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Prof Tunde Samuel: Lagos Speaker Mourns GAC Member, Says APC Lost A Titan

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described Professor Tunde Samuel, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), as a titan whose positive roles in Lagos cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

Professor Samuel, a chieftain and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died on Wednesday night at the age of 73.

Prof. Samuel is reckoned as one of the founding fathers of the Lagos State University (LASU) where he was both a member of the Implementation Committee and two-time member of the Provisional Government Council.

Dr. Obasa, who paid a visit to the home of the deceased on Thursday, said: “Prof. Samuel’s demise is a blow, a pain that would take long for us to bear both as people of Agege, the APC as a family, the GAC and the entire Lagos State.

“His importance to Lagos State can never be under-emphasised. He was a passionate Lagosian whose thoughts, actions and activities were all geared towards strengthening democracy in Nigeria and the creation of an egalitarian state where individuals would live their lives in peace.

“As an academic, he helped Lagos to establish a firm foundation for educational growth and progress with his imprint in our own Lagos State University, the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija, Epe, where he was Pioneer Provost and as Special Adviser on Education to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when the latter was Governor of Lagos State.

“It is worthy to note that his activities in government brought Lagos many laurels and further helped to put the State in a favourable position in the country.”

A retired Professor of Political Economics of Education, he was a former Chairman of the Governing Council of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto-Ijanikin.

“Like a star with brightness that cannot be dimmed, Prof. Samuel’s success extended beyond the boundaries of Lagos as he served as Chairman of the Governing Councils for the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti and the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa, respectively. He was also an International Consultant for UNESCO and UNICEF.

“We will continue to miss his wisdom, knowledge and understanding of how Lagos and Nigeria should be run for the utmost good of the people. We will miss his advice and productive efforts to keep a united APC in Lagos.

“I, on behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, pray that God grant him peace and give his immediate family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this huge loss, amen,” Obasa prayed in a statement released by his media office.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Abducted IPMAN chairman regains freedom after N70m ransom

The Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Benin Depot, Alhaji Abdul-Hamid Egele, popularly known as Baba Petrol, has regained freedom 11 days after he was kidnapped.

The Nation learnt his family parted with N70m ransom for his release.

Egele was abducted around 7 pm on February 7 in front of his house at Jattu in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.

A member of the family of the victim, who spoke in confidence, revealed the ransom was reduced from N80 million and paid somewhere in Kaduna State.

Egele was released on Thursday morning in an undisclosed location in Edo State.

The IPMAN chairman was receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Benin, the Edo state capital.

Edo Police spokesman Bello Kontongs was not available to confirm the development.

His mobile lines were not reachable but a senior police officer in Edo Command confirmed release of the IPMAN’s chairman after payment of ransom.

ABDUL SAMAD RABIU’S ASR AFRICA HANDS OVER ULTRA MODERN HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT, ADOPTS ANOTHER NEO-NATAL UNIT OF ABUJA HOSPITAL, SEE PICS

– donates fully equipped Point-of-Care Laboratory and operating room equipment to Capital Health Surgical Centre

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) – brainchild of Industrialist, philanthropist and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has formally handed 85 modern medical equipment to the paediatric department of the Gwarimpa General Hospital Abuja in complete fulfilment of the ASR Africa Health Systems Support grant awarded to the hospital in 2021.

The scope of the grant included a fully equipped neonatal unit, equipment for 3 operating rooms, hospital ward monitors and beds as well as an ambulance in fulfilment of the Grant awarded to the hospital by ASR Africa.
Speaking during the formal handover, Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO of ASR Africa said that the formal handover of these items was a significant development as Gwarimpa General Hospital represents one of the largest public hospitals in the Abuja Metropolis catering to a high number of underserved communities and individuals.

