of a High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by one Kenechukwu Okeke, a human rights activist, against Davido, Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, and 47 other celebrities and activists over their activities during the October 2020 #EndSARS protests.
 
The judge in a ruling delivered on Friday, July 2, also restrained the Nigeria Police Force and Okeke from taking any steps to prosecute the individuals for their role played during the #EndSARS protest.

 
Okeke had in November 2020 filed criminal proceedings before a magistrate court in Abuja against the 50 persons over claims they promoted the October 2020 #EndSARS protests. In the suit, he alleged that the defendants acted in a manner “with intent to assist in the promotion of an unlawful assembly under the guise or composition of #EndSARS”. Read here.
 
SOme of the 50 names listed in the suit include Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Tuface, Kanu Nwankwo, Davido, Banky W, Uche Jombo, Kiki Mordi, Falz, Yul Edochie, Flavour, Yemi Alade, Peter Okoye, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Paul Okoye, Burna Boy, Modupe "Moe" Odele, and many more.

 
The celebrities had, however, filed a suit before a magistrate’s court, seeking the dismissal of the charges, while Okeke had filed a counter-motion seeking dismissal of their countersuit. The magistrate’s court, had, in its ruling, ordered the commissioner of police in FCT to investigate the defendants and report back to the court after two weeks.
 
However, in the ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Kawu ruled that the suit filed by Deji Adeyanju in his representative capacity is proper, adding that the high court is acting in its supervisory jurisdiction over the magistrate’s court against the criminal proceedings filed by Okeke. 
 
Samuel Ihensekhien, counsel for Adeyanju and 49 other #EndSARS protesters while reacting to the judgement, said the ruling shows that peaceful protest is legal and not a crime in Nigeria.

Quote:“By virtue of today’s ruling, his motion of dismissal of this substantive case has been dismissed by the honourable FCT high court,” he said.
The consequence of it is that the court will hear the substantive application to formally dismiss the pending criminal complaint and charge before the magistrate’s court.”he said

Sunday Igboho crippled, Nnamdi Kanu incarcerated, Gumi, Miyetti Allah protected – Nigerians react


 
on
 July 3, 2021




Reactions have continued to trail the recent moves by the Federal Government to cripple agitationd for secession in the Southeast and Southwestern parts of the country.


DAILY POST recalls that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Southeast secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, was rearrested from an undisclosed country to continue his trial in the country after jumping bail in 2017.


Kanu who holds a dual citizen of both British and Nigeria, is currently being remanded in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja presided by Justice Binta Nyako gave the order on Tuesday.

According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed who addressed newsmen on Thursday, the fugitive was re-arrested following the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Intelligence Agencies in collaboration with authorities of other countries.
FG arrested Kanu with the aim of ending the rising agitations for the actualization of Biafra, an agitated sovereign nation for the Southeastern people (Igbos).


Similarly, the DSS on Wednesday night stormed the residence of a Yoruba activist, the major pioneer of the Yoruba nation (Oduduwa) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital where about two of his allies were gunned down.

Igboho who had successfully conducted the Yoruba nation’s rally in some states in the Southwest, had prior to the invasion of his residence by DSS, scheduled a mega rally in Lagos State on Saturday, July 3rd.

Spokesman of the service, Peter Afunanya, while declaring the secessionist wanted during a press briefing on Thursday night, also paraded no fewer than 12 suspects arrested during the operation.
But some Nigerians who reacted to the developments were sceptical on why the security agencies are clamping down on ‘innocent’ agitators while “terrorist sympathisers” particularly Ahmed Gumi and the Miyetti Allah are allowed to go free despite indications of ties with bandits and other criminals. Others, however, are of the views that the agitators have overstretched the limits in their actions and utterances.

A Facebook user, Miracle Brave who took to his page to express disappointment on the development alleged that the president is more of a “destroyer than a Messiah,” as he was believed to be.

He said, “Kanu is advocating for the freedom of Biafra (the creation of the state of Biafra for the South East and South-South).


“Igboho is advocating for the safety of his people in the Sout West against the menace of Fulani Herdsmen. He also calls for the creation of the Oduduwa Nation.


