President of the United States, Joe Biden has taken fresh steps in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Society gazette reports that Russia has been unleashing terror attacks on Ukraine since Thursday and over a hundred citizens of the country have been killed.
However, despite a warning by Russian President Vladimir Putin that no world leader, or nation should intervene in the ongoing war, President Biden on Saturday instructed State Department to release the sum of $600m (£448m) in “immediate military assistance’’ to Ukraine.
The Democrat instructed the secretary of state Antony Blinken to release up to $350m “in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training” under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
The remaining 250m would be for “overall assistance”, according to the memo released by the White House, Naija News understands.
The order comes after a call between Mr Biden and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about strengthening sanctions against Russia and providing defence assistance to Kyiv.
Naija News understands that residents of Ukraine have been fleeing to neighbouring countries since Thursday after the Russian army began to invade their home country.
Heavy street fighting against Russian troops is underway in Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv as officials urged locals to take immediate shelter.
The Russian troops reached Kyiv early on Saturday morning, attacking a military base in the city, as well as attempting to capture an electricity generation station.
Presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Friday clarified that he is not sick, adding that he has what it takes to lead Nigeria.
The National Leader of the ruling APC stated this when he visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo in Osun State.
Tinubu further stated that he wants to serve Nigeria and has the quality to serve and make Nigeria great.
The former Governor of Lagos State while speaking at the palace said he wishes to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari when his tenure ends in 2023.
He said, “I didn’t apply for a job as a bricklayer. The job I’m applying for requires a brain. I’m not sick. I only repaired my kneel. I’m not applying for the relay race and I’m not a horse. I have the quality to serve and make Nigeria great. I want to serve my country. I have the brain.
“I came here to seek for your prayers. I am here for your support and cooperation. You have known my intention already. You have known what I am aspiring for; all I need is your prayers.
“I have been supporting the people here and there. We have moved all over the country for one candidate or the other especially in 2015 when we campaigned for President Muhammadu Buhari after his emergence, we equally supported him in 2019.
“As you all know, what the Constitution says is just two terms for a president after which another person succeeds him. That is what we are going around the country to let our people know that I am ready to succeed d the incumbent President after the expiration of his second term.
“As you all know, what we are doing is to succeed him and I want to vie for President. I want to succeed Buhari and I can’t do it alone without your support. I want your continued support. With your support, it will come to pass.
“I am determined, I am prepared and I am ready for it. God that put our traditional rulers in their various thrones will not forsake us. He will put us there. I want to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I want your continued prayers.”
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor has dismissed reports that military personnel are planning to undertake a coup and overthrow the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Speaking on Friday at a virtual media chat tagged ‘Open Ears Dialogue’, Irabor said the Defence headquarters will continued to educate its personnel over the evils of coups.
He said: “The armed forces of Nigeria have nothing whatsoever to do with anything that has to do with coup. We have learned our lessons over the years and we have come to our conclusion that coups will do us more harm than good.
“And so this is what the leadership of the armed forces is passing down the chain, and educating everyone under our command that there is no reason whatsoever for anyone to contemplate that.”
He also warned against politicians drawing military personnel into political matters.
Irabor maintained that the Defence leadership has also made their views against coups known.
“And in the same vein, the leadership of the armed forces is also telling politicians to leave us alone, do not mix us up with issues that have to do with politics and do not use political inclinations and persuasions to want to lure anybody from the armed forces into the idea of having to undertake coups and all,” he said.
The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government on Friday summoned the Ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine to Nigeria, Alexei Shebarshin and Kirdoda Valerii.
The government summoned the duo over the evacuation of Nigerians from both countries.
This was made known by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who met with the envoys behind closed doors.
Speaking on his meeting with the Russian Ambassador, Onyeama said he told Shebarshin that the Government of Nigeria could not condone as a country, the violation of the territorial integrity of a United Nations member state.
According to Nigeria’s Minister, he told the Russian envoy that he country must withdraw from Ukraine and prioritise diplomacy and dialogue.
He said: “This is really the position of the government. And also, that we have 5600 Nigerians in Ukraine and we are very concerned about what we are hearing and what we are seeing regarding missiles and bombs about the safety of our Nigerian citizens there, that we would like to be able to evacuate them.