According to him, ASR Africa as well as the chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, are passionate about Women and Child Health development – hence the decision to support the overhaul of the neonatal unit and provide new, modern equipment to assist healthcare delivery at the hospital. Ubon also hoped that the hospital will put the newly purchased equipment to good use in tackling maternal and neonatal mortality rates within its catchment areas. Mr Udoh also announced that ASR Africa would adopt the neonatal ward going forward.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the hospital, Dr Mohammed Kawu, Acting Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, commended ASR Africa for the gesture. “What you have done here goes to show you are truly committed to social development. With the quality of medical equipment donated, this is presently the most modern and best equipped neonatal unit in the FCT.”
In a similar development, ASR Africa also donated a fully equipped point-of-care laboratory, an ambulance, and some other medical equipment to the recently opened Capital Health Surgical Centre in Abuja. The surgical centre, which was recently established by Dr Ikemba Iweala, is a specialist facility also offering general medical services to the Abuja populace.

Observers noted that this is not the first time that the ASR would be adopting a neo-natal hospital, a policy which is amied at bringing sucour to the less privileged in the society as one of its cardinal goals.

BREAKING: 102 year old woman declares to run for President in 2023

A 102 year old woman has declared her intentions to vie for Nigeria’s top seat in 2023.

Mrs. Nonye Josephine Ezeanyaeche has stated that she has good plans for Nigeria should she be voted in as President.

Ezeanyaeche, who is also called ‘living legend’ or “Mama Africa’, hails from Aguata, Anambra state and is the founder of the ‘Voice for Senior Citizens of Nigeria’ group.

During a recent visit to the Management team of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, she expressed readiness to contest for the position if the younger generation of the country are not ready.

She joins the long list of individuals who have so far declared interest to run for the exalted position.

Watch a video below;

https://youtu.be/K5kjQjM-6aw

2023: Focus On Osinbajo — Support Group Warns Members Against Disparaging Other Aspirants

Supporters of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have been warned against making disparaging comments about other candidates in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.

Director of Operations for Pro-Osinbajo group, The Progressive Project (TPP), Alhaji Usman Aliyu Usman, gave the warning while receiving some eminent personalities into the support group in Abuja on Thursday.

“Our focus as progressives is on effective strategies towards ensuring the candidature of Prof Yemi Osinbajo and an eventual victory in 2023; no member of our team is allowed to get involved in disparaging any former, present or serving leader who is in APC,” he said.

Eminent personalities received into the Osinbajo fold include former National Secretary of Labour Party Mr, Kayode Ajulo and Mr. Dapo Akinosun (SAN) who is a member of the Chartered institute of Arbitrators UK, American Bar Association and the International Bar Association

Others include former Managing Director of Africa Petroleum Plc, Shettima Abba-Gana and former military administrator of Katsina State, Colonel Joseph Akaagerger who served as Senator from 2007 to 2011.

While welcoming them into the support group, Usman enjoined them to participate in the forthcoming programmes like the New Tribe for Osinbajo’s Uyo rally and the Abuja March being planned by the Osinbajo Grassroots Organisation (OGO).

He reiterating Shettima Abba-Ghana’s view that no matter how good a product is, it must be consistently marketed.

He said “TPP will remain the coordinating body for the efforts of all support groups and we enjoin you to contribute to one another’s success.

“Among efforts being undertaken now is the constitution of a few strategic teams or committees to work on well thought-out ideas,” Usman said.

On his part, Mr. Dapo Akinosun noted that the generation that fought the civil war is on its way out, while emphasizing that special strategies and tactics with deep foundations in the nation’s laws are being analyzed to make the collective effort a reality.

Similarly, Kayode Ajulo maintained that one of the areas to be addressed strategically is about the norms or principles regarding the ‘right of first refusal’, adding that in view of his intellect, capacity and experience,”.

According to Ajulo, his recent suggestion that an APC presidential aspirant should step out of the way has led to incessant threats, including unsettling phone calls to his 86 years old mother who lives in one of the southern states.

“For someone to co-pilot a complex country like Nigeria is no joke; that is why some of us are talking about right of first refusal but if there is anyone who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Professor Yemi Osinbajo on integrity, capacity, experience and other qualities, let us have a good debate,” Ajulo remarked.

In the same vein, Hajia Rabi Dauda who leads the Coalition of Women for Osinbajo said that women are pushing for Osinbajo’s candidature “solely in the interest of a better future for Nigerian children and generations yet unborn.

“This mobilization for Osinbajo is a special project aimed towards positive impact on the history of Nigeria and this time around, ethnicity, moneybag politics and other base things of the past no longer matter to Nigerians who love Osinbajo,” Hajia Dauda stated.