“Gumi is advocating for bandits who have been kidnapping students and other citizens in the North. The bandits have also been killing and destroying lives and property.


“Those in the Southern parts are being arrested and declared wanted for championing courses while the bandits in the North and their leader despite being rebellious without a reasonable course are being pampered and treated well.

“Is this the (rtd) Major General Muhammadu Buhari we were told would be the messiah of Nigeria if we elect him to be our President?


“How come he’s now being more of a destroyer than a Messiah? Definitely, we’ve been caught up! Thank goodness I never believed in the so-called messiah from the onset and have never cast my vote for him. Those who did should start apologizing to Nigerians now”.


Another user, Marley Otsayi said, “Sheikh Gumi knows the unknown gunmen but no security agent has ransacked his house yet or even questioned him. What a country!
“Meanwhile, somewhere in the North they turn up for meetings with AK-47”.

Comr Onogwu Peter in his page said, “In my country, once you become a threat to government in favour of the innocent citizens, boom they will set you up for the best reason known to them”.

Similarly, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri while reacting to the development, described the Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho as a hero, saying President Muhammadu Buhari and the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai are “terror enablers”.

According to him, “Buhari is a terror enabler for rehabilitating Boko Haram,
Masari is a terror enabler,
El-Rufai is a terror enabler.
“Leave Igboho and face the terror sympathisers and enablers.

“What moral authority does a government that held a graduation party for terrorists, that sewed new clothes for them, that bought shoes and socks for them, that bought food and drinks for their party, have for arresting Sunday Igboho, a man who helps us fight killer herdsmen?”


Also, in a chat with DAILY POST, a legal practitioner, Barrister John Odeigwu alleged that the president has a hidden agenda for sparing Gumi and the Miyetti Allah.
“This Miyetti Allah have never been invited by any security agency despite their terrorist activities across the country. This may be because it has to do Fulani.

“The other one that is always meeting and advocating for bandits in the North has been allowed to move freely because he is also a Northerner. So it is obvious that the battle is against the South,” he said.


But a veteran journalist who does not want her name mentioned is of the opinion that Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu went too far in their agitations for self-determination. According to her, you can still be peaceful in your agitation both in action and utterances, yet achieve your goals.






Daily post

Guns paraded by DSS aren't mine. I protect myself with traditional powers - Sunday Igboho says









Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has reacted to the claims made by the Department of State Services (DSS) that he had an armoury stored in his Ibadan residence that was raided on Thursday, July 1.

 

The spokesperson for the service, Peter Afunnaya, while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday evening, confirmed that the agency carried out the raid on Igboho's Ibadan residence in the early hours of Thursday, July 1. He said the service got intelligence that Ighoho had stockpiled arms in his house. Paraded before newsmen included Seven (7) AK-47 assault rifles, Three (3) Pump Action guns, Thirty (30) fully charged AK-47 magazines, Five Thousand (5,000) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, Five (5) Cutlasses, amongst others. The agency also declared Igboho wanted. Read here.

 

In a statement released this evening by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, he said the DSS  had no right to declare him wanted as there was no prior invitation sent to him by the agency neither was any search warrant used by the officers who invaded his home. He also denied claims that the arms found in his residence were his. According to him, he protects himself with charms. 

 

The statement reads

Quote:''The invasion of my home by Nigerian security operatives and the Department of State Security’s (DSS) announcement that I am wanted has made it essential for me to set the records straight for Nigerians and the international community.
Nigerian security operatives invaded my residence in the early hours of Wednesday, 1 July, 2021. The invasion was done without a search warrant. I was not invited for questioning/investigation at any government facility before the invasion. The operatives that stormed my residence destroyed my properties, killed persons and stole valuables and money. Pictures and videos of their atrocities have been widely reported in the media.

Nigerians and the world at large are aware of my resistance to the incessant killings, raping and kidnapping of my people in Southwest Nigeria by armed Fulani herdsmen. The failure of President Muhammadu Buhari and his government to curb the criminal activities of the murderous herdsmen necessitated my intervention. I ordinarily would not have intervened if government had lived up to its responsibility of securing the Southwest and Nigeria at large from the criminal activities of the President’s ethnic men.