“This would be communicated to his headquarters and that obviously, they consider Nigeria a friendly country and Nigerians; and that they would do nothing to harm Nigerians and assured me that their action is targeted at military installations and that they are not about to start attacking civilian areas and so forth.”
Onyeama added that the Russian envoy insisted that civilians are not being targeted by Vladimir Putin’s military.
On evacuating Nigerians in Ukraine, Onyeama said the issue can only come up when the airports open.
He added that they discussed road travel to facilitate the evacuation, even though some Nigerians have been able to get into neighouring countries such as Holland.
On his meeting with Valerii, the minister stated that the Nigerian government sympathized with Ukraine regarding Russia’s invasion.
While pointing out that Nigeria has diplomatic relations with Ukraine, Onyeama said the Buhari government condemned the violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“And we certainly want the cooperation of the Government of Ukraine to do whatever is possible to ensure their (Nigerians) safety and security and to also seek advice as to how the evacuation can be facilitated,” Onyeama further said.
On his part, the Ukrainian envoy expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Nigeria for their support.
“Right now, we are in a very difficult situation, but we are fighting against the aggression and we believe that we will all win,” the Ukrainian envoy said.
Valerii stated that the evacuation, by air, of Nigerians in the country was currently impossible because it is not safe to fly on the sky of Ukraine.
Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja on Friday sentenced Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, aka Evans, and his accomplices – Uche Amadi and Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu to life imprisonment.
The court found Evans guilty of the kidnap of Mr Donatius Dunu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
In a three-hour judgment, Justice Hakeem Oshodi found the three persons guilty of conspiracy and kidnapping.
According to Justice Oshodi, the prosecution succeeded in proving the charge against the three convicts beyond reasonable doubt.
He, however, discharged and acquitted one Ogechi Uchechukw and two former soldiers, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba, saying the evidence against them was not sufficient enough.
Rotary District 9110 consisting of Rotary Club of Ikeja, Rotary Club of Ikeja South, Rotary Club of Ikeja Alausa and Rotary Club of Ikeja Alausa Central has held a ‘Day Of Service’ on Wednesday, 23rd Of February 2022 at Olusosun Primary School, Lagos
The joint Project is a special one to commemorate the 117years of existence of Rotary International (23rd February 2022). It is a symbolic outing that witnessed massive turnout and acceptability by the host community.
The project exercise started with Rotn. Gbenga Badejo, Rotn. Prince Adeyemi Aseperi – Shonibare, Rotn (Dr. )Bartholomew Ufoegbunamwho, Rotn. Modupe Sewoniku who are the Presidents of Rotary Club of Ikeja , Rotary Club of Ikeja South , Rotary Club of Ikeja Central and Rotary Club of Ikeja Alausa respectively, addressing the pupils of Olusosun Primary School at the Assembly. They charged them to maintain proper hygiene, keep their vicinity clean always, ensure the existing projects of Rotary within the school vicinity (Water project, Toilet renovation and tree planting) are well kept and maintained.
Next stage was the cleaning exercise where all Rotarians present at the project location joined the LAWMA personnel to clear the school premises and then moved to Olusosun community to clear the drainage , sweep dirts, put them in the waste and dispose them off at the LAWMA Truck stationed at the project venue.
The LAWMA Team was led by the Regional Manager in person of Mr. Okunubi Adewale.
Another high point of the project was the Donation of two giant waste Bins to Olusosun community. PAG Tonnia Taiwo , Chief of Staff to the District Governor presented the gifts on behalf of the Clubs to the School Management ably represented by Mrs. Olaniyan Odunmorayo Lizzy, the head teacher.
Community Partners present at this project are , Olusosun CDA Chairman , Mr. Jamiu , Parent forum chairman Olusosun Primary School, Mr. Ibrahim Adeleke, SBMC Chairman, Mr. Odebiyi Akeem, World health committee Chairman, Olusosun PHC , Hon. Adeoye Hammed
The Clubs also observed all necessary Covid protocols with presentation of nose mask, Hand sanitizer and hand Gloves to all.
All Rotarians Present were in a uniformed branded Rotary T. Shirts and there was a standby Ambulance to take care of any health related emergency.