Lagos Driver Stabs LASTMA Official On His Head, Neck

A commercial bus driver in Lagos, Ibrahim Yusuf has been reported to have stabbed a LASTMA official, Awotola Victor, after he impounded his vehicle.
The attack took place over the weekend in Ojodu-Berger at about 3:30pm.

The victim has been hospitalized while the suspect is in police custody.

On the day of the attack, the victim had impounded the suspect’s vehicle over willful obstruction. After his vehicle was seized, Ibrahim reportedly disappeared and appeared with a big knife which he used in stabbing the security operative. After carrying out the dire act he took to his heels.

He was later apprehended by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The general manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba frowned at the incident and said that the agency would no longer tolerate assault on its officials.

According to a statement on Wednesday titled, ‘LASG will no longer tolerate assault on government workers – LASTMA general manager’ by Asst. Director, Public Affairs LASTMA, Olumide Filade.

The statement read, “According to reports received on the incident, Yusuf, the mini bus driver and offender, was noted to be causing willful obstruction at River Valley Estate and after refusing all entreaties to move away from the place, the vehicle was to be apprehended. At this juncture, the driver disappeared only to reappear unexpectedly with a big knife with which he cut Awotola’s head and neck, whilst he escaped afterward with the aid of the street urchins around the area but his vehicle was apprehended and its custody taken by the agency.

“On Sunday, one of the chairmen of the minibus association/union produced the attempted murderer at the Ojodu Police Station where he is currently cooling his heels in detention, awaiting arraignment in court.”

“Any road user that violates the State Traffic Law as stated in the amended Lagos Transport Reform Laws of 2018 and in line with the state government first pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda will have themselves to blame for committing assault on any government official.”

BREAKING: IPOB/ESN is behind plot to destroy me – Abba Kyari reacts

Embattled Police Officer, Abba Kyari has blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and the Eastern Security Network, ESN of being behind his travails.

A police report revealed that Kyari made this comment while facing a panel setup to probe him over his alleged link to disgraced fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abass aka Hushpuppi.

The report which was submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, and in turn sent to the Police Service Commission (PSC) also revealed that Kyari claimed that IPOB and ESN was after him because of the onslaught launched against them in the South East.

The Panel was led by DIG Joseph Egbunike. The report partly read; “The officer did not deny violating social media (policy) of the police. The officer (Kyari) stated that ‘It is a campaign to smear his reputation by members of IPOB/ESN who moved to destroy him due to his onslaught against them in the South-East’.”

Upon review of Kyari’s statement, the panel found his claims to be ‘watery’ and recommended a demotion in rank as ‘punishment’.

The Deputy commissioner of Police was suspended last July after being indicted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI over his ties to Hushpuppi. The report also revealed that Kyari’s younger brother received about N235,120,000 from the disgraced fraudster.

Efforts to reach the PSC and Police Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi for a comment on the matter proved abortive.r

Ekiti 2022: Ex-Governor Segun Oni Dumps PDP For SDP

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Society gazette reports that the former governor of the state made this known during an interview on private radio in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

Oni disclosed that his decision to join the SDP was due to the alleged electoral malfeasance and irregularities during the PDP primary on January 26.

The former governor added that he joined the party due to the continued call by the people for him to contest the June 18 governorship election as a third force.

He revealed that some aggrieved aspirants in the APC and PDP are supporting his governorship aspiration in the new political party.

Speaking further, Oni said the necessary paperwork for him to become SDP’s candidate and his running mate would soon be concluded with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The former governor, however, opined that the will and aspirations of the people are the most important structure needed to win the upcoming governorship poll.

He said: “I have chosen to advance my ambition in the Social Democratic Party(SDP) because we are looking at the future, not the present.

“The party has been around for years and won elections in this country, it is a well-known party, that is the reason I chose SDP to contest the June 18, 2022 governorship election in Ekiti state.

“We have seen the potential in SDP because we believe it is easier to sell as a third force for Nigerians. The process to make me a candidate is ongoing and will soon be completed.

“I want to say without any forms of contradictions, that we politicians are coming together for this project coupled with the opinions of people in the streets. We are looking at a familiar terrain and a party with potential and also we are getting support from people that are well known in Ekiti’s political terrain.