Of public knowledge, my intervention has not let to any loss of live or bloodshed. My means of curbing criminality is to the chase the criminal Fulani herdsmen out of their hideouts in company of the people of the affected communities. It is because of the foreseen government persecution that videos of such interventions were transmitted live on social media. Nigerians, the security operatives, and the presidency are aware that I have never moved against the peaceful Fulani’s and other tribes living peacefully in the Southwest. My unjust persecution -- for defending my people and community -- is therefore surprising and unwarranted.


After several unsuccessful attempts to link me to any crime, the Buhari regime desperately opt to forcefully silence me, so that the criminal herdsmen, who enjoys government’s sympathy, protection and immunity, can easily outrun the Southwest. The presidency’s serial antics and desperation to acquire people’s ancestral lands across Nigeria for foreign Fulani herdsmen because they share ethnicity and occupation with the President is well known to Nigerians and the international community. I am being seen as a threat to the Fulanization agenda in the Southwest, hence the desperation to soil my name.

Nigerians and the international community should please be aware that the security operatives that invaded my home either planted the ammunitions being paraded in the media in my home or harvest them from their armoury to frame me. The arms paraded are not mine, they are government magic. I protect myself with traditional powers, not with guns.


Federal government framed me up and the sequence of events brings the truth bare. Why would the security agents invade my home at night and destroy my surveillance cameras before carrying out their operation if not that they had an ulterior motive? In this modern age of technological advancement, why did the security operatives not put on body cameras to record their activities from the point of entry to their time of exit? Their action is a testament that the Buhari regime is incurable of using desperate approach to silence peaceful social interventions.


The unwarranted military invasion of Lekki, gruesome killing of peaceful EndSARS protesters, and evacuation of their bodies on 20 October 2020 is still fresh in the mind of Nigerians. A similar approach was adopted during the invasion of my home. The security operatives killed scores and took away their bodies. Buhari’s regime would have declared that ‘unknown gunmen’ invaded my home if they had succeeded in killing me. Nigerians and the international community should beware that desperate efforts are being made to force those arrested to make implicating confession statement. I advise the DSS to desist from their unprofessional acts and devote such energy to eradicating insecurity.


Nigerians and the international community should please note that I am a law-abiding citizen without blemish. I advise President Buhari to, in the interest of Nigerians that voted him to power, order his henchmen to desist from using falsehood and unholy tactics to soil my name. Such energy should be devoted to taming the herdsmen and bandits freely committing heinous crimes across Nigeria with impunity because their kinsman is in power.


Yoruba people would not be demanding for a nation if government had lived up to its responsibilities. Self-determination is not a crime and all effort to silence us and acquire our ancestral land for local and foreign criminal herdsmen will fail. Many Ken Saro-Wiwa arose after Nigerian government unjustly executed the non-violent activist. Those that emerged after him confronted government and almost brought Nigeria to its knees. I am another Saro-Wiwa.

Therefore, I advise President Buhari to learn from the mistake of past governments. I am not Nigeria’s problem and should not be framed up or intimidated for contributing my quota to ensure peace reigns in my region and country.''

 

Two arrested for possession of 167 parcels of substance suspected to be Cannabis (photos)







The Comptroller Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, Kaduna Comptroller Albashir Hamisu psc(+) today July 2nd, handed over two suspects arrested in possession of one hundred and sixty-seven (167) parcels of substance suspected to be cannabis to the Kaduna State, Commander National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
 

 
A statement released by the Customs PRO, ASCI Ma Magaji said the suspects, one Mr. Monday Ike and Mr. Emeka Akwali, were arrested in one Honda accord vehicle with registration number AEE 132 AA by officers of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B along Zaria-Kaduna expressway at about 1410hrs following credible information received.
 
The Comptroller while handing over the suspects with the items, tasked the NDLEA to further investigate the suspects with the aim of uncovering all those behind this illicit trade and further called on the general and trading public to work with Customs to report criminal activities.
 