Partnering Agencies include Lagos State Waste Management Agency LAWMA ,Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA was led by Mr. Adegoke M.A
Also, Rotaract Club of Medilag Golden Sponsored by Rotary Club of Ikeja South and Over 60 Rotarians and Rotaractors participated in the Rotary Day of Service to our Communities.
A video of uniformed soldiers seen hiding for their lives during the Thursday’s attack carried out by gunmen on several banks in Uromi, Edo state have surfaced on social media.
It was earlier reported that three banks were attacked by armed robbers in Uromi community, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
It was gathered that no fewer than five persons, including a policeman, were reportedly killed during the robbery attack.
The banks that were robbed by the gunmen include First Bank, Union Bank, and Unity Bank.
It was learned that the robbers gained access to the banks through the aid of dynamites and made away with huge cash.
The bank robbers shot sporadically into the air while the operation lasted, leaving residents to scamper for safety.
Recent update reaching this publication revealed that 21 persons died from the attack with their bodies are said to have been deposited at St Camillius Hospital’s Mortuary.
A resident in the area told reporters that the attacks were coordinated, adding that the robbers came prepared.
In the new video shared online captured the moment the uniformed men were hiding for the fear of their lives while the attack lasted for more than an hour.
Watch the video below;
Soldiers spotted hiding as robbers ravage banks in Uromi. Sources have it that the police station locked their gate 🤦🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/MPRNuVIj8T
FUNKE ASHEKUN, I promised to open a file on you through our investigative line to get the facts, and reel out the truth about the fabricated lies and stories you tell on your marriage gone left show.
Just the other day, I saw your show that made me feel so sorry for you as I watched and listen to all the fallacies and fabrications you doled out of your mouth. The worst part was that You looked so BELIEVEABLE, but we aint fooled, because that’s the firsthand trait of the devil and its operations. (Make believe is what it’s called).
FUNKE, first of, it’s obvious that you have no job in that AMERICA, since you absconded with a tourist visa it will be difficult to get a proper job. Hence, you opted for a gossip sit down and talk Facebook nonsense that you are doing now. It’s now clear WHY YOU FEATURED IN MAUREENS SHOW A WHILE AGO. YOU PRACTICALLY USED HER SHOW TO LAUNCH YOURSELF, NICE ONE.
FUNKE, I am very sure that you are aware of Maureen’s travails and what she is presently suffering and will continue to suffer for all her fake and wrong publications and recordings. If I may remind you, since there is an established connection between you and her, all judgement relating to her matter will be binding on you as well.
Let me start with our findings based on the issues you treated in your show. First the matter of your GOs haunted houses, which you claimed are destroying destinies. Through our investigations, we found out that for almost twenty years of going and coming, you lived under the umbrella of this ministry and the huge financial support of this same GO that you are castigating today.
As at 1995 when you came to that ministry, we found out that you actually eloped with your now husband from deeper life, after exploiting a man you were supposed or rather promised to marry. With all sort of lies you told against Deeper Life ministry, the GO had compassion on you and provided shelter, by renting a flat for you and your mother at Fola Agoro.
You have lived in the ministry’s housing units in different part of Lagos, the houses you claimed to be haunted. In these your self-acclaimed haunted houses, you got married and gave birth to four children.
In these same houses where you lived for free for years, your children were given scholarship by the GO that you claimed is occultic. This same person gave you and your husband your first proper jobs in the ministry and in the banking sector.
You alleged that the GO was using your glory, meanwhile you came to the ministry with nothing and built a house, while living in the so-called haunted houses.
You alleged that the GO sent armed robbers to chase you out of your house, meanwhile when you ran away from this house that you built at Ikorodu village, we learnt that he was the one that gave you and your family shelter by renting a flat for you guys again.
This same GO you alleged to be Occultic, we found out sent your mother to the best hospital in Lagos as at when she was seriously ill, we have data to prove this if you want name, date and time we will provide.
You Kept saying that you spent two decades in the ministry, but you always failed to make it clear to your audience and viewers that you were a rolling stone.
FUNKE, we found out that you were practically drifting from church to church looking for greener pastures, a place where you could make exploit without discipline. You were at Christ Miracle Church Mission, Omega Fire Ministry, and many others yet the GO took you back whenever you returned.