“Let me say that for those who are in APC, four aggrieved aspirants are working with us. In PDP, the people called repositioning group, majority of them are working with us. Also, we are working with SWAGA members, SWAGA is a strong force in APC with a strong membership base.

“It is going to be a grand collation that will definitely benefit the people of Ekiti. I believe the goodwill of repositioning group, SWAGA and Segun Oni is almost enough to win election in Ekiti”.

FG FINALLY CONFIRMS HADIZA BALA USMAN’S REMOVAL, AFFIRM MOHAMED BELLO-KOKO AS SUBSTANTIVE NPA MD

In a move believed to have put an end to the various underhand dealings at Nigeria Ports Authority, the Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority and by that token, removed Hadiza Bala Mohammed who had been on suspension.

Recall that Bello Koko has been in acting capacity since May 2021 when Hadiza Bala Usman was suspended by the Federal Government.

In a statement issued today, the Federal Ministry of Transport confirmed the appointment of Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority by President Buhari.

Hadiza Bala Usman, it was gathered was queried over issues relating to favouritism, underhand dealings and outright disregard of court order while she held sway as the Nigeria Ports Authority Managing Director.

According to the sources, she revoked the lease of LADOL and gave same to Dangote’s friend a serving Senator, disregarding a Presidential directive. This move angered the Presidency because Ladol had invested over 300million Dollars and for a Federal Government appointee to display such show of disdain was unheard of.

She also shut down the ports and terminals of the BUA Group for close to one year despite a court order to the contrary. Obviously, her intentions and moves favoured Dangote with a view to keeping BUA Group and other competitors out of business while granting mouthwatering concessions to Dangote Group to create a monopoly. This issue generated a lot of questions from industry watchers.

Apart from this, there were issues relating to the dredging of Calabar port which was believed to have been dare to the Government’s heart, more so that of Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi. Sources claimed she claimed the project was not viable whereas findings by specialists disagreed with this.

To cap it all, there were allegations that she was also indicted by the audit report set up to look at the accounts of the NPA.

When she was confronted with the issues, especially the audit report as well as the move to create monopoly by Dangote, granting him so much concessions thereby denying the country revenue, our source revealed, she had nothing tangible to say in her defence, hence the decision to boot her out.

Police, NSCDC Disagree, Release Different Statements Over ‘Attack’ On Aregbesola In Osun

Two security units in the country have presented different statements on the reported attack on the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.
This follows the reports that some political thugs attacked the convoy of the Minister and former Osun State governor on Monday.

The shooting was said to have occurred at the Old Garage area to Oke Fia Area of Osogbo, the state capital on Monday.

But as earlier reported, the Osun Police Command has denied reports that the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, was attacked by some political thugs in Osogbo, the state capital.

The state police spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, in a statement issued on Monday said that there was no such incident in the state as reported by some media platforms.

Opalola disclosed that some of the minister’s security escorts shot into the air without provocation, causing panic in the area and making people scamper for safety.

She stated the investigation into the matter was ongoing and a full report would be made available at the end of the investigation.

The police spokesperson, however, noted that no casualty was recorded during the incident and normalcy has returned to the area and the state in general.

However, in its own reaction, the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, said hoodlums attacked the Interior Minister but were repelled by his security team.

The NSCDC statement issued by its Osun State Command spokesperson, Olabisi Atanda reads: “unknown hoodlums attacked the convoy of the former Governor of Osun State and Minister, Federal Ministry of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola today at about 1840hrs around Old Garage area in Osogbo, the State Capital.

“However, the security details of the Minister were able to disperse the hoodlums and bring normalcy to the area.

“Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja said Osun State is a peaceful state and the Command will continue to render excellent and all–inclusive security services in the State, in line with the statutory mandates and functions of the Corps. Professionalism and impartiality is the watchword of NSCDC at all times.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola has thrown his weight behind ex-secretary of Osun state government, Moshood Adeoti to become Governor.

The ex-governor media adviser, Sola Fasure on Monday explained in a statement that the governor gave his pledge of allegiance to Adeoti at Ijebu Ijesa while addressing party members and stakeholders in the state ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary on Saturday.

He also urged other party members to show their support for Adeoti in the upcoming elections.