Man arrested with $184,800 concealed in a diaper at Kano airport (photos)







The Area Comptroller in charge of Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs, Suleiman Pai Umar, has handed over one Sabo Suleiman to the Kano Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
 
The suspect was arrested in a joint operation on June 17, 2021 by the EFCC, Services Security Service, SSS and the Nigeria Customs Service at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. He was nabbed when he came to claim an unaccompanied suitcase that arrived aboard an Ethiopian Air flight ET911 from Saudi Arabia through Addis Ababa.
 

 
Upon arrest, it was discovered that a sum of $184,800 (One Hundred and Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars), SAR 1,723,310 (One Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Ten Saudi Riyals) was concealed in a diaper pack. The monies were discovered at the screening point when the suspect, Suleiman came to claim the luggage.
 
Customs officials said the suspect was subsequently transported to the office of the Nigeria Custom Service, for proper processing.

 
During the handing over, the Zonal Head of the Commission who was represented by his deputy, Michael Nzekwe, commended the collaboration between the commission and NCS.
 
According to the Zonal Head,
 

Quote:“It is only through synergy and cooperation with other agencies that successes like this can be achieved. Inter-agency collaboration is very key, we should be able to come together towards achieving our common goal. There is no reason for rivalry, this is how it should be.”

Bandits abduct 13 women while on their way to a wedding ceremony







13 women have been abducted by bandits between Manini and Udawa town along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway. 
 
The women who were on their way to a wedding ceremony in Birnin Gwari, were abducted around 12pm on Thursday July 1.
 
Among the victims are nursing mothers and a woman with her five daughters. A seven-year-old boy was also abducted. A community leader, Muhammed Umar told Daily Trust that the women were all from Udawa town in Chikun Local Government Area.
 
Umar said; 
 

Quote:“All the 13 women, majority housewives, were from Udawa on their way to Birnin Gwari to attend a wedding.
“Some of the women are from the same family, like Zainab Abu Jibril the senior wife of Malam Jibril Ibrahim and her five daughters were all abducted alongside others from other families with their infant."

Enough of this impunity, we are solidly behind Sunday Igboho" - IPOB condemns raid on Igboho’s house







The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the raid on  Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho's house by the Department of State Services (DSS).
 
On Thursday, July 1, the DSS paraded 'foot soldiers' of Igboho and displayed several arms recovered from his residence after invading him. The DSS has since declared Igboho wanted. Read HERE.

In a statement by IPOB  spokesperson, Emma Powerful on Friday, July 2 in Owerri, the group warned the federal government of plunging the country into crisis by the raid, and likened it to the alleged invasion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's Abia home by security forces in 2017 before he fled the country.

The statement reads: “Sunday Igboho has not killed anybody. Nigeria government and her security operatives invaded his home and kidnapped his innocent women in the house for the proposed rally in Lagos.


“Fulani and their collaborators are trying to bring catastrophe in Nigeria. They are trying to plunge Nigeria into serious crisis that will consume everybody. They should stop taking the indigenous nations in Nigeria for granted. Enough of this impunity.

“IPOB worldwide is solidly behind Sunday Igboho and Odua nation movement. The attack on Igboho is akin to the attack they unleashed on the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Mazi Nnamdi on September 14, 2017 when the military Python danced in his country home.


“It’s very appalling that the Nigeria security agencies are aiding and abating Fulani terrorists herdsmen and Boko Haram, ISWAP and other Fulani terror groups to kill innocent citizens in Nigeria, while suppressing those genuinely defending their people.

“Nigeria will soon regret their actions towards the Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt region. The whole southerners in the army, police, DSS and the security outfit in Nigeria must understand that this fight was brought to their homes  by Fulani Jihadist.

"Nobody should think that things are still normal. Very soon all Christians will be forced to convert to Islam. It’s part of their agenda."

“But IPOB is working tirelessly to stop this evil agenda. And we must do it for the betterment of unborn children in this land. Now is the time for the entire Southern Nigeria and middle Belt to unite and defend their ancestral land otherwise we become slaves to the jihadists. But God forbid.” Powerful said.