You alleged that pastor Suleiman Collided with your GO to manipulate you and get you to return to the ministry, we found out that as at when you met with Pst Suleiman, the GO and Suleiman had no connection whatsoever, they had never met.
So why the lies from the pit of hell
You created some drama scenarios in your show about what happened in one of the houses you lived in, so we decided to launch some investigations and found out that the lady you spoke about that was gasping for breath as if life was seeping out of her. Sister (withheld for security reasons) had always had panic attacks.
Attacks that came because of what happened to her in her previous marriage. And that was the reason she came to God and found Solace and shelter, and as when we got in touch with her God has visited her and she is happily married.
For the other story you told (sis name withheld for security reasons) that had an illness you couldn’t mention. We found out that her case was a case of fibroid. And like very critical cases of fibroid attacks, she always had heavy bleeding during her period which makes her very weak, and this sometimes makes her seek medical attention.
We realized That people came to the church of God for solutions and were given accommodations as their problems are being dealt with, their issues have nothing to do with the house that they lived in or the GO being occultic so where did you get your stories from
We are doing our findings and working hard to do all investigations necessary to show the world how manipulative and dangerous you and your mission is.
You are threading the path that Maureen walked and failed, Funke there is nothing wrong if you want to make money from YouTube and Facebook out of joblessness but its is sad that you want to harm the church of God and his servants with your baseless and unfounded twisted stories.
You should be more careful since you know that your father in-law is a native doctor that oversees your affairs, this path may not go well for you, we have done our finding and we are still investigating.
I will not advise you to desist like I did Maureen, but I will say get ready to face the wrath of God and the law when the time comes.
FYI. We are waiting for the evidence of how you found out that it was the GO that sent robbers to your house. The evidence of the people that burnt the house of the person you spoke about.The evidence and name of the cult he belongs to, and his position in the confraternity. Names of women he has sexually molested. The date,how and when? You have to provide these evidence.
Name somebody that took an oath in the ministry be a pastor or a member, and provide a copy of document signed or a copy of the document that people used or are using to swear secrecy.
You dare say you did not abscond with church money, madam we discovered you took church money and never returned them.
Funke, if you ever were a Christian, and understood how deliverance work in a spiritual ministry, you will never speak about the GO laying hand on you as occultic. I believe time will soon catch up with you
A Liar is a destroyer
Femi for Sahara weekly. WE WILL KEEP STANDING FOR THE TRUTH
Russia Attack on Ukraine Live: At least 40 people have been killed
Klitschko, Kasparov and Shevchenko react to Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Premier League suspended operations as Russia attacked Ukraine on Thursday.
In a brief statement, the league said the suspension was due to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to impose martial law. It did not give any planned date to resume.
The Brazilian players of Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv are reunited with their families in a hotel in Kyiv and recorded this video asking for help from the Brazilian authorities as they try to leave the country.
Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv’s Brazilian players ask for help in leaving Ukraine
Paralympics in talks
The International Paralympic Committee said it was in talks with sports officials in Ukraine and Russia as their teams prepare to head to China for the start of the Paralympic Games next week.
“The IPC is in dialogue with both the Ukrainian and Russian Paralympic Committees ahead of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games,” the IPC said in an emailed statement. “As a politically neutral organization, the IPC’s focus remains on the upcoming Games rather than the ongoing situation.”
Russia’s name, flag and anthem are already barred from the March 4-13 Paralympics in Beijing over previous doping disputes. Its team is due to compete as RPC, short for Russian Paralympic Committee.
Ahead of its National Convention slated for March 26, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has named members of the committees that will conduct its zonal congresses.
The ruling APC had on Tuesday said that the zonal congress had been scheduled for March 12 while the much-anticipated convention will take place two weeks later.
In a statement on Thursday by the National Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, John Akpanudoedehe, the party said the chairmen of the committees are all members of the Mai Mala Buni-led committee.
Akpanudoedehe added that the secretaries of the committees are selected from amongst the deputy governors from their respective geopolitical zones.
He said Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger will head the party’s committee in the North Central while former Senate President Ken Nnamani will lead the party’s committee in the South East.
Below are the chairpersons and members of the zonal committees in the geo-political zones:
![APC Sets Up Zonal Congress Committees [Full List]](https://www.societygazetteng.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/images-7-3.jpeg)