Quote:NON-EXISTING OFFICE OF BUHARI’S CHIEF ECONOMIC ADVISER GETS N573.45M IN FIVE YEARS

By Olugbenga ADANIKIN On Aug 15, 2020
International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)

CSOs demand probe

THE Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President (OCEAP) got approval for the sum of N573.45 million as capital allocations in the last five years without a clear identity of presidential appointee answerable to the fund’s utilisation, findings by The ICIR have shown.

From the above N573.45 million capital budgets, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) under the Federal Ministry of Finance, released a total sum of N114.97 million (N114,971,989) to the contentious office for its operations.

This literally excludes N12.1 million received by the OCEAP in the 2015 fiscal year.

But a document from the AGF, dated July 6, with reference number FD/OAGF/ADC/305/I/DF shows the OCEAP, in 2016, got a total release of N39.08 million from the N78.17 million capital budget approved for its operations.

In 2017, it received N35 million as its total budget releases from N60 million capital allocation for the year.

The following year, N60 million was also approved for the OCEAP while the accountant general’s office made available N24 million backed with cash.

In 2019, the unmanned office also received N16.89 million for its operations. The sum was the amount released from the N42.23 million capital budget for activities of the controversial office.

Though the office is yet to receive an allocation for the fiscal year 2020 as of July this year, yet, it got the highest approved capital allocation of N333.06 million in the past five years.

But for the global pandemic, indications have shown that the office would have received the annual release for the year 2020.

Nevertheless, despite these allocations and releases, the office is shrouded in secrecy.

The ICIR check shows that there is no clear government appointee managing the office.

Dr Adeyemi Dipeolu, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Office of the Vice President whom the public assumes is the head of the office has vehemently denied any affinity with the OCEAP.

Dipeolu was among four aides appointed by the president in 2016 as Special Advisers. Others are Tijani Abdullahi, SA on Planning; Babafemi Ojudu, Political Adviser to the president and Mrs Maryam Uwais, Presidential Adviser on Social Investment.

However, sources in the presidency confirmed to The ICIR that the President is yet to engage a chief economic adviser but federal allocations to this office have been steady.

A check at the State House website which encompasses a list of offices under the Presidency also excludes the OCEAP as of the time of filing this report.

Still, budget line-up to the controversial Chief Economic Adviser’s office is always incorporated annually in the State House budgets. The website to the office remains inactive as of the time of filing this report.

“Database connection error (1): The MySQL adapter ‘MySQL’ is not available,” error message on the website reads.

Buhari’s Chief Economic Adviser’s Office has history of secrecy

In 2018, The ICIR reported on the OCEAP research study which attracted N33.7 million in the 2017 approved budget. From then till date, there is no trace of the study in the public domain.

“This is… to inform you that the Budget Item ‘OCEAP85893258’ is not under the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters in the Office of the Vice President. Thank you,” Dipeolu stated in a letter dated October 9, 2018, as a response to Freedom of Information request targeted towards probing the research work.

The OCEAP in previous administrations has been an independent office under the Presidency headed by a top aide that advises the president on economic affairs.

For instance, between 2011 to 2015, Goodluck Jonathan, the former president, appointed Dr. Nwanze Okidegbe to manage the office. Prior to his appointment, Precious Garba, a Professor of Economics, University of Ibadan occupied the OCEAP while Philip Asiodu managed the office when the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo was in power.

But, while Laolu Akande, media aide to the Vice President affirmed Dipeolu’s position as the special adviser on economic matters to the president in the office of the VP, Garba Shehu, the official spokesperson to the president had insisted Dipeolu is Buhari’s chief economic adviser and also responsible for the office spending.

“Talk to Laolu,” he responded in 2018 when The ICIR tried to seek clarity on the subject of who advises the president on economic matters.

Presidency insists on same response two years after initial findings

On July 20, the OCEAP in a reference letter OCEAP/136/FOI/Vol.1/11 responded to FOI request earlier sent on June 22 by The ICIR. The letter was directed to seek details of capital releases to the President’s chief economic adviser’s office from 2015 to 2019.

Feedback contained in the letter was similar to Dipeolu’s earlier response two years after our initial report. The office currently has no appointee.

“Please be informed that a Chief Economic Adviser to the President is yet to be appointed and therefore, this office is presently constrained in facilitating your request in respect of the above subject matter.”

The letter was signed by one Yusuf Ahmad Babatunde for the Chief Economic Adviser to the President yet to be appointed by Buhari.

Still, he advised that the request be forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office and National Planning for necessary action.

That office doesn’t exist in this administration – presidential source

To unravel the mystery behind OCEAP and the individual behind the released funds, The ICIR attempted to contact seven aides of the President. The reporter reached out to Femi Adesina, Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, but he did not respond to a text message sent to his phone.

The reporter also reached out to Shehu.

“The economic adviser is still there. No change,” he briefly responded via a text message.

The president’s spokesperson failed to provide any more details even when probed further. He did not state categorically who currently occupies the office and if the office actually existed.

Tolu Ogunlesi, Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media was also contacted but he gave no response.

Bashir Ahmad, Personal Assistant on New Media to the President did not also respond to a direct message sent to his verified social media handle.

Ajuri Ngelale, who is a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs could also not provide an answer as to the official who manages the OCEAP and how money allotted to the office is being spent over the years.

He simply referred the reporter to Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President.

“I imagine you would want to write to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President,” Ngelale asserted in a private message from his verified social media handle. He also declined to provide contact detail of Gambari whom he implied should have answers.

Ibrahim Ahmed, the Personal Assistant to Gambari was also contacted but he did not respond to his calls. Text message sent to him regarding the enquiry and why the reporter needed to contact the chief of staff was also not replied.

Notwithstanding, a highly placed source in the Presidency who pleaded anonymity due to sensitivity of the matter disclosed that the office does not exist in Buhari’s administration.

“As far as I know, that office does not exist in this administration,” the source stated.

“There is a special adviser to the president on economic matters in the office of the vice president and there is a Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), with a Chairman.”

The ICIR reached out to Dipeolu to verify if he has now been assigned to manage the OCEAP but did not respond to repeated calls to his line.

He eventually asked the reporter to send a text message. Yet, he did not acknowledge or respond to the text until the next day – August 13 when he directed the reporter to Akande.

Akande, the VP’s media aide he referred the reporter said the OCEAP was different from Dipeolu’s office but insisted he could not speak further on the matter as the office is under the purview of the president.

“I think it is best you ask Femi or Garba. They are on the president’s side,” he told The ICIR. He was told of the efforts made to reach out to the two aides he mentioned but he insisted they are best to comment on the matter.

Experts React

Lanre Suraj, the Executive Director, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), reacting to the report expressed concern on the opacity of the office if it actually exists. He queried the official who has been defending the annual budget of the OCEAP at the National Assembly (NASS) since the President was yet to appoint an official to manage the office.

Suraj insisted the office could not have spent any money without budgetary allocation. He, however, alleged ‘it is not unlikely’ the lawmakers have been conniving with some officials to extort the government.

Aside from the approved budget, the activists said the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) is also submitted to the lawmakers, thus members of the national assembly cannot be completely exonerated in the allegation.

“For there to be budgetary allocation, you might need to look at the national assembly. Who has been defending the budget of the OCEAP before the lawmakers,” Suraj queried?

Debo Adeniran, Chairman of the Centre for Anticorruption and Open Leadership, a non-Profit Organisation on social justice and anti-corruption described the situation as reprehensible which should be looked into by the President.

The antigraft agencies, he noted should have discovered the gaps and probe the releases.

According to him, “there are several indices of unbridled corruption under the administration that it is difficult to discern. Sometimes we believe it is some form of incompetency on the part of the president and inadequate capacity to administer Nigeria as it is.”

He acknowledged that corruption is pervasive in the country, stressing that there are corrupt elements who would not want the fight against corruption to succeed.

Adeniran was, however, of the opinion that the age and health status of the president might deny him the right capacity to scrutinise all books relating to his offices such as budget drafts, vouchers and the rest.

The president, he stated, should take responsibility for the gaps and ensure the situation is investigated.

He assured the NGO would also investigate the releases alongside other relevant coalitions against corrupt practices.